ES2545379T3 - Improvements in hair straighteners and related to these - Google Patents

Abstract

A hair straightener (1), comprising a first and second jaw (3, 5) at least one of which carries a heating element (7, 9), the jaws (3, 5) being movable so that, in use, the jaws (3, 5) can be moved to an open configuration and introduce hair between them and then the jaws (3, 5) can be moved to a closed configuration with the hair located between them, and where the iron comprises connecting means to connect to a battery unit (19) and a heating element (7, 9) of the iron is arranged to be powered by said battery unit (19), where the connector means comprise a receptacle (21) to receive a unit battery unit (19) and having a connector to form an electrical connection with the battery unit (19) and characterized in that the receptacle (21) comprises a cavity formed in one of the jaws (3, 5) and the other jaw (3 , 5) comprises a cavity (25) to receive a part q It protrudes from the battery unit (19) when the jaws (3, 5) are closed.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Improvements in hair straighteners and related to these

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to hair straighteners, especially, but not exclusively, to cordless hair straighteners. 5

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known that people use hair straighteners to straighten their hair. Irons that use ceramic heating elements comprising a layer of resistant material located between ceramic material are known. These plates can reach an operating temperature in fractions of a minute, and therefore, can be comfortable to use. However, these plates have the disadvantage that they are fed by the supply network, and therefore, the user is limited in terms of the places where the plates can be used since they require a nearby power supply.

[0003] EP 1112701 discloses a castanet hair straightener. DE 19907721 reveals an electric eyelash curler.

[0004] Thus, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are intended to address at least one disadvantage associated with known hair straighteners, whether analyzed herein or not.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hair straightener is provided, comprising a first jaw and a second jaw at least one of which carries a heating element, the jaws being movable such that, in In use, the jaws can be moved to an open configuration and the hair can be inserted between them and then the jaws can be moved to a closed configuration with the hair between them, and where the iron comprises connection means for connecting to a battery unit and A heating element of the iron is configured to be powered by said battery unit where the connector means comprise a receptacle for receiving a battery unit and having a connector to form an electrical connection with the battery unit and characterized by the fact that the receptacle comprises a cavity formed in one of the jaws and the other jaw c It occupies a cavity to receive a part that protrudes from the battery unit when the jaws are closed.

[0006] Conveniently, the first jaw carries a first heating element and the second jaw carries a second heating element. Conveniently, the heating elements are arranged so that the hair can be placed between them when the jaws are in the closed configuration. 30

[0007] Conveniently, both heating elements are configured to be powered by a single battery unit.

[0008] Conveniently, a part of each jaw away from the heating element carried by the jaw comprises a handle part. Conveniently, the iron is arranged to be held in one hand by the user. 35

[0009] Conveniently, the jaws are mobilely connected to each other. Conveniently, the jaws are pivotally connected to each other. Conveniently, the jaws are connected to each other by the ends of the jaws away from their respective heating elements. Conveniently, the connecting means are located in one of the jaws, conveniently in the handle part thereof. Conveniently, the connecting means are located on an inner face of a jaw. 40

[0010] The hair straightener can be arranged such that a battery unit protrudes from the inside of a jaw in which it is installed. In this way, the iron can be arranged to be powered by a single battery unit that can be too large to fit only one of the jaws. This may allow the use of a battery unit that has a capacity greater than it could be if this is not the case. This may also be preferable for an iron that receives an independent battery unit at each jaw since fewer electrical connectors may be required.

[0011] Conveniently, the iron further comprises a battery unit comprising a battery. The battery unit may comprise a two cell battery block. Conveniently, the battery is rechargeable. Conveniently, the battery unit comprises a lithium-ion battery. Battery unit

It can have a recharge time of approximately 2 hours and a life of approximately 300 to 500 cycles. Conveniently, the battery can be recharged while the battery unit is installed in the iron. Conveniently, the iron comprises a power input to receive an electrical supply to recharge the battery. Conveniently, the battery unit is arranged to provide high current to the heating elements. 5

[0012] Conveniently, the iron is arranged so that it can only work when a battery unit approved by the manufacturer is installed. In this way, the iron is arranged to ensure that it does not work with low quality batteries that can give dangerous performance.

[0013] Conveniently, the iron comprises electronic authentication means to verify that a battery unit approved by the manufacturer is installed before supplying power to the heating elements 10. Conveniently, the authentication means are configured to request a password from the battery unit.

[0014] The battery unit, which can be approved by the manufacturer, can thus comprise a battery and an electronic password storage medium. Conveniently, the electronic password cannot be obtained by reverse engineering of said battery unit. The battery unit may comprise a battery circuit 15 that may include password storage means.

[0015] Conveniently, the heating elements comprise thick film heating elements.

[0016] It has generally been thought that to give the short heating time and the operating temperature required to straighten the hair it is necessary to use ceramic heating elements of the type in which a resistant material is surrounded by a ceramic sandwich. Surprisingly, the present applicants have discovered that the 20 thick film heating elements can achieve comparable operating temperatures in acceptable times with an energy demand that may be especially suitable for battery-powered plates.

[0017] Each thick film heating element may comprise a ceramic substrate having a film of resistive material placed thereon to form a resistive element. Said heating element may comprise a ceramic substrate on only one side of the resistive element. Alternatively, each thick film heating element may comprise a film of resistive material placed on a base to form a resistive element and which is disposed between a ceramic substrate. Said heating element may comprise a base comprising carbon.

[0018] Conveniently, the resistive element is substantially flat. Conveniently, the resistive element has a thickness of between 5 and 20 µm, for example about 13 µm. 30

[0019] Conveniently, the substrate is substantially flat. Conveniently, the substrate is between 0.1 and 2 mm thick, preferably between 0.3 and 1 mm, for example about 0.635 mm.

[0020] Conveniently, the substrate comprises alumina. Conveniently, the substrate comprises at least 90% by weight alumina, for example about 96% by weight. In this way, the substrate can have excellent thermal conductivity to allow heat flow and help achieve a uniform temperature in the substrate.

[0021] Conveniently, the resistive element comprises a flat serigraphic conductive pathway of low ohmic value that acts as resistance.

[0022] The resistive element may be constructed of a paste comprising palladium alloy and silver. Conveniently, the paste further comprises glass, conveniently in a small amount, for example, less than 40% by weight.

[0023] Conveniently, the heating element is formed by printing the paste on the substrate and then drying the print and heating the substrate carrying the paste.

[0024] Conveniently, the printing is heated to a temperature of 700 to 1000 ° C, for example about 850 ° C to sinter the metals to the ceramic substrate. Four. Five

[0025] The actual resistance of the resistive element can be defined by the laminar resistivity of the paste, its final heated thickness and the geometry of the conductive path itself. Conveniently, the resistive element has a resistance of approximately 4 ohms.

[0026] The resistive element is conveniently covered by a protective glazed impression. By way of

convenient, the protective printing comprises a carbon-based printing.

[0027] Conveniently, the substrate carrying the glazed print is heated to a temperature of 400 to 600 ° C, for example, at about 520 ° C.

[0028] The protective impression can insulate the conductive part in much the same way as a solder mask would do on a PCB, although the conductive pads can be left uncovered so that the connection cables can be soldered using a high point weld of fusion.

[0029] Alternatively, printing can be left exposed.

[0030] The hair straightener may comprise a cover plate for each heating element that can be arranged to provide a contact surface for coupling the users' hair. A cover plate may be arranged to contact the ceramic substrate on the opposite side to that on which the resistive element is provided. Conveniently, the cover plate comprises a metal cover plate. The cover plate may comprise aluminum that can be extruded.

[0031] Alternatively, the ceramic substrate can be arranged to provide a contact surface for engaging the users' hair. A surface of the ceramic substrate can be polished to provide said contact surface that can be substantially smooth. A resistive element can be printed on one side of the substrate and the side of the substrate opposite the resistive element can be polished to provide said contact surface that can be substantially smooth.

[0032] Alternatively, the heating elements may comprise a resistive element integrated in a ceramic substrate. The resistive element may comprise an element having a base, conveniently a carbon base. The heating elements may comprise a film of resistive material placed on the base to form a resistive element. The ceramic substrate may comprise alumina. One side of the ceramic substrate can be polished to provide a contact surface for coupling the users' hair so that the heating elements can act as contact plates. Thus, the iron does not require cover plates for the heating elements.

[0033] A heating element comprising an integrated resistive element can be formed by first placing a paste on a base, conveniently a carbon base, to form a resistive element. The heating element can then be produced by forming a first layer of a ceramic substrate in a press mold, placing the resistive element on the substrate, placing a second layer of ceramic substrate on the resistive element and pressing the layers with each other. Once pressed, the layers can be heated in an oven, conveniently for about 2 weeks at about 1500 ° C. 30

[0034] Conveniently, the heating elements are arranged to reach operating temperatures in less than 3 minutes, for example, in about 2 minutes. Conveniently, the heating elements are configured to have a temperature of about 150 ° C to 200 ° C in use, for example, about 170 ° C to 180 ° C.

[0035] The iron may comprise protection means arranged to interrupt the power supply to a heating element in case of overheating of the element. The protection means can be arranged to interrupt the power supply to both heating elements in case one of said elements overheats. The protection means may comprise a connector with thermal fuse arranged to interrupt the power supply to a heating element in case of overheating.

[0036] Conveniently, the protection means are located adjacent to a heating element. Conveniently, a connector with thermal fuse is located adjacent to a heating element. Conveniently, said thermal fuse connector is communicated with a protection circuit arranged to cause the power supply to the heating element to be interrupted. Conveniently, the thermal fuse connector comprises a welding bridge.

[0037] Conveniently, the protection means are arranged to interrupt the power supply if the temperature of the protection means exceeds temperatures of 220 ° C.

[0038] Conveniently, the jaws lean toward their open configuration. The jaws can be tilted by spring to their open configuration.

[0039] Conveniently, the iron comprises a control circuit arranged to control the power supply to the heating elements while the iron is on. fifty

[0040] Conveniently, the control circuit is arranged to deliver pulsed energy with modulated amplitude to control the temperature.

[0041] Conveniently, the hair straightener comprises a microcontroller to maintain the temperature of the heating elements within a required operating range.

[0042] Conveniently, the hair straightener is configured to provide visual and / or audio signals in relation to its temperature status and / or battery status.

[0043] Conveniently, the iron comprises locking means arranged to allow the jaws to be locked in a closed position when the iron is not in use.

[0044] Conveniently, the locking means are arranged to fix the jaws in a closed configuration when the iron is off and the jaws move to the closed configuration. This can substantially prevent the heating elements from coming into contact with people or objects while they are cooling.

[0045] Conveniently, the locking means are arranged so as to allow the jaws to move between open and closed configurations when the iron is on.

[0046] Conveniently, the locking means comprise a power switch for. Conveniently, the power switch is slidable between the on and off positions. Conveniently, a switch spring offers resistance to the movement of the switch so as to minimize the risk of accidental movement of the switch.

[0047] Conveniently, the iron is arranged so that when the power switch is moved to an off position and the jaws are moved to a closed configuration the jaws are locked in said closed configuration. twenty

[0048] Conveniently, the iron is configured so that when the power switch is moved to an on position the jaws are unlocked and can be moved to an open configuration.

[0049] Conveniently, the locking means comprise a mobile locking element between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0050] Conveniently, the locking element can be moved between said unlocking and locking positions by means of a power switch. Conveniently, the power switch and locking element are mechanically connected.

[0051] Conveniently, the locking means comprise a locking element mounted on a jaw and arranged to fix the other jaw in a substantially fixed position in relation thereto with the jaws closed. Conveniently, the locking element is arranged to engage a retaining means 30 to fix the jaws in a closed configuration. The locking element can be mounted on one jaw and a battery unit mounted on the other jaw can comprise the retention means. Alternatively, the locking element may be mounted on a jaw and the retention means may comprise a part of the other jaw.

[0052] Conveniently, when the locking element mounted on a jaw is in the unlocked position, it cannot be coupled to the retaining means for locking the jaws. In this way, the jaws can open and close freely.

[0053] Conveniently, when it is in the locked position the blocking element can be coupled to the retaining means when the jaws are in the closed configuration to lock the jaws. 40

[0054] Conveniently, when the blocking element is in the blocking position the jaws can be moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration and then automatically locked in the closed configuration.

[0055] Conveniently, the locking element comprises a hitch. Conveniently, the hitch is elastically deformable between the coupling and non-coupling positions. Four. Five

[0056] Conveniently, the hitch is inclined towards the coupling position. Conveniently, the hitch comprises a spring.

[0057] Conveniently, when the locking element is in a closed position, the hitch can move from a coupling position as the jaws move to the closed configuration, to allow the jaws to close, and can then return to the coupling position to lock the jaws.

[0058] The locking element may consist of a coupling and the coupling and non-coupling positions of the coupling may correspond to the locking and unlocking positions of the blocking element respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059]

Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a hair straightener in a closed configuration; 10

Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a hair straightener in an open configuration;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a hair straightener;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hair straightener in an open configuration;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a hair straightener in a closed configuration; fifteen

Figure 6 is a perspective view of separate jaws of a hair straightener;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a heating element;

Figure 8 is an alternative perspective view of a heating element and;

Figure 9 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of a heating element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 20

[0060] As best illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, a hair straightener 1 comprises a first and second jaw 3, 5 carrying a first and a second heating element 7, 9 respectively.

[0061] The jaws 3, 5 further comprise a first and second handle part 11, 13 respectively towards the ends 15, 17 away from the heating elements 7, 9.

[0062] The jaws 3, 5 are pivotally connected adjacent their ends 15, 17 apart from the heating element by the pivot 18. In this way, the jaws 3, 5 can move between the open and closed configurations. A spring (not shown) tilts the jaws 3, 5 to an open configuration.

[0063] The hair iron 1 further comprises connection means for connecting a battery unit 19 that feeds the heating elements 7, 9. The connection means comprise a receptacle 21 located in the handle portion 13 of the second jaw 5 to receive the battery unit 19 and a connector (not shown) to form an electrical connection with it.

[0064] The battery unit 19 protrudes beyond an inner face 23 of the second jaw 15. The first jaw 3 comprises a cavity 25 for receiving the protruding part of the battery unit 19 when the jaws 3, 5 are in A closed configuration. 35

[0065] Hair straightener 1 comprises battery authentication means (not shown) to request a password from the battery unit to ensure that the battery unit is approved and therefore safe before supplying power to the elements heaters

[0066] The battery unit 19 thus comprises a battery and password storage means.

[0067] The hair straightener 1 also includes an energy input port (not shown) located at the end 40 of the second jaw 5 to allow power to be supplied to recharge a battery contained in an installed battery unit 19 on the hair straightener.

[0068] The hair straightener 1 further comprises a control circuit (not shown) to control the supply of energy to the heating elements. The control circuit is configured to facilitate the efficient operation of the heating elements.

[0069] The hair straightener additionally comprises protection means comprising a connector with thermal fuse 59 located adjacent to a heating element of each jaw. The connector 59 comprises a welding bridge 5 (shown in dot contour) that links the connectors 67, 69. The connectors 67, 69 are connected to a protection circuit (not shown). The welding bridge 65 is configured to melt and interrupt the protection circuit, which in turn causes the power supply to a heating element to be interrupted, if the temperature of the thermal fuse connector 59 exceeds 220 ° C. Thus, in case of overheating of the iron, the thermal fuse can minimize the risk of fire. 10

[0070] The heating elements comprise thick film heating elements 27, better illustrated by Figures 7 and 8. The hair straightener further comprises extruded aluminum cover plates 29 which cover the thick film heating elements 27 to provide the elements. heaters 7, 9. Each thick film heating element 27 comprises a substrate 51 that carries a resistive element 53.

[0071] The substrate 51 comprises a 96% alumina substrate measuring 80 mm by 15 mm by 0.635 mm. The substrate itself has excellent thermal conductivity to allow heat flow and help achieve a uniform temperature in the substrate.

[0072] The resistive element 53 that provides the heat output comprises a flat serigraphic conductive pathway of low ohmic value that acts as resistance. The resistive element 53 is constructed of a paste containing palladium and silver alloy and a small amount of glass. The actual resistance, nominally 4 ohm, is defined by the laminar resistivity of the paste, its final heated thickness and the geometry of the conductive path itself.

[0073] The heating element 27 is formed by printing the paste on the substrate after which the printing is dried and then heated to 850 ° C to sinter the metals to the ceramic substrate with a thickness of approximately 13 µm. The flat resistive element is then covered by a protective glazed impression that is heated to 520 ° C, this impression insulates the conductive part in the same way as a welding mask on a PCB. The 25 conductive pads 55 are left uncovered to allow the connection cables 57 to be welded using a high melting point weld.

[0074] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a heating element 127 comprising a substrate 151 having a resistive element 153 integrated therein. The resistive element 153 is located approximately 1 mm from a lower face of the heating element and approximately 2 mm from an upper face thereof. The heating element 127 also has clips 63 to allow it to connect to the iron.

[0075] An iron (not shown) using said heating elements 127 does not comprise cover plates. Instead, a surface 61 of the substrate 151 is polished to provide a smooth contact surface for contacting the wearer's hair. Thus, in use, the heating elements 127 act as contact plates. 35

[0076] The heating element 127 is produced by forming a first ceramic substrate layer in a press mold, placing the resistive element 127 comprising a resistive pathway printed on a carbon base, on the substrate, and placing a second substrate layer ceramic on the resistive element and firmly pressing the layers with each other. Once the layers are pressed with each other, they are heated in a gas oven in a cycle that lasts up to two weeks to start cold and return to cold. Next, conductive wires are soldered to 40 terminals connected to the resistive element path.

[0077] The hair straightener comprises a power switch (on / off) 31. The switch can be moved between the on and off positions and a switch spring 33 provides resistance to this movement to prevent the switch from hitting the switch accidentally. The switch 31 illuminates and is arranged to glow when the iron is at operating temperature. Four. Five

[0078] Attached to the on-off switch is a blocking element 35 which together with the power switch 31 provides blocking means. The locking element 35 is mounted on the first jaw 3 and can be moved between a locked position (Figure 1) and an unlocked position (Figure 2).

[0079] When in the unlocked position the locking element 35 is arranged so that it does not engage any part of the second jaw 5 or battery unit 19 mounted thereon so that the jaws 3, 5 can open and close freely. In use, when the power switch 31 moves to the on position, the locking element 35 moves to the unlocked position.

[0080] When in the locked position, the blocking element 35 is arranged to engage the retaining means formed in the battery unit 19 mounted in the second jaw 5 when the jaws are closed so that the jaws 3, 5 stay closed.

[0081] In use, when the power switch 31 moves to the off position, the blocking element 35 moves to the locked position. 5

[0082] The locking element 35 consists of an elastically deformable hitch 36 comprising a spring inclined towards a coupling position in which, when the blocking element is in a blocking position and the jaws are closed, it it engages a recess 37 in the battery unit mounted on the second jaw 5 to lock the jaws 3, 5 together.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the power switch 31 comprises a leg 39 for engaging a leg 41 of the hitch 36. The leg 39 limits the movement of the hitch 35 towards the recess 37 of the battery unit but not away from it. Thus, since the blocking element 35 consists of the coupling 36 the coupling engagement position corresponds to the blocking position of the blocking element and a non-coupling position to the open position of the blocking element.

[0084] In use, if the plate 1 is turned off with the jaws open, the locking element 35 may deform away 15 from the coupling position and to the non-coupling position as the jaws 3, 5 close so that Do not prevent the jaws 3, 5 from closing. The switch 31 remains in the off position when the hitch moves to the non-engaged position during this operation. Once the jaws 3, 5 are closed, the locking elements 3, 5 return to the coupling position, thereby locking the jaws 3, 5 closed. twenty

[0085] It will be appreciated that a hair straightener according to preferred embodiments of the present invention can advantageously allow a user to straighten their hair even when there is no convenient power supply and can provide a high number of safety features. To protect the user.

Claims (15)

1. A hair straightener (1), comprising a first and second jaw (3, 5) at least one of which carries a heating element (7, 9), the jaws (3,5) being mobile so that, in use, the jaws (3, 5) can move to an open configuration and introduce hair between them and then the jaws (3, 5) can move to a closed configuration with the hair located between them, and where the iron comprises means 5 connectors for connecting to a battery unit (19) and a heating element (7, 9) of the iron is arranged to be fed by said battery unit (19), where the connector means comprise a receptacle (21) for receiving a battery unit (19) and having a connector to form an electrical connection with the battery unit (19) and characterized in that the receptacle (21) comprises a cavity formed in one of the jaws (3, 5) and the other jaw (3, 5) comprises a cavity (25) to receive a part that protrudes from the battery unit 10 (19) when the jaws (3, 5) are closed. 2. An iron (1) according to claim 1, wherein the iron (1) further comprises a battery unit (19) comprising a battery. 3. An iron (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the iron (1) is arranged so that it can function only when a battery unit approved by the manufacturer is installed. fifteen 4. An iron (1) according to claim 3, wherein the iron (1) comprises electronic authentication means to verify that a battery unit approved by the manufacturer is installed before supplying power to the heating elements (7, 9) . 5. A hair straightener (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a heating element (7, 9) comprises a thick film element (27). twenty A hair straightener (1) according to claim 5, wherein each thick film heating element (27) comprises a ceramic substrate (51) having a film of resistive material disposed thereon to form a resistive element (53 ) comprising a ceramic substrate (51) on only one side of the resistive element (53). 7. A hair straightener (1) according to claim 5, wherein each thick film heating element (27) comprises a film of resistive material placed on a base to form a resistive element (53) and which is integrated between substrate ceramic (51). 8. A hair straightener (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hair straightener (1) comprises a cover plate (29) for each heating element (7, 9) that is arranged to provide a surface contact to attach the user's hair. 9. A hair straightener (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the ceramic substrate (151) is arranged to provide a contact surface for attaching the user's hair. 10. A hair straightener (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the straightener (1) comprises protection means arranged to interrupt the supply of energy to a heating element (7, 9) in case of overheating of the element. 11. A hair straightener (1) according to claim 10, wherein the protection means are located adjacent to a heating element (7, 9). 12. A hair straightener (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the protection means comprise a connector with thermal fuse (59) arranged to interrupt the supply of energy to a heating element (7, 9) in case of overheating 13. A hair straightener (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the straightener (1) 40 comprises locking means arranged to allow the jaws (3, 5) to be locked in a closed position when the straightener (1 ) is not in use.  14. A hair straightener (1) according to claim 13, wherein the locking means comprises a movable locking element (35) between an unlocked position and a locked position by means of a power switch (31). Four. Five 15. A hair straightener (1) according to claim 14, wherein when the locking element (35) is in the locked position, the jaws (3, 5) can be moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration and then they are automatically locked in the closed configuration.