EP3727077B1 - Hair treatment apparatus with improved sealing - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a hair treatment apparatus, and more particularly an apparatus comprising a steam projection device.

State of the prior art

It is known to straighten hair with straightening pliers, such a device being also called a straightener. These pliers allow you to straighten the hair fibers at high temperature without pulling on the hair unlike blow-drying. However, to obtain a good smooth appearance, it is necessary to carry out several passes of the pliers, which significantly lengthens the treatment time. Furthermore, repeated application of the straightening tongs can sometimes cause damage to the hair fibers, due to the temperature to which the hair is exposed.

It is known to use steam for the treatment of hair, for example associated with treatment using hot plates, the steam being projected or diffused onto the hair. Such a method can be implemented by a hair treatment device and/or be associated with different cosmetic hair treatments. As an example, we can cite the documents EP 659 395 , EP 659 393 , EP 659 396 , EP 659 397 , US 2004/0000319 , US 2004/0045570 , JP 2000157322 , EP1396207 , EP1515628 , EP1515629 , EP1516554 , FR 2967017 And WO 2004/002262 It is also known to position a seal around the heating plates of a smoothing device.

JP 3609064 describes a straightener in which each smoothing plate is equipped with a seal ensuring sealing in the event of humidity but also electrical leaks at the level of the housing.

WO 2005/011434 discloses a straightener in which each straightening plate is equipped with a seal ensuring the sealing of the plates with the housing in the event of steam release.

JP 2005087629 describes a straightener in which each smoothing plate is equipped with a seal between the plate and the housing.

FR 3 015 195 relates to a hair treatment device comprising two arms movable relative to each other between a close configuration of treatment of the hair and a spaced configuration for engagement between them of the hair to be treated. At least one of the arms includes a seal.

US 2016/360846 relates to a hair treatment device comprising two movable arms, each arm comprising a seal isolating the heating part of the handle. CN205884964 And CN 205866296 are also related to straighteners.

Hair treatment devices comprising a water vaporization device such as that described by FR 2 967 017 In the form of steam with high vaporization flow rates generally have steam outlet nozzles placed on the exterior of the device. In this case, the steam is released outwards, in an infinite volume of air, so that the different parts of the device are little or not exposed to the steam.

WO 2016/001583 discloses a hair treatment apparatus, comprising first and second arms movable relative to each other, which can take a spaced configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a close configuration for treating; the strand of hair, first and second contact surfaces carried respectively by the first and second arms, arranged opposite each other, at least one of said contact surfaces being heated, - at least one steam outlet carried by the second arm at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, to expose the hair engaged between the arms to steam.

On the other hand, when the steam outlet nozzles are placed towards the inside of the device, the steam is then distributed in a restricted volume of air. This leads to different problems. Indeed, the steam seeking to escape from this restricted volume will partly enter the device, and condense either on contact with cold areas, or during cooling of the device, thus risking damage to the device and causing dysfunctions. Finally, the steam which has not entered the device escapes along the outside of the shells of the device. These shells being cold, particularly at the start of treatment, the steam which condenses on these external surfaces creates runs or drops of condensate which can bother the user.

There is thus a need to benefit from a hair treatment device using steam diffusion, which remedies all or part of the problems encountered.

Presentation of the invention

The invention aims to meet this need and it achieves this thanks to a hair treatment device according to claim 1.

Thanks to the invention, we benefit from a device limiting the quantity of steam which can penetrate into an interior space of the arms by the presence of the sealing element. In other words, the housing (i.e. the shell) which forms the wall of the arms is made airtight against the steam projected by the device.

The term "hair" includes the corresponding human or animal keratin fibers as well as synthetic fibers called "extensions" which are sometimes attached to a person's natural hair by different means, in particular by gluing, in order for example to modify the appearance of a person's natural hair.

Preferably, at least the first contact surface, and preferably each of the contact surfaces, is pivotally mounted on the corresponding arm, for example via a ball joint or the like. The presence of the intermediate portion on the sealing element allows the latter to deform to accompany the pivoting of the contact surface, such that the movement of the latter is not unduly hindered by the presence of the sealing element. The contact surface can then pivot to best match the thickness of the strand of hair in contact, and the effectiveness of the heat treatment is improved, while maintaining a perfect seal thanks to the presence of the three zones of the joint (proximal portion, distal portion, and intermediate portion which can be deformed).

The developed length of the intermediate portion, measured in cross section, may be greater than 6 mm, in particular 7.5 mm, in particular be between 7 mm and 13 mm, in particular between 7.5 mm and 12 mm.

The intermediate portion connects the proximal and distal parts in such a way that we can have, if desired, a difference in height and/or width, that is to say along a horizontal and/or vertical plane, between the proximal portion and the distal part, preferably greater than 2mm and advantageously substantially equal to 3.5mm. The proximal portion advantageously extends around the entire circumference of the first contact surface. A seal is therefore created all around this contact surface, thus preventing water or any other element from penetrating inside the device. In addition, this makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical fixation of the sealing element.

In one embodiment, the proximal portion is pinched between the first contact surface and a rib of the first part, in particular having a generally H-shaped cross section, with a groove engaged in a return of the first contact surface and an opposite groove engaged in said rib of the first part. This allows the proximal portion of the sealing element to be held in place, in a sealed manner, around the contact surface.

The distal portion of the sealing element can be pinched between the second part and a third internal part of the first arm. This makes it possible to hold the sealing element in place, in a sealed manner, at a distance from the first contact surface. In this case, the second part may have a groove in which the distal portion is received at least partially, the third part having a rib applying to the distal portion directly above said groove.

intermediate portion may include several bends, in the manner of a bellows, such as for example an accordion bellows.

The width of the intermediate portion of the joint, measured in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, is preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm.

The presence and shape of the sealing element, with the proximal, intermediate and distal portions, makes it possible to create an effective barrier against steam so that it does not penetrate inside the device, along the first contact surface. In addition, the intermediate portion has flexibility which allows it to accept a greater positioning tolerance of the first and second parts relative to each other. This variation in positioning between the first and second parts can in fact be involuntary, resulting for example from variation in manufacturing, or on the contrary and advantageously, be voluntary resulting from controlled mobility of the first contact surface. According to this advantageous embodiment, the first part is preferably in ball joint connection with the housing of the device so that it allows different degrees of freedom to be given to the smoothing contact surface so that the latter can best adapt to the the thickness and positioning of the strand of hair. Such an assembly is known to those skilled in the art or for example from the document FR3011449 so much so that it is not detailed here.

The first contact surface may have an outline of generally rectangular shape and the intermediate portion and the distal portion may extend around three of the four sides of the first contact surface only. This makes it possible to limit the bulk linked to the sealing element and therefore the width of the device while forming a vapor barrier. In this case, the intermediate portion and the distal portion are advantageously absent on the side of the first contact surface furthest from said at least one steam outlet. In other words, the sealing element then only includes a bellows on three of these four sides, thus offering a remarkable compromise between sealing, flexibility and bulk.

The intermediate portion may have a height which varies along at least one side of the first contact surface, and better along each side of the first contact surface. In this case, the height of the intermediate portion is preferably minimum substantially at mid-length of at least one side of the first contact surface and increases towards the ends of said side to be maximum at the corners. This difference in height is advantageously provided to allow movements of the contact surface in the event of pivoting thereof, movements whose amplitude increases with the distance from the center of the rotation. The developed length of the intermediate portion, measured in cross section, is thus maximum at the corners, being at this location for example between approximately 10 and 13 mm, being preferably equal to 11.7 mm. The developed length of the intermediate portion, measured in cross section, is minimum in the middle of the sides, being at this location for example between approximately 6 mm and 10 mm, being preferably equal to 7.9 mm.

The sealing element has, in one embodiment, a non-symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane passing through the first contact surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device and perpendicular to a heating surface of the first surface of contact facing the second contact surface. This lack of symmetry is linked to the absence of an intermediate portion and a distal portion on one of the sides of the first contact surface and makes it possible to reduce, as explained above, the width of the device, without however harming the waterproofing.

The sealing element is preferably present on a single arm, said at least one steam outlet then being carried by the other arm. Advantageously, the concave curved portion of the sealing element is slightly offset relative to the steam outlet, for example by being offset by 7 mm.

The device may include a cartridge containing a cosmetic composition. In this case, the second part can serve as a support for said cartridge, in particular having a slide in which the cartridge is engaged.

Still in this case, the cartridge may comprise a porous material impregnated with said composition, in particular a felt, and the second part comprise a rib applying against said porous material, on the side opposite the sealing element, the rib penetrating preferably partially in said porous material. Thus, the second part with its rib forms a seal with the porous material with respect to the steam emitted by said at least one steam outlet, what is more without generating additional costs.

Alternatively, the device may not include a reservoir for a cosmetic composition, nor a cosmetic composition applicator.

The second part advantageously faces said at least one steam outlet.

The device may also include at least one comb comprising at least one row of teeth, the comb preferably being carried by the second arm.

The device advantageously comprises a confined zone around said at least one steam outlet. By “confined zone”, we mean at least one part or set of parts which allows at least partial confinement of the steam generated by said at least one steam outlet. This confined zone can be delimited by at least one of the following elements: a cartridge of composition to be applied to the strand of hair, a comb, a confinement structure arranged substantially opposite said at least one steam outlet, such confinement structure comprising for example at least one groove facing said at least one steam outlet and possibly, when the device comprises a comb, a covering of said comb, the second part, one side of the first and the second surface contact and any other element of the device partially creating confinement around said at least one steam outlet.

The presence of this confined zone makes the presence of the sealing element all the more useful.

The confinement, at least partial, makes it possible to locally accumulate more steam in the volume between said at least one steam outlet and the confinement structure, which can lead to a reduction in the steam flow necessary for treating the hair. We can reduce the quantity of steam necessary for the treatment, therefore extending the autonomy of the device and reducing the quantity of residual moisture in the hair when it comes out of the device. In addition, the confined zone can contribute to better distribution of the steam longitudinally, between the steam outlets. The strand of hair can thus be treated more evenly in the transverse direction. Furthermore, the relative partitioning created by the confined zone makes it possible to apply most of the steam only locally, during the passage of the lock of hair in the zone located at said at least one steam outlet.

The device according to the invention can be autonomous, with an integrated water reservoir, or comprise a handpiece which is formed by the arms and a base station to which the handpiece is connected, which comprises a reservoir containing the water intended for steam production.

The cumulative steam flow rate for the steam outlet(s) is preferably between 0.5 and 1.1 g/min, preferably less than or equal to 3.5 g/min, better less than or equal to 1 g/min, for example between 0.7 g/min and 0.9 g/min.

Said at least one steam outlet advantageously comprises at least one steam ejection channel and at least one steam ejection nozzle. This channel can be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding arm. The nozzle can have the same orientation; thus, the steam is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces, that is to say in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the strand of hair in the device. Preferably, the nozzle(s) are of conical shape with a circular section, the section of the nozzles widening towards the outlet of the nozzles. The or each steam ejection nozzle is preferably mounted at one end of the or each steam ejection channel. The nozzles can be identical to each other. The channels can be identical to each other.

The steam outlet(s) are preferably supplied with steam by a vaporization chamber which is itself supplied with water by a pump. The steam is preferably water vapor, in particular without additives.

The device may include a device for heating the first contact surface consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called PTC, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a temperature coefficient. negative, called CTN.

When the device comprises a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient and a thermistor with a negative coefficient, these can advantageously be arranged behind the first contact surface, and the device can include two plugs, in particular made of silicone, arranged at the longitudinal ends of the accommodation that receives them. This helps protect the PTC and NTC thermistors from any possible presence of condensate which could shorten leak lines and create a risk for the user.

Each plug is advantageously perforated with two holes in order to allow the wires of the CTN thermistor to pass at the front of the first contact surface and the wires of the CTP thermistor to the rear of the first contact surface.

The apparatus may include a cartridge detection switch, this switch being in a housing comprising two parts, which may be ultrasonically welded. The passage of wires from the switch and a movable finger detection of the cartridge can be carried out by seals, in particular silicone, stuck between the two parts of the housing before welding.

When vapor is emitted in a confined area, it cannot escape vertically, nor laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Thus, the steam can escape longitudinally, from the front of the device or from the rear, from the side of a gripping area of the device. The grip area is a colder area. It is not desirable for the steam to escape towards the gripping area, held by the user during operation of the device, because of the risk of associated discomfort, or even burns. The device can thus include a seal positioned behind said at least one steam outlet, in particular behind the last nozzle, on the side of the gripping area of the device. This seal is fixed for example on the second arm, and is configured to come into contact with the first arm in a position close to the arms. The seal is preferably arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivot connection allowing the arms to form a clamp. It is designed to extend, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, behind the contact surfaces and behind said at least one steam outlet, so as to produce a rear partition forcing the steam to flow. escape through the front of the device.

The aforementioned third part can advantageously have an elongated wall towards the gripping zone of the device, towards the rear of the latter. The third part is in at least indirect contact with the first contact surface. Thus, as soon as the device is started, the third part is heated and can, through its elongated wall towards the gripping area, accelerate the heating of the shell of the first arm, so as to limit the risk of condensation. of steam on the internal and external surfaces of this shell.

The vaporization chamber is advantageously supported by a support element in the second arm. The support element of the vaporization chamber may include an elongated wall towards the gripping area of the device. This allows calories to be supplied to the internal and external surfaces of the shell of the second arm in order to limit condensation on these surfaces.

• des premier et deuxième bras mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre, pouvant prendre une configuration écartée d'introduction d'une mèche de cheveux entre eux et une configuration rapprochée de traitement de la mèche de cheveux, des première et deuxième surfaces de contact portées respectivement par les premier et deuxième bras, disposées en vis-à-vis, l'une au moins desdites surfaces de contact étant chauffante,
• au moins une sortie de vapeur portée par l'un des bras à distance de la surface de contact située sur le même bras, pour exposer à la vapeur les cheveux engagés entre les bras,
• un dispositif de chauffe de la première surface de contact constitué d'une thermistance à coefficient de température positif, dite CTP, et un dispositif de mesure de la température du dispositif de chauffe constitué d'une thermistance à coefficient de température négatif, dite CTN, la thermistance CTP et la thermistance CTN étant disposées derrière la première surface de contact, l'appareil comportant deux bouchons, notamment en silicone, disposés aux extrémités longitudinales du logement recevant la thermistance et le dispositif de mesure de la température.

Not forming part of the invention, a hair treatment device is disclosed comprising:

• first and second arms movable relative to each other, being able to take a spaced configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a close configuration for treating the lock of hair, first and second surfaces of contact carried respectively by the first and second arms, arranged opposite each other, at least one of said contact surfaces being heated,
• at least one steam outlet carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, to expose the hair engaged between the arms to steam,
• a device for heating the first contact surface consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called CTP, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called CTN, the PTC thermistor and the CTN thermistor being arranged behind the first contact surface, the device comprising two plugs, in particular made of silicone, arranged at the longitudinal ends of the housing receiving the thermistor and the temperature measuring device.

This helps protect the PTC and NTC thermistors from any possible presence of condensate which could, as mentioned above, shorten leak lines and create a risk for the user.

Each plug is advantageously perforated with two holes in order to allow the wires of the CTN thermistor to pass at the front of the first contact surface and the wires of the CTP thermistor to the rear of the first contact surface.

• des premier et deuxième bras mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre, pouvant prendre une configuration écartée d'introduction d'une mèche de cheveux entre eux et une configuration rapprochée de traitement de la mèche de cheveux, des première et deuxième surfaces de contact portées respectivement par les premier et deuxième bras, disposées en vis-à-vis, l'une au moins desdites surfaces de contact étant chauffante,
• au moins une sortie de vapeur, comportant notamment au moins une buse, portée par l'un des bras à distance de la surface de contact située sur le même bras, pour exposer à la vapeur les cheveux engagés entre les bras,
• un joint d'étanchéité positionné derrière ladite au moins une sortie de vapeur, notamment derrière la dernière buse, du côté de la zone de préhension de l'appareil, ledit joint d'étanchéité étant fixé sur le deuxième bras, et étant configuré pour venir en contact avec le premier bras en position rapprochée des bras, le joint d'étanchéité étant de préférence disposé entre l'extrémité de ladite au moins une sortie de vapeur et une liaison pivot permettant aux bras de former une pince.

Not forming part of the invention, a hair treatment device is disclosed comprising:

• first and second arms movable relative to each other, being able to take a spaced configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a close configuration for treating the lock of hair, first and second surfaces of contact carried respectively by the first and second arms, arranged opposite each other, at least one of said contact surfaces being heated,
• at least one steam outlet, comprising in particular at least one nozzle, carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, to expose the hair engaged between the arms to steam,
• a seal positioned behind said at least one steam outlet, in particular behind the last nozzle, on the side of the gripping area of the device, said seal being fixed on the second arm, and being configured to come in contact with the first arm in a position close to the arms, the seal being preferably disposed between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivot connection allowing the arms to form a clamp.

Such a seal may be provided to extend, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, behind the contact surfaces and behind said at least one steam outlet, so as to create a rear partition. to force steam to escape out the front of the appliance.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement, en perspective de côté, un exemple d'appareil de traitement de la chevelure conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement, en perspective vue de l'autre côté, l'appareil de la figure 1, l'appareil ayant été retourné,
• la figure 3 représente de manière schématique, en perspective frontale, l'appareil de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue de côté schématique et partielle d'un exemple d'appareil selon l'invention,
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique, en coupe transversale, de l'appareil de la figure 1,
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique, en coupe transversale, d'un autre exemple d'appareil selon l'invention,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe transversale et en perspective, d'un détail de l'appareil de la figure 6,
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe longitudinale et en perspective, d'un autre détail de l'appareil de la figure 6,
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe transversale et en perspective, d'un autre détail de l'appareil de la figure 6
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique et en perspective, isolément, du boîtier switch de l'appareil de la figure 6,
• la figure 11 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe longitudinale et en perspective, d'un détail de l'appareil de la figure 6,
• la figure 12 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe transversale et en perspective, d'un autre détail de l'appareil de la figure 6,
• la figure 13 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe longitudinale et en perspective, d'un autre détail de l'appareil de la figure 6,
• la figure 14 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe longitudinale et en perspective, d'un détail de l'appareil de la figure 6, et
• la figure 15 est une vue isolée, schématique et en perspective, de l'élément d'étanchéité de l'appareil de la figure 5.

The invention can be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• there figure 1 schematically represents, in side perspective, an example of a hair treatment device according to the invention,
• there figure 2 schematically represents, in perspective seen from the other side, the device of the figure 1 , the device having been returned,
• there Figure 3 represents schematically, in frontal perspective, the device of the figure 1 ,
• there Figure 4 is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a device according to the invention,
• there Figure 5 is a schematic view, in cross section, of the apparatus of the figure 1 ,
• there Figure 6 is a schematic view, in cross section, of another example of apparatus according to the invention,
• there Figure 7 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and perspective, of a detail of the device of the Figure 6 ,
• there figure 8 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of another detail of the device of the Figure 6 ,
• there Figure 9 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and perspective, of another detail of the device of the Figure 6
• there Figure 10 is a schematic and perspective view, in isolation, of the switch box of the device of the Figure 6 ,
• there Figure 11 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of a detail of the device of the Figure 6 ,
• there Figure 12 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and perspective, of another detail of the device of the Figure 6 ,
• there Figure 13 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of another detail of the device of the Figure 6 ,
• there Figure 14 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of a detail of the device of the Figure 6 , And
• there Figure 15 is an isolated, schematic and perspective view of the sealing element of the device of the Figure 5 .

Detailed description of embodiments

In the remainder of the description, identical elements or identical functions bear the same reference sign. Their detailed description is not repeated with regard to each of the figures, only the main differences between the embodiments being mentioned.

We represented on the figure 1 a device 1 for treating hair, according to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.

In the example illustrated, the device 1 is autonomous, with integrated water tank 2. Only part of the power cord 3 is visible on the figures 1 and 2 .

The device 1 comprises a first arm 4 and a second arm 5 extending along a longitudinal axis Y of the device 1, movable relative to each other, being able to take a spaced configuration for introducing a strand of hair between them and a close configuration for processing the strand of hair. THE figures 1, 2 and 3 in particular illustrate this last configuration. There Figure 4 represents, within a apparatus 1, the spaced configuration of the first and second arms 4 and 5 for introducing a lock of hair between them.

The first and second arms 4 and 5 are articulated together by means of a pivot connection 6 so as to form a clamp. The housing of each of the first and second arms 4 and 5 comprises a shell, respectively referenced 17 and 18, which houses different constituent elements. The first and second arms 4 and 5 are movable in the close configuration along the lock of hair to be treated and comprise respective proximal parts 4a and 5a which can be concomitantly grasped with one hand to manipulate the device 1.

The first and second arms 4 and 5 also comprise respective distal parts 4b and 5b equipped with corresponding first and second plates 10 and 11 facing each other which allow the hair to be pinched between them.

The first and second plates 10 and 11 define respective first and second heated contact surfaces 12 and 13. By “contact” we mean contact with the strand of hair or any other hair fiber as mentioned above.

In the example illustrated, the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13 are substantially planar.

The first plate 10 is heated by at least one resistive heating element 15, in this case a PTC thermistor, received in a housing 22 of the first arm 4, not far from the contact surface 12. Alternatively, the first and second plates 10 and 11 are each heated by a separate heating device, in which case another resistive heating element is mounted in the housing 23, for example.

It should be noted that variant shapes are possible for the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13. It is possible, for example, to use curved surfaces, as on certain hairdressing devices allowing the curling of hair, or even wavy surfaces, such as those used for embossing hair, or even equipped with a plurality of protuberances, such as teeth for example. Preferably, the contact surfaces are then complementary so as to properly pinch the lock of hair.

The device 1 also includes at least one steam outlet 20, in this case several outlets, carried by the second arm 5, in this example at a distance of the second plate 11, to expose the hair engaged between the first and second arms 4 and 5 to steam when they are in this steam application zone.

The device 1 comprises at least one comb 30 comprising at least one row of teeth 31, the comb 30 being in this example carried by the second arm 5. The comb may comprise rigid teeth and/or flexible bristles such as for example tufts of silken hairs or a combination of stiff teeth and soft hairs.

In this example, the first arm 4 comprises at least one first part 40 supporting the first plate 10 and at least one second part 41 distinct from the first and separated from it.

The apparatus 1 further comprises, in accordance with the invention, a sealing element 50, elastically deformable, comprising a proximal portion 51 extending at least partially around the first plate 10 between the latter and the first part 40 and a distal portion 52 extending in contact with the second part 41, the proximal 51 and distal 52 portions being connected by an intermediate portion 53 extending between the first and second parts 40 and 41.

The width l ₁ of the intermediate portion 53, measured in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis Y of the device 1, can be greater than 1 mm, being in particular less than 4 mm.

The developed length of the intermediate portion 53 measured in a transverse plane may be greater than 5 mm, in particular 7 mm.

The intermediate portion 53 connects the proximal 51 and distal 52 parts in such a way that we can have a difference in height Δ h , between a low point P of the proximal portion 51 and a low point Q of the distal part 52, for example visible on the Figure 5 , preferably greater than 2 mm..., being for example less than 6 mm being for example substantially equal to 3.6 mm.

The total height of the sealing element 50, which corresponds to the distance measured between the point P and the top of the concave part of the intermediate portion 53, is preferably between 5 and 15 mm, knowing that this height changes according to the cross section of the sealing element 50. In particular, as visible in the Figure 15 , this height is minimum in the middle of the length while it is maximum in the corners. Advantageously, the minimum height is substantially equal to 8 mm and the maximum height is substantially equal to 10 mm.

The proximal portion 51 extends over the entire circumference of the first plate 10.

As can be seen on the Figure 5 , the proximal portion 51 of the sealing element 50 is pinched between the first plate 10 and a rib 55 of the first part 40. In this example, the proximal portion 51 has a generally H-shaped cross section. proximal 51 has a groove 56 engaged in a return 57 of the first plate 10 and an opposite groove 58 engaged in the rib 55 of the first part 40.

The distal portion 52 is, for its part, pinched between the second part 41 and a third internal part 42 of the first arm 4, formed in this example by an internal part of the shell 17.

The intermediate portion 53 has at least one bend in cross section. In the example illustrated, the intermediate portion 53 is curved concave towards the opposite arm 5, with a U-shaped bottom in cross section.

The first plate 10 has an outline of generally rectangular shape with four sides. The intermediate portion 53 and the distal portion 52 extend around three of the four sides of the first plate 10 only. The intermediate portion 53 and the distal portion 52 are absent from the side 16 of the first plate 10 furthest from said at least one steam outlet 20. Thus, we can see on the Figure 5 the sealing element 50 on the side of the first plate 10 which is opposite the steam outlet 20 which includes only the proximal part 51. The other three sides of the first plate 10, as visible on the Figure 15 , are surrounded by the entire proximal part 51, the distal part 52 and the intermediate part 53 of the sealing element 50. This makes it possible to reduce the width of the device 1 without significantly harming the waterproofing.

In particular because of this, the sealing element 50 has a non-symmetrical shape, as visible in particular on the Figure 15 , relative to a median plane passing through the first plate 10 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the device 1 and perpendicular to a contact surface 12 of the first plate 10 facing the second plate 11.

Still in this example, the sealing element 50 is present on a single arm, namely the first arm 4, said at least one steam outlet 20 being carried by the other arm, namely the second arm 5. intermediate portion 53 is located in the steam ejection zone, possibly slightly offset from said at least one steam outlet 20 so as to form a steam screen. By “slightly offset” is meant an offset of between 2 and 15 mm and advantageously substantially equal to 7 mm relative to the axis of steam ejection. Preferably, the offset is towards the inside of the device.

In this example, the device 1 does not include a reservoir for a cosmetic composition, nor a cosmetic composition applicator.

The second part 41 faces said at least one steam outlet 20.

In the example illustrated, the device 1 comprises a confined zone 90 around said at least one steam outlet 20. The confined zone 90 is delimited in this example by the confinement structure 21 formed by the second part 41 which allows the less partial confinement of the vapor emitted by the device. This confinement structure 21 comprises in this example a groove 25 facing the steam outlets 20. The confined zone 90 is also delimited by the comb 30. The confinement structure 21 also includes a covering 91 of said comb 30.

The first plate 10 is, in the example illustrated on the Figure 5 Or 6 , pivotally mounted on the corresponding first arm 4 via the engagement of a head 110 in the form of a portion of a sphere, formed in the first part 40, in a housing defined by a cylindrical wall 111 formed with the shell 17 of the first arm 4 .

The support of the spherical surface of the head 110 on the circular edge of the wall 111 creates a ball joint which allows the first plate 10 to pivot when the thickness of the lock of hair which is pinched between the plates is not not homogeneous or is not placed in the center of the first plate 10, and thus to have a larger contact surface with the wick. We can see on the Figure 5 a helical spring 62 which bears at one end in the bottom of the housing defined by the cylindrical wall 111 and at the other end against the head 110. The deformability of the sealing element 50 thanks to the intermediate portion 53 allows it to accompany this pivoting of the first plate 10 while playing a role as a barrier against steam. Indeed, the bellows shape of said intermediate portion 53 gives the sealing element remarkable flexibility, while its proximal portion 51 and distal portion 53 are fixed, respectively with the first plate 10 and the second part 41.

The lower part of the second arm 5 houses the vaporization chamber which allows the creation of steam which is then projected through the outlets 20 passing through the channels 26 and nozzles 27.

Such a vaporization chamber may include a heating device consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called CTP, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called CTN. .

The total steam flow delivered by all steam outlets can be between 0.5 g/min and 0.8 g/min or between 2 and 2.5 g/min.

The vaporization chamber is itself supplied by means of an electric pump and in particular a peristaltic pump, itself connected to the reservoir 2, these elements being preferably located in the second arm 5.

The device 1 may also include an electronic card, not shown, configured to manage the electrical power supply to the resistive heating elements in order to control the operating temperature. This electronic card can be arranged inside one of the two arms 4 or 5, for example in the proximal part 5a of the arm 5, and have a user interface.

The device 1 may further comprise a magnetic sensor, not illustrated, of the ILS flexible reed switch type, which makes it possible to detect the close configuration of the arms 4 and 5, in which the surfaces 12 and 13 are substantially against each other. 'other to pinch the section of hair to be treated. In another variant, the flexible reed switch could be replaced by an MRS magneto-resistive sensor, or by any other means of detection.

In the embodiment illustrated on the figures 6 to 14 , the second part 41 is different. In this example, as visible in particular on the Figure 6 , the second part 41 has a groove 60 in which the distal portion 52 is received at least partially, the third part 42 having a rib 61 applying to the distal portion 52 directly above said groove 60.

Still in this example, as in the previous example visible on the Figure 15 and as visible in this example on the figures 7 and 8 in particular, the intermediate portion 53 has a height h which varies along at least one side of the first plate 10, and along each side of the first plate 10 in which the intermediate portion 53 is present.

As visible on the figures 7 and 8 , the height h of the intermediate portion 53 is minimum substantially at mid-length of at least one side of the first plate 10 and increases towards the ends of said side.

The difference in height h of the intermediate portion 53, maximum at the corners of the sides of the first plate 10 and minimum at the centers of the sides of the first plate 10, is chosen in particular so as to allow the pivoting of the first plate 10. Indeed, the further one moves away from the head 110, the greater the amplitude of the movements of the first plate 10 during pivoting through a given angle. These high amplitude movements are then remarkably facilitated by the difference in maximum height h at the corners, since the length of the bellows is then maximized.

In this example, the water tank is not integrated into device 1 but in a separate station.

As illustrated, the device 1 can include a cartridge 80 containing a cosmetic composition C to be applied to the hair, the second part 41 serving as a support for said cartridge 80. The second part 41 can then have a slide 81 in which the cartridge 80 is engaged. The cartridge 80 comprises a porous material 82 impregnated with said composition C. In the example illustrated, the porous material 82 is a felt. As visible on the figures 6 And 9 , the second part 41 comprises a rib 85 applying against said porous material 82, on the side opposite the sealing element 50. In this example, the rib 85 partially penetrates the porous material 82, as visible.

The cartridge 80 is also held in place, in this example by being engaged in a slide 86 of the device 1.

On the second arm 5, a spring 107 makes it possible to press the hair, as it passes, by pressing a surface 108 against the lower edge 109 of the porous material 82, as visible in particular on the Figure 12 .

In this example, the confined zone 90 is delimited by the cartridge 80, the comb 30 and one side of the first and second plates 10 and 11.

In this example again, the device 1 comprises a device for heating the first plate 10 consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient PTC 15 and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative coefficient CTN 101. The thermistors CTP 15 and CTN 101 are, as visible on the figure 8 , arranged behind the first plate 10. The device 1 comprises two plugs 102, for example made of silicone, arranged at their longitudinal ends. This makes it possible to protect thermistors 15 and 101 from any possible presence of condensate which could shorten the leakage lines and generate a risk for the user.

Each plug 102 is advantageously perforated with two holes, not visible in the figure for the sake of clarity of the drawing, in order to allow the wires of the thermistor 101 to pass at the front of the first plate 10 and the wires of the thermistor 15 to the rear of the first plate 10.

The device 1 also includes, as visible on the Figure 10 , a switch 105 for detecting the presence of the cartridge, present in a housing 106 comprising two parts welded together by ultrasound. The passage of the wires of the switch and of a mobile detection finger is carried out through seals, in particular silicone, stuck between the two parts of the housing 106 before welding.

The device 1 still includes, in this example, as visible on the figures 11 and 12 , a seal 120 positioned behind the last nozzle 27a, on the side of the gripping area of the device. This seal 120 is fixed on the second arm 5, and is configured to come into contact with the first arm 4 in a position close to the arms 4 and 5. The seal 120 is arranged between the last steam nozzle 27a and the pivot connection 6 allowing the arms to form a clamp. The seal 120 extends, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, behind the plates 10 and 11 and behind the last nozzle 27a, so as to force the steam to escape through the front of the appliance 1 and thus protect the gripping area from steam. The user's hand therefore does not risk being burned and condensation of steam on the gripping area is avoided. This also helps prevent the formation of condensate in unidentified areas.

The third part 42 presents, as visible on the figure 13 , a wall 112 extending towards the gripping zone of the device 1, towards the rear thereof. This third part 42 is in at least indirect contact with the first plate 10. Thus, as soon as the device 1 is started, the third part 42 is heated and can, through its wall 112, accelerate the heating of the shell 17 of the first arm 4, so as to limit condensation on the internal and external surfaces of this shell 17.

Likewise, as illustrated in the Figure 14 , in the second arm 5, the support element 114 of the vaporization chamber may include a wall 115 elongated towards the gripping area of the device 1. This makes it possible to supply calories to the internal and external surfaces of the shell 18 of the second arm 5 in order to limit condensation on them.

Claims (13)

1. Hair treatment apparatus (1), having:

   - first and second arms (4, 5) which are movable with respect to each other and which adopt a spaced-apart configuration, for introduction of a lock of hair between them, and a closed configuration for treatment of the lock of hair, first and second contact surfaces (12, 13) carried respectively by the first and second arms (4, 5) and arranged opposite each other, at least one of said contact surfaces (12, 13) providing heat,

   - at least one steam outlet (20) carried by the second arm (5) at a distance from the contact surface (13) situated on the same arm, in order to expose the hairs engaged between the arms (4, 5) to the steam,

   - at least the first arm (4) having at least one first part (40) supporting the first contact surface (12) and at least one second part (41) distinct from the first part and separated from the latter,

   characterised in that the apparatus (1) comprises an elastically deformable sealing element (50) present on the only first arm (4), comprising a proximal portion (51) extending at least partially around the first contact surface (12) between the latter and the first support part (40) and a distal portion (52) extending in contact with the second part (41), the proximal portion (51) and the distal portion (52) being connected by an intermediate portion (53) which extends between the first (40) and second (41) parts and is configured to form a screen to the steam, said intermediate portion (53) having at least one bend in the transverse cross-section, the intermediate portion (53) being preferably curved concave to the opposite arm, in particular with a U-shaped bottom in the transverse cross-section.
2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, the proximal portion (51) extending over the entire perimeter of the first contact surface (12).
3. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, the proximal portion (51) being clamped between the first contact surface (12) and a rib (55) of the first part (40), in particular having a generally H-shaped transverse cross-section, with a recess (56) engaged in a return (57) of the first contact surface (12) and an opposite recess (58) engaged in said rib (55) of the first part (40).
4. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the distal portion (52) being clamped between the second part (41) and a third internal part (42) of the first arm (4).
5. Apparatus (1) according to claim 4, the second part (41) having a recess (60), wherein the distal portion (52) is received at least partially, the third part (42) having a rib (61) being applied on the distal portion (52) in vertical alignment with said recess (60).
6. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the first contact surface (12) having a generally rectangular-shaped contour and the intermediate portion (53) and the distal portion (52) extending around three of the four sides of the first contact surface (12) only, the intermediate portion (53) and the distal portion (52) being preferably absent from the side (16) of the first contact surface (12) farthest away from said at least one steam outlet (20).
7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact surface (12) is pivotingly mounted on the first arm (4), in particular by way of a ball connection or similar.
8. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portion (53) has a height (h) which varies along at least one side of the first contact surface (12), and best along each side of the first contact surface (12), preferably, the height (h) of the intermediate portion (53) is minimal substantially halfway along at least one side of the first contact surface (12) and increases towards the ends of said side.
9. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the second part (41) facing said at least one steam outlet (20).
10. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one comb (30) comprising at least one row of teeth (31), the comb (30) preferably being carried by the second arm (5).
11. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a confined zone (90) around said at least one steam outlet (20).
12. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, the confined zone (90) being delimited by at least one of the following elements: a cartridge (80) of composition (C) to be applied on the lock of hair, a comb (30) and a confinement structure (21) disposed substantially facing said at least one steam outlet (20), such a confinement structure (21) comprising, in particular, at least one recess (25) facing said at least one steam outlet (20) and optionally, when the apparatus (1) comprises a comb (30), a cap (91) of said comb (30), the second part (41), a side of the first and of the second contact surfaces (12, 13) or any other element of the apparatus partially creating a confinement around said at least one steam outlet (20).
13. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a seal (120) positioned behind said at least one steam outlet (20), in particular behind the last nozzle (27a), on the side of the gripping zone of the apparatus (1), said seal (120) being fixed on the second arm (5), and being configured to come into contact with the first arm (4) in the closed position of the arms, the seal (120) preferably being disposed between the end of said at least one steam outlet (20) and a pivot connection (6) enabling the arms (4, 5) to form a clamp.

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