FR3131514A1 - STEAM STYLING APPLIANCE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating from a liquid a stream of vapor intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user, a supply device for supplying liquid to the vaporization device and a control system configured to control at least the operation of said supply device, the control system being configured to implement an operational mode of operation, in which the supply device supplies the vaporization device according to a first supply mass flow rate, and a transient mode of operation prior to the operational mode of operation, in which the supply device (6) supplies the vaporizing device with a second supply mass flow rate which is greater than the first supply mass flow rate. 11.

Description

STEAM HAIR STYLING DEVICE

The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, intended to ensure shaping, and/or beautification and/or improvement of the health of the hair, and more precisely to the field of electric portable hairdressing appliances such as hairdressing brushes, straightening brushes, detangling brushes or straighteners.

The invention relates more precisely to a steam hairdressing device comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user, a device for power supply for supplying liquid to the vaporization device and a control system configured to control at least the operation of the liquid supply device.

Hairdressing devices are known for subjecting the hair to a flow of water vapor, in association with mechanical and thermal treatment. This thermomechanical steam treatment is for example carried out by means of a brush comprising heating pins carried by a brushing head which is also provided with orifices diffusing steam. This emission of steam, associated with the mechanical action of brushing as well as the thermal action provided by the heating pins, facilitates the styling operation and makes it possible to improve its effectiveness, while preserving, at least to a certain extent. measurement, the appearance of the hair.

However, starting the steam generation function of these devices can sometimes be improved. In particular, instabilities in the flow rate of the steam flow generated can sometimes be observed. In addition, the user does not necessarily have any indication that the steam emission means of the device are functional. It is then sometimes difficult for the user to know if the device is really ready to be used or is even simply functional.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to provide a response to the above-mentioned needs and problems, and to propose in particular a new steam hairdressing device having a steam generation function with optimized operation, in particular at the start of the device.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device whose use is particularly intuitive, in particular for a user lacking particular skills in hairdressing.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device whose use is particularly practical and simple.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device whose design makes it possible to subject the hair in a particularly effective manner to a flow of steam.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device whose use is particularly safe and comfortable, with a minimized risk of burns.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device which, while making it possible to obtain, easily and quickly, particularly satisfactory styling and hair shaping effects, significantly improves the appearance of the hair. hair, and in particular their shine, as well as their surface condition.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new process for producing steam by a hairdressing device allowing optimized operation of a steam generation function of the hairdressing device, in particular when starting the latter.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new process for producing steam by a hairdressing device which is particularly simple, practical, effective and easily understandable by the user.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a steam hairdressing device comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user, a supply device for supplying liquid to the vaporization device, and a control system configured to control at least the operation of said supply device, said control system being configured to implement
– an operational mode of operation, in which the supply device supplies liquid to the vaporization device according to a first mass supply flow rate, and
– a transient operating mode prior to said operational operating mode, in which the supply device supplies liquid to the vaporization device at a second mass supply flow rate which is greater than said first mass supply flow rate.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method of producing steam by a steam hairdressing device comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user and a supply device for supplying liquid to the vaporization device, said method being characterized in that it comprises:
– an operational operating step of the hairdressing device, during which the supply device supplies liquid to the vaporization device according to a first mass supply flow rate, and
– a transient operating step of the hairdressing device, prior to said operational operating step, and during which the supply device supplies liquid to the vaporization device at a second mass supply flow rate which is greater than said first flow rate feed mass.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, among which:

is a schematic perspective view of a hairdressing device according to the invention, constituted in this case by a hairdressing brush;

is a schematic perspective view of the hairdressing apparatus of the , of which cowling elements and elements of the head have been omitted so as to reveal internal design details of the device. Furthermore, a piping element connecting the liquid supply device to the device for vaporizing said liquid has been omitted;

is an exploded view of a hairdressing device according to the invention. Certain elements of piping and electrical wiring in particular have been omitted;

is a schematic perspective view of the head of the hairdressing appliances of the preceding figures;

illustrates in isolation, in a schematic perspective view, a one-piece piece, for example made of cast aluminum, which contributes to forming the head of the or that of the , and which include heating pins and steam pins here;

schematically illustrates in the form of a graph an example of configuration of the control system of the liquid supply device of an apparatus according to the invention;

schematically illustrates in the form of a graph another example of configuration of the control system of the liquid supply device of an apparatus according to the invention;

schematically illustrates in the form of a graph yet another example of configuration of the control system of the liquid supply device of an apparatus according to the invention;

schematically illustrates in the form of a graph yet another example of configuration of the control system of the liquid supply device of an apparatus according to the invention;

schematically illustrates in the form of a graph yet another example of configuration of the control system of the liquid supply device of an apparatus according to the invention;

schematically illustrates in the form of a graph yet another example of configuration of the control system of the liquid supply device of an apparatus according to the invention.

The hairdressing device 1 according to the invention is preferably portable, that is to say that at least part, and preferably the whole, of the device 1 is designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand. hand. The hairdressing device 1 is preferably a portable electrical device, intended to be connected to the electricity distribution network to be electrically powered. It is however alternatively possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the device 1 to carry electrical power batteries, possibly rechargeable. The hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed for use in a domestic setting, and is intended to ensure shaping of the hair, and/or beautification of the hair and/or improvement of the health of the hair. Preferably, the hairdressing device 1 is designed so that the user uses the hairdressing device 1 on himself, that is to say on his own hair. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed for use by the user on the hair of a third person (or other user). Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is intended for use in a domestic setting by a user (woman or man) lacking particular professional hairdressing skills. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 constitutes a hairdressing brush. The invention is however not limited to a hairdressing device 1 forming a hairdressing brush, and the hairdressing device 1 can for example constitute a straightening brush, a detangling brush or a straightener, without however being outside the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises a handle 2 for manual gripping, which is intended to be grasped by hand, and for example grasped, by the user, to manipulate the hairdressing appliance 1. The handle 2 extends for example longitudinally, along a central longitudinal axis X-X', between a first end from which emerges for example an electrical power cable, and a second opposite end. The hairdressing device 1 advantageously comprises a head 3 for engaging the hair, that is to say for preferably coming into contact with the hair in order to subject it to mechanical, thermal and/or fluidic action. The head 3 is advantageously carried by said handle 2, and extends for example longitudinally, along said central axis X-X', between a rear end secured to the second end of the handle 2, and a free front end. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the handle 2 has a substantially elongated shape which is extended by the head 3, which is advantageously wider than the handle 2 and has for example a generally substantially oblong shape. Preferably and as illustrated, the handle 2 and the head 3 are formed, at least in part, by a single-piece main body, of the box type, for example made of plastic material. The head 3 advantageously has a front face 3A which, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is preferably provided with brushing pins 7 between and against which the hair is intended to be and to move, during use. of the hairdressing appliance 1.

The hairdressing appliance 1 comprises steam emitting means, which are configured to subject the hair to a flow of steam. More precisely, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises, included in said steam emission means:
– a liquid vaporization device 5 for generating, from a liquid, a flow of vapor intended to be directed towards and on the user's hair,
– a supply device 6 for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5, and
– a control system 8 configured to control at least the operation of the liquid supply device 6, and preferably also the operation of the vaporization device 5.

Preferably, the liquid concerned is water. The term " water " can refer to any liquid containing primarily water (i.e. at least 50% by weight water, and preferably at least 80% by weight water, even more preferentially at least 95% by weight of water) and capable of transforming into steam, and thus includes distilled water, running tap water, but also different aqueous solutions containing cosmetic, olfactory elements , etc.

The term “ steam ” must here be taken in an extensive sense and thus designates indifferently:
– a substance (preferably water) in the gaseous state, or
– said substance (preferably water) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and/or microdroplets, or
– a mixture of said substance (preferably water) in the gaseous state and of said substance (preferably water) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and/or microdroplets .

In other words, the expression " water vapor " should not be limited to its strictly scientific definition and here covers water in the gaseous state, particles of liquid water suspended in the air, or a mixture of water in the gaseous state and liquid water particles (droplets/microdroplets) suspended in the air.

The vaporization device 5 advantageously comprises a vaporization chamber 50 provided with a liquid supply inlet 501 and at least one vapor outlet 502. Preferably and as illustrated, the vaporization device 5 also comprises a (first) heating device 51 designed to heat the vaporization chamber 50 and thus transform, within the vaporization chamber 50, the liquid into vapor. Advantageously connected to the control system 8 in order to be controlled by the latter, the first heating device 51 is formed for example by one or more resistive elements capable of heating by the Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor ( s), with “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC)), said resistive elements being advantageously arranged in contact with the vaporization chamber 50. Said steam outlet 502 is for its part advantageously in fluidic communication, preferably permanent, with the surrounding outside air, preferably via at least one steam ejection orifice 710, arranged on the side of the front face 3A, as will be described in more detail in the following. For example, said steam ejection orifice(s) 710 is(are) in fluid communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 50 via a channeling device 52 connected on one side to the steam outlet 502 and the other audits at least one steam ejection orifice 710.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vaporization chamber 50 is advantageously maintained permanently at atmospheric pressure, as envisaged above, which avoids in particular having to resort to an outlet valve, due to the absence of rise in steam pressure within the vaporization chamber 50 and the device 1. Among the advantages of such a design, we can note in particular the absence of risk of overpressure (and therefore the absence of need to have means to prevent or manage such excess pressures), as well as a reduced risk of ejection of a stream of steam at too high a temperature likely to damage and/or burn the hair or scalp. Indeed, due to the absence of pressurization of the vaporization chamber 50, the temperature of the water vapor flow advantageously does not exceed 100 ° C. In addition, the speed of the steam flow and the distance traveled by the latter outside the device 1 are limited due to the absence of overpressure, which contributes to limiting the risk of burning the scalp, and therefore to a greater safety for the user.

Said liquid supply device 6 preferably comprises a reservoir 60 for storing a quantity of liquid (preferably liquid water), and a pump 61 connected to said reservoir 60 and said vaporization device 5, for example via a pipe connected to the supply inlet 501 of the vaporization chamber 50. The control system 8 is advantageously configured to control an output flow rate (and in particular a mass flow rate) of said pump 61 , typically by controlling a rotation speed of a drive motor of the pump 61. Advantageously on board, the reservoir 60 is for example removable, that is to say it is detachable from the main body of the device 1 with a view to filling it, which in particular makes it possible to do without an earth connection for the electrical supply of the device 1. To this end, the tank 60 is preferably substantially at atmospheric pressure. The use of a pump 61 associated with a tank 60 at atmospheric pressure, rather than a pressurized tank associated with a valve, also allows optimal safety of use and increased reliability in terms of flow control. Preferably, said pump 61 is a peristaltic pump, which allows very fine control of low flow rates and guarantees relatively constant flow rates if necessary. Alternatively, a diaphragm pump or other suitable type could be considered, although a peristaltic pump remains preferred. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the device 1 does not have a device for heating the tank 60, so that the liquid contained in the latter remains substantially at room temperature when using the device.

Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises at least one heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair, to transmit heat to it. The steam emission means are then advantageously configured to subject said steam flow to said hair in contact with said heating element 4. In other words, the hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed so that hair can be simultaneously in contact with said heating element 4. contact at least locally with said heating element 4, and subjected at least locally to a flow of steam, during the styling operation, during which the head 3 engages the hair, for example to brush it, preferably by means of the brushing pins 7 mentioned above.

In this way, the device 1 is therefore preferably designed to subject the hair engaged by the head 3 to a thermo-mechanical steam treatment, according to which the hair is simultaneously subjected to:
– a mechanical action, due to the brushing carried out by the movement of the front face 3A, from which brushing pins 7 preferably project, on and against the hair;
– a thermal action, by contact and/or proximity with the heating element 4, which is advantageously carried by the head 3;
– and a fluidic action, which in this case is a steam treatment, consisting of subjecting to steam (and preferably water vapor) the hair engaged by the head 3 and in contact with and/or near the heating element 4, advantageously via the steam ejection orifice(s) 710/steam pins 71 which will be described in the following.

The simultaneous implementation, and advantageously combined, of these three treatments (mechanical, thermal and steam) advantageously makes it possible to beautify, and/or care for, and/or repair the hair, and advantageously also allows for shaping. hair, in particular by disciplining it.

For example arranged inside the handle 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, the control system 8 advantageously comprises an electronic circuit which typically includes in particular a printed circuit and one or more microcontrollers, and which is electrically connected at least to the device supply 6, and in particular to the pump 61 of the latter, in order to control its operation and therefore to control a (mass) flow rate of liquid supply to the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5. preferably, the control system 8 is also electrically connected to the vaporization device 5, and in particular to said first heating device 51 of the latter, in order to control its operation and therefore to control the temperature of the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5. In the case where the device 1 advantageously comprises a heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair to transmit heat to it, as envisaged above, the control system 8 can advantageously be configured to additionally control (directly or indirectly) the operation, or at least the thermal state, of the heating element 4. In this case, the control system 8 can then advantageously be electrically connected to a second heating device 40 , designed and arranged to heat said heating element 4, in order to control its thermal state and in particular to control a (first) surface temperature (that is to say surface temperature). Alternatively, the operation of the heating element 4 could be controlled, for the same purposes, by another system than said control system 8. The second heating device 40 can be formed, for example, by one or more resistive elements capable of heating by Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor(s), with “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC)). Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second heating device 40 of the heating element 4 is distinct from said first heating device 51 of the vaporization chamber 50.

The control system 8 is configured to implement a mode (or “regime”) of operational operation E _N of the hairdressing appliance 1, that is to say a normal, nominal operating mode, in which the The device 1 can be used normally for styling, brushing, detangling and/or straightening hair using a stream of steam. The operational mode of operation E _N can advantageously correspond to a stationary or quasi-stationary regime (or "cruising" regime) of operation of the hairdressing appliance 1. In accordance with the invention, the control system 8 is more specifically configured so that, in said operational operating mode E _N , the supply device 6 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to a first mass supply flow rate D _N (“normal mass flow rate” or “operational mass flow rate” ). Advantageously, the control system 8 is configured as such to control the operation of the pump 61 of the supply device 6 so that said pump 61 takes liquid from the reservoir 60 and delivers it, according to said first mass flow rate of supply D _N , towards the vaporization device 5, and in particular towards the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter. In the operational operating mode E _N, the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing vaporization of the liquid, which is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100 ° C and 180 ° C , preferably still between 105 ° C and 150 ° C and for example substantially equal to 130 ° C, so that the liquid thus supplied to the vaporization device 5 by the supply device 6 is vaporized within the chamber of vaporization 50 so as to form the steam flow, or “operational steam flow”, intended to be directed towards and on the user's hair.

The control system 8 is further configured to implement a transient operating mode (or “regime”) E_Tprior to said operational mode of operation E_NOT, which advantageously corresponds to a temporary, non-operational regime of the hairdressing device 1. The hairdressing device 1 is therefore designed to be in said transient operating mode E_T, during which the device 1 is not normally intended to be used for treating hair, then in the operational mode of operation E_NOT, in which the device 1 is then fully usable for styling hair. In other words, unlike the operational mode of operation E_NOT, the transient operating mode E_Tis limited in time independently of the use of the hairdressing appliance 1. Thus, when starting up the hairdressing appliance 1, which corresponds for example to a power supply of the latter (preferably controlled by a switch), device 1 is initially in transient operating mode E_T(which begins at time t₀in the examples of Figures 6 to 11). Transient operating mode E_Tis then followed by operational operating mode E_{NOT (}which begins at time t₃in the examples of Figures 6 to 11), in which the device 1 advantageously remains until it is for example turned off (end of power supply) by the user. In accordance with the invention, the control system 8 is more specifically configured so that, in said transient operating mode E_T, the supply device 6 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to a second mass supply flow rate D_Twhich is greater (strictly) than said first feed mass flow rate D_NOT(i.e. according to a non-zero value of the second mass feed flow rate D_Twhich is (strictly) greater than a respective non-zero value of the first feed mass flow rate D_NOT). Thus, while the first feed mass flow rate D_NOTadvantageously corresponds to a normal liquid supply mass flow rate of the vaporization device 5, said second supply mass flow rate D_Tadvantageously corresponds to a mass flow rate of “supercharging” liquid of said vaporization device 5. Advantageously, the control system 8 is configured in this respect to control the operation of the pump 61 of the supply device 6 so that said pump 61 takes liquid from the reservoir 60 and delivers it, according to said second mass feed flow rate D_T, towards the vaporization device 5, and in particular towards the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter. In transient operating mode E_T,the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, which is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100 ° C and 180 ° C, more preferably between 105 ° C and 150 ° C and for example substantially equal to 130 ° C, so that the liquid thus supplied to the vaporization device 5 by the supply device 6 is vaporized within the vaporization chamber 50. Such ranges and value of temperature are particularly well suited when the liquid is essentially water, for use of the device 1 at room temperature and at an altitude close to sea level. Constant or not, the temperature of the vaporization device 5 must be maintained greater than or equal to 100 °C during operational operating mode E_NOT, including in the event of a sudden supply of liquid. However, the temperature of the vaporization device 5 must not be too high in order to avoid the appearance of a heating phenomenon, which may prove detrimental to the proper functioning of the vaporization device 5. A temperature of one value of 130°C, or at least advantageously between 105°C and 150°C, thus presents a good compromise.

The ability of the hairdressing appliance 1 to implement such a transient operating mode E_T, during which the vaporization device 5 is temporarily supercharged with liquid, makes it possible in particular to quickly and efficiently initiate the generation of steam, so that the device 1 is then in optimal conditions to generate the steam flow ("flow of steam"). operational steam") intended to be directed towards and on the user's hair, when the device 1 is in operational operating mode E_NOT. In this sense, said transient operating mode E_Tcan thus advantageously correspond to a so-called “forced priming” regime of steam generation by the vaporization device 5. This also makes it possible to replace all or part of the air, present in the different supply piping elements in liquid and/or steam guidance of the device 1, by liquid and/or steam and therefore again accelerate the provision of the hairdressing device 1 to the user. In addition, such a temporary oversupply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 can advantageously result, during the transient operating mode E_T, a particularly imperfect vaporization of the liquid resulting in the formation of vapor more heavily loaded with droplets and/or microdroplets of liquid than is the vapor subsequently generated during the operational mode of operation E_NOT. To the extent that said at least one steam outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is advantageously in permanent fluid communication with the surrounding exterior air via said at least one vapor ejection orifice 710 , as envisaged previously, it advantageously follows the ejection from the device 1, during the transient operating mode E_Tof a steam flow (“transient steam flow” or “initial steam flow”) which is more visible to the naked eye by the user than is the steam flow (“operational steam flow” ) which is then ejected during the operational mode of operation E_NOT.Typically, the fluid being water, the transient vapor flow can thus be emitted in the form of a cloud or a whitish fog, while the operational vapor flow, less loaded with droplets and/or microdroplets of Liquid water is emitted in a more transparent form, more difficult to detect with the naked eye. This phenomenon then advantageously contributes to visually informing the user of the fact that the steam generation function of the device 1 is indeed functional.

Still to the extent that said at least one steam outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is advantageously in permanent fluidic communication with the surrounding exterior air, it also follows that the transient vapor flow can be advantageously ejected from the device 1 during the transient operating mode E _T , preferably via said at least one steam ejection orifice 710, according to a second mass flow rate of steam (“transient mass flow rate of steam " or "initial mass flow rate of steam") which is greater than a first mass flow rate of steam (or "operational mass flow rate of steam") according to which the operational steam flow can be advantageously ejected from the device 1 during the mode of operational operation E _N . In other words, the implementation of the transient operating mode E _T can advantageously result in a burst of a large steam jet (or “ burst ” in English). The emission of such an initial jet of steam also advantageously contributes to informing the user of the fact that the steam generation function of the device 1 is indeed functional. What is more, the emission of such an initial jet of steam can advantageously contribute to freeing, where appropriate, said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 from possible small foreign bodies likely to obstruct or damage it. cover at least partially (dust, hair debris, dander, dry residue of hairspray or styling gel, etc.).

Thus, the device 1 finds itself, at the end of the transient operating mode E _T , in optimal steam generation operational conditions with a view to optimal use of the device 1 in operational operating mode E _N for style, brush, detangle and/or straighten hair using steam.

Preferably, the control system 8 is configured to automatically control a transition from temporary operating mode E _T to operational operating mode E _N. The transition from transient operating mode E _T to operational operating mode E _N is therefore preferably carried out automatically, without positive intervention from the user. This ensures optimal operation of the hairdressing device 1 without having to request any intervention from the user. The latter can however be warned of the achievement of the operational operating mode E _N by any suitable signaling means, and for example by the cessation of said temporary steam flow emitted in the form of a cloud or a whitish fog. Preferably, the values that the first and second supply flow rates D _N , D _T are respectively likely to affect are fixed (by the designers of the device 1), that is to say they are not preferably not modifiable by the user. As such, the hairdressing appliance 1 is therefore advantageously devoid of adjustment means allowing the user to set or adjust one and/or the other of said values of said first and second supply flow rates D _N , D _T .

Advantageously, the control system 8 is configured so that, during the operational operating mode E _N , the average value of the first mass feed rate D _N is at least equal to 0.5 g/min, preferably between 0.5 g/min (grams per minute) and 3 g/min, more preferably between 0.5 g/min and 1.1 g/min, and for example substantially equal to 0.8 g/min . Thus, the steam flow (operational steam flow) emitted by the steam emission means of the hairdressing appliance 1 when the latter is in operational operating mode E _N can advantageously present a first mass flow rate of steam ( operational mass flow rate of steam) of an average value symmetrically at least equal to 0.5 g/min, preferably between 0.5 g/min and 3 g/min, more preferably between 0.5 g/min and 1.1 g/min, and for example substantially equal to 0.8 g/min. Such average steam mass flow values prove to be well suited for effective styling, brushing, detangling and/or straightening of hair with steam. In addition, such average values of first mass flow rate of supply D _N allow excellent autonomy of the device 1 in liquid, so that it is not necessary to implement a reservoir 60 of high capacity and therefore bulky or to fill the tank 60 during the same session of use of the device 1. The comfort of use is therefore improved.

According to a variant, illustrated for examples in Figures 6 and 8 to 11, in the operational operating mode E _N , the average value of the first mass flow rate of supply D _N is constant, unique. In other words, the control system 8 is therefore configured so that the average value of said first mass feed rate D _N , predefined and unique, is maintained substantially constant (and not zero), fixed, throughout the duration during which the control system 8 commands effective operation of the power supply device 6 during the operational operating mode E _N. According to an alternative variant, illustrated for example in , in the operational operating mode E _N , the average value of the first supply mass flow D _N is on the contrary variable, that is to say that it varies, fluctuates, during the duration during which the control system 8 controls effective operation of the power supply device 6. For example, the average value of the first mass flow rate of supply D _N can alternately affect a minimum value D _N1 or a maximum value D _N2, and preferably in a cyclical, periodic manner , according to predefined duration sequences, and for example according to predefined sinusoidal or slot pattern.

Alternatively, illustrated for examples in Figures 7 to 11 and compatible with a value of the first mass feed flow rate D _N which is constant ( to 11) or on the contrary variable ( ), the control system 8 is configured to control, in said operational operating mode E _N , a supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 by the supply device 6 continuously over time. According to this variant, the vaporization device 5 is therefore supplied continuously, without interruption, with liquid as long as the device 1 is in the operational operating mode E _N. As such, the control system 8 therefore advantageously controls continuous operation of the pump 61 of the supply device during said operational operating mode E _N.

According to an alternative variant, illustrated for example in and also compatible with a value of the first mass feed rate D _N which is constant or on the contrary variable, the control system 8 is configured to control, in said operational operating mode E _N , a liquid supply to the device vaporization 5 by the supply device 6 in a discontinuous manner over time, and advantageously cyclical, sequential. In other words, according to this variant, the supply device 5 is therefore controlled by the control system 8 so as to supply the vaporization device 5 intermittently, preferably according to a cyclical, sequential diagram, and for example according to a periodic pattern in slots. Thus, the operational mode of operation E _N can therefore advantageously correspond to an alternation
– periods of supply of the vaporization device 5 for a first predetermined duration, either always according to a (same) constant (and not zero), single average value of first mass supply flow rate D _N , or alternatively according to a value minimum D _N1 or a maximum value D _N2 of the first mass feed flow rate D _N ,
– and period of absence of supply to said vaporization device 5 for a second predetermined duration (zero value of the first mass supply flow rate D _N ).

The choice between a constant average value and a variable average value of the first mass feed flow rate D _N , as well as the choice between a continuous or discontinuous liquid supply to the vaporization device 5, may depend on several parameters, and in particular:
– the average value of the first mass flow rate of supply D _N with regard to the volume and/or the temperature of the vaporization chamber 50 (and therefore its capacity to vaporize a more or less significant quantity of liquid in a given time ) ;
– the design and intrinsic operating characteristics of the supply device 6, and in particular of the pump 61 of the latter: typically, a choice of a continuous supply according to an average value of the first mass supply flow D _N which is constant (Figures 8 to 11) is particularly well suited when the pump 61 is a peristaltic pump;
– as well as possible variation effects that we wish to give to the flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair: flow of steam ejected according to an average value of constant or variable mass flow of steam, flow of steam ejected continuously or discontinuously.

Typically, the control of the aforementioned mass flow rates of supply D _T , D _N , D _N1 , D _N2 by the control system 8 can be carried out via one or more programmed, memorized control laws, for example in one or more microprocessors that can include the control system 8 as mentioned previously.

In order to further optimize the aforementioned effect of "forced initiation" of the generation of steam by the vaporization device 5, as well as advantageously the effect of generating an initial jet of steam in the form of a cloud of steam particularly visually detectable by the user, the average value of the second mass feed flow rate D _T is preferably between 120% and 1000% of the respective average value of the first mass feed flow rate D _N. More preferably, the average value of the second mass feed flow rate D _T is between 150% and 300% and for example equal to 150%, of the respective average value of the first mass feed flow rate D _N. This makes it possible in particular, on the one hand, to limit the risk of ejection by the device 1 of hot drops of liquid, and therefore dangerous for the user, under the effect of too insufficient vaporization of said liquid and, on the other hand on the other hand, to make the operation of the liquid supply device 6 more reliable, in particular by limiting the risk of scaling of the vaporization chamber 50. Preferably, the average value of the second mass supply flow rate D _T is between 0, 6 g/min and 5 g/min, preferably between 1 g/min and 2.5 g/min, and for example substantially equal to 1.2 g/min. This is particularly advantageous when the average value of the first mass feed flow rate D _N is between 0.5 g/min and 3 g/min, preferably between 0.5 g/min and 1.1 g/min , and for example equal to 0.8 g / min.

Preferably, as illustrated for examples in Figures 6 to 11, in the transient operating mode E _T , the average value of the second mass feed rate D _T is constant, unique. In other words, the control system 8 is therefore configured so that the average value of said second mass feed rate D _T , predefined and unique, is maintained substantially constant (and not zero), fixed, throughout the duration during which the control system 8 controls effective operation of the power supply device 6 during the transient operating mode E _T. Preferably, the control system 8 is configured to control, in the transient operating mode E _T , a supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 by the supply device 6 continuously over time. According to this preferred variant, when the control system 8 controls the supply of the vaporization device 5 during the transient operating mode E _T , the supply of liquid according to said second mass supply flow rate D _T is then done in one only once, all at once, and not in a fractional, sequential manner. The two aforementioned additional preferential characteristics, each taken independently or preferably in combination, contribute in particular to simplifying the implementation of the transient operating mode E _T and to optimizing the aforementioned effect of “forced initiation” of steam generation by the vaporization device 5, as well as advantageously the effect of generating an initial jet of steam in the form of a cloud particularly visually detectable by the user.

Whether the average value of the second mass flow rate of supply D _T is chosen constant or variable, and whether the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is configured to take place continuously or discontinuously over time, there remains none no less preferable than the effective supply duration(s) of the vaporization device 5 according to the second mass supply flow rate D _T are chosen sufficiently short with regard to the value of the second mass supply flow rate D _T and the volume and/or temperature of the vaporization chamber 50 (and therefore its capacity to vaporize a more or less significant quantity of liquid in a given time) to avoid saturation of the vaporization chamber 50 which could lead to the emission of a jet of burning drops of liquid during the transient operating mode E _T. As such, it is preferable that the control system 8 is configured so that, in said transient operating mode E _T , the vaporization device 5 is supplied with liquid during a transient supply duration d _T of a value between 1 s and 120 s, preferably between 10 s and 30 s, and for example equal to 15 s. This is particularly advantageous when the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is carried out continuously over time, according to an average value of the second mass supply flow rate D _T which is constant and preferably between 0.6 g / min and 5 g/min, preferably still between 1 g/min and 2.5 g/min. Such a configuration is particularly well suited in fact for a vaporization chamber 50 of conventional dimensions equipping a portable steam hairdressing device of the hairdressing brush, straightening brush, detangling brush or straightener type.

Advantageously, the control system 8 is configured to implement, during said transient operating mode E _T :
– a main sub-mode (or “sub-regime”) E _Tp , in which the supply device 6 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to said second mass supply flow rate D _T in accordance with what has been described previously, and
– a preheating sub-mode (or “sub-regime”) E _Tc , prior to said main sub-mode E _Tp , during which the vaporization device 5 is gradually brought to a predefined temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, the value of which is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal to 130°C.

During said preheating sub-mode E _Tc , the vaporization device 5 is therefore advantageously not supplied with liquid. As envisaged above, the control system 8 is advantageously connected to the first heating device 51 of the vaporization device 5 in order to control a progressive rise in the temperature of the latter, and in particular of the vaporization chamber 50, until upon reaching a sufficient predefined temperature value (typically greater than or equal to 100 °C in the case of water, and preferably within the ranges - or equal to the aforementioned preferential value) to cause vaporization immediate liquid when the latter will then be introduced into the vaporization chamber 50 during the main sub-mode E _Tp . Optionally, the value of the predefined preheating temperature of the vaporization device 5 could be chosen higher than the operating temperature of the vaporization device 5 during the operational operating mode E _N , so as to promote more intense, more brutal vaporization, liquid during the main sub-mode E _Tp and/or so as to take into account a possible cooling phenomenon of the vaporization device 5 under the effect of the liquid supply during the main sub-mode E _Tp . Alternatively, and although in a less preferential manner in particular in terms of the ease of design and the reliability of operation of the device 1, it is possible that such a vaporization temperature of the vaporization device 5 is not controlled by the control system 8, but for example by another distinct system, and that the control system 8 is not configured to implement such a preheating sub-mode E _Tc .

The control system 8 is more preferably configured to automatically control a transition from said preheating sub-mode E _Tc to said main sub-mode E _Tp as a function of at least one of the following criteria: once the value of the temperature predefined temperature is reached and/or at the expiration of a predefined preheating time, and more preferably once said value of the predefined temperature is reached. The transition from the preheating sub-mode E _Tc to the main sub-mode E _Tp is therefore preferably carried out automatically, without positive intervention from the user. This guarantees that the functional device 1 is made available without the user having to take care of it. The device 1 can thus comprise, for example, a temperature probe which is arranged in contact with the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5, and which is connected to the control system 8 in order to transmit to the latter information as to at the temperature of the vaporization chamber 50, and to maintain a power supply to the first heating device 51 as long as the predefined temperature value is not reached. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 8 may comprise, for example, an internal clock to control maintaining an electrical supply of the first heating device 51 at least until the expiration of said predefined preheating time. The value of the predefined preheating time may possibly depend on certain technical characteristics of the device 1 (electrical power, dimensioning of the vaporization device 5, for example), and is obviously chosen sufficient to authorize the achievement of the value of the preset temperature. Typically, the value of the preheating time, predefined or not, is advantageously between 10 s and 60 s, and for example 45 s, without this range and this value being of course limiting.

Optionally, as illustrated in examples in Figures 6 and 9 to 11, the control system 8 can be configured:
– to implement, during said transient operating mode E _T and at the end of said main sub-mode E _Tp , a time delay sub-mode (or “sub-regime”) E _Tt during which the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is interrupted,
– then to automatically control the transition from the timing sub-mode E _Tt (and therefore from the transient operating mode E _T ) to the operational operating mode E _N, and therefore automatically control the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 according to said first mass flow rate D _N (variable or not, continuous or discontinuous).

In other words, the transient operating mode E_Tthen advantageously ends with the implementation of a particular operating sub-mode during which the vaporization device 5 is not supplied with liquid by the supply device 6 (zero value of the second mass supply flow rate D_T). The implementation of such a timer sub-mode E_Ttmay prove interesting, depending in particular on the choice of the average value of the second mass feed flow rate D_Tand the sizing of the vaporization device 5, in order to allow the latter to finish vaporizing the liquid and/or evacuating the vapor at the end of the main sub-mode E_T if necessary, and thus avoid saturation of the vaporization chamber 50 which could degrade its performance, or even the emission of a jet of burning drops of liquid when operating mode E is engaged._NOT.Furthermore, since “boosting” (second mass flow D_Tsupply) can lead to a drop in the temperature of the vaporization device 5, the implementation of such a time delay sub-mode E_Tt,can advantageously allow the time necessary for the vaporization device 5 to be gradually reduced to said predefined temperature value (or to another predefined target temperature value, in the event that the temperature value predefined temperature of the vaporization device 5 during operational operating mode E_NOTdiffers from the predefined temperature value to be reached during preheating sub-mode E_Tc).

According to a principle similar to that described above with regard to the preheating sub-mode E _Tc , the control system 8 can thus be advantageously configured to automatically control the transition from the temporary operating mode E _T to the operational operating mode E _N depending on at least one of the following criteria: once a predefined target value of the temperature of the vaporization device 5 is reached (use of a temperature probe, for example) and/or upon expiration a predefined pause time (use of an internal clock, for example).

Below will be detailed, in connection with the graphics of Figures 6 to 11, some examples of configuration of the control system 8 of a device 1 conforming to the invention.

Example 1 : In the example of , the control system 8 is configured so that once the device 1 is started (t ₀ ), the latter is automatically found successively:
– from t ₀ : in the preheating sub-mode E _Tc, to gradually bring the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 to a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C, and this in one preheating time of 45 s (t ₁ = t ₀ + 45 s);
– from t ₁ : in the main sub-mode E _Tp , during which the vaporization chamber 50 is supplied with liquid water continuously according to an average value of second mass supply flow D _T of 2.4 g / min during a transient power supply duration d _T of 15 s (t ₂ = t ₁ + 15 s = t ₀ + 60 s);
– from t ₂ : in the time delay sub-mode E _Tt , during which the vaporization chamber 50 is interrupted for 5 s (t ₃ = t ₂ + 5 s = t ₀ + 65 s);
– then from t ₃ : in the operational operating mode E _N , during which the vaporization chamber 50 is supplied with liquid water discontinuously by cyclical alternation of supply periods for a first predetermined duration of 2 s, according to a constant average value of first mass feed rate D _N of 1.6 g/min, and periods of no feed for a second predetermined duration of 5 s. Throughout the duration of said operational operating mode E _N , the vaporization chamber 50 is maintained at a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C.

Example 2 : In the example of , the control system 8 is configured so that once the device 1 is started (t ₀ ), the latter is automatically found successively:
– from t ₀ : in the preheating sub-mode E _Tc, to gradually bring the vaporization chamber 50 to a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C, and this in a preheating time of 45 s ;
– from t ₁ : in the main sub-mode E _Tp , during which the vaporization chamber 50 is supplied with liquid water continuously according to an average value of second mass supply flow D _T of 2.4 g / min for a transient power supply duration d _T of 15 s;
– then, from t ₃ : in the operational operating mode E _N , during which the vaporization chamber 50 is supplied with liquid water continuously by cyclical alternation
– – supply periods for a first predetermined duration of 5 s, according to a minimum average value D _N1 constant of first mass feed rate D _N of 0.5 g / min, and
– – supply periods for a second predetermined duration of 2 s, according to a minimum average value D _N1 constant of first mass feed rate D _N of 1 g / min, the vaporization chamber 50 being maintained at a predefined temperature vaporization of the liquid for example equal to 130 ° C.

Example 3 : In the example of , the control system 8 is configured so that once the device 1 is started (t ₀ ), the latter is automatically found successively:
– from t ₀ : in the preheating sub-mode E _Tc, to gradually bring the vaporization chamber 50 to a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C, and this in a preheating time of 45 s ;
– from t ₁ : in the main sub-mode E _Tp , during which the vaporization chamber 50 is supplied with liquid water continuously according to an average value of second mass supply flow D _T of 2.4 g / min for a transient power supply duration d _T of 15 s;
– then, from t ₃ : in the operational operating mode E _N , during which the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is supplied with liquid water continuously according to a constant average value of first mass supply flow rate D _N of 0.8 g / min, the vaporization chamber 50 being maintained at a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C.

Example 4 : In the example of , the control system 8 is configured so that once the device 1 is started (t ₀ ), the latter is automatically found successively:
– from t ₀ : in the preheating sub-mode E _Tc, to gradually bring the vaporization chamber 50 to a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C, and this in a preheating time of 45 s ;
– from t ₁ : in the main sub-mode E _Tp , during which the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is supplied with liquid water continuously according to an average value of second mass supply flow rate D _T of 2.4 g/min for a transient power duration d _T of 15 s;
– from t ₂ : in the time delay sub-mode E _Tt during which the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is interrupted for 5 s;
– then, from t ₃ : in the operational operating mode E _N , during which the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is supplied with liquid water continuously according to a constant average value of first mass supply flow rate D _N of 0.8 g / min, the vaporization chamber 50 being maintained at a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid, for example equal to 130 ° C.

Example 5 : In the example of , the control system 8 is configured in the same way as in the example of the , except that the constant average value of the first feed mass flow D _N is here 1.2 g / min.

Example 6 : In the example of , the control system 8 is configured in the same way as in the examples of Figures 9 and 10 except that the constant average value of the second mass feed flow D _T is here 1.2 g / min, and that the constant average value of the first feed mass flow D _N is 0.8 g / min.

The different mass flow rates D_T,D_NOT,D_N1,D_N2aforementioned can be advantageously determined by calculating the difference in mass of the tank 60 for a predetermined duration in transient operating mode E_T, and respectively in operational operating mode E_NOT. In other words, weighing and time measurement are advantageously used to determine mass flow rates. The mass and the mass difference of the tank 60 can be determined easily and precisely with common weighing instruments, and by carrying out several measurements, the results of which are for example averaged. In practice, the tank 60 filled with liquid (typically water) is weighed. The balance is then tared before removing the reservoir 60 from the balance plate. Then, after the test (device 1 operating in transient operating mode E_T, respectively in operational operating mode E_NOTfor a predetermined period), the tank 60 - which now contains less water - is weighed again on the already tared scale. This therefore makes it possible to measure the difference in weight/mass before and after the test as a negative value. Of course, in this case we will use a balance adapted to differential weighing, allowing a negative differential value to be measured, which is the case with most laboratory balances available. The use of differential weighing as described above, if it proves to be particularly simple and practical, is of course not the only possibility for determining the mass flow and we can use methods implementing other types sensor. Finally, it should be noted that for a liquid such as water, whose density is known and constant, a measurement of the mass reflects a measurement of the volume. Therefore, a measurement of the mass of liquid water moved by a pump in a given time (mass per unit time) is also equivalent to a measurement of the flow rate (volume per unit time) of the pump. In the case where the transient operating mode E_Tincludes one and/or the other preheating sub-mode E_Tcand timer submode E_Ttdescribed previously, we will advantageously endeavor to exclude from the measurements the periods of time corresponding to the implementation of these specific sub-modes, so as to retain only a measurement relating to the main sub-mode E_Tp. In the case where the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is configured to be carried out in a continuous, discontinuous manner over time, we will advantageously endeavor to exclude from the measurements the periods of time corresponding substantially to an absence of supply.

Preferably, in the operational operating mode E _N , said heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair has a first surface temperature (that is to say a surface temperature) whose value is at least equal to 110 °C. More preferably, in the operational operating mode E _N , said value of the first surface temperature of the heating element 4 is at least equal to 120°C, and is advantageously between 120°C and 200°C. Even more preferably, in the operational operating mode E _N , the value of said first surface temperature is between 130°C and 170°C, preferably between 140°C and 160°C, for example substantially equal to 150°C. °C. Particularly preferably, quite remarkable results in particular in terms of beautification of the hair, and more particularly in terms of reduction of defects and improvement of shine, can be obtained when, in the operational mode of operation E _N , the value of said first surface temperature is equal to 150°C ± 20°C, preferably 150°C ± 10°C, in association with a first mass flow rate of steam whose average value is equal to 0.8 g / min ± 0.3 g / min, and therefore advantageously in association with a first mass feed rate D _N whose average value is symmetrically equal to 0.8 g / min ± 0.3 g / min.

Advantageously, the control system 8 can also be configured to control, during the entire duration of the transient operating mode E _T or only during the preheating sub-mode E _Tc provided above, a progressive increase in the first surface temperature of the heating element 4, so that, when the device is then in the operational operating mode E _N , the value of the first surface temperature of said heating element 4 is at least equal to 110 ° C, and preferably within the aforementioned preferential value ranges.

Advantageously, the brushing pins 7 which project from the front face 3A of the head 3 include at least:
– heating pins 70 (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5), which contribute to forming said heating element 4, that is to say that said heating element 4 advantageously includes said heating pins 70, and is preferably formed by said heating pins 70, and
– steam pins 71 each integrating a steam ejection orifice 710 connected to a steam source, which is advantageously formed for example by the vaporization device 5 and the associated supply device 6 described in the above.

Said steam pins 71 thus contribute to forming said steam emission means. To this end and as explained previously, each steam ejection orifice 710 is advantageously in fluid communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 50 via the channeling device 52. The steam pins 71 thus assume, in in addition to their mechanical brushing function, a steam sprayer function, that is to say that each steam pin 71, with its steam ejection orifice 710, advantageously forms a steam projection nozzle (preferably of water vapor). Thus, thanks in particular to the steam pins 71, the mechanical treatment of the hair, under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71, is advantageously combined with a fluidic treatment of the hair (supply of steam via the steam ejection port 710 of the steam pins 71). The term “ combined ” is understood here in the sense of simultaneous performance of said mechanical and fluidic treatments on the same area of hair. Thus the same portion of strand of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a fluid treatment and a mechanical treatment. This allows you to obtain a “double” action combined and concentrated on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the treatment, and to obtain excellent results in terms of hair styling, beautification and hair care, while minimizing the number of necessary passes of the hair styling device 1 against the hair.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the surface temperature of the heating pins 70 corresponds to the first aforementioned surface temperature of the heating element 4, the value of which in operational operating mode E _N is advantageously at least equal to 110 ° C, while the steam flow (operational steam flow), whose first mass flow rate of steam value is advantageously at least equal to 0.5 g/min, escapes through the orifices 710 of the steam pins 71. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it allows a thermomechanical steam treatment to be applied to the hair in an optimal and particularly effective manner. The use of pins 70, 71 to heat and diffuse the steam, in addition to the brushing function that they naturally provide, makes it possible to best diffuse the steam within the strands of hair while ensuring optimal heat exchange. .

Preferably, the steam pins 71 also play the role of heating pins, in addition to their steam diffusion function. In other words, the steam pins 71 then advantageously contribute to forming both the heating element 4 and the steam emission means. Thus, thanks to said steam pins 71, the mechanical treatment of the hair (under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71) is, even more advantageously, combined not only with a fluidic treatment of the hair (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifice 710 of the steam pins 71 contributing to forming the means of steam emission as mentioned previously, but also with heat treatment of the hair (supply of heat by the pins to steam 71 contributing to forming the heating element 4). Thus the same portion of strand of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a mechanical treatment, a fluid treatment, and a heat treatment This makes it possible to obtain a “triple” action combined and concentrated on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to further increase the effectiveness of the treatment of the hair by the hairdressing device 1, and thus to obtain results even better in terms of hairdressing, beautification and hair care, while still minimizing the number of necessary passes of the hairdressing device 1 against the hair.

Preferably, the steam pins 71 come from one piece with the heating pins 70, that is to say that in this case the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70 are advantageously formed by a single piece of a alone. For example, the steam pins 70 and heating pins 71 are formed by a first one-piece piece 700 which is made of metal, for example aluminum or cast aluminum, and which is advantageously obtained by molding and/or machining a primary metal block. Advantageously, the heating pins 70, as well as the steam pins 71, are anodized, to allow them to maintain a smooth surface even when their temperature is high. Preferably, said first one-piece piece 700 made of aluminum or cast aluminum which forms the heating pins 70, as well as advantageously the steam pins 71, is placed in contact with said second heating device 40, formed for example by elements resistors capable of heating by the Joule effect, said resistive elements being in contact with said one-piece part (from which the heating pins 70 and preferably the steam pins 71 come) to heat the latter at least by thermal conduction. Advantageously, each of said heating pins 70 and/or said steam pins 71 has, in cross section, a substantially oblong shape. Thanks to this oblong shape, which gives the heating pins 70 a substantially flattened, leg-shaped shape, the heat exchange with the hair is optimized since the wider than long shape of the heating pins 70 gives a maximum exchange surface during of the passage of the hair against the heating pins 70. As explained previously, the steam pins 71 also preferably play the role of heating pins, so that in this case it is preferable that they also have in cross section a shape substantially oblong, preferably substantially similar to that of the heating pins 70.

In any case, each steam pin 71 preferably presents, as illustrated in particular in , a substantially flattened shape with two opposite faces, separated by the thickness of the steam pin 71, said steam ejection orifice 710 opening onto at least one of the two opposite faces, and preferably onto said two faces, to which In this case, the steam is projected on each side of the steam pin 71, which makes it possible to improve the diffusion of the steam within the strands of hair. Thanks to this specific arrangement of the steam ejection orifice 710, which opens onto at least one of the faces of the steam pin 71, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the axis of longitudinal extension of the steam pin 71 in question, the steam comes out of the steam pin 71 with an incidence which is substantially parallel to the average plane of the front face 3A, which not only makes it possible to reduce the risk of burning the scalp during use , but also ensures particularly effective steam projection since it allows the strands of hair to be treated at their height. In order again to improve the diffusion of steam within the hair, in particular with a view to subjecting strands of hair to the flow of steam over their entire height, each steam ejection orifice 710 is preferably provided on at least half , and preferably over at least two thirds of the height of the steam pin 71 which integrates it.

Preferably and as illustrated in the figures, the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular the front face 3A of said head 3, has a plane of symmetry, which is advantageously parallel to or coincides with the axis central longitudinal X-X'. Such an advantageously symmetrical construction makes it possible to obtain a hairdressing device 1 which can be used in any direction on the hair, thus forming an advantageously ambidextrous device 1, usable both by a user with the right hand or the left hand. , but also on the left side or on the right side of the user's head while advantageously maintaining an identical relative movement / treatment gesture: typically from the root to the tip of the hair. Such a symmetrical arrangement also contributes to simplifying the industrial manufacturing of the hairdressing appliance 1. Advantageously, the brushing pins 7, of which the heating pins 70 and preferably the steam pins 71 are part, can be distributed on the front face 3A according to a distribution pattern which has a central plane P of symmetry. Even more advantageously, said central plane P of symmetry passes through said steam ejection orifices 710/steam pins 71 ( ). For example, as illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 can thus comprise at least, projecting from the front face 3A of the head 3:
– a central row of steam pins 71, that is to say pins allowing mechanical brushing of the hair (mechanical action), and also playing both a role of heating pins (thermal action) and a role of pins diffusing a flow of steam on and against the hair (fluidic action), and
– at least one, and preferably two, row(s) of heating pins 70, devoid of steam ejection orifice 710, arranged on either side of said central row of steam pins 71, to further accentuate the thermal action and the mechanical action exerted against the hair.

According to this characteristic, the steam pins 71 are arranged substantially in the center of the front face 3A, which presents various additional advantages. A first advantage lies in the safety of use: an emission of steam localized in the center of the front face 3A makes it possible to limit the risk of burns. Another advantage lies in the fact that the steam can act more effectively on the hair because it can escape less easily than if it were emitted from the periphery of the head 3.

Advantageously, the brushing pins 7 also include tensor pins 72 and which make it possible, in cooperation with the other brushing pins (including the heating pins 70 and/or the steam pins 71), to tighten the hair engaged by the head 3 in order to press them laterally on and against the heating pins 70 and/or the steam pins 71, thus allowing better heat exchange as well as a better supply of steam to the strands of hair concerned. Advantageously, each of the tensor pins 72 has substantially a shape of revolution, with for example a substantially frustoconical main body which rises between a base and a top, the latter possibly being advantageously provided with an enlarged and rounded head, substantially spheroidal. Such geometry helps protect the scalp and obtain an optimal detangling effect. Preferably, said tensor pins 72 are formed by the same second one-piece piece 701, for example made of plastic, and even more preferably made of hard plastic, of the polyurethane or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) type, advantageously polished, which has a surface particularly smooth while being resistant to high temperatures. The choice of a plastic material also makes it possible to benefit from lower thermal conduction properties than that of a metal such as aluminum or cast aluminum, which advantageously forms the first one-piece part 700 from which the heating pins 70 come. This allows the tensor pins 72 to also play the role of thermal insulator. To this end, said tensioning pins 72 are preferably higher than said steam pins 71 and/or are higher than said heating pins 70, so that they make it possible to keep the heating pins 70 and the steam pins 71 at a distance. of the scalp, when using the hair styling device 1, thus limiting the risk of burns. Indeed, due in particular to the thermally insulating nature of the material of the tensor pins 72, the latter present, in the operational mode E _N , a second surface temperature (that is to say a surface temperature) whose value is advantageously lower than that of said first surface temperature. Advantageously, the value of said second surface temperature is compatible with contact with the scalp, that is to say it is low enough not to cause burns and/or any discomfort.

Preferably, the first one-piece piece 701 from which the tensor pins 72 come and the one-piece part 700 from which the heating pins 70 come (as well as preferably the steam pins 71) are superimposed, with the second one-piece piece 701 forming the pins tensors 72 arranged on and against the first one-piece piece 700 forming the heating pins 70, the latter projecting through openings provided through the second one-piece piece 701.

The invention also relates, as such, to a method of producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance 1 comprising a liquid vaporization device 5 for generating, from a liquid (typically, water ), a flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user and a supply device 6 for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5. In accordance with the invention, said method comprises:
– an operational operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1, during which the supply device 6 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to a first mass supply flow rate D _N , and
– a transient operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1, prior to said operational operating step, and during which the supply device 6 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to a second mass supply flow rate D _T which is greater than said first mass feed rate D _N .

Advantageously, the hairdressing device 1 concerned by the method of the invention is a hairdressing device 1 according to the invention as described in detail in the above. In other words, the method according to the invention is advantageously implemented using a hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention. Consequently, the description of the hairdressing appliance 1 above applies mutadis mutandis to said method. As such, said operational operating step and said transient operating step respectively advantageously correspond to the operational operating mode E _N and the transient operating mode E _T such as the latter have been described previously.

During the operational operating step E _N, the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing vaporization of the liquid, which is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100 ° C and 180 ° C, preferably still between 105°C and 150°C and for example substantially equal to 130°C. Respectively, during the transient operating step E _T, the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing vaporization of the liquid, which is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100 ° C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C and for example substantially equal to 130°C.

Advantageously, the transition from the transient operating stage to the operational operating stage is carried out automatically.

Preferably, and for the effects and advantages (ejection of a large jet of steam or “ burst ” in English) already described previously in connection with the hairdressing device 1 according to the invention
– the hairdressing appliance 1 emits an operational flow of steam according to a first mass flow rate of steam (“operational mass flow rate of steam”) during the operational operating step, advantageously therefore under the effect of the liquid supply of the vaporization device 5 according to said first mass feed rate D _N ,
– the hairdressing appliance 1 previously emitting a transient steam flow (“initial steam flow”) according to a second mass flow rate of steam (“transient mass flow rate”) during the transient operating step, advantageously therefore under the 'effect respectively of the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 according to said second mass supply flow rate D _T ,
said second mass flow rate of steam being greater than said first mass flow rate of steam.

Preferably, the average value of the first mass flow rate of steam is at least equal to 0.5 g/min, preferably between 0.5 g/min and 3 g/min, more preferably between 0.5 g/min min and 1.1 g/min, and for example equal to 0.8 g/min. Preferably, the average value of the second mass flow rate of steam is between 120% and 1000%, and more preferably between 150% and 300%, of the respective average value of the first mass flow rate of steam. Preferably, said average value of the second mass flow rate of steam is between 0.6 g/min and 5 g/min, preferably between 1 g/min and 2.5 g/min, and for example substantially equal to 1 .2 g/min.

Particularly advantageously, the vapor of the transient vapor flow is more heavily loaded with droplets and/or microdroplets of liquid than is the vapor of the operational vapor flow.

Preferably, said transient operating step comprises:
– a main sub-step, in which the supply device 6 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to said second mass supply flow rate D _T , and
– a preheating sub-step, prior to said main sub-step, during which the vaporization device 5 is gradually brought to a predefined temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, the value of which is preferably between 100 ° C and 180 ° C , preferably still between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal to 130°C.

Advantageously, said main sub-step and said preheating sub-step correspond respectively to the main sub-mode E _Tp and said pre-heating sub-mode E _Tc such as the latter have been described previously. Advantageously, the supply device 6 does not supply liquid to the vaporization device 5 during said preheating sub-step. Preferably, the transition from the preheating sub-step to the main sub-step is carried out automatically, depending on at least one of the following criteria: once the predefined temperature value is reached and/or at the expiration of a predefined preheating time, and preferably again once said predefined temperature value is reached.

Even more preferably, the transient operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises, at the end of the main sub-step, a timing sub-step in which the supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 is interrupted, the transition from the timing sub-step to the operational operating step being advantageously carried out automatically. Advantageously, said timing sub-step corresponds to the timing sub-mode E _Tt as the latter was described previously. Advantageously, the transition from the timing sub-step to the operational operating step is carried out automatically according to at least one of the following criteria: once a predefined target value of the temperature of the vaporization device 5 is reached and/or at the end of a predefined pause time.

May also constitute an invention as such, a process for producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance 1, said process being characterized in that it comprises:
– an operational operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1, during which the hairdressing appliance 1 emits an operational flow of steam according to a first mass flow rate of steam, and
– a transient operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1, prior to said operational operating step, and during which the hairdressing appliance 1 emits a transient flow of steam at a second mass flow rate of steam which is greater than said first flow rate mass of steam.

Advantageously, said operational operating steps and transient operating step correspond to the operational operating steps and transient operating step described above.

Claims (18)

Steam hairdressing apparatus (1) comprising a liquid vaporization device (5) for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user, a device for supply (6) for supplying liquid to the vaporization device (5) and a control system (8) configured to control at least the operation of said supply device (6), the apparatus (1) being characterized in that said control system (8) is configured to implement:

• an operational operating mode (E _N ), in which the supply device (6) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to a first mass supply flow rate (D _N ), and
• a transient operating mode (E _T ) prior to said operational operating mode (E _N ), in which the supply device (6) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) at a second mass supply flow rate (D _T ) which is greater than said first feed mass flow rate (D _N ).

Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in the operational operating mode (E _N ), the average value of the first mass feed rate (D _N ) is constant. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to control, in said operational operating mode (E _N ), a supply of liquid to the vaporization device (5) continuously over time. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the average value of the first mass feed rate (D _N ) is at least equal to 0.5 g/min, preferably between 0 .5 g/min and 3 g/min, more preferably between 0.5 g/min and 1.1 g/min, and for example equal to 0.8 g/min. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the average value of the second mass feed rate (D _T ) is between 120% and 1000%, and more preferably between 150 % and 300%, of the respective average value of the first feed mass flow (D _N ). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the average value of the second mass feed rate (D _T ) is between 0.6 g/min and 5 g/min, preferably between 1 g/min and 2.5 g/min, and for example substantially equal to 1.2 g/min. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the transient operating mode (E _T ), the average value of the second mass flow rate (D _T ) of supply is constant. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to control, in said transient operating mode (E _T ), a supply of liquid to the vaporization device (5) continuously over time. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured so that, in said transient operating mode (E _T ), the vaporization device (5) is supplied with liquid during a transient supply duration (d _T ) of a value between 1 s and 120 s, preferably between 10 s and 30 s, and for example equal to 15 s. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to automatically control a transition from the temporary operating mode (E _T ) to the operational operating mode (E _N ). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to implement, during said transient operating mode (E_T):

• a main sub-mode (E _Tp ), in which the supply device (6) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to said second mass supply flow rate (D _T ), and
• a preheating sub-mode (E _Tc ), prior to said main sub-mode (E _Tp ), during which the vaporization device (5) is gradually brought to a predefined temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, the value of which is preferably included between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal to 130°C.

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to automatically control a transition from the preheating sub-mode (E _Tc ) to the main sub-mode (E _Tp ) depending on of at least one of the following criteria: once the predefined temperature value is reached and/or at the expiration of a predefined preheating time, and preferably once said predefined temperature value is achievement. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to claim 10 and any one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured:

• to implement, during said transient operating mode E _T and at the end of said main sub-mode (E _Tp ), a timing sub-mode (E _Tt ) in which the liquid supply to the vaporization device (5 ) is interrupted,
• then to automatically control the transition from timer sub-mode (E _Tt ) to operational operating mode (E _N ).

Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (6) comprises a reservoir (60) for storing a quantity of said liquid and a pump (61) connected to said reservoir (60). ) and said vaporization device (5), the control system (8) being configured to control an output flow rate of said pump (61). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said pump (61) is a peristaltic pump. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vaporization device (5) comprises a vaporization chamber (50) provided with an inlet (501) for supplying liquid and at least one steam outlet (502), said steam outlet (502) being in permanent fluidic communication with the surrounding outside air, via at least one steam ejection orifice (710). Method for producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising a liquid vaporization device (5) for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam intended to be directed towards and on the hair of a user and a supply device (6) for supplying liquid to the vaporization device (5), said method being characterized in that it comprises:

• a step of operational operation of the hairdressing device (1), during which the supply device (6) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to a first mass supply flow rate (D _N ), and
• a transient operating step of the hairdressing device (1), prior to said operational operating step, and during which the supply device (6) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) at a second mass flow rate d feed (D _T ) which is greater than said first feed mass flow rate (D _N ).

Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hairstyling device (1) emits an operational flow of steam according to a first mass flow rate of steam during the operational operating step, said hairstyling device (1) previously emitting a flow of transient steam at a second mass flow rate of steam during the transient operating step, said second mass flow rate of steam being greater than said first mass flow rate of steam.