EP3869993B1 - Hairstyling appliance having a liquid evacuation device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of household appliances and more specifically to hairdressing appliances, and more particularly to hairdressing appliances equipped with a device for transporting liquid, in particular water, such as for example hairdressing appliances using steam to optimize hair shaping.

Such a hairdressing appliance comprises a housing comprising a liquid transport device and/or a liquid storage device and at least one electrical or electronic component.

State of the art

It is known for example from the document WO 2004/002262 to use steam to improve the efficiency of hairdressing appliances, and in particular hair straighteners. For example, as described in this document, the hairdressing device is in the form of a hair straightener, one of the arms of which comprises a liquid reservoir, a vaporization device and a vapor ejection device. towards the hair. According to this example, the liquid is conveyed to the vaporization device by capillarity, using a wick transporting the liquid.

It is also known, in particular from the patent EP 2 449 910 , to use a peristaltic pump in a hairdressing device to transport the liquid from the reservoir. In particular, this document teaches the use of a peristaltic pump to adjust the fluid flow rate in order to supply a fluid vaporization means. Thus, according to the apparatus described in this document, a peristaltic pump makes it possible to transport a fluid, in particular water, so as to produce steam.

Other devices, such as the one described by US 4,341,229A , disclose the use of a reservoir inside a casing of a hairdressing appliance in order to be able to produce steam intended for the hair.

These various constructions generally give satisfaction to the users of the apparatus concerned, in particular in terms of performance and of the hairstyle result obtained.

On the other hand, these constructions both present a risk in the event of leakage of liquid. Indeed, at least one of the arms comprises the vaporization device as well as one or more liquid transport devices, such as for example pipes, conduits, a wick, or even a pump. In addition, as is for example the case in the first document mentioned, one of the arms of the device also includes the liquid reservoir. In other words, the hairdressing device comprises inside its case at least one device for transporting liquid, or even several elements containing liquid. Therefore, there is a significant risk of liquid leakage. For example, the connection between the tank and the pipe connecting it to the vaporization device may be faulty (poor connection, wear of the connectors, etc.) and leak, the pipe may also disconnect, for example following an overpressure due to scaling of the appliance, or the pipe itself may be defective (pierced, split, etc.). The tank itself may also be defective (pierced, split, etc., for example following an impact) and leak liquid. If the device has a pump, it too may be faulty and leak liquid. There are therefore several causes that could lead to a liquid leak inside one of the arms of the device.

However, the presence of liquid, and in particular of water, inside this type of device is not desirable. Indeed, these devices are generally electrical devices, at least insofar as they comprise a heating element for electrically heating a surface for shaping the hair, or even various electrical and electronic components. Consequently, the presence of liquid inside these devices risks destroying their electrical and/or electronic components and therefore causing a malfunction or even the total breakdown of the hairdressing device. Furthermore, the risk of electrocution for the user cannot then be totally excluded, especially since he holds his devices in his hand and handles them in the immediate vicinity of his head.

There is therefore a need to make this type of device more secure, whether for the components of the device itself or for the user.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

An object of the invention is to provide a hairdressing appliance which is particularly safe, whether for the electrical and/or electronic components of the appliance itself or for the user who handles the appliance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hairdressing device which is particularly reliable and robust.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hairdressing appliance which is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hairdressing appliance which is particularly efficient.

The objectives are achieved with the aid of a hairdressing device comprising a box comprising a liquid transport device and/or a liquid storage device and at least one electrical or electronic component, characterized in that the box comprises a liquid evacuation device designed to evacuate, outside the case, the liquid in the event of leakage of liquid from the liquid transport device and/or the liquid storage device, and in that the said device evacuation is arranged so that the liquid cannot come into contact with said at least one electrical or electronic component. According to the invention, the hairdressing appliance therefore comprises a liquid transport device, that is to say any device making it possible to transporting liquid, either by mechanical action, using a pump for example, or by capillary action, in the area of a wick for example, or even by gravitational action, for example by simple flow through a pipe or by any other means known to those skilled in the art or by a combination of one or the other of these means. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus that is the subject of the invention comprises a liquid storage device, such as for example a reservoir intended to contain liquid, preferably water. However, one could imagine without departing from the scope of the invention that the reservoir can also store a cosmetic product, optionally diluted in water.

The invention makes it possible in a remarkable way to secure the operation of the device insofar as the designers have provided, during the design of the device, a device for evacuating liquid which would find itself unexpectedly or accidentally at the inside the case, the evacuation of the liquid being done in a controlled and thoughtful manner, for example by precisely controlling the evacuation path of the liquid and/or the precise place where the liquid is evacuated. In other words, it is thus possible, thanks to the invention, to evacuate the liquid which would find itself unexpectedly inside the case before the liquid comes into contact with an electrical or electronic component. Consequently, any accidental contact between the liquid and this component is remarkably avoided and the safety of the device, but also of the user, is greatly improved. Indeed, the electrical or electronic components do not risk being damaged and the risk of electrocution of the user is considerably reduced, if not eliminated.

Such control of the evacuation of the liquid which would be found abnormally inside the case of a hairdressing device constitutes a quite remarkable difference compared to the devices of the prior art in which the liquid was to be evacuated. by the only exit or exits that he could encounter, generally at the interface of several parts, and in particular between the case and a smoothing plate of the device. However, this is a particularly sensitive area because it includes an electrical power component, the heating element of the smoothing plate, so that the liquid then comes into contact with said electrical component.

It would be easy for those skilled in the art to verify the result of the invention by means of a simple test. He could indeed, for example, pierce or disconnect (that is to say disconnect) the liquid transport device in order to simulate a liquid leak inside the case. It would then suffice for the person skilled in the art to manipulate the hairdressing appliance in different positions, as he would do during normal use. Then, the person skilled in the art could check whether the liquid flows well through the evacuation device. The person skilled in the art could also check, for example by dismantling the casing of the device, whether an electrical or electronic component of the device has been touched by the liquid, in other words, whether the liquid has come into contact said component when handling the device. Such verification is simple insofar as the component in question would have, in the event of contact with the liquid, significant sequelae (burns, corrosion, explosion, etc.).

Preferably, the liquid evacuation device comprises at least one orifice, and preferably two orifices, passing through the case. This makes it possible to control, and preferably to increase, the discharge rate of the liquid in a particularly reliable and inexpensive manner. The orifice can have any shape. However, said at least one orifice is preferably a hole whose diameter is between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. Given the plurality of orifices, the evacuation section is advantageously between 1 mm ² and 4 mm ² and preferably between 2 mm ² and 2.5 mm ² .

Advantageously, the liquid discharge device is permanently open to the environment, in this case the atmosphere. In other words, the liquid discharge device has no plug or any other obstruction or sealing element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a first arm and a second arm articulated together by a hinge so as to form a hair-shaping clip. The device then forms a hair straightener which allows great ease of use and a styling result optimum.

In a first variant of the previous embodiment, the box is formed by the first arm. In other words, the liquid transport and/or liquid storage device, but also said at least one electrical or electronic component are integrated into the first arm, which makes it possible to obtain a relatively compact hairdressing device. Generally the first arm is designed to be gripped by the user's hand and easily manipulated by the user close to his head.

According to this first variant, advantageously, the first arm comprises a reservoir and a first surface for treating the hair by contact, the liquid discharge device being located between the reservoir and the first treatment surface. Such an arrangement makes it possible to have a particularly compact hairdressing appliance. In addition, the arrangement of the evacuation device between the reservoir and the first treatment surface makes it possible to preserve the latter from being in contact with the liquid which could accidentally be found inside the arm, which prevents the liquid from come into contact with the hair. This is also particularly useful and safe in the case where the first treatment surface is a surface heated by an electric heating element (PTC for example). Preferably, the liquid evacuation device is located at a distance of between 10 mm and 50 mm from the edge of the first treatment surface, preferably between 20 mm and 30 mm. This makes it possible in particular to preserve a safety distance with respect to the first treatment surface and in particular with respect to its electric heating element.

In a second variant of the same embodiment, the box is located at a distance from the first arm and connected to the first arm by a cord. This configuration makes it possible to provide a larger case, for example to integrate a bulkier liquid transport device (a pump for example), because it is powerful for example, and/or a large capacity liquid storage device. In this case, the box is then generally intended to be placed on a work surface, such as a table for example, to remain there immobile while the first arm is portable and manipulated by the user. According to this variant, the first arm comprises a first contact hair treatment surface, the housing comprises a reservoir and the liquid discharge device is located between the reservoir and the treatment surface. As explained previously, the evacuation device can then comprise at least one orifice passing through the box. But it is also perfectly possible that, alternatively or additionally, the arm comprises said orifice or another orifice of another evacuation device. Indeed, according to this variant, liquid is stored or transported in the box (that is to say in the base) and in the arm. It may therefore be judicious to position an evacuation device in accordance with the invention in the box and another evacuation device in accordance with the invention in the arm in order to optimize the safety of the apparatus. Thus, according to this variant, in the event of a liquid leak in the base, the liquid will be evacuated in a controlled manner so that the liquid cannot come into contact with an electrical or electronic component of the base, and in the event of a leak in the arm, the liquid will be evacuated in a controlled way so that the liquid cannot come into contact with an electrical or electronic component of the arm.

• lisse et plane, en étant par exemple formée par une plaque de lissage,
• lisse et incurvée, par exemple en étant formée par un mandrin, un rouleau ou une tuile,
• ondulée par exemple en comprenant une succession de creux et de bosses
• accidentée par exemple en comprenant des picots ou des dents,
• etc.

The expression “treatment surface” used previously designates any type of surface, whatever its shape, its dimensions, as long as it comes into contact with the hair at least at one point. Regardless, the treatment surface can be continuous, for example formed by a single piece, or on the contrary discontinuous, for example formed by a plurality of pieces. The treatment surface can, by way of illustration and not limitation, be:

• smooth and flat, for example being formed by a smoothing plate,
• smooth and curved, for example by being formed by a mandrel, a roller or a tile,
• corrugated, for example comprising a succession of hollows and bumps
• uneven for example by including pimples or teeth,
• etc

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the liquid transport device comprises a peristaltic pump which comprises a pump body defining a chamber in which there is a deformable pipe intended to contain a liquid to be moved, as well as a device liquid drain designed to, in the event of rupture of the deformable tube of the pump, drain the liquid from the chamber to the outside of the pump according to a controlled path, and said drain device communicates with said evacuation device. Advantageously, the liquid emptying device comprises at least one hole which makes it possible to control the flow path of the liquid in a very economical and safe manner. By “controlled trajectory” is meant that the place through which the liquid will drain, that is to say flow, is defined in advance, chosen by the designers. In other words, we know precisely where and how the liquid will drain. Advantageously, the diameter of the hole is between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. Preferably, the liquid emptying device comprises two holes, advantageously arranged close to each other, for example separated by a distance of between 1 mm and 5 mm, which makes it possible to increase the flow rate and therefore the speed drain. The presence of a plurality of holes also makes it possible to guarantee emptying of the pump even if one of the holes were to be blocked. The total evacuation section is thus between 2 mm ² and 2.5 mm ² ,

By “rupture of the deformable pipe” is meant any deterioration which could lead to a loss of tightness of said pipe, that is to say to a leak of the liquid contained in the deformable pipe. For example, this can be the result of a hose burst, a crack in the hose, a hole in the hose, excessive porosity in the hose, or an accidental unplugging or disconnection of the pipe, for example as a result of overpressure due to scaling of the device. By “chamber” is meant any space in three dimensions intended to accommodate at least one element, in this case the deformable pipe of the pump.

Thus, thanks to this embodiment of the invention, in the event of the unexpected or accidental presence of liquid inside the pump, the liquid is quickly evacuated along a trajectory controlled in advance by the designers and at a precise location defined in advance, thus avoiding any accidental contact between the liquid and any electrical or electronic component. More precisely, the liquid is first evacuated from the pump at a precise and chosen location thanks to the liquid draining device, then evacuated from the device thanks to the evacuation device, the latter communicating with the draining device of the pump. Thus, the emptying and evacuation devices communicate with each other by any sealed means. For example, the draining device of the pump can be connected to the evacuation device of the device by means of a pipe or else the emptying device and the evacuation device can be attached to one another. another, for example one being above the other.

Preferably, the liquid drain device is arranged through the pump body.

Advantageously, the peristaltic pump comprises a cover cooperating with the pump body and the liquid drain device can be arranged through the cover. This construction then makes it possible to propose a peristaltic pump whose assembly and/or possible maintenance are facilitated, thanks to the presence of the cover, while guaranteeing a controlled evacuation of the liquid which could be inside the chamber.

In other words, the emptying device can be any device passing through the pump body, the cover or the pump body and the cover, i.e. any device capable of connect the chamber and the outside of the pump in a place defined in advance by design.

Preferably, the liquid drain device comprises at least one hole, said at least one orifice, and at least one hole, being arranged facing each other, that is to say one opposite the other. This arrangement makes it possible to have a particularly compact and inexpensive device insofar as the distance between the emptying and evacuation devices is minimized.

Advantageously, the liquid drain device comprises an element sealing arranged between said emptying and evacuation devices, which makes it possible to guarantee sealing between the pump and the housing of the device, thus avoiding any risk of accidental contact between the liquid and the electrical component(s) of the the device. In other words, according to this arrangement, the liquid which could be inside the chamber of the pump in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe is directly evacuated outside the casing containing the pump, and this in a manner considered and controlled, in particular by having defined during the design the precise place where the liquid was to be evacuated. In addition to improving safety, the fact of evacuating the liquid outside the device will make it possible to alert the user, at least visually, that a malfunction has occurred inside his device. hairstyle (in this case that the deformable pipe has broken for example). Preferably, the sealing element comprises an O-ring

According to an advantageous embodiment, said peristaltic pump comprises a sealing device designed to contain the liquid inside the chamber in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe. Thus, in case of rupture of the deformable pipe, the liquid is contained, that is to say maintained, preserved, in the chamber of the pump and does not spread outside the pump in an uncontrolled way, but only through the pump drain. Therefore, a possible rupture of the hose of the peristaltic pump has limited consequences since the liquid remains contained inside the pump and does not spread outside the pump, as it would normally be the case for pumps known from the prior art. The evacuation of the liquid is done only by the emptying device, that is to say at a well-defined location and advantageously according to a controlled trajectory, the location and advantageously the emptying trajectory having been carefully defined in advance by the designers of the pump. In addition, given the sealing device, the emptying device constitutes the only possible passage point for the liquid which could be inside the chamber, the latter being moreover sealed. Consequently, the evacuation of the liquid only by the emptying device is guaranteed, and this whatever the orientation of the pump in space. It is therefore possible to install a pump as defined by the invention in spaces where any presence of liquid is normally to be avoided, for example in the immediate vicinity of electrical or electronic components as will be detailed later.

According to a preferred embodiment, the chamber comprises a rotor in contact with the deformable pipe, said rotor is connected to a drive shaft passing through the pump body, and the sealing device comprises a first sealing element which is arranged between the drive shaft and the pump body. Consequently, the liquid, in the event of the rupture of the deformable pipe, cannot escape through the zone located between the drive shaft, which is a rotating part, and the pump body, which is a part fixed. According to this preferred embodiment, the first sealing element comprises a lip seal(s), and preferably a two-lip seal. This type of seal, and in particular the double lip seal, makes it possible to ensure very good sealing between a rotating shaft, in this case the drive shaft, against which the seal lip or lips rest and a fixed part, in this case the pump body, in which the seal is held.

According to another preferred embodiment, the peristaltic pump comprises a cover cooperating with the pump body, and the sealing device comprises a second sealing element placed between the pump body and the cover. This construction then makes it possible to propose a peristaltic pump whose assembly and/or possible maintenance are facilitated, thanks to the presence of the cover, while guaranteeing a seal between the pump body and the cover in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe. Advantageously, the second sealing element comprises a seal of circular cross-section arranged at least partially on the periphery of the pump body and of the cover.

It is also possible that, instead of passing through the pump body as described above, the drive shaft passes through the cover and that the first sealing element is located between the drive shaft and the cover.

According to another preferred embodiment, the peristaltic pump comprises an inlet connector intended to receive a suction conduit from liquid, and an outlet connector intended to receive a liquid discharge pipe, connected to the deformable pipe. The sealing device comprises a third sealing element arranged between the pump body and at least one of the input or output connectors. Alternatively, the third sealing element is placed between the cover and at least one of the input or output connectors. Alternatively, the third sealing element is placed between the pump body, the cover, and at least one of the input or output connectors. Such a construction makes it possible to ensure sealing between the chamber and the exterior of the pump at the level of the connectors of the pump, and this regardless of the orientation of the pump in space. For example, the pump can be positioned with at least one of its connectors, or even both, arranged at the bottom, and, even in the event of the breakage of the deformable pipe, there will be no leakage of liquid at the level of the connectors. that is to say between the connectors and the pump body or the cover for example.

According to a first variant of the previous preferred embodiment, the third sealing element comprises a plate, preferably made of silicone, through which each of said input and output connectors passes. Said plate is then arranged between the pump body and/or the cover of the pump and around at least one of the input or output connectors. Advantageously, the plate comprises two orifices, and preferably two holes, each of the orifices accommodating one of the connectors. This construction makes it possible to guarantee the tightness of the chamber including at the level of the connectors, in the case where the latter are parts added to the pump (for example are not molded with the pump body or the cover, as is frequently the case for pumps). In addition, this solution makes it possible to be able to dismantle the connectors without any damage either to the connectors or to the pump itself. The use of a silicone plate is particularly advantageous and inexpensive in the case where the two connectors are located close to each other and on the same plane forming a surface of the pump as will be detailed in following.

According to a second variant of the previous preferred embodiment, the third sealing element is arranged between the pump body and/or optionally the cover and each of the input and output connectors, said third sealing element comprising two O-rings. In other words, according to this variant, each connector has its own O-ring placed between the connector and the pump body and/or the cover so as to seal the chamber at the level of the connectors. This solution is particularly advantageous in the case where the connectors are attached to the pump (for example are not molded with the pump body or the cover) and are far from each other and/or are not in the same plane.

Advantageously, the input and output connectors are arranged in the same plane belonging to one and the same external face of the peristaltic pump. This makes it possible to have a particularly compact pump, the connectors of which are gathered on the same face, thus limiting the length of the conduits necessary at the start and the arrival of the pump. Preferably, the input and output connectors each comprise an elbow advantageously of substantially 90°. Such connectors make it possible to facilitate the integration of the pump by arranging the latter transversely to the suction and discharge ducts, respectively at the inlet and at the outlet of the pump. It is thus possible to limit the bulk of the pump and liquid conduit assembly.

Of course, the embodiments described above are perfectly compatible with one another, and other advantageous embodiments may result from their various combinations. It is possible in particular to envisage a peristaltic pump which would result from the combination of the three embodiments previously described. This would then result in a particularly compact peristaltic pump, easy to manufacture and maintain since it is equipped with a cover, inexpensive and completely sealed, whatever its orientation in space, in the event of its deformable pipe breaking. The sealing device would then comprise said first, second and third sealing elements described previously.

Brief description of figures

• la figure 1 illustre un appareil de coiffure tel que décrit par l'invention selon une vue en perspective.
• La figure 2 illustre l'appareil de la figure 1 selon une autre orientation.
• La figure 3 illustre en perspective le premier bras de l'appareil de la figure 1.
• La figure 4 est une vue de détail en perspective de la zone A de la figure 3
• La figure 5 représente le même détail A que la figure 4 mais avec certaines pièces qui ont été masquées afin d'apercevoir les composant internes du bras.
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'une pompe péristaltique telle que définie par l'invention.
• La figure 7 est une vue éclatée des composants de la pompe de la figure 6.

The following description of a preferential and non-limiting embodiment of the hairdressing appliance highlights the characteristics which are the subject of the present invention. This description is based on figures, including:

• the figure 1 illustrates a hairdressing device as described by the invention according to a perspective view.
• The figure 2 illustrates the apparatus of the figure 1 in another direction.
• The picture 3 illustrates in perspective the first arm of the device of the figure 1 .
• The figure 4 is a perspective detail view of area A of the picture 3
• The figure 5 represents the same detail A as the figure 4 but with some parts that have been hidden in order to see the internal components of the arm.
• The figure 6 is a perspective view of a peristaltic pump as defined by the invention.
• The figure 7 is an exploded view of the pump components of the figure 6 .

detailed description

As illustrated at figure 1 , the household appliance 1 as defined by the invention is a hairdressing appliance and more specifically a hair straightener fitted with a liquid consumption device 4. More specifically, the liquid consumption device 4 comprises a means of vaporization 41, in this case a vaporization chamber, and a means 42 for diffusing the vapor thus produced, in the direction of a lock of hair. Way to diffusion 42 may in particular be formed by a series of orifices, as illustrated, or even by a slot or a diffusion groove. Such elements are well known to those skilled in the art, and are for example detailed in the patent EP 2 449 909 of the plaintiff.

The household appliance 1 comprises a first arm 11 and a second arm 12 interconnected by a hinge 13 arranged substantially at the end of each of said first arm 11 and second arm 12. Thus the arms are movable relative to each other. to the other according to a rotational movement and more precisely a gripper movement.

As can be seen on the picture 3 , the first arm 11 comprises a first surface 112 for treatment of the hair by contact, in this case a heating plate. The second arm 12 comprises a second contact hair treatment surface 122, which can be seen on the picture 2 , complementary to the first treatment surface 112. Preferably, the second contact treatment surface 122 is also heated.

In a manner well known as such, the hinge 13 allows the user to open the hair straightener to introduce a lock of hair between the treatment surfaces 112, 122, then to close the clip on the lock of hair to perform shaping, usually smoothing.

As can be seen on the figure 2 , the household appliance 1 also comprises a liquid storage device, in this case a reservoir 3. Preferably, the reservoir is intended to store water. However, one could imagine without departing from the scope of the invention that the reservoir can also store a cosmetic product, optionally diluted in water.

According to the invention illustrated, the reservoir is integrated into the first arm 11. But it is perfectly possible, and this without departing from the scope of the invention, for the reservoir to be separate from the first arm 11 and from the second arm 12. The reservoir can indeed to be at a distance from the first arm 11, and second arm 12, and to be for example in a remote base (that is to say located at a distance from the clamp) connected to one of the arms by a cord able to transport liquid. Such an arrangement is for example described in the patent EP 2 449 912 of the plaintiff.

As can be seen on the figure 3 and 4 , the household appliance 1 comprises a box 111 formed by the first bottom 11. However, although this is not illustrated, it is perfectly possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the box to be formed by the remote base previously mentioned.

The box 111 thus forms an envelope, for example made of plastic material, containing at least one electrical or electronic component, such as for example a heating element (PTC for example), an electric motor 5, a temperature sensor, a capacitor, a electronic card, etc. Generally, these elements are very sensitive to any contact with a liquid, and in particular water, such contact being able to cause their damage, or even their destruction and even create a risk of electrocution.

As can be seen on the figure 4 , the housing 111 comprises a liquid evacuation device 114 designed to evacuate, outside the housing 111, the liquid in the event of a liquid leak from a liquid transport device 32, 6, 33, in this case a peristaltic pump 6 or a conduit 32, 33, and/or liquid storage, in this case a reservoir 3. The evacuation device 114 is arranged so that the liquid cannot come into contact with the electrical component or electronic. More precisely, the liquid evacuation device 114 comprises two orifices 1141 arranged one beside the other. Each of the orifices 1141 passes through the box 111, so as to place the inside of the box 111 in communication with the outside. The fact of using two distinct orifices makes it possible to ensure a sufficient evacuation flow and to guarantee a minimum flow if one of the orifices 1141 were to become obstructed. As illustrated by the figure 4 , each orifice 1141 is a hole whose diameter is substantially equal to 1.2 mm. Thus the possible evacuation section is approximately 2.26 mm ² . The holes are approximately 2.5mm apart.

The liquid evacuation device 114 is located at a distance of approximately 25 mm from the edge of the first treatment surface 112 which makes it possible to guarantee a safety distance during the flow of water through the evacuation device 114 and to prevent the liquid evacuated from coming into contact with the first treatment surface 112. The evacuation device 114 of liquid is located opposite the second arm 12 which makes it possible to hide it when the straightener is closed, thus improving the overall aesthetics.

In order to supply the liquid consumption device 4 with liquid, and preferably with water, the household appliance 1 comprises a liquid transport device, in this case a peristaltic pump 6. According to the invention illustrated, the peristaltic pump 6 is integrated in the first arm as can be seen on the figure 5 , but it is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the peristaltic pump 6 to be integrated into the remote base mentioned above.

As can be seen on the figure 5 and 6 , the peristaltic pump 6 comprises in particular a pump body 60. An inlet connector 61 is arranged on the pump body 60 in order to connect the peristaltic pump 6 to a suction conduit 32, itself connected to the reservoir 3. An outlet connector 62 is arranged on the pump body 60 in order to connect the peristaltic pump to the liquid consumption device 4, via a discharge duct 33. More specifically, each of the inlet connectors 61 and outlet 62 pass through the pump body 60. Thus, a part of each of the inlet 61 and outlet 62 connectors protrudes outside the pump and a part of each of the inlet 61 and output 62 projects inside the pump, that is to say in a chamber 68. The part of the input 61 and output 62 connectors projecting outside the pump is then connected respectively to the suction duct 32 and to the discharge duct 33, as can be seen on r there figure 5 . The part of the inlet 61 and outlet 62 connectors protruding into the chamber 68 is then connected to a deformable pipe 63.

Advantageously, as can be seen from the figures 6 and 7 , each of the input 61 and output 62 connectors comprises an elbow, preferably oriented at 90°. Preferably, the elbow is outside the peristaltic pump 6, in contact with the pump body 60. Advantageously, the elbow is rigid, like the connectors, which ensures good resistance and avoids the phenomenon of untimely bending. The input 61 and output 62 connectors can then be positioned on the same face of the pump body 60, even if said face is of restricted size. Indeed, the input 61 and output 62 connectors can be positioned next to each other, as shown, or even be in contact with each other, which makes it possible to limit the size of the peristaltic pump 6 and to simplify the routing of the suction 32 and discharge 33 ducts. Indeed, the inlet 61 and outlet 62 connectors can, thanks to their 90° elbow, be oriented in diametrically opposite directions , while being next to each other, which makes it possible to have a particularly simple and space-saving external liquid circuit to the pump. Indeed, the suction duct 32 and the discharge duct 33 are found practically aligned relative to each other, that is to say in the same plane and practically along the same straight line. Furthermore, each of these ducts enters and leaves the peristaltic pump 6 by the same face of the pump, that is to say by one and the same side. It is thus possible to position the peristaltic pump 6 in a particularly cramped and difficult to access location since it is sufficient for only one face of the pump to be accessible to connect the suction 32 and discharge 33 ducts to it.

As illustrated by figure 6 , the pump also comprises a cover 64 cooperating with the pump body 60. More specifically, the cover 64 is mounted on the pump body 60 which makes it possible to have a pump that is easy to assemble. In particular, the assembly of the various internal components such as the components of a rotor 65 for example is facilitated. In addition, the peristaltic pump 6 can be dismantled and reassembled at will, without any deterioration, for example to intervene on the internal components. The peristaltic pump 6 is also connected to an electric motor 5 intended to set in motion the various moving parts of the peristaltic pump 6 and therefore to move the liquid from the reservoir 3 towards the liquid consumption device 4.

The figure 7 shows the different components of the peristaltic pump 6. Thus, the pump body 60 forms a chamber 68, that is to say a space, a recess or a housing in which there are different elements. In this case, the chamber 68 is defined by the pump body 60 and is closed by the cover 64. The chamber thus contains a deformable pipe 63, a rotor 65 comprising one or more pressing elements 651 connected to the rotor by a support 653 and one or more springs 652. The deformable pipe 63 is fixed and is connected on the one hand to the inlet connector 61 and on the other hand to the outlet connector 62 so as to form a loop. The rotor 65 is located in the center of the loop and is driven in rotation by a drive shaft 51 passing through the pump body 60 and connected to the motor shaft of the electric motor 5. The rotor is guided in rotation by a bearing 645 housed in the lid. During the rotation of the drive shaft, the pressing elements 651, such as rollers for example, then punctually crush the deformable pipe 63, and under the effect of their displacement following the rotation of the rotor 65, this creates a suction phenomenon but also a displacement of the liquid which is inside the deformable pipe 63. Thus the liquid is sucked up on one side of the pump and discharged on the other. This operation is entirely conventional and characteristic of peristaltic pumps known to those skilled in the art so that it is not further detailed here. The peristaltic pump 6 and the electric motor are both connected to a fixing plate 52 for example by means of screws 53.

As can be seen on the figure 7 , the peristaltic pump 6 comprises a sealing device 661, 662, 663. The latter constitutes a safety device forming an integral part of the pump described in detail below.

More precisely, the sealing device of the peristaltic pump 6 comprises a first sealing element 661 disposed between the drive shaft 51 and the pump body 60 (or, alternatively the cover 64). More precisely, the first sealing element 661 is a lip seal and preferably a two-lip seal. Such a seal is in fact very effective in ensuring perfect sealing against any liquid between a rotating part, in this case the drive shaft 51, and a fixed part, in in this case the pump body 60 (or possibly the cover 64). Thus, thanks to the presence of this first sealing element 661, the liquid which could possibly be inside the chamber 68, for example in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe 63 (or accidental disconnection of the inlet connector and/or outlet), could not escape outside the chamber, that is to say outside the peristaltic pump 6, through the interstice, that is to say the functional clearance being between the drive shaft 51 (rotating part) and the pump body 60 (fixed part). The first sealing element 661 guarantees both the correct rotation of the drive shaft 51 relative to the pump body 60 (or possibly to the cover) while guaranteeing the seal between these two parts.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the peristaltic pump 6 also comprises a second sealing element 662 disposed between the pump body 60 and the cover 64, as can be seen in the figure 7 . This second sealing element 662 is advantageously formed by a seal of circular section. The second sealing element 662 is then arranged around the chamber 68, close to the edge, that is to say the periphery of the pump body 60 and of the cover. As can be seen on the figure 7 , the second sealing element 662 follows the contour of the pump body 60 and of the cover 64, and therefore resumes its shape. The second sealing element 662 almost forms a loop on itself, however the latter has two edges, ie it is not closed on itself. Thus, once installed between the pump body and the cover, the second sealing element 662 substantially takes the shape of a horseshoe or even of the capital Greek letter Omega. The presence of this second sealing element 662 thus makes it possible to ensure sealing between the pump body 60 and the cover 64, while allowing disassembly and reassembly of the cover 64. However, it may be noted that this second element of sealing 662 does not go all the way around the pump body 60. In other words, the second sealing element is not located on the entire periphery of the chamber 68 but on at least 60% and preferably 80% of the periphery of the chamber 68. The portion of the remaining periphery is then closed by a third sealing element 663, as will be more precisely described below, which makes it possible to ensure a total tightness between the pump body 60 and the cover 64, and therefore a tightness of the chamber 68.

As can be seen on the figure 7 , the peristaltic pump also comprises a third sealing element 663. The latter comprises a plate through which the inlet 61 and outlet 62 connectors pass. Preferably, the plate is made of silicone, or any other material capable of ensuring the seal. The plate then comprises two orifices allowing the passage of the input 61 and output 62 connectors. The plate is made of a sufficiently elastic material to ensure sealing around said input 61 and output 62 connectors. then in contact with the input 61 and output 62 connectors, the pump body 60, but also the cover 64 as can be seen in the figure 7 . This plate makes it possible in a remarkable way, in association with the second sealing element 662 previously described, to complete the sealing of the chamber 68, that is to say to complete the sealing between the cover 64 and the pump body 60, coming to close the periphery of the chamber.

Thus, thanks to the combined presence of the previously described sealing elements, namely the first sealing element 661, the second sealing element 662, and the third sealing element 663, the chamber 68 is completely sealed. Consequently, if liquid were to accidentally (breakage or disconnection of the deformable pipe 63) escape from the deformable pipe 63 and end up in the chamber 68, the liquid, generally water, would be trapped in the chamber. 68 without being able to escape. This makes it possible to obtain a peristaltic pump that is particularly safe because it is completely sealed, that is to say unable to let any liquid escape, even in the event of its deformable pipe breaking. It is then possible to use the peristaltic pump of the invention in locations where any presence of liquid is prohibited, such as for example in the immediate vicinity of electrical or electronic components.

However, the invention as illustrated includes another safety device, which may moreover constitute an invention as such. Indeed, the pump shown on figures 6 and 7 comprises a drain device 67 designed to, in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe 63 of the peristaltic pump 6, drain the liquid from the chamber 68 towards the outside of the peristaltic pump 6 according to a controlled trajectory. This safety device is particularly effective when it is associated with a household appliance 1 which includes a liquid evacuation device 114, as detailed below.

As can be seen on the figures 5 to 7 , the peristaltic pump 6 comprises two holes 671 which then form a drain device 67 connecting the chamber 68 and the outside of the pump at a precise location, judiciously selected by the designers. Each of the holes has a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm, which corresponds to an evacuation section of 2.26 mm ² . The holes are spaced 2.5 mm apart. Thus, when liquid is accidentally found (for the causes mentioned previously) in the chamber 68, it is possible to control the flow path of the liquid in a precise place, considered and selected in advance by the designers. For example, it is then possible to keep the liquid away, by virtue of the location of the emptying device, during its flow, from any electrical or electronic component.

By combining the emptying device 67 with the sealing elements 661, 662, 663 previously defined, as shown, the controlled emptying of the chamber 68, after a rupture of the deformable pipe 63, only by the emptying device 67, is guaranteed regardless of the orientation of the pump in space. Indeed, if the pump is oriented in accordance with the figure 6 , then the liquid will naturally, by gravity, flow through the emptying device 67 which is then at a low point of the pump body. The presence of the first sealing element 661 and of the third sealing element 663 is, in this case, not necessary for good flow only by the emptying device since these elements are then located above the emptying device 67 On the other hand, if the pump is in another orientation, for example with the inlet 61 and outlet 62 connectors at the bottom, the emptying device 67 then finds itself at a high point of the pump. In the absence of a third sealing element 663, the liquid could then flow through the gap between the pump body 60 and the inlet 61 and outlet 62 connectors. In the absence of a second sealing element 662, the liquid could also escape through the gap between the drive shaft 51 and the pump body 60, even before reaching the emptying device 67. The flow of liquid would then be uncontrolled, as is the case with the pumps of the art front in case of rupture of the deformable pipe. Thanks to the sealing elements 661, 662, 663, previously described, the water cannot flow through these interstices and is therefore forced to flow through the emptying device 67 and only through the emptying device 67. Furthermore, the presence of said sealing elements 661, 662, 663 makes it possible to avoid any flow of unwanted liquid, that is to say elsewhere than through the emptying device, if the latter were to become clogged or could not to ensure sufficient flow to empty the chamber quickly enough.

According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the drain device 67 of the peristaltic pump 6 communicates with the evacuation device 114 of the box 111. In this case, as can be seen in the figures 4 and 5 , the emptying device 67 is located opposite the evacuation device 114. In other words, the emptying device 67 is located opposite the evacuation device 114. More precisely, the emptying device 67 comprises two holes 671, the evacuation device 114 also comprises two orifices 1141, each of the holes 671 belonging to the emptying device 67 being arranged opposite, that is to say opposite, a orifice 1141 of the evacuation device 114.

Advantageously and remarkably, the evacuation section of the emptying device 67 and that of the evacuation device 114 are substantially identical and of the order of 2.26 mm ² which guarantees the total flow of the liquid which could be in the chamber 68 without funnel phenomenon.

The emptying 67 and evacuation 114 devices are then separated by a sealing element 664 ensuring the seal, in this case an O-ring, between the emptying device and the evacuation device 114. The element of sealing 664 is held in a housing around the drain device 67 and is then in contact with the box 111 and the peristaltic pump 6, and in particular of the pump body 60. Thanks to this embodiment of the invention, in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe 63 of the peristaltic pump 6 of the household appliance 1, the liquid would then be evacuated in a controlled manner, defined by design , that is to say in a reflective manner, only by the evacuation device 114, and via the drain device 67 of the peristaltic pump 6, so that the liquid cannot come into contact with any electrical component or electronics located inside the box 111. In other words, the inside of the box 111 is protected from any possible liquid, even in the event of a failure within the peristaltic pump 6, which considerably improves safety. of the household appliance 1, whether for the appliance itself (its electrical or electronic components) and for the user (risk of electrocution).

Claims (14)

1. Hairstyling appliance (1) having a housing (111) comprising a liquid transporting device (32, 6, 33) and/or a liquid storage device (3) and at least one electrical or electronic component, characterised in that the housing (111) comprises a liquid evacuation device (114) designed to evacuate the liquid out of the housing (111) in the event of a leak of liquid from the liquid transporting device (32, 6, 33) and/or liquid storage device (3), and in that said evacuation device is designed such that the liquid cannot come into contact with said at least one electrical or electronic component.
2. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the liquid evacuation device (114) comprises at least one orifice (1141), and preferably two orifices, passing through the housing (111).
3. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said at least one orifice (1141) is a hole, of which the diameter is between 0.5mm and 4mm, preferably between 1mm and 1.5mm.
4. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) articulated together by a hinge (13) so as to form a clamp for shaping hair.
5. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the housing (111) is formed by the first arm (11).
6. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first arm (11) comprises a reservoir (3) and a first surface for treating (112) hair by contact, characterised in that the liquid evacuation device (114) is located between the reservoir (3) and the first treatment surface (112).
7. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the liquid evacuation device (114) is located at a distance between 10mm and 50mm from the edge of the first treatment surface (112), preferably between 20mm and 30mm.
8. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the liquid transporting device comprises a peristaltic pump (6) which comprises a pump body (60) defining a chamber (68) wherein a deformable pipe (63) is located, intended to contain a liquid to be displaced, as well as a liquid draining device (67) designed to, in case of rupture of the deformable pipe (63) of the pump, empty the liquid from the chamber (68) outwards from the pump along a controlled path, and in that said draining device (67) communicates with said evacuation device (114).
9. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the liquid draining device (67) is designed through the pump body (60).
10. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the peristaltic pump (6) comprises a cover (64) cooperating with the pump body (60) and in that the liquid draining device (67) is designed through the cover (64).
11. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10 connected to claim 2, characterised in that the liquid draining device (67) comprises at least one hole (671), said at least one orifice (1141), and at least one hole (671), being designed facing one another.
12. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the liquid draining device (67) comprises a sealing element (664) disposed between said draining and evacuation devices.
13. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the sealing element (664) comprises an O-ring.
14. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that said peristaltic pump (6) comprises a sealing device (661, 662, 663) designed to contain the liquid inside the chamber (68) in case of rupture of the deformable pipe (63).

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