Cleaning device with a sprayer and a suction unit

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a device (100) for cleaning hair and applying a composition to the hair, comprising: a body structure (140) comprising a first dispensing opening (130) and a second vacuum opening (132); a sprayer (112) whose outlet is connected to the first dispensing opening (130); a vacuum system (114) whose inlet is connected to the second vacuum opening (132); and a handle (104) extending from the body structure (140), the body structure having: a support (10) having a peripheral edge (20) defined by a perimeter line (74); and application elements (12) extending from the longitudinal face (11) of the support (10).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a beauty device for treating hair fibers, particularly for cleaning hair.

[0002] More generally, beauty products are those defined in European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) 1223 / 2009 of 30 November 2009 on beauty products. Background Technology

[0003] Hair care devices that dispense cleansing fluids are known.

[0004] Patent DE 3800954 discloses a hair styling device having a hollow rotating body with protrusions and recesses on its outer peripheral surface for winding, shaping, and drying hair. The body is driven by a motor housed in a handle-like casing. Blowing openings are arranged in the protrusions, and suction openings are arranged in the recesses. These openings are connected via pipes to a soundproof central device comprising at least one fan, an outlet connector, an inlet connector, and an air heater. Hair perming agents, color-fixing agents, hair dyes, or other hair treatment agents in vapor form can be discharged through the outlet openings via a blower nozzle extending parallel to the hollow body along the casing. The hair treatment agent reaches the hair, while excess components are immediately drawn in through the suction openings.

[0005] Patent application EP 0659363 A1 discloses an apparatus for treating hair, comprising a generator, a tool holder, and a tool, the tool holder being provided with a gripping handle. The generator and tool holder are designed to provide at least one steam supply to the tool. The generator and tool holder are positioned at a distance from each other and connected by a flexible bundle having at least one conduit for supplying steam to the tool holder. The tool holder supports a steam outlet channel, the wall of which has a steam distribution orifice extending through the wall. The generator may be designed to allow other fluids to pass through the tool, these other fluids being able to be blown and / or drawn through the tool.

[0006] French patent application No. 2003401, filed by the applicant on April 6, 2020, discloses an apparatus for applying a preparation to hair, the apparatus comprising: a body structure having one or more teeth at its front end, wherein one end of the teeth includes a first opening and a second opening; a sprayer having an outlet connected to the first opening; a vacuum system having an inlet connected to the second opening; and a handle continuing from the body structure at an obtuse angle relative to the front end of the body structure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an apparatus for cleaning human keratin fibers, particularly hair, so that the fibers can be effectively cleaned with a cleaning composition, and the routine of removing a mixture of sebum and shampoo particles from the hair and scalp after the application of the cleaning composition can be improved and shortened.

[0008] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a preferred portable and compact device that can effectively clean hair without rinsing with water.

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides an integrated device capable of dispensing a composition onto hair, scalp, or hair roots, capable of mixing the composition with sebum, and capable of removing waste generated from such mixture by means of a suction system comprising a low-noise air pump or water pump that is easily integrated into the body of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The subject of this invention is an apparatus for cleaning hair and applying a composition to hair, the apparatus comprising: a body structure including a first dispensing opening and a second vacuum opening; a sprayer with an outlet connected to the first dispensing opening; a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second vacuum opening; and a handle extending from the body structure, the body structure having: a support member having a peripheral edge defined by a perimeter line extending along a longitudinal axis X; and application elements extending from a longitudinal surface of the support member along a longitudinal axis Y, the application elements having a first free end and a second end connected obliquely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal surface of the support member, the first dispensing opening and the second vacuum opening opening opening to the longitudinal surface of the support member without penetrating the application elements.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device removes more than just "macro" particles such as dandruff. The device delivers a cleansing agent along with massage to dissolve and absorb oil, sebum, and other odor-capturing agents, leaving hair with a clean / fresh appearance. The device generates a spray to disperse the agent and includes teeth for mechanical massage, and removes the product under vacuum to achieve a cleansing effect.

[0013] Because the device cleans hair in the same way as shampoo used in the shower, the hair is then easier to style, resulting in healthier and longer-lasting hair.

[0014] Due to the specific arrangement of the first dispensing opening and the second vacuum opening in the support, the cosmetic composition is effectively distributed on the hair and scalp, and cleaning is effective due to the well-distributed suction.

[0015] Advantageously, the device according to the invention includes a formulation misting system or sprayer, a hairbrush bristle system forming the application element, and an air pump capable of removing sebum and dirt from the scalp and hair roots.

[0016] Mechanism of action :

[0017] A mist generator / atomizer or sprayer dispenses the composition to the scalp and hair roots.

[0018] For example, application elements such as brush bristles allow users to activate the formula with sebum.

[0019] The formula dissolves oil and sebum and suspends them.

[0020] Vacuum systems, particularly air pump systems, draw out excess formula and sebum through second vacuum openings that are positioned at the scalp and hair roots.

[0021] At least a portion of the support along its length may have a substantially constant thickness.

[0022] Main Definitions

[0023] "The cross section of a component with axis X" is a cross section perpendicular to the axis X of that component.

[0024] "The longitudinal axis of a component" refers to the line connecting all the centroids of the component's cross-section.

[0025] Preferred embodiment

[0026] Preferably, the application element according to the invention has one or more of the following features, individually or in combination:

[0027] The longitudinal surface is flat. The performance of this device has been enhanced.

[0028] The cross-section of the support member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X has a non-circular outer surface.

[0029] The support has an outer cross-section with a polygonal and / or flat shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. This results in better combing and suction quality.

[0030] The application element is closer to the perimeter line than to the longitudinal axis X. The device according to the invention can style hair over a larger area.

[0031] The first distribution opening and the second vacuum opening are closer to the longitudinal axis X than to the perimeter line. These openings are centered to allow for better distribution of the composition and better suction.

[0032] These application elements are arranged in rows, with the bases of the application elements in a row aligned or arranged in a staggered manner. This makes the combing of the hair more regular.

[0033] The support member has a symmetrical shape with respect to the intermediate plane, particularly the intermediate plane containing the longitudinal axis X of the support member. This makes the device easier to use.

[0034] Vacuum systems include air pumps or water pumps to reduce noise.

[0035] It features: a suction nozzle capable of translational movement along its longitudinal axis Z and terminating at a second vacuum opening; and a drive mechanism that actuates the suction nozzle through oscillating motion along the longitudinal axis Z. Using this drive system, the suction nozzle can contact the scalp at regular time intervals, thereby promoting sebum removal. Each suction nozzle can be equipped with an oscillation mechanism.

[0036] Each suction nozzle is connected to the pump outlet via its own dedicated outlet pipe to avoid any loss of suction power. Each suction nozzle can be aimed at the scalp and hair roots.

[0037] At least two suction nozzles are connected to the same outlet of the pump via a common outlet pipe. In this case, the device is preferably equipped with a system for blocking the channels (where the nozzles do not contact the area to be treated) to limit vacuum power loss caused by these open channels. This system may include valves and / or solenoid valves and / or pressure sensors.

[0038] The first dispensing opening is positioned at the center of the longitudinal surface of the support. This ensures optimal dispensing of the composition onto the hair. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a device that uses several pumps and several suction nozzles;

[0041] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the device;

[0042] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a device that uses a single pump and several suction nozzles;

[0043] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top view of the device;

[0044] [ Figure 5] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a device that employs a cam system for generating a suction nozzle strike;

[0045] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view of the device;

[0046] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 yes Figures 1 to 6 Schematic illustration of the components of the device; and

[0047] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It is used for use according to Figures 1 to 6 The flowchart of the method of the apparatus.

[0048] Figures 1 to 6 Different embodiments of a device 100 for applying and removing shampoo are shown. The device 100 is an electrically powered device comprising: a spraying component for misting, spraying, or atomizing the shampoo formulation through a first dispensing opening 130 connected to a sprayer 112; and a vacuum component for removing used shampoo and any waste or oil removed by rinsing with the shampoo formulation through a second vacuum opening 132. In one embodiment, the shampoo formulation is a liquid shampoo formulation.

[0049] The device 100 is formed of a body structure 140, which includes: a first central dispensing opening 130 for dispensing a composition in droplet form; and six nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82, which are provided with vacuum openings 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137 and connected to a vacuum system 114 having a filter unit 7 and a control unit 6. These openings are aligned along the longitudinal axis X.

[0050] In the example shown, the vacuum system 114 includes six vacuum pumps connected to pump outlets 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 via their own dedicated outlet pipes 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62.

[0051] The support 10 may be fixed or movable relative to the handle 104 of the device 100, or the device may have a component for popping out the support 10 so that the support can be replaced after use.

[0052] The support may have a central housing that includes the sprayer 112 and the vacuum system 114.

[0053] The vacuum openings can be circular, elliptical, or oblong in shape, and preferably, all vacuum openings are of the same shape. Preferably, the longitudinal axis Z of the nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82 is located in the longitudinal midplane of the support 10. Therefore, suction is achieved more uniformly.

[0054] According to another embodiment of the present invention, nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82 appear successively on both sides of the middle plane of the support member 10 in an alternating manner.

[0055] The support member 10 having a longitudinal axis X may have a cross section perpendicular to the axis X, particularly in the portion of the support member intended to contact the hair. This cross section is not circular, but is, for example, polygonal, particularly hexagonal, triangular, square, octagonal, or rectangular.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the support member 10 can also be made to have a flat shape, for example, at least at its distal portion.

[0057] The support member 10 can be made to have a constant material thickness, especially in the portion where it is intended to come into contact with hair. The material thickness can also be non-constant.

[0058] The device 100 has a handle 104, and the body structure 140 has a support 10 that extends along a longitudinal axis X and has a free peripheral edge 20 defined by a perimeter line 74. The device is designed for combing hair. It is more suitable than a cylindrical tube designed to form curls and generally does not unravel.

[0059] Preferably, the application element 12 is integrally molded with the support 10 and is preferably made of an elastomeric material so that the device is flexible.

[0060] The application element 12 can have a cylindrical or pyramidal shape, especially a triangular base, for example, with an edge oriented toward the outside of the support.

[0061] The base of the application element 12 can also be elliptical or polygonal.

[0062] In one embodiment, the device 100 is shaped like a familiar tool for hair care, which is widely recognized to inspire trust in the device, thereby enabling intuitive use and hand movements during use.

[0063] Device 100 may include a housing comprising a removable cartridge 102 containing shampoo and connected to a sprayer 112. The cartridge may be configured as a refillable cartridge or a disposable cartridge. In one embodiment, device 100 may be configured to hold more than one cartridge.

[0064] The device 100 is provided with an application element 12 extending from the longitudinal surface 11 of the support member 10 along the longitudinal axis Y. The application element 12 has a first free end 1 and a second end 2 connected to the longitudinal surface 11 of the support member 10.

[0065] The application element 12 may in particular be bristles, bristle tufts, spikes, teeth, or protrusions. These application elements may have a constant cross-section perpendicular to their longitudinal axis Y or, for example, a conical shape whose dimensions gradually decrease from the second end 2 to the first end 1 (or vice versa). The end 2 may be rounded to achieve a massage effect, and the end 1 may have a bevel.

[0066] The rounded ends of the application element 12 can separate hair to make it easier to access the scalp and hair roots. These rounded ends may include "massage bosses" and beveled angles for cleaning.

[0067] Sprayer 112

[0068] The sprayer 112 produces a spray as needed (e.g., when the spray switch 106, located on the handle 104, is pressed with an index finger to allow the sprayer to operate). In one embodiment, the spray switch 106 is a momentary action switch whose default position is the off position. When the spray switch 106 is pressed, the sprayer 112 activates and produces a spray. The sprayer 112 is supplied with shampoo formulation by the cartridge 102. Releasing the spray switch 106 deactivates the sprayer and stops the dispensing of shampoo formulation through the first dispensing orifice 130.

[0069] In one embodiment, the spray switch is a multi-functional, multi-position selector that requires active selection of an off position to deactivate the sprayer. In another embodiment, the spray switch is a multi-position selector having a setting for deactivation and more than one setting for generating a spray (e.g., a light or strong spray). In yet another embodiment, the spray selector may include settings for dispensing spray and not dispensing spray.

[0070] In one embodiment, the atomizer 112 includes a compressor, pump, or ultrasonic generator for generating a spray from a shampoo formulation. When the atomizer 112 has a pump or compressor, it causes air or shampoo formulation to flow at a high speed, propelling the shampoo formulation through a fine nozzle designed to form a spray at an opening 130.

[0071] In one embodiment, a manually controlled pump mechanism is used to propel the shampoo formulation through an atomizing nozzle at opening 130. If the sprayer has a pump or compressor, a single sprayer 112 can be positioned within the body structure of device 100. The output of the sprayer 112 with the pump or compressor is then directed through a piping system toward the first opening 130.

[0072] The ultrasonic sprayer 112 has an ultrasonic generator that contacts the shampoo formulation, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is sufficient to produce a spray. The ultrasonic sprayer also includes a "mesh" sprayer having a vibrating mesh that contacts only the surface of the shampoo formulation to produce a spray. Any form of ultrasonic sprayer can use piezoelectric elements. In the case of an ultrasonic sprayer or a mesh sprayer, sprayer 112 includes a piezoelectric element or a combination of a piezoelectric element and a mesh, and device 100 essentially has three sprayers.

[0073] Shampoo formulations may include, but are not limited to, formulations in which one or more absorbents of any kind are contained in a carrier. The carrier may include alcohol or water. The absorbent may contain starch or cornstarch or clay (such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, or chlorophyll). Surfactants (such as fatty acid anionic surfactants) may be included to prevent aggregation. If the shampoo formulation is provided in the form of a foam or aerosol, the shampoo formulation may contain a gaseous propellant.

[0074] The cylinder is connected to the sprayer 112 to supply the hair preparation to the sprayer 112 via any suitable conduit, for supplying the shampoo preparation to the sprayer 112 when the sprayer 112 is controlled. Advantageously, the hair preparation does not need to be mixed with external water, unlike shampoo used in the shower.

[0075] Vacuum System 114

[0076] In one embodiment, the vacuum system has a vacuum-generating motor 114 controlled by a vacuum switch 110 and a collector 116. The vacuum motor includes, for example, impeller blades that allow airflow through a vacuum inlet opening 132. The airflow may carry used shampoo formulation along with any waste and oil removed by washing hair with the shampoo formulation, which may then be captured by the collector 116, and the air discharged from the device 100.

[0077] In one embodiment, collector 116 includes an annular vent located at the rear of device 100 and surrounding the cylinder. The vent allows airflow away from device 100 while used shampoo and waste are collected in collector 116. In one embodiment, collector 116 can be removed from device 100 and placed in a dishwasher to allow for dishwasher cleaning. In one embodiment, the surfaces of collector 116 that come into contact with used shampoo formulation are coated with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material to facilitate cleaning of the collector.

[0078] In one embodiment, the vacuum motor 114 is controlled by a multi-function, multi-position selector. For example, the selector may be a slide switch or toggle switch with more than two positions, or a push-button switch with more than two positions. In one embodiment, the vacuum selector includes a deactivation setting and more than one vacuum speed setting (e.g., high and low).

[0079] In one embodiment, the vacuum switch is positioned on the rear side of the lower portion of the handle 104 to allow operation, for example, with the thumb. The vacuum switch 110 may be isolated to achieve uninterrupted vacuum. An LED may be used to illuminate the selected position. The selector 110 remains in the selected position until it moves to another position. In one embodiment, a momentary action switch may replace the selector, wherein the default position of the momentary action switch is the off position, and pressing the momentary action switch is required to start the vacuum motor. In one embodiment, the device 100 includes both a vacuum selector and a momentary action switch, the momentary action switch being used to control the vacuum motor when it is pressed, and the speed being set by the selector.

[0080] Power supply 5

[0081] Device 100 includes a power source 5. In one embodiment, device 100 is powered by a public AC power supply system, which includes wires (not shown) for supplying power to device 100. In another embodiment, device 100 is powered by a DC power supply system (such as a rechargeable battery), which can be charged by connecting it to an AC outlet. Device 100 powered by a DC power supply system can be used without remaining near an electrical outlet.

[0082] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device has multiple pumps 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42, each of which is connected to its own dedicated suction nozzle 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82, and the distribution opening 130 is located at the center of the support 10.

[0083] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this device, there is a single pump 37 connected to six independent suction nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82, and the dispensing opening 130 is located at the center of the support 10.

[0084] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the device and Figure 3 and Figure 4The device is the same as that in the previous one, except for the following: the independent suction nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82 are activated by a drive mechanism, which includes a motor 78 and a camshaft 79 for synchronizing the movement of the nozzles. This drive mechanism can convert the continuous rotational motion of the shaft into the alternating translational motion of the nozzles to achieve controlled tapping on the hair or scalp.

[0085] Use of the device according to the invention

[0086] Reference Figure 7 The device 100 is schematically shown to illustrate the main components according to the embodiments described above.

[0087] Reference Figure 8 An embodiment of cleaning hair with device 100 is shown. In box 120, the user activates vacuum motor 114. At this time, the user can move device 100 toward the area of ​​the scalp that the user wishes to clean in preparation for dispensing shampoo formulation.

[0088] The method transitions from box 120 to box 122. In box 122, the sprayer 112 is activated while the vacuum 114 is in operation. Before activating the sprayer 112, the user has moved the device 100 to a desired position on the scalp for cleaning. The user now presses the spray switch 106. The method then transitions from box 122 to box 124.

[0089] In box 124, after pressing spray switch 106 to dispense shampoo formulation, the user can massage the scalp and hair roots with application element 12 while vacuum is operating. Vacuum removes used shampoo formulation and all collected waste (such as hair cells or dead skin) as well as any previously applied oils or conditioning agents. The method then transitions from box 126 to box 128.

[0090] In box 126, the user moves the application element to a new area of ​​the scalp where they wish to clean and repeats the processes of spraying, massaging, and vacuuming. When the entire scalp has been cleaned, the user can disconnect the vacuum (box 128).

[0091] Device 100 allows mechanical actions (including vacuum treatment actions, "scraping" actions, and wiping actions) to be combined with chemical actions (such as the chemical action of surfactants and molecules that can capture and remove oil from hair) to clean hair.

[0092] The use of device 100 has minimal impact on hairstyle, and its overall shape is similar to other hair-care devices (such as hair dryers), making it simple and intuitive to use. Furthermore, device 100 requires no manual contact with hair care products. In contrast to people washing their hair every time they shower, device 100 allows people to clean their hair only when needed to maintain their hairstyle for longer and minimize damage to the hair.

[0093] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for cleaning hair and applying a composition to hair, the apparatus comprising: The device comprises a body structure (140) including a first dispensing opening (130) and a second vacuum opening (132); a sprayer (112) with its outlet connected to the first dispensing opening (130); a vacuum system (114) with its inlet connected to the second vacuum opening (132); and a handle (104) extending from the body structure (140). The device is characterized in that the body structure has: a support member (10) having a peripheral edge (20) defined by a perimeter line (74) extending along a longitudinal axis (X); and an application element (12) extending from the support member (10). The longitudinal surface (11) extends along the longitudinal axis (Y), the application element (12) has a first free end (1) and a second end (2) that is inclined or perpendicular to the longitudinal surface (11) of the support (10), the first dispensing opening (130) and the second vacuum opening (132) open to the longitudinal surface (11) of the support (10) without passing through the application element (12), and the body structure has: a suction nozzle (77) that is translatable along its longitudinal axis (Z) and terminates at the second vacuum opening (132); and a drive mechanism that actuates the suction nozzle (77) by oscillating motion along the longitudinal axis (Z).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal surface (11) is flat.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support member (10) has a non-circular outer surface with a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support member (10) has an outer cross-section that is polygonal and / or flat, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The application element (12) is closer to the perimeter line (74) than to the longitudinal axis (X).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first distribution opening (130) and the second vacuum opening (132) are closer to the longitudinal axis (X) than to the perimeter line (74).

7. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The application elements (12) are arranged in rows, with the bases of the application elements (12) in a row aligned or arranged in an alternating manner.

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support member (10) has a symmetrical shape with respect to the intermediate plane of the longitudinal axis (X) containing the support member (10).

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vacuum system (114) includes an air pump or a water pump.

10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each suction nozzle (77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82) is connected to the pump outlet (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) via its own dedicated outlet pipe (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62).

11. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least two suction nozzles (77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82) are connected to the same outlet of the pump via a common outlet pipe (57).

12. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first distribution opening (130) is located at the center of the longitudinal surface (11) of the support (10).

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