EP2449912A1 - Steam hairdressing appliance made up of a base and a portable unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has a base (1000) comprising a main fluid reservoir (19) and a portable unit (100) detached from the base. The unit has a fluid vaporization unit (7), and steam distribution units formed of vaporization chamber (7') and steam distribution orifice (7''). A cord set (21) has a fluid line (215) for passage of fluid and arranged between the reservoir and the vaporization unit. The portable unit has a treatment surface (4) in contact with the hair, and the vaporization unit is exclusively provided in the portable unit. The portable unit has a heating unit (9) to heat the surface.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a hairdressing appliance using steam and intended for shaping by contact with the hair, in particular for smoothing, wrapping or embossing the hair of a person.

State of the prior art:

Two types of hairdressing apparatus are traditionally known for smoothing or curling or embossing, the surfaces of which pinch the hair are flat or curved or uneven and are heated or heated.

The devices of the type pliers to smooth or loop or emboss usually comprise two pivoting jaws each having an end supporting a treatment surface, at least one of the treatment surfaces being heated, the other being provided to bring the hair in contact with the first, in particular by passing from an opening position of the jaws allowing the insertion of the hair to a closed position for their contact with the heating part.

The other end of the jaws form two half-handles acting as a gripping area and to move from the open position to the closing position. The passage is done manually by pressing the two half-handles articulated of the device towards one another to bring the treatment surfaces in contact with the hair. Smoothing a lock of hair is done by moving the device along the wick, from the root to the tip. The wrap of a lock of hair is made by at least partially winding the wick around the treatment surface (s) and applying heat to fix the loop mainly in static.

It is provided in such devices, to improve the shaping of the hair, to additionally use steam sprayed on the hair.

W02007141276 describes a hair iron with a remote steam generator in a base. The steam is produced entirely and only in the steam generating base, and fed via a steam passage cord into a portable straightener to exit through the perforated portion of the hair styling apparatus. In the same way, EP 0659363 describes a hairdressing apparatus comprising an external steam generator that can convey any kind of steam necessary for working the hair. A cord 13 connecting the hairdressing appliance to its base comprises at least one pipe for the passage of steam, the electric cables are included in the same set. In these two documents, the steam is formed in the base and fed via a cord to the portable straightener. This has several drawbacks including the effect of condensate: the steam formed and conveyed can cool in the cord to the portable device, and the portable device will eject a steam-hot water mixture, hot water being dangerous if it is projected on the user's scalp.

US20090183382 discloses a hairdressing apparatus of another type because it is a hair dryer with external unit capable of delivering hot air and / or steam and / or mist. A basic unit comprises a water tank and a pump, this unit comprises a reservoir which supplies liquid via a cord to the portable hair dryer. Steam can be created by a heating element around the pipe in the hair dryer. Nevertheless this device aims to dry the hair without dehydrating by adding in the hot air mist or steam: this device is not intended to form the hair via at least one treatment surface to be in contact with the hair.

Therefore, no hair-contact shaping apparatus using steam has compact, robust, automatic, simple design, safe, able to operate in hot environments, and can ensure a continuous or even constant flow of steam and following the flow instruction.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to remedy at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a device for shaping by contact with the hair using steam and having compact means, automatic, and can ensure a continuous flow of steam .

Another object of the invention is a device for shaping, by contact with the hair, steam capable of reliably controlling at least one of the operating parameters of the steam.

Another object of the invention is a shaping apparatus by contact with the hair of the steam that can ensure a continuous or even constant flow of steam, corresponding to the control setpoint.

Another object of the invention is a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair which is solid, robust in operation and ensures good aging compared to mechanical deformations for example.

Another object of the invention is a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair which is effective and / or fast in operation.

Another object of the invention is a device for shaping by contact with the hair of the steam and / or fluid distribution which is tight in operation.

Another object of the invention is a shaping apparatus by contact with the hair of the steam which ensures operation in any position of the apparatus.

Another object of the invention is a shaping device by contact with the hair of the steam which allows an easy and practical use.

Another object of the invention is a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair which is simple design, inexpensive design.

Another object of the invention is a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair that is secure, which can operate in hot environments.

These objects are achieved with an apparatus for shaping the hair comprising a base comprising a fluid reservoir, a portable unit remote from the base and comprising means for vaporizing the fluid, means for dispensing steam to the hair, a cord having at least one pipe for the passage of fluid and arranged between the fluid reservoir and the vaporization means, the portable unit comprising a first treatment surface intended to come into contact with the hair and the vaporization means fluid being exclusively provided in the portable unit.

This device makes it possible to shape the hair by contact in an easy to use way, makes it possible to provide a light and handy portable unit, makes it possible to avoid a condensate effect described above, makes it possible to propose a light base and usable under conditions more secure, to offer a cheaper device and to offer a device with a controlled flow of steam. This increases the spraying capacity.

According to the invention, the portable unit may comprise heating means for heating the first treatment surface. Thus the shaping of the hair is done through contact with a hot or heated treatment surface more effective.

According to the invention, the fluid vaporization means may comprise a vaporization chamber and means for heating the vaporization chamber. This chamber provides a good performance of the steam, in terms of homogeneity and flow, and also prevents that drops of fluid are vaporized before leaving the device. This makes it possible to produce a heated or hot treatment surface by means of heat conduction, for example, with direct or indirect contact.

According to the invention, the steam distribution means may have a series of steam outlet orifices arranged laterally to the first treatment surface. This allows to subject the wick to two successive treatments: the steam that opens the scales on hair not yet stretched or pinched and this hydrates the hair, then the contact treatment (smoothing or curling or embossing ...) improved because the scales are open and the hair hydrated.

According to the invention, the portable unit comprises a first jaw and a second jaw arranged facing one another, the first treatment surface being carried by the first jaw, a second treatment surface carried by the second jaw , the jaws being connected to move from an open position to a closed position so that the surfaces pinch a lock of hair. This allows to pinch or sandwich the hair to be treated to increase the quality and speed of treatment. The device obtained can pinch the hair and vaporize the hair.

According to the invention, the apparatus may comprise heating means for heating the second treatment surface. The treatment is all the more improved.

According to the invention, the first surface and the second hair treatment surface may be flat or curved or corrugated complementary surfaces which, in the closed position of the apparatus, come substantially in correspondence, thereby making it possible to smooth, curl or respectively emboss the hair.

According to the invention, the apparatus may comprise fluid flow adjustment means preferably arranged in the base, which base is offset from the unit, and a control unit for controlling at least the fluid flow control means. This makes it possible to ensure a continuous or even constant fluid flow at the arrival in the portable unit and makes it possible to reduce the weight of the portable unit. The flow control means (for example a pump) will not be subjected to a high temperature because they are remote from the heat source, ie the vaporization means: the pump motor will not be affected by the temperature and its tube will not lose in elasticity.

According to the invention, the fluid channel is composed of a flexible tubular material. This makes it possible to provide a flexible and flexible cord allowing the use of the portable device in all the positions necessary for shaping the hair.

According to the invention, the fluid channel may have an internal diameter of between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm. This makes it possible to obtain a relatively continuous, and even relatively constant, fluid flow rate of the order of 1 to 5 mL / min or even between 3 and 4, preferably equal to 3.5 mL / min.

According to the invention, the apparatus may comprise at least a first electrical cable enclosing a first conductive wire and a second electrical cable enclosing a second conductive wire, the two cables being inside a sheath and making it possible to power the less the control unit. This makes it possible to have all the electrical cables and the fluid channel in a single sheath, allows to arrange all the control electronics in the portable unit and to improve the maneuverability and to reduce the cost price of the unit. apparatus.

According to the invention, the cord comprises a third electric cable 214 enclosing a third conductor 224 inside the sheath 216 and for supplying at least the fluid flow control means. This reduces the diameter of the cord 21, reduce weight, increase flexibility, and ensure double electrical insulation if necessary. Alternatively, the cord may comprise a third electrical cable enclosing a third conductor, the first and second cables being inside the sheath, the third cable being out of the sheath and for supplying at least the fluid flow control means.

According to the invention, the bead is at least partially composed of a weave or overmolding. This allows to include and contain in a light, flexible way at least the water pipe or even electrical cables.

Brief description of the drawings:

• La figure 1 illustre une vue d'un appareil selon l'invention,
• La figure 2 illustre une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'unité et de la base selon l'invention,
• La figure 3 illustre une vue en coupe transversale d'une des mâchoires de l'unité selon l'invention;
• Les figures 4', 4" et 4"' illustrent des vues en coupe transversale du cordon selon trois modes différents de l'invention ;

The invention will be better understood by studying the embodiments taken as non-limiting and illustrated here:

• The figure 1 illustrates a view of an apparatus according to the invention,
• The figure 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the unit and the base according to the invention,
• The figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of the jaws of the unit according to the invention;
• The Figures 4 ', 4 "and 4"' illustrate cross-sectional views of the cord according to three different modes of the invention;

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention:

As illustrated in figure 1 and 2 of which the numerical references correspond, the invention relates to an apparatus 1 for shaping with the hair comprising a base 1000 comprising a main fluid reservoir 19, a portable unit 100 comprising means for vaporizing the fluid 7, means for dispensing the steam 7 ', 7 "to the hair, a bead 21 comprising at least one pipe for the passage of fluid and arranged between the main fluid reservoir 19 and the vaporization means 7, the portable unit 100 includes only or at least a first treatment surface 4 intended to come into contact with the hair and the fluid evaporation means 7 are exclusively provided in the portable unit 100. The base is said to be "remote" of the portable unit, and posable The base includes a base 1001 for receiving the portable apparatus or handpiece 100 when not in use, and includes a cover 2030 having a ant part fixed 2031 and a pivotally movable portion 2032 for inserting the fluid, the cover may be fully removable to replace the demineralization means (cartridge) when necessary. Part of the base may be transparent so that the user can be visually alerted that the ion exchange resin changes color because it is no longer operative. It comprises demineralization means 2000 which makes it possible to reduce the limestone content of the fluid introduced into the base. These demineralization means 2000 are arranged between an intermediate reservoir 2100 which receives the "raw" fluid and between the main reservoir 19 which contains the "purified" fluid intended for the hairdressing apparatus 100.

The pipe intended for the passage of the fluid (water or water mixed with a cosmetic fixative ...) is of material capable of transporting a fluid held in the tank at a temperature between 15 and 30 ° C. The material may be of low cost silicone or rubber which withstands temperatures up to about 30 ° C, without necessarily being able to withstand heated water or steam temperatures around 100 ° C. As illustrated in figure 3 , the portable unit 100 comprises heating means 41 for heating the first treatment surface 4. It may be a heating element 41 which may be a PTC thermistor (Positive Temperature Coefficient) or a ceramic which is plated. against the treatment surface 4 or arranged inside the element comprising the treatment surface 4. The vaporization means of the fluid 7 comprise a vaporization chamber 7 'and heating means 8 of the vaporization chamber 7' . The chamber or chambers are made of aluminum, may have steam distribution ports 7 ", and be plated in direct or indirect contact against the heating element 8. The good crushing of the heating element 8 and therefore its optimal operation is by a spring blade 7 "'for example. The temperature sensor 10 may be preferentially arranged above the water inlet 21 '. The heating element 8 of the vaporization chamber may be at least one heating element which may be a PTC thermistor or a ceramic which is pressed against one of the walls or arranged inside the element forming the treatment surface. they may be identical or separate from the heating means of the treatment surface. The means of distribution steam (7 ', 7 ") have a series of steam outlet openings 7" arranged laterally to the first treatment surface 4, preferably a little behind the treatment surface 4. Alternatively or additionally the means of Vapor distribution (7 ', 7 ") has a series of orifices arranged on the treatment surface, the vapor outlet flow rate is between about 3 and 4 g / min, more or less about 3.5 g / min. The portable unit 100 comprises a first jaw 2 and a second jaw 3 arranged facing each other, the first treatment surface 4 being carried by the first jaw 2, a second treatment surface 5 being carried by the second jaw 3, the jaws being connected to move from an open position to a closed position so that the surfaces (4,5) pinch a lock of hair.

The apparatus has heating means 9 for heating the second treatment surface 5, of the same type as those of the first treatment surface 4. The first surface 4 and the second surface 5 for treating the hair are complementary surfaces illustrated here. flat, in the closed position of the device, substantially match but can be indifferently or curved or wavy. Curling apparatus with a curved surface, for example described in the patent EP0619087 or EP2152114 cited by way of example is also concerned by the invention. A looping apparatus relates to a device for treating and / or shaping the hair, preferably for manual use, comprising arranged from a main body, a gripping means, a winding body for the locks of hair , preferably mounted free to rotate on the main body about its longitudinal axis and at least one movable clamp for clamping the lock of hair on the body. An embossing apparatus is a device provided with two jaws facing each other and each with a non-planar treatment surface, described for example in the patent W02008129172 .

Fluid flow control means 6 are provided, for example one actuated by a motor 6 'preferably peristaltic, preferably arranged in the remote base and a control unit 13 for controlling at least the fluid flow control means 6. The pipeline fluid (water or water mixed with a fixative cosmetic ...) is composed of a flexible tubular material, material capable of transporting a fluid held in the tank at a temperature between 15 and 30 ° C. The material may be silicone or rubber or elastomer such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) or thermoplastic elastomer such as TPV, inexpensive, withstanding temperatures up to about 30 ° C, without necessarily having to be able to withstand heated water or steam temperatures around 100 ° C. The material is adapted to withstand low pressure (atmospheric pressure about 1000 mBar), it is not necessarily resistant to pressures imposed by the passage of steam up to 4 Bar.

As illustrated in Figures 4 ', 4 "and 4"' , the fluid channel 211 has a preferentially substantially constant inner diameter between about 0.5 and about 3 mm, preferably between 1 and 2.4 mm, preferably equal to 1.2 mm. This allows a small flow of water without loss of charge. The length of the cord is in a range of 1m to 5m, preferably approximately equal to 3m. At least one first electrical cable 212 encloses a first lead 222 and a second electrical cable 213 encloses a second lead 223, the two cables being inside the bead 21 and for supplying at least the control unit 13 , or even the heating elements of the vaporization chamber and the treatment surfaces: these two conductors make it possible to pass a voltage of 230V because they are doubly insulated by their respective cables 213 and 223 and by the sheath 216: the first conductor 212 is the phase and the second conductor 213 is the neutral.

On the figure 4 ' : The cord 21 comprises a third electrical cable 214 enclosing a third conductor 224 used as a neutral; this third cable 214 and the two cables 212 and 213 are used to supply the pump with low voltage (8V), thus making it possible to win the place of a conductor because the conductor used in neutral serves for the voltage 220V and for the low voltage at a time.

Alternatively to figure 4 ' , and as illustrated in figure 4 ": the cord 21 comprises a third electrical cable 214 enclosing a third conductor 224, the first and second cables being inside the sheath 216, the third cable being out of the sheath 216; this third cable 214 used as a neutral and the two cables 212 and 213 are used to supply the pump with low voltage (8V), thus making it possible to win the place of a conductor because the conductor used in neutral serves for voltage 220 and for the low voltage at a time. The third cable is not inside the sheath because double insulation is not necessary for the 8V.

Alternatively to figure 4 "and as illustrated in figure 4 "', the third conductor 224 can be arranged in double insulation 224' and 224" if it is used to supply 220V.

The cord is at least partially composed of a weave, for example a braiding and / or overmoulding of at least the water pipe or even electrical cables. All drivers are double insulated. Other drivers could be provided for remote lighting or any other remote application within the reach of the skilled person.

According to a detailed mode of the invention illustrated in figure 4 ', 4 "and 4"' , the fluid channel 215 has an internal diameter of 1.2 mm, an external diameter of 3.2 mm; the electrical cables have an internal diameter of 1 mm, an external diameter of 2.4 mm, the cables are inside a sheath 216 whose outer diameter is 6.8 mm; the whole being in a braiding thickness equal to 0.3mm, the greatest height is 10.6mm, the smallest thickness is 7.4mm, the distance between the center of the fluid channel and the center of all cables is 5.0 mm.

The apparatus comprises means for detecting (14, 18) the passage in the open position and / or the passage in the closed position and the control unit is programmed to receive from the detection means (14, 18) a signal and to control, in response to the signal, at least the pump 6. The detection means (14, 18) may preferably be magnetic detection means (14, 18) for the passage in the open position and / or the passage in closing position. They include a magnetic switch; preferentially a magnetic switch with a flexible blade 14 arranged in the first jaw 2, a magnet 18 arranged in the second jaw 3 so that the magnet 18 is active on the switch 14 in only one of the two positions.

The first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 are connected by a hinge type hinge 20 and the maximum angle (α) of opening of the two jaws is between 5 ° and 60 °, or even between 10 ° and 20 °, and preferably approximately equal to 15 °. Moreover, the apparatus still illustrated here is in the "open" rest position, but it can be in the "closed" rest position, as illustrated in the patent. EP2145557 incorporated herein by reference and describing a hairdressing apparatus having two jaws each supporting at one end a treatment surface at least one of which comprises a heating element, said jaws being pivotally mounted at the other end around a hinge between a opening position allowing the insertion of the hair between the two treatment surfaces and a closed position for bringing them into contact with the two treatment surfaces, said jaws passing from open to closed position by the articulation two half handles; the apparatus comprising return means half handles that cause the pressurizing of the treatment surfaces. The pivot axis of the two jaws supporting the treatment surfaces can be placed at the end of the jaws (as shown here) or placed approximately in the middle of the jaws to provide a "scissors" type hinge apparatus.

The temperature sensing means 10 measures a value representing the temperature of the vaporizing means 7 and the control unit may be programmed to receive a signal from the temperature sensing means 10 and to control, in response to the signal, at least the peristaltic pump 6. The temperature detection means may comprise a thermistor, preferably a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. The thermistor makes it possible to regulate the heating.

Description in operation of the invention:

In operation, when the apparatus is turned on, the PTC or Ceramic Positive Temperature Coefficient heating element will heat the surfaces to be in contact with the hair, and a separate heating element (or the same heating element ) begins to heat the vaporization means 7; the user grasps the device and applies it to pinch the lock of hair to be treated; the position changes from an open position to a closed position; the detection, for example magnetic detection, of the closing takes place, the signal is transmitted to the control unit (CPU) which, in response to this signal, controls the pump 8 of the base which feeds from the liquid reservoir 19 via the cord 21 the vaporization means thus creating the steam in the unit which will be extracted via the steam distribution means to come into contact with the lock of hair treated. In tests, the steam flow rates observed are approximately between 3 and 4 g / min, more or less equal to 3.5 g / min.

Advantages of the invention:

• avec des moyens compacts, automatiques, et pouvant assurer un débit continu de vapeur,
• avec un fonctionnement sécurisé, fiable en fonctionnement, qui puisse fonctionner à des ambiances chaudes ;
• pouvant assurer un débit continu voire constant de vapeur,
• solide, robuste en fonctionnement et assurant un bon vieillissement ;
• efficace et/ou rapide en fonctionnement ;
• étanche en fonctionnement ;
• assurant un fonctionnement dans n'importe quelle position de l'appareil.
• permettant une utilisation aisée et pratique
• réalisé de manière simple et économique ;
• avec une structure simplifiée,
• industrialisé pour un faible coût,
• solide, robuste en fonctionnement et assurant un bon vieillissement par rapport aux déformations mécaniques par exemple.
• efficace et rapide en fonctionnement.
• étanche en fonctionnement,
• d'une utilisation aisée et pratique ; avec un fonctionnement dans les meilleures conditions de placement de la mèche de cheveux,
• permettant un traitement rapide de la chevelure,
• présentant moins de frottements non souhaités,
• pouvant déclencher l'élément un peu avant la fermeture ou l'ouverture complète de l'appareil pour augmenter l'efficacité du traitement,
• n'étant plus tributaire des déformations mécaniques des boitiers pour actionner un composant,
• n'assurant plus d'effort parasite par rapport à l'effort exercé par l'utilisateur à la fermeture ou l'ouverture.

The invention brings many advantages among which to propose a device:

• with compact, automatic means, and able to ensure a continuous flow of steam,
• with a safe operation, reliable in operation, which can operate in hot environments;
• able to ensure a continuous or even constant flow of steam,
• solid, robust in operation and ensuring good aging;
• effective and / or rapid in operation;
• waterproof in operation;
• ensuring operation in any position of the device.
• allowing easy and convenient use
• realized in a simple and economical way;
• with a simplified structure,
• industrialized for a low cost,
• solid, robust in operation and ensuring good aging by compared to mechanical deformations for example.
• efficient and fast in operation.
• waterproof in operation,
• easy and convenient use; with operation in the best conditions of placement of the lock of hair,
• allowing a fast treatment of the hair,
• with less unwanted friction,
• can trigger the element a little before closing or fully opening the device to increase the effectiveness of treatment,
• no longer dependent on the mechanical deformations of the boxes to actuate a component,
• no longer ensuring parasitic effort compared to the effort exerted by the user to close or open.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given by way of example. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (14)

Apparatus (1) for shaping hair comprising: a base (1000) comprising a fluid reservoir (19), a portable unit (100) remote from the base (1000) and comprising means for vaporizing the fluid (7), means for dispensing the vapor (7 ', 7 ") to the hair, a bead (21) comprising at least one pipe (215) intended for the fluid passage and arranged between the fluid reservoir (19) and the vaporization means (7), Characterized in that the portable unit (100) comprises a first treatment surface (4) intended to come into contact with the hair and in that the means for vaporizing the fluid (7) are exclusively provided in the portable unit ( 100). Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the portable unit (100) comprises heating means (41) for heating the first treatment surface (4). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid vaporization means (7) comprise a vaporization chamber and means for heating the vaporization chamber. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the steam distribution means (7 ', 7 ") have a series of steam outlet ports arranged laterally to the first treatment surface (4). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable unit comprises a first jaw (2) and a second jaw (3) arranged opposite one another, the first treatment surface (4) being carried by the first jaw (2), a second treatment surface (5) carried by the second jaw (3), the jaws being connected so as to move from an open position to a closed position so that the surfaces (4,5) pinch a lock of hair. Apparatus according to the preceding claim comprising heating means (9) for heating the second treatment surface (5). Apparatus according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the first surface (4) and the second hair treatment surface (5) are flat or curved or undulating complementary surfaces which, in the closed position of the apparatus, substantially correspond. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims comprising fluid flow control means (6) preferably arranged in the remote base and a control unit (13) for controlling at least the fluid flow control means (6). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid line (211) is made of tubular flexible material. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid line (211) has an inside diameter of between about 0.5 and about 3mm. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims comprising at least a first electrical cable (212) enclosing a first lead wire (222) and a second electrical lead (213) enclosing a second lead wire (223), the two leads (212, 213) being inside a sheath (216) and for supplying at least the control unit (13). Apparatus according to the preceding claim and claim 8 wherein the cord (21) comprises a third electrical cable 214 enclosing a third conductor 224 inside the sheath (216) and for supplying at least the flow control means of fluid (6). Apparatus according to claim 11 and claim 8 wherein the cord (21) comprises a third electrical cable 214 enclosing a third conductor 224, the first and second cables being inside the sheath (216), the third cable being out of sheath 216 and for supplying at least the fluid flow control means (6). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the bead is at least partially composed of a weave or overmolding.

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