FR3131515A1 - HAIRDRESSING APPLIANCE WITH HEATING AND STEAM DIFFUSION - Google Patents

Abstract

Hairdressing device with heating and steam diffusion.The invention relates to a steam hairdressing device (1) comprising at least one heating element (4) intended to come into contact with the hair as well as means for emitting steam configured to subject said hair to a flow of steam in contact with said heating element, the latter comprising at least one orifice for ejecting steam, the means for emitting steam comprising:a device for vaporizing (5) liquid to generate the flow of steam, comprising a vaporization chamber (50) for view of at least one steam outlet (502), and a steam channeling device (52), separate from the steam chamber and the heating element, and connected on one side to the steam outlet and on the other side to said steam ejection orifice.Hairdressing appliances.Figure for abstract: Fig. 4.

Description

HAIR STYLING DEVICE WITH HEATING AND STEAM DIFFUSION

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

The invention relates more precisely to a steam hair styling device comprising at least one heating element intended to come into contact with the hair as well as steam emission means configured to subject said hair to a flow of steam.

Hairdressing devices are known for subjecting the hair to a flow of water vapor, and to mechanical and/or thermal treatment. This treatment is for example carried out by means of a straightener type device comprising a pair of heating plates between which the hair can be pinched, a comb for detangling the hair prior to its heat treatment between the heating plates and orifices diffusing the steam which are arranged adjacent to the comb. The emission of steam, prior to the mechanical and thermal actions exerted against the hair, aims to facilitate the hairdressing operation and to improve its effectiveness, while preserving, at least to a certain extent, the appearance of the hair. However, it turns out that the results which can be obtained using such a known steam device can still be improved, in particular in terms of diffusion of steam on and against the hair. In fact, the steam diffusion orifices remain relatively cold, which leads to immediate condensation of the steam in contact with them or in the immediate vicinity of them, thus limiting its proper propagation through the user's hair.

More generally, the construction of known steam hair styling devices is particularly complex, in particular because of the steam that must be created, transported and diffused. These devices generally include a steam generator heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a fluid (generally water) which is then routed to one or more steam diffusion orifices. The designers of these devices must then ensure that the steam is only diffused to the desired locations. For example, steam must not spread inside the hairdressing appliance, otherwise it could cause serious malfunction of the appliance, or even a risk of electrocution for the user.

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 which makes it possible to subject a user's hair to a flow of steam in association with heat treatment in a particularly efficient, reliable and safe manner.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device of simple construction and relatively easy and inexpensive manufacture.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new hairdressing device of particularly robust and compact construction.

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.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a steam hairstyling device comprising at least one heating element intended to come into contact with the hair as well as means for emitting water vapor configured to subject the hair to a flow of steam said hair in contact with said heating element, said heating element comprising at least one steam ejection orifice, said steam emission means comprising
– a liquid vaporization device for generating said vapor flow, said vaporization device comprising a vaporization chamber provided with at least one vapor outlet, and
– a steam channeling device, which is separate from the vaporization chamber and the heating element, and which is connected on one side to the steam outlet and on the other side to said at least one ejection port of steam.

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 a liquid supply device to the device for vaporizing said liquid has been omitted;

is another 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 a 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 of cast aluminum which advantageously forms the heating element of the hairdressing appliance, and which contributes to forming the head of the or that of the , and which includes heating pins and steam pins;

illustrates in isolation, in a schematic perspective view, the vaporization chamber and the steam channeling device of the hairdressing appliances of Figures 1 to 4, the steam channeling device being illustrated connected to the steam outlets of the vaporization chamber;

There is an exploded and perspective view of the vaporization device and the steam channeling device of the ;

There illustrates in isolation, in a detailed perspective view, the steam channeling device of Figures 7 and 8 in particular;

There is an exploded and perspective view showing the interaction between the steam channeling device of the and the one-piece piece of the , these elements having been reversed compared to the previous figures;

schematically illustrates in a truncated view in sagittal section the head of the hairdressing appliances of Figures 1 to 4.

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 at least one heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair, to transmit heat to it, as well as steam emission means configured to subject said hair in contact with a flow of steam to a flow of steam. said heating element 4. In other words, the hairdressing device 1 is designed so that hair is simultaneously:
– in contact, at least locally, with said heating element 4,
– and subjected, at least locally, to a flow of steam,
advantageously during a styling operation during which the head 3 engages said hair, for example to brush them, preferably by means of the aforementioned brushing pins 7.

As illustrated by example in the figures, said heating element 4 is advantageously carried by the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, an external face of the heating element 4 contributing to forming at least a portion of the front face 3A of said head 3, while an internal face 4A of the heating element 4 is oriented facing the interior of the head 3.

The steam emission means comprise in particular a liquid vaporization device 5 for generating, from a liquid, said steam flow, which is advantageously intended to be directed towards and on the user's hair. Said steam emission means further preferably comprise a supply device 6 for supplying liquid to 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 preferably 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.

As illustrated in the figures, said vaporization device 5 comprises a vaporization chamber 50 provided with at least one vapor outlet 502, as well as advantageously with at least one liquid supply inlet 501. Typically, as illustrated by example in Figures 2, 4, 8 and 11, said at least one steam outlet 502 has a tubular shape, and thus advantageously forms a chimney, which extends projecting from one face (upper face) of the vaporization chamber 50. Advantageously, the vaporization chamber 50 is arranged inside the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, therefore as close as possible to the heating element 4.

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. The first heating device 51 is therefore designed and configured to bring, and advantageously maintain, the vaporization chamber 50 at a sufficient operating temperature to allow the vaporization of the liquid within said vaporization chamber 50. In particular, the first device heating 51 is preferably designed and configured to bring the vaporization chamber 50 to an operating temperature between 100 ° C and 180 ° C, more preferably between 105 ° C and 150 ° C, and for example substantially equal at 130°C. 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 a “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC)) , said resistive element(s) being arranged advantageously in contact with the vaporization chamber 50. More preferably, the first heating device 51 is arranged facing one face (lower face) of the vaporization chamber 50, opposite the face (upper face) of the latter which carries said at least one steam outlet 502.

Preferably and as illustrated, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises a second heating device 40, designed and arranged to heat said heating element 4. The second heating device 40 can be formed, for example, by one or more resistive elements capable to heat by the Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor(s), with a “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC)), said resistive element(s) being advantageously arranged in contact with the heating element 4. 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. This allows in particular to easily and easily heat the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 in order to bring them respectively to operating temperatures which can be advantageously different. In particular, the second heating device 40 is preferably designed and configured to heat the heating element 4 so that the latter presents (in operation of the device 1) a first surface temperature (that is to say a temperature surface) whose value is at least equal to 110 °C, preferably at least equal to 120 °C and advantageously between 120 °C and 200 °C, more preferably between 130 °C and 170 °C, of preferably still between 140°C and 160°C, and for example substantially equal to 150°C.

In order to subject the hair to the flow of steam generated by the liquid vaporization device 5, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises at least one steam ejection orifice 710, which is arranged on the side of the front face 3A of the head 3. Said steam outlet 502 is advantageously in fluid communication with the surrounding outside air, preferably permanently, via said 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 pressure), as well as a reduced risk of ejection of a stream of steam at too high a temperature likely to damage the hair or scalp.

Said liquid supply device 6 preferably comprises a reservoir 60 for storing a quantity of liquid, and preferably liquid water, and a pump 61 connected to said reservoir 60 and said vaporization device 5, for example by via a pipe connected to the supply inlet 501 of the vaporization chamber 50. 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. 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.

The hairdressing appliance 1 is therefore advantageously designed to subject the hair engaged by the head 3 to a thermo-mechanical steam treatment, according to which the hair is advantageously 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 as mentioned above;
– and a fluidic action, which in this case is a steam treatment, consisting of subjecting to steam the hair engaged by the head 3 and in contact with and/or near the heating element 4, advantageously via said at least steam ejection orifice 710.

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.

More specifically, the heating element 4 comprises said at least one steam ejection orifice 710, so that the steam flow is therefore ejected out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via the heating element. 4, as close as possible to the hair which is in contact with, and/or close to, said heating element 4. Thus, the thermal treatment of the hair (heat supply by the heating element 4) is combined with the fluidic treatment ( supply of steam via said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 from the heating element 4). The term “ combined ” is understood here in the sense of simultaneous performance of said thermal and fluid 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 heat treatment and a fluid 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. The fact that the heating element 4 comprises said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 also makes it possible to strongly limit, or even completely eliminate, the risk of premature condensation of the steam leaving the orifice 710 of ejection of steam, taking into account the temperature to which the heating element 4 is brought in operation of the device 1. The temperature of the heating element 4 will thus contribute to maintaining the flow of steam in the form of steam for the longest time possible. The aforementioned fluidic action, coupled with the thermal action, is thus particularly effective and safe. In fact, this advantageously prevents the vapor from the steam flow from being transformed back into liquid (or condensate), which nevertheless remains relatively hot. This liquid resulting from the condensation of the steam flow can present several inconveniences or risks, whether for the user or for the hairdressing appliance 1 itself. In particular, the hot liquid risks flowing onto the user's hair, which will soak it, thus compromising the desired result of the hairstyling operation. The liquid may also flow onto the user's scalp, potentially burning it, or at the very least causing an unpleasant sensation. The liquid also risks flowing along and/or inside the hairdressing appliance, thus compromising its handling and reliability.

In order to effectively guide the steam generated by the liquid vaporization device 5 to said at least one steam ejection orifice 710, the steam emission means further comprise a steam channeling device 52, which is distinct of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, and which is connected (that is to say connected in fluid connection) on one side to said at least one steam outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 , and on the other side said at least one steam ejection orifice 710. The steam channeling device 52 is therefore designed and configured to ensure a vapor-tight fluid connection between the vaporization chamber 50 and said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 carried or defined by the heating element 4 so as to conduct the steam flow generated by the vaporization chamber 50 from the steam outlet 502 to the steam ejection orifice 710. Thus, the steam channeling device 52 is interposed between and connected to two heating components - or at least heated - different from the device 1, namely the vaporization chamber 50 on the one hand and the heating element 4 on the other hand, which are preferably at different temperatures, and advantageously both at temperatures above 100 ° C, during the operation of the hairdressing appliance 1.

The use of such a steam channeling device 52 distinct from the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 provides a certain number of interesting technical advantages. First of all, this allows operation of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 at different temperatures which can be controlled, regulated, independently in a precise and fine manner. This also makes it possible to limit a risk of heating in the vaporization chamber 50 in the case where the heating element 4 is at a very high operating temperature compared to the vaporization temperature of the liquid. Indeed, the steam channeling device 52 being distinct from the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, it becomes possible to design the steam channeling device 52 in a material making it possible to limit the thermal conduction between the heating element 4 and the vaporization chamber 50, that is to say to thermally insulate the heating element 4 from the vaporization chamber 50, so that the operating temperature of the heating element 4 does not interfere with the proper functioning of the vaporization chamber 50 and vice versa. As a result, the hairdressing device 1 according to the invention operates particularly efficiently and reliably.

Furthermore, the implementation of such a channeling device 52 allows good management of the thermal expansion phenomena of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, during their heating up as well as during their cooling, being observed that, due to the fact that the heating element 4 advantageously has an external face oriented towards the outside of the hairdressing appliance 1 (which external face advantageously defines at least a portion of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, as mentioned above), the heating element 4 is therefore likely to take longer to reach its operating temperature and, symmetrically, to cool more quickly, than the vaporization chamber 5 which is it advantageously arranged within the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and is therefore not in direct contact with the external environment. Such optimal management of thermal expansion phenomena, and associated mechanical constraints, advantageously limits the risk of loss of sealing of the steam emission means, and therefore contributes to making the operation of the device 1 particularly reliable and safe. In addition, the use of such a channeling device 52 distinct from the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 makes it possible to facilitate the design, manufacture and assembly of the hairdressing appliance 1, to the extent that the channeling device 52 can then be advantageously designed and configured to compensate for possible dimensional manufacturing tolerances of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4. This is particularly interesting in the case where the vaporization chamber 50 and/or or the heating element 4 are formed of a casting part, or at the very least comprise a casting part, that is to say a molded part of metal or of a metal alloy (and for example of aluminum or cast aluminum, as will be discussed later).

Preferably, the steam channeling device 52 is made of an elastically deformable material, which facilitates assembly, advantageously contributes to thermally insulating the vaporization chamber 50 from the heating element 4, and makes it possible to take into account in a manner particularly simple and effective from possible thermal expansion phenomena and/or possible dimensional tolerances of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, and this without calling into question the tightness of the vapor connection between the steam outlet 502 and said at least one steam ejection orifice 710. Even more preferably, the steam channeling device 52 is made of a polymer material (plastic material) resistant to heat and steam, and preferably of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone or fluoropolymer (for example, PTFE). .

As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the steam pipe device 52 is advantageously assembled to said at least one steam outlet 502 by force fitting. This makes it possible in particular to ensure in a simple and robust manner, without additional clamping means, excellent steam tightness at the interface between the steam outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 and the steam channeling device 52 . Advantageously, in the case where said at least one steam outlet 502 has a tubular shape which advantageously extends projecting from one face (upper face) of the vaporization chamber 50, the pipe device 52 is therefore advantageously assembled at narrow covering of said tubular shape. Such an assembly by force-fitting is particularly easy when the steam pipe device 52 is made of an elastically deformable material as envisaged above.

Preferably, in particular in terms of compactness of the hairdressing appliance 1, the heating element 4 and the vaporization chamber 50 are arranged facing each other, preferably at a distance from each other. other, the steam channeling device 52 being arranged at least partly between said heating element 4 and said vaporization chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 4 and the vaporization chamber 50 are advantageously arranged superimposed on each other. one relative to the other, with the steam channeling device 52 interposed between them. As illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 can advantageously comprise a support plate 41 for the second heating device 40 of the heating element 4, which is designed and configured to firmly hold said second heating device 40 in permanent contact against at least a portion of the heating element 4 in order to ensure efficient heat transfer by conduction, and which is interposed between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, the second heating device 40 being interposed between the support plate 41 and the heating element 4. In this case, said support plate 41 can advantageously be provided with one or more through orifices 411 through which the steam channeling device 52 can thus extend to connect the chamber vaporization 50 to the heating element 4.

Preferably, in order to ensure particularly effective treatment of hair with steam, the heating element 4 comprises a plurality of steam ejection orifices 710. For example, as illustrated in the figures, said steam ejection orifices 710 are distributed along a line centered along the central axis X-X' of extension of the head 3 and the handle 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, which advantageously allows diffusion of the steam flow over a major part of the length of the head 3, and in the center of the front face 3A of the head 3, that is to say advantageously in the center of the styling zone of the head 3. It is then advantageous, as illustrated in the figures, that the steam channeling device 52 preferably forms a monolithic part, in one piece (therefore unique), defining a plurality of internal conduits 521, to ensure guidance of the steam from said at least one steam outlet 502 towards each of said steam ejection orifices 710, and thus advantageously allow a substantially homogeneous distribution of the steam flow.

As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vaporization chamber 50 can advantageously be provided with a plurality of steam outlets 502, for example six in number, distinct from each other. In this case, as illustrated in the figures, the steam pipe device 52 can therefore advantageously form a monolithic part, in one piece, defining a plurality of internal conduits 521, for example six in number, to ensure guidance of steam from each of said steam outlets 502 to each of said steam ejection orifices 710. Each of said internal conduits 521 connects (or at the very least contributes to connecting) one of the steam outlets 502 to at least one of the steam ejection orifices 710. Alternatively, but in a less preferential manner in terms of ease and cost of design, manufacturing and assembly in particular, the steam pipe device 52 could comprise a plurality of distinct pipe parts, each typically defining one or more internal conduits 521 (distinct) to ensure guiding of the steam from said at least one steam outlet 502 towards one or more of said steam ejection orifices 710.

In particular to facilitate manufacturing and assembly, while limiting the number of distinct parts that the device 1 comprises, the heating element 4 is preferably formed by a single (first) monobloc part 700, preferably made of metal, and for example aluminum or cast aluminum. Said one-piece part 700 can advantageously be obtained by molding and/or machining a primary metal block. As illustrated by example in Figures 6 and 10 in particular, said one-piece part 700 can then advantageously present:
– a face defining said external face of the heating element 4 contributing to forming at least a portion of the front face 3A of said head 3, and from which the steam ejection orifice(s) 701 open(s) , And
– an opposite face, defining the internal face 4A of the heating element 4, oriented towards the inside of the hairdressing appliance 1, and against which the second heating device 40 is advantageously placed in contact to heat said one-piece piece 700 less by thermal conduction.

As shown in example in in particular, the heating element 4 is preferably provided with at least one housing 42 (or recess or detached) which opens from the internal face 4A of the heating element 4, oriented towards the interior of the hairdressing appliance 1, and which communicates with said at least one steam ejection orifice 710, said at least one housing 42 being designed and configured to receive, within it, at least partially the interlocking steam channeling device 52. In other words, the channeling device 52 is therefore advantageously fitted (that is to say plugged in, recessed) into the heating element 4, so as to bring the steam towards said at least one ejection orifice 710 of steam. This thus allows a simple, efficient and space-saving relative assembly of the steam channeling device 52 to the heating element 4. As in the example illustrated in the figures ( in particular), the heating element 4 can advantageously comprise two housings 42, distinct and distant, which each receive within them a part of the interlocking steam pipe device 52, said pipe device 52 advantageously forming a monolithic part, as envisaged previously.

Advantageously, when the heating element 4 comprises a plurality of steam ejection orifices 710 as envisaged above, and in particular when the heating element 4 is preferably formed by a single-piece part 700, said at least one housing 42 of the heating element 4 is designed and configured so that it communicates simultaneously with several of said steam ejection ports 710, and preferably with each of said steam ejection ports 710. As illustrated in particular in , the housing 42 can therefore open onto the external face (opposite to the internal face 4A) of the heating element 4, between the steam ejection orifices 710, and thus connect said steam ejection orifices 710 together. . This makes it possible to facilitate the manufacture of the heating element 4. In particular, said one-piece part 700 can thus be manufactured in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner, for example by molding (or injection-molding) and/or machining, without the need for complex technical means (such as for example a drawer mold). Advantageously, the steam channeling device 52 then comprises in return partition portions 522 for partitioning, insulating (in a vapor-tight manner) all or part of said steam ejection orifices 710 when the channeling device 52 is fitted, embedded, in the housing(s) 42 of the heating element 4, and thus ensure homogeneous and leak-free distribution of the steam flow towards each of said steam ejection orifices 710. Indeed, when the piping device 52 is fitted into the housing(s) 42, the partition portions 522 advantageously fill portions of housing(s) 42 located between adjacent steam ejection orifices 710 ( ), so that the steam can only escape through the steam ejection ports 710.

The hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises a temperature probe 43 (omitted in the but visible to , for example a “Negative Temperature Coefficient” (NTC) thermistor for measuring the temperature of the heating element 4. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the heating element 4 and the steam channeling device 52 define preferably between them a housing at least partially receiving said temperature probe 43. The housing in question is advantageously distinct from the housing 42 mentioned above, which opens from the internal face 4A of the heating element 4 and which communicates with said at least one orifice 710 steam ejection. Thus, said temperature probe 43 can be held in position in the device 1, with a particularly limited footprint, the steam pipe device 52 advantageously insulating at least partially the temperature probe 43 from the second heating device 40 from the heating element 4, which contributes to making the measurement of the temperature of the heating element 4 more reliable. More preferably, said temperature probe 43 is received narrowly in the housing thus defined, so that the temperature probe 43 is thus kept pressed in contact against the heating element 4, which is favorable both in terms of robustness of maintaining the temperature probe 43 in position and in terms of reliability of the measurement of the temperature of the heating element 4. By example, as illustrated in the figures, the steam channeling device 52 comprises a half-housing 523, which cooperates with a corresponding half-housing 44 which respectively comprises the heating element 4, typically on or in its internal face 4A, to together form said housing receiving the temperature probe 43 ( ).

Advantageously in terms of effectiveness of hair treatment in particular, the heating element 4 preferably comprises steam pins 71 which each integrate a steam ejection orifice 710, among the plurality of steam ejection orifices 710 previously considered. As such, said steam pins 71 thus advantageously contribute to forming said steam emission means. To this end, said steam pins 71 are therefore at least partially hollow and each steam ejection orifice 710 is in fluid communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 50 via the steam channeling device 52. The steam pins 71 thus assume, in addition to a mechanical brushing function, a steam sprayer function, that is to say that each steam pin 71, with its steam ejection orifice 710, forms advantageously a steam projection nozzle (preferably water vapor). To the extent that the steam pins 71 thus contribute to forming said heating element 4, the steam pins 71 therefore 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 in particular to said steam pins 71, the thermal treatment of the hair (heat supply by the steam pins 71 contributing to forming the heating element 4) is, even more advantageously, combined not only with the fluidic treatment (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifice 710 of the steam pins 71 contributing to forming the steam emission means) as mentioned previously, but also with mechanical treatment of the hair, under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71. Thus the same portion of strand of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a heat treatment, a fluid treatment and a mechanical treatment. This allows you to obtain a “triple” action combined and concentrated on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to further increase the efficiency of hair treatment by the hairdressing apparatus 1, and thus to obtain even better results in hair styling, beautification and hair care, while further minimizing the number of necessary passages of the hairdressing appliance 1 against the hair.

In particular, the supply of heat to the steam pins 71 of the heating element 4, associated with a mechanical brushing action exerted by the steam pins 71, facilitates the shaping of the hair, and also makes it possible to beautify and to treat them, by remedying the surface defects that may affect the hair. This concerns in particular defects classified according to the following four categories:
– class A: dark spots in the middle of the scales;
– class B: semi-circular white areas, generally located mainly at the ends of the scales, and corresponding to detachment or lifting of scales;
– class C: appearance of the endocuticle following removal of the upper parts of the scales;
– class D: type III cuts, parallel to the axis of the hair and due to cracking of the cuticle.

Advantageously, the aforementioned brushing pins 7, which project from the front face 3A of the head 3, include at least said steam pins 71, and heating pins 70, which are for their part advantageously devoid of orifice 710 of ejection of steam, and which also contribute to forming said heating element 4. This makes it possible to further optimize the treatment of the hair, with a limited number of steam pins 71 (for example six, as illustrated in the figures). 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. In addition to an advantage in terms of simplicity and costs of manufacturing and assembling the hairdressing device 1, this allows in particular that, during the operation of the hairdressing device 1, the second heating device 40 thus heats simultaneously, and in a relatively homogeneous manner the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70. In the preferential case illustrated in the figures and mentioned previously, where said heating element 4 is formed by a (first) one-piece piece 700, preferably made of metal, and for example made of aluminum or cast aluminum, the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70 are therefore all formed in one piece by said one-piece piece 700.

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. 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 play the role of heating pins, so that it is advantageously that they also have a substantially oblong shape in cross section, preferably substantially similar to that of the heating pins 70.

In any case, each steam pin 71 preferably presents, as illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 6, a substantially flattened shape with two opposite faces, separated by the thickness of the steam pin 71, said orifice 710 of steam ejection opening onto at least one of the two opposite faces, and preferably onto said two faces (“double steam ejection orifice 710”), in which case the steam is thus advantageously projected on each side of the steam pin 71, which further improves the diffusion of 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 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.

When, as illustrated in the figures, said steam ejection orifices 710 each advantageously open onto the two opposite faces of the steam pins 71 (“double steam ejection orifice 710”), and the heating element 4 comprises in in addition to a housing 42 which communicates simultaneously with several of said (double) steam ejection orifices 710, said portions of partitions 522 which can advantageously comprise the steam channeling device 52, in accordance with the above, are then advantageously shaped and configured For :
– ensure guidance of the steam coming from the, or one of the, steam outlet(s) 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 towards the double steam ejection orifice 710 carried by each of the steam pins 71, And
– partition, in a steam-tight manner, two by two said double steam ejection orifices 710 carried by adjacent steam pins 71.

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 device 1. Advantageously, the brushing pins 7, of which the steam pins 71 and preferably the heating pins 70 are therefore part, can be distributed over 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 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 ejection orifices 710 / 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 steam pins 71, as well as preferably the heating pins 70), 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 particularly smooth surface 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 one-piece part 700 from which the steam pins 71 come. , as well as preferably also the heating pins 70. 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, 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 normal operation of the hairdressing appliance 1, a second surface temperature (that is to say a surface temperature) of which the 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 (second) one-piece part 701 from which the tensor pins 72 come and the (first) one-piece part 700 from which the steam pins 71 come (as well as preferably the heating pins 70) are superimposed, with the one-piece part 701 forming the tensor pins 72 placed on and against the one-piece piece 700 forming the steam pins 71, the latter projecting through openings provided through the one-piece piece 701.

Claims (14)

Steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising at least one heating element (4) intended to come into contact with the hair as well as steam emitting means configured to subject said hair in contact with said heating element to a flow of steam ( 4), said heating element (4) comprising at least one steam ejection orifice (710), said steam emission means comprising

• a liquid vaporization device (5) for generating said vapor flow, said vaporization device (5) comprising a vaporization chamber (50) provided with at least one vapor outlet (502), and
• a steam channeling device (52), which is separate from the vaporization chamber (50) and the heating element (4), and which is connected on one side to the steam outlet (502) and the the other side of said at least one steam ejection orifice (710).

Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the steam channeling device (52) is assembled to said at least one steam outlet (502) by force fitting. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the steam channeling device (52) is made of an elastically deformable material. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the steam channeling device (52) is made of a polymer material resistant to heat and steam, and preferably of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone or fluoropolymer. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) and the vaporization chamber (50) are arranged facing each other, the channeling device (52 ) of steam being arranged at least partly between said heating element (4) and said vaporization chamber (50). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said heating element (4) is formed by a single piece (700), preferably made of metal, and for example made of aluminum or cast aluminum. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) is provided with at least one housing (42) opening out from an internal face (4A) of the heating element ( 4) and communicating with said at least one steam ejection port (710), said housing (42) being designed and configured to at least partially receive the interlocking steam channeling device (52). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (4) comprises a plurality of steam ejection orifices (710). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the steam channeling device (52) forms a monolithic part defining a plurality of internal conduits (521) to ensure guidance of the steam from said at least one outlet (502). ) of steam towards each of said steam ejection orifices (710). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to claim 7 and any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein said at least one housing (42) of the heating element (4) communicates simultaneously with several of said orifices (710) of steam ejection, the steam channeling device (52) comprising partition portions (522) for partitioning said steam ejection orifices (710). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10 in which the heating element (4) comprises steam pins (71) each incorporating a steam ejection orifice (710). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a handle (2) for manual gripping as well as a head (3) for engaging the hair which is carried by said handle (2), said head (3) having a front face (3A) provided with brushing pins (7) between and against which the hair is intended to be, said brushing pins (7) including at least:

• said steam pins (71), and
• heating pins (70) which contribute to forming said heating element (4).

Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said steam pins (71) come from one piece with said heating pins (70). Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) and the steam channeling device (52) define between them a housing at least partially receiving a temperature probe (43). , preferably narrowly so that the temperature probe (43) is kept pressed in contact against the heating element (4).