EP2591699A1 - Hair care or styling apparatus and method for operating such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device i.e. straightener (1), has aluminum plates (8, 8.1) forming form surfaces (9, 9.1) of arms (5, 5.1) arranged such that hot air stream flows to a rear side of aluminum plates for heating the form surfaces, where the hot air stream is guided to the arms through flow channels (11, 11.1). A hair form gap (10) is opened and closed by an articulated arrangement of the arms and provided between the form surfaces. Self-regulating positive temperature coefficient heating elements (13, 13.1) are attached to the aluminum plates of the arms in a heat transferring arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to a hair care or -stylinggerät with two hinged to each other, pliers-like mutually adjustable arms whose facing tops each have a complementary shape surface for forming a located between the mold surfaces hair styling gap, opened and closed by the articulated arrangement of the arms of the hair styling gap can be, and which arms each have a flow channel for passing a hot air flow, wherein the forming surface of each arm forming member is arranged such that a guided through the flow channel of this arm warm air stream for the purpose of heating the molding surface at the back of the mold surface flows along forming component along.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a hair care or styling device which has at least one molded part which comes into contact with a strand of hair to be shaped, and wherein a hot air flow is generated for heating the molded part, the latter being heated thereat for heating the molded part. or passed through it.

For shaping hair different hair styling devices or a hand-held, a hot air flow generating hand device (a so-called Airstyler) are used with different hair styli. For straightening or curling hair hair styling attachments are used, which have two articulated to each other in the manner of a pair of pliers adjustable arms. Between the mutually facing sides of these arms there is provided for receiving the hair to be formed Haarformspalt. The mutually facing sides of the arms each have a molding surface. This is just designed in a so-called Straightener trained hair styling essay. There are also known hair styling articles whose form surfaces are curled to create curls. The molding surfaces of the two arms are designed to be complementary in terms of their shape.

Hair-shaping attachments with two movable arms are typically perfused with air. Such a device is assumed below. With the provided by the air flow generating device and flowing into the essay hot air flow, the heat required for the hair-shaping process is transported to the hair. For this reason, at least one of the two arms has a flow channel for transporting the air flow provided by the blower of the device, said flow channel discharging into air outlet openings of the molding surface of this arm to supply the air to the area of the molding surface of the hair to be formed. At the same time the mostly moist hair to be formed is dried by the supply of air. According to another embodiment, the hot air flow generated flows through the flow channel of each arm and flows past the rear side of the component forming the mold surface. Such a component is typically a metal plate, for example an aluminum plate. The hot air stream flowing past the rear side heats it up. At a suitable location, for example in the region of the free end, there are one or more outlet openings from which the air flow can escape.

Depending on the design of the molding surfaces, a not inconsiderable heat input is sometimes required. This in turn requires that the hot air blower of such a device or an Airstylers, to which such a device is connected as an essay, then often have to work under full load. For the device this is basically unproblematic, since this is designed for this. Sometimes, however, the associated noise is perceived as disturbing.

For the purpose of a proper hair shaping a certain temperature entry into the hair is required. In a Straightener connected to an Airstyler, however, it may happen that, depending on its handling in the two arms unequal proportions of the hot air flow and thus a different amount of heat is introduced. The result is that then the two mold surfaces enclosing the hair styling gap can have a different temperature. This is undesirable.

In addition to the above-described Haarformaufsätzen straighteners are also known, the hair forming surfaces forming components are heated by an electric heating element. These are directly connected to the back of the forming the forming surface component. Although it is avoided in such a heating of the mold surfaces bearing components that the molding surfaces have different temperatures. However, such devices can not be used as an attachment together with about an Airstyler. Is known such a hair styling device JP 2004-267787 A ,

Based on this discussed prior art, the invention is therefore based on the object, a hair care or styling device mentioned at the outset or a method for operating such a device in such a way that not only a uniformity in the heating of the mold surface is possible, but that Moreover, the noise of such a device can be reduced without loss of heat input.

This object is achieved by an aforementioned, generic hair care or styling device in which in a heat transferring arrangement to the forming surface forming member at least one arm at least one self-regulating heating element with a positive temperature coefficient - a PTC heating element - as a further heating means Applying heat to the mold surfaces is connected.

The method-related object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 8.

In this hair care or -stylinggerät there is a heating of the molded part, ie: the mold surface or of the mold surface forming or supporting component of at least one arm both by a stream of hot air and by a PTC heating element. Thus, temperature fluctuations in the air flow flowing through this arm or fluctuations in the heat input, for example due to changing flow rates self-regulating by the PTC heating element be compensated. In this case, such a hair care or - styling device is typically designed so that is heated by the hot air flow, the mold surface of these supporting components to the intended temperature. Preferably, the PTC heating element is designed in such a configuration such that it does not produce heat when the component to which the PTC heating element is connected, is at the intended temperature level. As the temperature of the mold forming member decreases, the heat not provided by the air flow is provided by the PTC heater due to its positive temperature coefficient. It is understood that the greater the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature of the component, the PTC heating element shows a correspondingly higher power consumption and accordingly provides more heat available. Due to the measure described above, such hair care or styling devices with articulated arms can have a different volume without having to accept losses in the heating performance.

When commissioning such a device is typically both heat sources - hot air flow and PTC heating element - to use for heating the mold surfaces bearing components. Heating the mold surfaces to operating temperature then takes place particularly quickly. The particular combination of the two above-described heat sources can also be used to heat by means of the hot air flow, the mold surfaces to a first temperature level, typically a temperature level at which a first hair treatment can be performed. If a different hair treatment is provided, which is to be carried out at a higher temperature, this or the additional heating elements can be used. Due to their positive temperature coefficient, these will not be activated if the mold surfaces are to have a temperature according to the first temperature level. However, these additional electrical heating elements can be used for preheating the molding surfaces, which then remain switched on only for a first heating phase. Also possible is an embodiment in which the components forming the mold surfaces have at least two with different positive temperature coefficients equipped heating elements are connected. It is then possible to activate one or the other heating element, depending on which temperature level the mold surfaces are to be heated.

In an embodiment in which during operation of the device both heat sources - hot air flow and the one or more electrical heating elements - are activated, due to the rapid response of such a PTC heating element heated by this mold surface is also reheated immediately when one is at ambient temperature Hair lock has been inserted into the hair styling gap and this heat has withdrawn from the forming the forming surface component. In this respect, the heat flow from such additionally heated molding surface is not insignificantly improved in the hair to be cared for or formed.

At this point it should be emphasized that, due to the positive temperature coefficient for the control of such a heating element basically no additional measures must be taken.

In a particular embodiment, it is provided that the components forming the mold surface are each equipped with at least one such PTC heating element by the two arms. In principle, the provision of a mixed heat, a proportion of hot air flow and a heat share of the PTC heating element can be carried out with these devices. Due to the self-regulating properties of these heating elements, the hair shaping surfaces have a very constant constant temperature. In addition, the hot air flow compared to prior art devices can be reduced, which has a positive effect on a reduction in operating noise.

Such a hair care or styling device may be an integral part of a hot air flow providing device. According to another embodiment, it is provided that the hair care or styling device is designed as an attachment in order to be able to be connected to a hot air flow providing device, such as an Airstyler.

From the above-described concept, it is clear that the skillful combination of different heating mechanisms has created a hair care or styling device which has not insignificant advantages over previously known devices. Finally, in such a device, the hot air flow can be used not only for heating a forming the forming surface component. Rather, it is also possible to bring this into the hair to be cared for or to be formed in order to dry the hair at the same time as the molding process. In such an embodiment, the forming the forming surface component typically has openings through which passes the flow of hot air through the component to the hair to be formed or to be cared for. Also, the hot air flow can be used to bring this as a carrier for additional, a hair shaping or hair care supporting substances in the hair. These may be fragrances or conditioners. The air flow can also be used to transport ions emitted by an ionizing electrode into the hair to be formed and in this way to support the hair-shaping process.

The invention is based on an embodiment with reference to the attached FIG. 1 described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a so-called Straightener 1 as an example of a hair care or styling device. The Straightener 1 of the illustrated embodiment is designed as an essay, so that it can be connected to a hot air flow providing device - an Air Styler 2 -. For this purpose, the Straightener 1 has a coupling portion 3 which can be inserted into the front opening 4 of the Airstylers and locked therein. A lock can be done for example in the manner of a plug-in rotary locking (bayonet lock). In FIG. 1 the Straightener 1 is shown at a distance from the Airstyler 2.

The Straightener itself comprises two arms 5, 5.1 which are hinged together in the manner of a pair of pliers. The axis of rotation of the two arms 5, 5.1 against each other is indicated by the reference numeral 6. The two arms 5, 5.1 have a different size and thus a different volume. In the illustrated embodiment carries the arm 5 the coupling portion 3, which is why the arm 5.1 is finally hinged to the arm 5. To the arm 5.1 an operating bracket 7 is arranged, with which the arm 5.1 can be moved about the axis of rotation 6 relative to the arm 5 in the manner of a pair of scissors. The operating bracket 7 is on the in FIG. 1 unrecognizable back of the straightener in turn returned to the axis of rotation 6.

Both arms 5, 5.1 have an aluminum plate 8, 8.1. The aluminum plates 8, 8.1 are arranged on the mutually facing sides of the two arms 5, 5.1. The mutually facing surfaces 9, 9.1 of the aluminum plates 8, 8.1 form the forming surfaces in the Straightener 1. In this respect, the aluminum plates 8, 8.1 form those components of the straightener 1, which form or bear the forming surfaces 9 and 9.1, respectively.

The arms 5, 5.1 are hollow and each have a flow channel 11, 11.1. The back of the aluminum plates 8, 8.1 each forms a boundary of the flow channel 11 and 11.1. During operation of the air styler 2 with the straightener 1 attached, a stream of hot air flowing through the flow channel 11 or 11.1 flows past the rear side of the aluminum plates 8 or 8.1, as a result of which they are heated. In the region of the free end of the arms 5, 5.1 there is in each case an opening 12, 12.1 from which the hot air stream conducted through the respective flow channel 11 or 11.1 emerges. The mouth may also be individual bores, typically arranged in the manner of a grid.

In the illustrated embodiment, a PTC heating element 13, 13.1 is arranged, typically glued, on the rear side of each aluminum plate 8, 8.1 protruding into the flow channel 11 or 11.1. Heat generated by the respective PTC heating element 13, 13.1 is thus introduced into the respective aluminum plate 8 or 8.1, which in turn heats the respective forming surface 9 or 9.1. The PTC heating elements 13, 13.1 extend only over a fraction of the surface of the rear side of the aluminum plates 8, 8.1. For electrical connection of the PTC heating elements 13, 13.1 serve complementary connector parts 14, 14.1, which in a placement of the tower designed as a straightener 1 on the Airstyler 2 are engaged with each other. Of the connector parts 14, 14.1 only one of several is shown in each case. For the sake of simplicity, in FIG. 1 also the electrical connection lines are not drawn.

According to another embodiment, the rear side of the aluminum plates 8, 8.1 is structured as the respective mold surface 9 or 9.1 bearing component, for example by ribs formed thereon. By this measure, the heat-receiving surface of the components 8, 8.1 is increased. In such an embodiment, PTC heating elements can be arranged in one or more of the channels located between the ribs.

In an embodiment of a Straighteneraufsatzes not shown in the figure, in which the two arms have a different flow cross-sectional area of their flow channel, only the PTC heating element is associated with the smaller arm in terms of its flow cross-section. Even in such an embodiment, the stability of the heating system over known devices proves to be improved.

During operation of the straightener 1, a stream of hot air provided by the air styler 2 is introduced into the coupling section 3 and from there into the flow channels 11, 11.1 of the arms 5, 5.1. Typically, energization of the heating device and of the fan of the air styler 2 takes place simultaneously with energization of the PTC heating elements 13, 13.1. Although spontaneously then flows a stream of hot air through the flow channels 11, 11.1. Nevertheless, it would take some time until the aluminum plates 8, 8.1 are heated to the extent that their mold surfaces 9, 9.1 have reached the intended mold temperature, if not further measures would be taken, as this case he is the case. Since, in the described embodiment, the PTC heating elements produce a lot of heat due to their positive temperature coefficient just when the straightener 1 is put into operation, the warm-up process is not shortened significantly. Thus, the mold surfaces 9, 9.1 are already after a few seconds after a start-up of the straightener 1 to operating temperature.

The Straightener 1 of the illustrated embodiment is designed so that the aluminum plates 8, 8.1 and their mold surfaces 9, 9.1 are heated both by the hot air flow and by the PTC heating elements 13 and 13.1. For this reason, the Airstyler 2 or the fan integrated therein can be operated at a relatively low speed, so that the straightener 1 is considerably reduced in noise compared with previously known straighteners, which use a stream of hot air for heating the shaping surfaces.

In this respect, complement the two heat sources - hot air flow and PTC heating element (s) - in a special way, especially in that one of these heat sources, namely the PTC or the heating elements are self-regulating.

It is understood that in such an embodiment, a possible temperature drop, as is otherwise observed in conventional devices with a stream of hot air as a heat source in the smaller arms, does not occur.

The invention described above with reference to an embodiment can be equally realized in all other air-heated devices or essays in which the hot air is used for the purpose of hair care or shaping, such as in air-flowed brushes, combs, rotating brushes or curling irons. Also in these applications, the same advantages as they are mentioned in the Straightener of the described embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Straightener

2

Air Styler

3

coupling section

4

opening

5, 5.1

poor

6

axis of rotation

7

actuating bow

8, 8.1

aluminum plate

9, 9.1

form surface

10

Hair styling gap

11, 11.1

flow channel

12, 12.1

muzzle

13, 13.1

PTC heating element

14, 14.1

connector part

Claims (10)

Hair care or styling device with two arms (5, 5.1) arranged in an articulated manner, like pliers, whose mutually facing upper sides each have a complementary shaping surface (9, 9.1) for forming a hair styling gap (10) between the shaping surfaces (9, 9.1) have, by the articulated arrangement of the arms (5, 5.1) of the hair styling gap (10) can be opened and closed, and which arms (5, 5.1) each have a flow channel (11, 11.1) for passing a hot air stream, said the forming surface (9, 9.1) of each arm (5, 5.1) forming component (8, 8.1) is arranged such that a through the flow channel (11, 11.1) of this arm (5, 5.1) directed hot air stream for the purpose of heating the Form surface (9, 9.1) at the back of the forming surface (9, 9.1) forming the component (8, 8.1) flows along, characterized in that in a heat-transferring arrangement to the mold surface ( 9, 9.1) forming part (8, 8.1) of at least one arm (5, 5.1) at least one self-regulating heating element with a positive temperature coefficient - a PTC heating element (13, 13.1) - as a further heating means for supplying heat to the forming surfaces (9, 9.1) is connected. Hair care or styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating element (13, 13.1) is glued to the back of the forming surface (9, 9.1) forming the component (8, 8.1). Hair care or styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the arms (5, 5.1) of the device have a different volume and the heating element (13, 13.1) to the forming surface (9, 9.1) forming the component (8, 8.1 ) of the smaller arm (5.1) is assigned. Hair care or styling device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the forming surface (9, 9.1) forming components (8, 8.1) of both arms (5, 5.1) with a PTC heating element (13, 13.1) are equipped. Hair care or styling device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flow channels (11, 11.1) have an orifice (12, 12.1) in the region of the free ends of the arms (5, 5.1), from which the hot air flow at any use of the device flows in whole or in part. Hair care or styling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device is part of a hot air flow providing device. Hair care or styling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device (1) as an attachment for connecting the same to a hot air flow providing device, such as an Airstyler (2) is executed. Method for operating a hair care or styling device, which has at least one in contact with a strand of hair to be formed molding and wherein for heating the molding, a stream of hot air is generated, which is passed to the heating of the molding past this and / or therethrough , characterized in that the molded part is additionally heated in dependence on an operation of the device by one or more self-regulating heating elements. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that for the purposes of heating the molding both heat sources are used simultaneously, wherein the hot air stream is heated to a temperature at which the molding is heated to a predetermined temperature level and the fluctuations in the temperature of the molding significantly be compensated by the at least one further electrical heating element. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that for the purposes of heating the molding both heat sources are used simultaneously, wherein the hot air flow to a Temperature is heated, with which the molded part is heated to a predetermined temperature level and to achieve peak temperatures, the at least one further heating element is activated.

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