Apparatus for treating human keratin materials including closed-loop cleaning

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for treating human keratin material (K), comprising a handpiece (2) comprising a treatment head (5) placed in contact with the keratin material, the treatment head defining at least one treatment zone, at least one reservoir (7) for containing a fluid used in the treatment, at least one circuit (6) for circulation of the fluid, the at least one circuit (6) comprises at least one channel (6a; 61) and at least one channel (6b; 6b) for returning the fluid from the treatment zone; 62) comprising a cut-off (31) in contact with the head without the use of the device and having a surface designed to close the treatment zone in such a way that the fluid is allowed to be recirculated in the circuit without the treatment head being in contact with the keratin material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for treating human keratin materials, and more particularly to those having a cleaning and / or decontamination function. BACKGROUND

[0002] Class C ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) has a wavelength in the range from 100 nm to 280 nm. UV-C is considered effective in destroying or inactivating microorganisms by causing structural changes to nucleic acids. This property is used for disinfection in numerous applications.

[0003] Patent FR 2918854 describes a method for decontaminating an applicator and / or a cosmetic product contained in a container by exposure to UV-C radiation.

[0004] Application WO2018046849 describes a decontamination device comprising a body housing a UV source, this body being intended to removably receive a part of a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product.

[0005] Patent US 7560706 describes a sterilization device comprising a UV source for irradiating cosmetic compositions and cosmetic implements to be sterilized.

[0006] Patent US 9006680 describes a UV-impermeable cap enclosing a volume of fluid and comprising a UV radiation source irradiating the interior of the fluid volume.

[0007] Patents US 11214499 and US 10988389 describe a plug for covering a bottle for disinfecting water, in particular drinking water, the plug comprising a UV radiation source.

[0008] Application US 6086760 describes a UV sterilization assembly intended to be used in an aquarium, the sterilization assembly having a vertically oriented tubular casing forming a sterilization chamber.

[0009] Application US 5664340 describes a tumble dryer comprising an antibacterial and antifungal UV bulb inside the door.

[0010] Patent US 8414839 describes a system comprising a UV source for generating ozone in a water circulation pipe of a spa center, a swimming pool, a fountain, etc.

[0011] The company of the applicant has developed devices for treating human keratin materials. These devices have the particularity of using at least one reservoir containing a fluid subjected to the action of ultrasound and a circuit for circulating this fluid between the reservoir and a treatment zone and between the treatment zone and the reservoir and between the various internal parts of the device.

[0012] There is a need to be able to clean and disinfect such devices, especially their internal parts, in an efficient and simple manner.

[0013] Moreover, there is a need to perform such cleaning and such disinfection without risk or impact on the environment. SUMMARY

[0014] The present invention aims to meet these needs, in whole or in part, and according to a first of its aspects, relates to a device for treating human keratin materials, especially the skin and / or the hair, comprising: - a treatment head placed in contact with the keratin material to be treated, the treatment head defining at least one treatment zone, - at least one reservoir for containing a fluid, especially a cosmetic composition used in the treatment, the reservoir having an internal surface in contact with the fluid, - preferably at least one ultrasonic transducer for emitting sound waves at least to the fluid present in the treatment zone, - at least one source of UV radiation, - at least one fluid circulation circuit connecting the reservoir and the treatment zone, at least one part of the internal surface of the reservoir and / or of the fluid circulation circuit being exposed to the UV radiation emitted by the source.

[0015] According to a second of its aspects, independently or in combination with the first aspect, another subject of the present invention is a device for treating human keratin materials, especially the skin and / or the hair, comprising a handpiece comprising: - a treatment head placed in contact with the keratin material to be treated, the treatment head defining at least one treatment zone, - at least one reservoir for containing a fluid, especially a cosmetic composition used in the treatment, - at least one circuit for the circulation of the fluid used in the treatment, the at least one circuit comprising at least one channel for the delivery of the fluid from the reservoir to the treatment zone and at least one channel for the return of the fluid from the treatment zone, - preferably at least one ultrasonic transducer for emitting sound waves at least to the fluid present in the treatment zone, The device further comprises: - a cutoff intended to come into contact with the treatment head when the device for treating human keratin materials is not used, the cutoff having a surface designed to close the treatment zone in a manner allowing the recirculation of the fluid in the fluid circulation circuit while the treatment head is not in contact with the human keratin material.

[0016] The treatment of keratin materials using the device according to the application can be, inter alia, the cleansing of the skin or hair, the exfoliation of the skin, the diffusion of active ingredients into the keratin materials and / or the treatment of certain skin disorders.

[0017] The fact that at least part of the inner surface of the reservoir and / or of the circulation loop is exposed to the UV radiation emitted by the source according to the first aspect of the application makes it possible to effectively combat the risk of microbial proliferation within the fluid used for the treatment, thereby providing a disinfecting or depolluting effect.

[0018] The use of UV radiation for cleaning and disinfection is environmentally friendly and makes it possible to avoid the use of chemical treatment agents or to limit the amount of agent used.

[0019] Furthermore, the UV radiation does not cause any change in the odour, pH, conductivity or chemical nature of the environment of use thereof that is detrimental to the use of the device.

[0020] The terms "disinfecting" and "depolluting" are synonymous and mean that the microorganisms are destroyed by the UV radiation. The depollution of a surface or volume exposed to UV radiation can not be complete, the level of destruction of the microorganisms preferably being greater than or equal to 90% and even better still greater than or equal to 99.999%.

[0021] Reservoir The device comprises at least one reservoir for containing said fluid.

[0022] By "reservoir" is understood any element capable of containing a fluid; thus, the reservoir can be formed by any type of cavity, bag or cartridge, i.e. in the latter case by a removable element.

[0023] The UV radiation source can be arranged such that it emits its UV radiation into said reservoir.

[0024] The device can comprise at least one UV radiation source, in particular located inside the reservoir.

[0025] The reservoir can even be exposed to UV radiation emitted by a source external to the reservoir. In this case, the source can be arranged such that it emits its radiation at least partially towards the opening of the reservoir, so that this radiation can reach the fluid contained in the reservoir and / or the surface of the reservoir in contact with the fluid.

[0026] Thus, the material of the reservoir can be chosen to be sufficiently transparent to UV radiation so as to allow the UV to act through its walls, or, as a variant, the reservoir is manufactured with a window that is transparent to the UV radiation emitted by the source.

[0027] The device can comprise several separate reservoirs, for example one reservoir of fluid to be dispensed to the zone to be treated, and one reservoir for containing used fluid that has been at least partially recovered after treatment. As a variant, the fluid from the reservoir is not recovered by the device, or is sent back to the same reservoir from which the fluid originates, for example to the end of the reservoir opposite the end from which the fluid is taken.

[0028] One or more reservoirs can or can not be removable. One or more reservoirs are for example single-use reservoirs, and can be replaced when there is no longer any fluid, or when the recovered fluid needs to be removed.

[0029] It is even possible to provide reservoirs whose capacity varies according to the treatment to be performed on the keratin materials, the device possibly being configured to allow the user to fit a reservoir of their choice, chosen from several reservoirs having different respective capacities.

[0030] The reservoirs can remain in the same place in the device when exposed to UV radiation, and when the device is used to treat human keratin materials.

[0031] As a variant, the reservoirs are detached from the fluid circuit during the cleaning and / or decontamination phase, for example by being mounted on a handpiece support, as will be described later. In this case, the support can comprise at least one UV radiation source for decontaminating at least part of the reservoir.

[0032] When the device comprises a pump for circulating the fluid towards the treatment zone, in order to facilitate the cleaning and / or decontamination of the reservoirs, the device advantageously comprises a selector that allows the circulation of the fluid to be switched from a first configuration, in which the circulation is made between the reservoir(s) and the treatment zone, and a second configuration for purifying and / or filling the reservoir(s). The interior of the pump can be exposed to radiation from one or more UV radiation sources of the device and / or to fluid that has been previously decontaminated by UV radiation and circulated through the pump.

[0033] One or more reservoirs can comprise one or more compartments, in particular several compartments integrated into one and the same body and separated by a wall, or several communicating compartments, for example connected by a channel. One or more reservoirs can comprise a compartment containing the fluid to be dispensed to the zone to be treated and a compartment for collecting used fluid, for example so that it can be recovered. The two compartments can be in communication, for example via a filter.

[0034] One or more reservoirs can even comprise several compartments in which different compositions can be stored. These compositions can be mixed at the time of use, and for some of them, can be solid and / or in the form of a powder that can be quickly dissolved.

[0035] For example, one reservoir can comprise a first compartment containing a solid composition, for example in the form of a powder or a crystal, and a second compartment containing a fluid composition, the two compartments possibly communicating with each other during use, so that the fluid composition dissolves the solid composition.

[0036] The first compartment can even comprise a mixture of a solid composition in suspension with a liquid in which the solid composition is not soluble, the fluid composition of the second compartment dissolving this mixture on use of the device.

[0037] One or more reservoirs can comprise one or more filters capable of filtering out impurities in the fluids collected before they are redistributed to the zones to be treated. The reservoirs can even comprise a vent.

[0038] One or more reservoirs can comprise a device for heating or cooling the fluids, in particular an electrically resistive electrical element.

[0039] One or more reservoirs are preferably compatible with one or more liquids having different properties, in particular different types of compositions, which can or can not be miscible, and cleaning liquids.

[0040] One or more reservoirs are preferably at least partially transparent, thereby enabling the user to visually assess their filling level and / or the cleaning level of the fluids they contain.

[0041] One or more reservoirs can be deformable or made of a rigid material, in particular of glass or plastic. The reservoirs can comprise removable portions and thus have a volume that can be adjusted as desired. One or more reservoirs can be fitted with a check valve that allows them to be detached from the receiving housing without loss of fluid.

[0042] One or more reservoirs can take the form of a generally cylindrical or some other shape cartridge or flexible bag.

[0043] At least one reservoir has a capacity of, for example, between 1 ml and 200 ml, better still between 1 ml and 50 ml.

[0044] One or more reservoirs can comprise one or more fluid check devices, for example at least one check valve that opens automatically when the reservoir is fitted into the corresponding housing on the handpiece or on the support thereof, and that closes automatically when the reservoir has been detached from the handpiece or from the support, to avoid loss of liquid.

[0045] Fluid circulation loop The fluid circulation circuit makes it possible to save water and / or fluids, in particular cosmetic compositions.

[0046] A fluid circulation loop typically includes multiple pipes connected in a suitable manner to produce the desired fluid circulation, such as in series or parallel connections by using appropriate connections.

[0047] The fluid circulation loop may include at least an electric pump for circulating fluid within the fluid circulation loop, particularly between one or more reservoirs and processing areas.

[0048] A fluid circulation loop connects the various parts of a device that involves the circulation of fluids, such as a treatment head, one or more pumps and one or more fluid reservoirs, as well as one or more filters or other purification or sterilization systems or even an additional bubble generation system.

[0049] A fluid circulation loop may include one or more modifiable piping layouts or valves, such as one or more manually operated or electrically controlled valves.

[0050] The fluid circulation loop may include an inlet, which allows it to be filled with water and / or cleaned from an external network.

[0051] The fluid circulation loop can even be modified, with removable sections, such as those added while the loop is being cleaned. For example, it is possible to add a section containing cleaning powder, which dissolves at least partially as the liquid passes through the loop. Sections added in this way can be used solely for cleaning and then subsequently removed, or they can remain in place until the next cleaning operation, at which point they can be replaced with new sections.

[0052] The fluid circulation loop may include at least one inlet and / or at least one outlet, which may be connected to one or more secondary fluid circulation loops. The fluid circulation loop may also be connected to one or more secondary reservoirs, which in particular contain compositions that are different from each other, such that, for example, it is possible to circulate the compositions in all the forms described above.

[0053] One or more reservoirs and a fluid circulation loop that enables fluid circulation can belong to the same component forming the refill, which can be handled as a whole for mounting on and removing from equipment; as a result, refilling with product becomes easier. Where appropriate, such a refill may have a mechanical interface with a pump or other drive mechanism, making it possible to establish a product circulation from the refill toward the processing area when actuated.

[0054] The components forming the refill can be designed to be fastened to the device, for example by clips or in some other way, such as in the same housing as the housing of another component containing the device (e.g., a generator).

[0055] A fluid circulation loop may include at least one UV radiation source, which is located, in particular, inside or outside the loop, but arranged such that the radiation reaches the inner surface of the circulation loop in contact with the fluid.

[0056] Therefore, at least one channel can be formed in a UV-transparent material, especially a UVC-transparent material, with the channel located, for example, near the source.

[0057] Treatment head The processing head is preferably designed to distribute fluid to the area to be treated via at least one fluid outlet, and / or to at least partially recover used fluid from the area to be treated using, for example, a fluid return inlet.

[0058] The outlet and / or inlet are connected, for example, to the aforementioned fluid circulation loop. In particular, the fluid circulation loop may be arranged relative to the processing head such that fluid is partially distributed and / or collected, for example, through at least one orifice on the emitting surface of the transducer's acoustic electrode in front of and / or behind the emitting surface of the transducer.

[0059] Preferably, the transducer extends at least partially into the processing head. Notably, it can be fully housed within it.

[0060] The processing head may include heating elements such as resistive electrical components and / or light sources for heating the composition, the light sources being arranged to illuminate the processing area and / or activate certain components of the fluid in which cavitation occurs during use.

[0061] The processing head may include at least one filter for, for example, filtering the recycled composition, which is arranged, for example, in the return path of the fluid.

[0062] The treatment head may include porous materials and / or materials capable of releasing or diffusing fluids, especially open-cell foam, which is preferably supported by removable supports (especially in the form of a frame).

[0063] The processing head may include a dispensing orifice such as a slot that closes when at rest and opens under pressure from the upstream composition, and has elasticity that allows for volume increase during filling and continued dispensing of fluid after the filling action has ended.

[0064] The treatment head may include a chamber for storing a sufficient amount of fluid to allow cleaning of keratin material and contact between air bubbles and the surface to be cleaned.

[0065] The processing head may include several compartments that are independent of each other or interconnected.

[0066] The treatment head may include parts made of flexible and / or deformable materials (especially elastically deformable materials), particularly those in contact with the keratin material to be treated.

[0067] Depending on the intended use of the equipment, the processing head can have different shapes.

[0068] The processing head may include one or more removable parts that can be easily removed from the device by the user, preferably without the aid of any tools.

[0069] This makes cleaning between uses much easier.

[0070] One or more removable parts of the processing head can be attached to the rest of the equipment via any suitable securing device (in particular a ball joint, spring, or piston). The processing head is preferably movable; in some examples, it can tilt or rotate more than 180°, 270°, or 360° about at least one axis.

[0071] The transducer is preferably arranged relative to the processing head such that the acoustic emitting surface of the acoustic electrode is away from the surface of the keratin material to be processed.

[0072] Where applicable, the transducer is movable relative to the fixed part of the device, for example, driven in rotation or back-and-forth motion.

[0073] Therefore, cavitation occurs in the front part of the head, in the space created between the emitting surface of the acoustic electrode and the surface of the keratin material to be treated.

[0074] Therefore, fluid can be circulated in this space, which is potentially modifiable.

[0075] This cycle can occur continuously or intermittently. The space can even be filled with fluid when the handheld device is in place, and then sound waves are generated within the fluid filling the space.

[0076] The processing head may include preferably removable end pieces that come into contact with the keratin material to be processed.

[0077] When the end piece is removable, for example, the end piece is selected based on the application (e.g., by selecting the type, size, hardness, and / or shape best suited to the area to be cleaned).

[0078] The treatment head may include a UV radiation source, particularly a UVC radiation source, which is activated only during the cleaning or decontamination phase of the device, and not when the device is used to treat keratin materials. This UV radiation source may be inside or outside the treatment head.

[0079] The processing head can be detachable from the rest of the device.

[0080] Cutoff The device preferably includes a stop portion designed to contact the processing head when the device is not being used to process human keratin materials.

[0081] The stop section preferably has a surface designed to enclose the treatment area, thereby allowing fluid to recirculate in a fluid circulation loop without the treatment head coming into contact with human keratin material. In this way, it becomes possible to circulate the fluid during the cleaning phase, during which the UV radiation source is activated. Therefore, it is possible to expose a larger volume of fluid to UV radiation and benefit from the mechanical cleaning effect exerted by the fluid circulation.

[0082] This also allows the ultrasonic generator to be brought into operation during the cleaning process in order to improve the cleaning effect.

[0083] In the stop section and the treatment head, at least one can carry a sealing gasket or sealing lip to prevent liquid loss through the treatment zone.

[0084] In particular, the device may include a flexible lip that, when used to process keratin materials, forms a seal around the processing head, as detailed later, and the flexible lip may also form a seal against the stop portion.

[0085] The stop section may take the form of a removable closure cap or part of a support bracket, as described later.

[0086] Handpiece The device may include a handheld component, i.e., a component sized to allow a user to manipulate it with only one hand. The handheld component may include a surface forming a gripping part.

[0087] The handheld device may include a processing head, one or more reservoirs, one or more ultrasonic transducers, and / or a fluid circulation loop.

[0088] Handheld components may include guide and / or combing members, end pieces, grilles, one or more spacers, and / or flexible lips.

[0089] The handheld device may include at least an electric pump for circulating fluid in a fluid circulation loop between one or more reservoirs and the keratin material to be treated.

[0090] The handheld device can be manipulated in all orientations; for example, it can be manipulated head-up or head-down.

[0091] At least one UV radiation source may be located inside the handpiece so as to expose at least the inner surface of the reservoir or a portion of the fluid circulation loop and / or the surface of the processing head in contact with the fluid to UV radiation.

[0092] One or more storage units and / or processing heads may or may not be detachable from the handpiece.

[0093] Preferably, the handheld component includes a handle that can be arranged such that it is not coaxial with the processing head. The handle may at least partially contain a fluid circulation loop.

[0094] One or more reservoirs may be arranged in the handpiece, particularly in its handle, or at least partially outside the handpiece. This makes them easier to detach, especially for positioning on a handpiece support bracket that supports the handpiece when it is not in use.

[0095] The handheld device is preferably powered by a battery, but it can also be connected to a power cord. The battery can be recharged directly via the power cord or via a support on which the handheld device rests.

[0096] Reflection / transmission of UV radiation The device (especially the handheld version) may include materials that reflect more than 50% of UV (especially UVC) radiation.

[0097] The reflective material is advantageously a metal, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy, although the invention is not limited to such materials.

[0098] Aluminum can be polished and reflects between 80% and 90% of UV radiation.

[0099] At least a portion of the inner or outer surface of the device may be covered with a UV-reflective (especially UVC-reflective) material, particularly a metal coating, preferably an aluminum coating, so that UV radiation can propagate toward one or more surfaces to be cleaned.

[0100] At least a portion of the inner and / or outer surfaces of the reservoir may be covered with a UV-reflective (especially UVC-reflective) material, particularly a metallic coating, preferably an aluminum coating, especially to improve the effect of UV radiation in the reservoir.

[0101] At least a portion of the piping in the fluid circulation loop may be covered with a metallic reflective material, particularly a metallic coating, preferably an aluminum coating, to facilitate the propagation of UV radiation within the fluid circulation loop and / or toward the reservoir. The fluid circulation loop may be at least partially or preferably completely covered with a reflective metal on its inner surface and / or its outer surface.

[0102] The device may include at least one material that is exposed to the UV radiation and transmits more than 80% of the UVC radiation, particularly materials selected from the following list: FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) plastic, quartz, Plexiglass®, and / or laminated glass with an ionomer interlayer. More generally, the device may include any material capable of transmitting UV radiation.

[0103] FEP can withstand physical deformation and stress, such as creep, tensile stress and wear, while resisting cracking under stress.

[0104] Support The device may include a support designed to accept a handheld device when the device is not used for keratin material treatment. The support may be in the form of a bracket on which the handheld device rests when not used for keratin material treatment.

[0105] The support allows for the recharging of the battery in the handheld device, which powers the electronic circuitry that ensures the operation of the handheld device, and / or allows the handheld device to be retracted, while in particular protecting the processing head from getting dirty.

[0106] Supports can be designed to store internal and / or external parts for handheld devices and / or accessories, especially brushes, spare heads, new receptacles and / or auxiliary products.

[0107] The support may at least partially contain a fluid circulation loop. In other words, a fluid connection may exist between the handheld component and the support, allowing fluid to circulate through the support, particularly for exposing it to UV radiation from a UV source contained within the support.

[0108] The support can be designed to power the handpiece (especially one or more pumps included within the handpiece) while it is held within the support. The handpiece can be charged, particularly via the support, when the processing head and / or reservoir are detached from it.

[0109] Support components may include transformers or converters connected to the power grid.

[0110] The support and the handheld component can have electrical contacts that make contact with each other when the handheld component is held on the support. As a variation, induction is used to transmit power.

[0111] The support may include a housing designed to receive the reservoir detached from the handpiece, particularly with the reservoir's opening facing downwards. This facilitates drainage of the reservoir and allows the reservoir's opening to be exposed to UV radiation emitted by a source carried by the support, with the opening positioned at the front of the support.

[0112] The aforementioned shut-off portion may be defined by a part of the support member. This means that when the handpiece is placed back onto the support member, the support member closes the processing head and allows fluid to circulate through the processing head without loss of fluid. The shut-off portion may be detachable from the support member, thereby allowing the shut-off portion to remain in contact with the processing head.

[0113] Especially when the handheld device is located on and powered by a support, the support can power the UV radiation source. This is highly advantageous because it allows the handheld device to be operated by an external power source rather than its internal battery, or allows the internal battery to be recharged while the handheld device is being used for cleaning and decontamination. This then means more power can be available to simultaneously operate one or more UV sources that can be built into the handheld device, a circulation pump built into the handheld device, and preferably also an ultrasonic generator. Cavitation of air bubbles during cleaning can promote the action of active cleaning agents and / or detergents, as well as the effect of UV radiation.

[0114] The support component may include at least one UV radiation source, particularly one or two. This is advantageous because it makes it possible to avoid the need to integrate the UV source into the handheld component, thus limiting the weight and complexity of the handheld component. Furthermore, it means that power can be supplied more easily, and higher-power UV radiation can be employed.

[0115] The device (particularly the support) may include at least one UV radiation source arranged to emit UV radiation within the reservoir. In this case, it may be advantageous that the reservoir can be detached from the handheld component and placed within a housing belonging to the support, allowing the reservoir to be exposed to UV radiation. The support may include a sensor that prevents the UV source from being operated in the absence of the reservoir within the dedicated housing for the support, thus avoiding exposure of the user to UV radiation. This sensor may be, for example, an optical detector, a mechanical stylus, or a magnetic sensor, and the reservoir is then fitted with a corresponding activation magnet.

[0116] The support may include at least one UV radiation source arranged to emit UV radiation onto the processing head.

[0117] In this case, the support may include a sensor that prevents the UV source from being operated in the absence of a handheld component on the support, so as to avoid exposing the user to UV radiation.

[0118] When the reservoir can be detached from the handpiece, it is advantageous that the support includes a housing in which the reservoir is placed, especially when its opening is oriented downward as mentioned above, and the support also allows the handpiece to be placed on it when the reservoir is in place on the handpiece and when the reservoir has been detached from the handpiece and installed in the corresponding housing belonging to the support.

[0119] Flexible lip The processing head may include at least one flexible lip, which may also serve as a spacer to maintain the aforementioned separation between the acoustic emitting surface of the transducer and the surface to be processed.

[0120] When the treatment head is applied to the keratin material to be treated, the flexible lip can help confine the fluid to the treatment area.

[0121] The lip can be composed of sublips, and fluid can be recycled between the sublips.

[0122] The flexible lip is preferably made of a material containing silicone, polyurethane (PU), natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polythiophene (PT) or a combination of these elements.

[0123] Flexible lips can be manufactured with raised areas or made of inherently rough materials, giving them a non-smooth surface for contact with keratinous materials. Therefore, flexible lips can aid in the cleaning of keratinous materials thanks to the mechanical abrasive effect achieved when the device is moved over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0124] Flexible lips can also help dispense, diffuse, collect and / or recycle fluids.

[0125] The flexible lip can be arranged such that when the aforementioned stop portion is placed in contact with the processing head but the device is not used to process human keratin material, a seal is formed around the processing area.

[0126] The flexible lip allows air to enter the processing zone, especially if the suction generated by the pump becomes too strong.

[0127] Device Preferably, the device is a non-therapeutic device, particularly a non-therapeutic device for the topical application of cosmetic compositions.

[0128] The device according to the invention allows for the effective treatment of both exogenous and endogenous impurities or defects, while meeting certain currently applicable environmental requirements and safety standards.

[0129] At least a portion of the device can be heated and / or diffused light and / or cooled, thereby making it possible, for example, to activate certain compounds present in a fluid (especially in a cosmetic composition).

[0130] The equipment (especially the handheld parts and / or support parts) can vibrate at least partially, thereby making it particularly possible to remove certain impurities that remain in the reservoir and / or fluid circulation loop (e.g., in the pump).

[0131] The device can be associated with additional gripping devices, such as for an additional hand, which are arranged in a way that allows it to be used by certain people with disabilities.

[0132] The device may include Braille inscriptions, particularly on certain parts of the device’s handpiece, support, and / or external charger.

[0133] Cleaning and disinfection control The device may include electronic circuitry that drives the operation of the transducer and other components of the device, such as electric pumps and / or UV radiation sources.

[0134] The electronic circuitry preferably includes, for example, a control unit containing a microcontroller, which may be carried by the handpiece and / or separated between the support and the handpiece, or may exist only on the support.

[0135] The device may include several sensors, such as sensors that sense contact between the processing head and the keratin material to be treated or with the cutoff portion, or sensors that sense the filling or presence of the reservoir, which can transmit data to the control unit. The device may include at least one sensor that prevents UV emission unless predetermined conditions are met (e.g., conditions that ensure UV radiation does not escape toward the user during a decontamination operation, such as sensing that the handheld device is correctly positioned on its support).

[0136] The device may also include at least one human-machine interface (particularly on the handheld part and / or support) that communicates with the control unit. The human-machine interface may include a display screen and / or control buttons.

[0137] The interface can provide various functions and / or programs that make it possible, for example, to set certain operating parameters of the device, or to indicate certain information to the user, such as battery level, usage time, liquid level in the reservoir, dirt level of various washable components (reservoirs, filters, etc.), user-specific information, or information related to the safety and / or operating conditions of the device.

[0138] The interface allows selection of operating modes for processing keratin materials, as well as cleaning and decontamination modes in which at least one UV source is activated.

[0139] The interface can communicate with a terminal such as a mobile phone via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) to receive updates or send data related to the use of the device.

[0140] The interface may also include functionality that enables diagnosis of the keratin material to be treated.

[0141] The device may include various switches, especially on / off and / or standby switches, switches for selecting programs or selecting certain ultrasonic-specific parameters, enabling selection of pump throughput or device self-cleaning mode.

[0142] The device may even include one or more LED light sources, which can be used to illuminate the area to be treated or as an indicator, such as notifying the user that it is necessary to change, fill or empty the reservoir or clean the filter system, or indicating whether one or more UV sources are active or inactive and / or indicating the operating mode of the device, such as keratin material treatment mode or self-cleaning mode.

[0143] Fluid Fluids (especially cosmetic compositions) may include at least one surfactant.

[0144] The fluid (especially the cosmetic composition) may have a total concentration of (multiple) surfactants between 0.01% and 20% by weight, more preferably between 0.01% and 5%, or even more preferably between 0.1% and 1.5%, relative to the total mass of the fluid (and especially the total mass of the cosmetic composition).

[0145] Before the sound waves are applied, the cosmetic composition may or may not have air bubbles that are already present therein.

[0146] Method of cleaning and disinfection According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a method for cleaning and disinfecting an apparatus for processing keratin materials (especially an apparatus for processing keratin materials as defined above according to the first aspect of the invention), the apparatus comprising at least one reservoir for containing fluid and / or a fluid circulation loop, and at least one UV radiation source, the method comprising: (1) UV radiation from the at least one UV radiation source is emitted onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one reservoir and / or fluid circulation loop, and optionally toward the processing head of the device.

[0147] If the device includes a handheld component containing a storage unit and a support on which the handheld component can be placed, the method may include, prior to step (1): (2) Position the handheld component on the support component.

[0148] The method may include: (3) Remove the storage device from the handpiece. (4) Position the now-detached storage unit onto the support. (5) The UV radiation is emitted into the storage device.

[0149] The method may include detaching the treatment head from the handheld component and positioning the detached treatment head on a support, and then emitting UV radiation onto the treatment head.

[0150] If the device includes a fluid circulation loop, the method may include reflecting at least some of the UV radiation from the surface of the fluid circulation loop and / or from the inner and / or outer surfaces of the reservoir and / or from the inner surface of the handpiece.

[0151] If the handheld component includes a processing head defining a processing area and a fluid circulation loop (the fluid circulation loop having a channel for delivering fluid to the processing area and a channel for returning fluid from the processing area), and if the support also includes a stop portion, then the method may include: (6) Position the handheld component on the support component so that the cut-off portion contacts the handheld component and closes the processing area. (7) To recirculate the fluid in the fluid circulation loop.

[0152] During step (7), recirculation can be performed by a pump present in the handpiece and powered by the support, for example by means of an electrical connection between the handpiece and the support or by inductive transmission of power between the support and the handpiece.

[0153] During step (7), the ultrasonic transducer present in the handheld device can be activated to generate cavitation and enhance the cleaning effect.

[0154] The transducer can be powered by the support structure.

[0155] During step (7), the fluid may be exposed to UV radiation, as may the surfaces of the treatment area and / or the reservoir.

[0156] According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a method for cleaning and disinfecting equipment used for processing keratin materials (especially equipment as defined above according to the first or second aspect of the invention), the method comprising: (1) Position the handheld component on the support component so that the cut-off portion contacts the handheld component and closes the processing area. (2) To recirculate the fluid in the fluid circulation loop.

[0157] When the handheld device is positioned on the support, the support can provide power to the handheld device.

[0158] The method may include: (3) Remove the at least one storage device from the handpiece. (4) Position the now-detached storage unit on the support.

[0159] During liquid recirculation, one or more UV radiation sources and an ultrasonic transducer may be in operation while the shut-off section is closing the processing area. The fluid may be exposed to UV radiation during recirculation.

[0160] The fluid circulating during the cleaning phase can be water, a cleaning composition containing at least one active cleaning agent, or a cosmetic composition used elsewhere in the treatment of keratin materials.

[0161] Cleaning and disinfection methods can be performed before and / or after using equipment used to process keratin materials. Attached Figure Description

[0162] The invention can be more clearly understood by reading the following detailed description of examples of non-limiting embodiments of the invention and by examining the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of a device according to the invention is illustrated schematically and in part. Figure 2 schematically and partially illustrated Figure 1 The handheld component of the device, Figure 3A schematically and partially illustrated Figure 1 The device in which the storage unit is detached from the handheld component. Figure 3B yes Figure 1 Schematic and partial cross-sectional views of the equipment's support components, wherein the reservoir is detached from the handheld component. Figure 4 The diagram is illustrated schematically and partially in the form of a block diagram. Figure 1 The equipment, Figure 5 The diagram schematically and partially illustrates the use of... Figure 1 This is the first example of a method for cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Figure 6A The diagram schematically and partially illustrates a UV lamp. Figure 1 Support components of the equipment, Figure 6B The diagram schematically and partially illustrates the use of... Figure 1 A second example of a method for cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Figure 7 The use of in it is illustrated schematically and partially. Figure 1 The environment of the equipment, Figure 8 Schematic and partial cross-sectional views of the handheld component of a second example of the device according to the invention, and Figure 9 This is a schematic and partial cross-sectional view of the handheld component of a third example of the device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0163] Figures 1 to 7 The illustration shows a device 1 for treating skin according to the present invention, which includes a handheld component 2 and a support component 3.

[0164] Handpiece The handheld component 2 includes a handle 4, a processing head 5, a circuit 6 for circulating the composition C, and at least one reservoir 7 containing the composition C.

[0165] The reservoir 7 makes it possible to compensate for any loss of the composition during the operation of the equipment if a portion of the composition is not recycled.

[0166] The storage container 7 is preferably detachable from the handpiece, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As illustrated in the diagram. In the variant, the reservoir 7 is not detachable from the handle, as shown in... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The variant shown in the figure.

[0167] Circuit 6 includes Figure 5 Pump 11 is schematically depicted. Pump 11 can have any type of drive, particularly manual or electric, and preferably electric. It can be of different types. Pump 11 is, for example, a positive displacement pump or a centrifugal pump, particularly a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, or a piston pump, or a combination of several types of pumps. Pump 11 can be powered by direct current or alternating current. Preferably, the power supply voltage of pump 11 is less than 50V, for example, powered by a voltage in the range of 5V to 12V. Pump 11 is preferably compatible with liquids of different properties, particularly aqueous, oily, mixed liquids containing suspended particles or fillers, or even polymers. The mechanism of pump 11 can be directly driven by a motor or driven via a reduction gear. When the drive is manual, device 1 can include a handle actuated by a user to operate pump 11. Preferably, pump 11 is configured to provide a fluid flow rate between 0.01 mL / s and 15 mL / s. Pump 11 can be removable or it can be non-removable. Pump 11 can generate negative and / or positive pressure on the fluid to cause fluid circulation and bring it into contact with the skin. The pump can also be used for internal cleaning of all or part of the device. Pump 11 may include a single-piece or multi-piece filter. Pump 11 can be mechanically or electrically isolated within the device 1, for example, so that it can be removed from the device 1 for cleaning.

[0168] The treatment head 5 includes a surface 10 that contacts the composition C, and is designed to deliver the composition C to a region of the keratin material K to be treated. The composition exits the treatment head 5 via a first opening 101 of a conduit 6a. The handpiece 2 can move along the region to be treated, and the composition C delivered through the opening 101 may not be recycled. As a variation, recycling of the composition C is performed, whereby the composition exiting through the opening 101 is re-injected into the circuit 6 via a second opening 102 of a conduit 6b present on the treatment head 5, and then recycled in the circuit 6 and optionally in the reservoir 7.

[0169] Pipe 6b may be connected to a suction pump 30 (e.g., an electric pump) that delivers the composition C to a processing and purification unit 40, which allows the composition C to be recycled and returned to the keratin material K to be treated. The composition C then circulates at least partially in a closed loop. The processing and purification unit is, for example, a filtration system comprising one or more filters designed to block particles suspended in the composition, such as skin debris removed during cleaning. The filtration system is arranged, for example, between the suction pump and the reservoir 7, such that the composition C is returned to the reservoir 7 after filtration.

[0170] Where applicable, the handpiece may be included around the openings 101 and 102 of the processing head 5. Figure 5 The sealing element 103, such as a flexible lip, is schematically depicted to contain composition C when the head is applied to the skin and to facilitate its return via conduit 6b. The lip may consist of sub-elements, between which the composition can be recycled.

[0171] The processing head 5 includes at least one transducer 13 for emitting sound waves and an acoustic electrode, and the surface 10 in contact with the composition is defined, for example, by the free end of the acoustic electrode. Due to the power and frequency of the sound waves, bubbles can be generated in the composition C under the action of the sound waves.

[0172] The transducer 13 or its acoustic poles are preferably removable. Therefore, they can be easily removed from the device for cleaning.

[0173] The emitting surface 10 for emitting sound waves toward a liquid environment may include protrusions or etchants, from which bubbles may originate at different levels along the longitudinal axis of the transducer 13. Specifically, these protrusions may provide nucleation sites at their tops and bottoms. Protrusions can allow for more uniform bubble generation. These protrusions can also promote bubble collapse because the difference in levels along the longitudinal axis makes it possible to generate relatively extensive cavitation zones that are not limited to a single plane. In addition to the protrusions on the emitting surface 10 that contribute to improving bubble generation, the emitting surface may have protrusions that serve another purpose, such as retaining fluid or cleaning the area to be treated. These are, for example, protrusions made of flexible materials, such as bristles, especially flocking.

[0174] The handheld component 2 may also include electronic circuitry 14.

[0175] Electronic circuit 14 may include a control unit capable of communicating with human-machine interface 17 (the human-machine interface 17 is particularly...) Figure 7 As can be seen, interface 17 may communicate with (or control buttons 172 and / or indicator lights 173), or even be able to communicate wirelessly with a terminal such as a mobile phone. Indicator lights 173 can notify the user of the device's operating status and / or its operating mode, especially by the illumination and / or flashing of colored LEDs.

[0176] The human-machine interface 17 enables the device to be remotely diagnosed, reprogrammed, receive software updates, and / or automatically issue commands for delivering accessories to replace used accessories, cleaning products, and / or processing products.

[0177] The human-machine interface 17 makes it possible to adjust certain operating parameters of the device 1 (e.g., the intensity of the emitted sound waves).

[0178] The electronic circuit 14 is capable of driving the operation of the pump 11, the suction pump 30, and the battery 18 that powers the device (especially its state of charge), and is capable of receiving data from one or more sensors (not depicted, such as sensors that sense the contact between the device and the keratin material).

[0179] The electronic circuit 14 can also communicate with an optical detector (not depicted) that is capable of detecting the presence of a compound to be removed from the surface of the keratin material and may determine the amount present.

[0180] Electronic circuit 14 is also capable of detecting when the handheld component 2 is held on the support 3 and thus activating the pump to begin closed-loop circulation of composition C in the handheld component 2, thereby allowing cleaning and disinfection of the circuit 6 and the reservoir 7, such as Figure 5 As shown in the diagram.

[0181] Electronic circuit 14 is connected via connector 15 to an electronic generator 16, which provides power to transducer 13. The generator 16 includes, for example, an oscillator and a power stage.

[0182] The electronic circuit 14 can only activate the pump 11 and / or the suction pump 30 and / or start the emission of sound waves by the transducer 13 when the treatment area comes into contact with the skin or the cut-off portion, especially in a manner that allows the composition to be recycled.

[0183] Battery 18 may be removable; it may be used to power the entire (or only part, particularly pump 11) of device 1. Battery 18 may be of different types (e.g., lithium-ion or NiMH), preferably of a type suitable for humid conditions or of a type that can be at least partially immersed in liquid. Battery 18 is preferably rechargeable. Battery 18 is preferably selected to be able to power device 1 for multiple consecutive processing sessions, or even several processing sessions and a single cleaning of device 1, without the need for recharging.

[0184] Support like Figure 6A As illustrated, the support 3 includes a first housing 8 for receiving the handheld part 2 and a second housing 9 for receiving the reservoir when the opening 71 of the reservoir 7 is oriented downwards.

[0185] The storage container 7 can be housed within the housing 9 of the support member, such as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As seen in the image, the handheld component 2, which is detached from the storage unit 7, is housed in the housing 8 of the support component 3.

[0186] The support member 3 includes a stop portion 31, which is designed to cooperate with the surface 10 of the processing head 5 to close the fluid loop while still allowing fluid to circulate in the processing zone, for example.

[0187] The device is charged, for example, via a USB port (not shown) located, particularly on the support 3. For instance, as illustrated, the support 3 includes a first connector 32, and the handheld device 2 includes a second connector 22, which is designed to connect to the first connector 32 when the handheld device 2 is held on the support 3, allowing the handheld device 2 to be charged. Connectors 22 and 32 may be at least one of spring-loaded connectors.

[0188] In a variant, the handheld component 2 can be charged inductively while held on the support component 3.

[0189] Battery 18 can also be removed and charged separately.

[0190] The device 1 includes at least one UV radiation source 20, such as one or more UV-C lamps, which enables the inner and outer surfaces of the device to be cleaned and disinfected.

[0191] UV radiation source 20 allows for the disinfection of all or part of the internal and / or external parts of the device 1, particularly the storage tank 7, circuit 6, processing and purification unit 40, pumps 11 and 30, and / or one or more surfaces of the device that come into contact with keratin material.

[0192] Surfaces that come into contact with keratin materials include, for example, treatment heads 5, grids, and / or guide and / or combing components.

[0193] Each UV radiation source is capable of emitting radiation (UV-C radiation) with wavelengths including between 100 nm and 400 nm, preferably between 100 nm and 280 nm, and particularly between 250 nm and 270 nm (e.g., equal to 254 nm, 265 nm, or 185 nm). The UV radiation source may include a UV-C LED, thereby enabling energy saving and a long lifespan. The UV radiation source can emit radiation with wavelengths of 2.9 mW / cm². 2 and 1080mW / cm 2 UV radiation of intensity I between.

[0194] UV radiation can pass completely or partially through the materials used to manufacture the equipment and / or through any liquids and / or other components stored and / or transported within the equipment. UV radiation can also be completely or partially reflected by the materials used to manufacture the equipment.

[0195] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As illustrated, a UV-C radiation source 20 can be found on the handheld device 2, for example, to expose a portion of the fluid circulation loop and / or reservoir to UV radiation.

[0196] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As illustrated, UV-C lamps 20 can be located on the support 3. These UV-C lamps 20 are located, for example, in the area of ​​the cutoff portion 31, to disinfect the surface 10 of the processing head 5 and the openings 101 and 102, and when held in the housing 9, the UV-C lamps 20 are located in the area of ​​the housing 9 near the opening 71 of the container 7, to disinfect the container.

[0197] UV-C lamps, such as the OSRAM brand OSLON® UV 3535, SU CULBN2.VC LED, have an emission peak at 275nm. This type of lamp offers the advantages of being compact and economical.

[0198] Use for treating keratin materials Device 1 can be used to process keratin material K, such as skin.

[0199] Therefore, by manipulating the handheld device 2, the processing head 5 comes into contact with the keratin material K, and the user can turn on the device 1 while pressing the processing head against the keratin material. Then, driven by the pump 11, the composition C from the reservoir 7 circulates in the circuit 6, particularly in the pipe 6a. The composition C circulating in the pipe 6a is released through the opening 101 and comes into contact with the keratin material K.

[0200] Transducer 13 generates sound waves that enable the formation and collapse of bubbles within the cosmetic composition C, thereby enabling the desired treatment of the keratin material K.

[0201] Composition C is at least partially reinjected into circuit 6, particularly by means of suction pump 30. Composition C re-enters processing head 5 via opening 102 to be sent to processing and purification unit 40.

[0202] Upon leaving the processing and purification unit 40, composition C is returned to the storage tank 7.

[0203] Cleaning and disinfection After use, it can be implemented Figure 5 or Figure 6B The methods shown in the diagram can be used to clean the equipment in one or more ways.

[0204] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, with the reservoir 7 still in place, the handpiece 2 remains on the support 3. The liquid contained in the reservoir is circulated by turning on the pump 11. The shut-off section 31 closes the processing area by means of the sealing element 103, so that the composition that circulates in the pipe 6a and exits through the opening 101 returns to the circuit 6 and the reservoir 7 after being re-injected into the circuit 6 through the opening 102, which is achieved by means of the suction of the pump 30.

[0205] During this cleaning process, the reservoir 7 may be pre-filled with disinfectant and / or cleaning composition to improve the cleaning and disinfection of the circuit 6 and the reservoir 7.

[0206] exist Figure 6BIn step A, the reservoir 7 is detached from the handheld component 2. Then, in step B, the reservoir 7 is positioned in the housing 9 of the support component 3 with its opening 71 pointing downwards. In step C, the reservoir 7 is drained within the housing 9. Finally, in step D, with the surface 10 of the processing head 5 facing the cutoff portion 31, the handheld component 2 is held in the housing 8 of the support component 3, and the UV radiation source 20 is turned on to disinfect the reservoir 7, the surface 10, the openings 101 and 102 present on the processing head, and the circuit 6.

[0207] In a variant not yet shown, the reservoir 7 is not detached from the handle 2, and the handle 2 remains within the housing 8 of the support 3 with the surface 10 of the processing head 5 facing the stop portion 31. Then, the process is realized... Figure 5 The method described in, and as Figure 6A The UV radiation source 20 of the support member 3 is shown in the figure. The reservoir 7 is made of, for example, a UV-transparent material, so that UV radiation can help sterilize it.

[0208] In another variant, not yet illustrated, the support 3 includes a single UV radiation source located at the cutoff portion 31. The reservoir 7 is not detached from the handle 2, and the handle 2 remains within the housing 8 of the support 3 with the surface 10 of the processing head 5 facing the cutoff portion 31. Then, the process is realized... Figure 5 The method described herein is used to turn on the UV radiation source.

[0209] Embodiment variant exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 A variation of device 1 is depicted. The device includes a handheld component 2, which includes two reservoirs 7a and 7b that cannot be detached from the handheld component 2 and does not include a support component 3.

[0210] Handheld device 2 is designed to dispense composition C into the area of ​​keratin material K to be treated via at least one opening 101 located at the treatment head 5. Reservoir 7a is, for example, a reservoir for the dispensed composition; it is connected to pump 11 via conduit 63, as illustrated, which can deliver composition C to the treatment area via conduit 61, which is opened via opening 101. Reservoir 7b retrieves composition C that has come into contact with the area to be treated via conduit 62 leading to opening 102.

[0211] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the device, UV-C lamps 20 are located inside the handpiece 2 and the storage container 7 in the processing head 5, respectively.

[0212] exist Figure 8In the example, the wall 23 of the handheld component 2 may be covered with aluminum, especially aluminum foil, which is capable of reflecting UV radiation to concentrate it inside the handheld component, with the aim of achieving better sterilization of the components present inside the handheld component. The wall 72 of the reservoir 7 and the wall 64 of the circuit 6 are made, for example, of FEP, a plastic material capable of transmitting UV radiation into the circuit 6 and the reservoir 7.

[0213] exist Figure 9 In the example, the walls 72 of the reservoir and the walls of the circuit 6 may be covered with aluminum, especially aluminum foil, on their inner sides to concentrate UV radiation inside the reservoir 7 and the circuit 6 for better sterilization of those components. The UV lamp 20 also enables the sterilization of the composition C circulating in the circuit 6.

[0214] In this example, the processing head 5 includes a transducer 13 arranged relative to the spacer 50 to create a space E between the acoustic emitting surface and the surface of the keratin material K to be processed.

[0215] Spacer 50 advantageously includes at least one leg that extends axially less than 360° about the axis of transducer 13 and is in front of the emitting surface. "In front of" should be understood as the leg extending beyond the emitting surface in the direction of the keratin material K to be treated. Spacer 50 may be in the form of an end piece attached to the rest of the treatment head 5 by means of a fixing member, or it may be integral with the body of the head, for example.

[0216] As illustrated, the treatment head 5 may include a grid 19, which is preferably at least partially non-absorbent and defines a surface in contact with the keratin material K to be treated. The grid 19 has at least one opening through which waves emitted by the transducer 13 can travel toward the material K to be cleaned. Due to the grid 19, it is possible to more precisely control the distance between the transducer 13 and the surface of the keratin material K, thereby making it possible to improve the effect of bubbles near the surface of the keratin material K while avoiding direct contact between the transducer 13 and the keratin material K. The grid 19 is preferably removable. This makes it easier to clean and allows it to be replaced after each use, or even, if needed, allows several grids to be interchanged depending on the application, for example, by selecting the type of grid with the best shape for the area to be cleaned.

[0217] Device 1 may include at least one fluid circulation conduit extending along or within one or more legs, or more generally within and / or in a component supporting the grid. The conduit may be made of a UV-transparent material.

[0218] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the example just described. In particular, the support 3 and the handheld part 2 of the same device 1 may both include at least one UV radiation source 20.

[0219] The device may include a bubble generator for generating additional bubbles within the fluid. The bubble generator may be arranged in the device 1 such that bubbles are generated periodically before, simultaneously with, or relative to the emission of the sound waves.

[0220] In the case of hair treatment, the device according to the invention may include at least one guiding and / or combing member designed to guide the hair as it moves toward and / or contacts the emitting surface of the transducer. The guiding and / or combing member may be designed to guide the hair laterally, for example, having end stops between which the hair engages. The guiding and / or combing member may include at least one lateral hair guiding surface that allows the hair to be held in place during treatment. The guiding and / or combing member may be removably or non-removably attached to the device.

[0221] The handheld unit may consist of only a single pump that circulates the fluid in the processing area and returns it to a reservoir designed to recycle the used fluid.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for treating human keratin materials (K), particularly skin and / or hair, comprising a handheld component (2), said handheld component (2) comprising: - A processing head (5) is positioned to contact the keratin material (K) to be treated, the processing head defining at least one processing area. - At least one reservoir (7) for containing a fluid, particularly a cosmetic composition (C) used in the process. - At least one loop (6) for circulating the fluid used in the process, the at least one loop (6) including at least one channel (6a; 61) for conveying the fluid from the reservoir (7) to the processing zone and at least one channel (6b; 62) for returning the fluid from the processing zone, The device (1) further includes: - A cut-off section (31) designed to contact the treatment head (5) without using the device (1) for processing the human keratin material (K), the cut-off section (31) having a surface designed to close the treatment area in a manner that allows the fluid to recirculate in the fluid circulation loop (6) without the treatment head (5) contacting the human keratin material (K).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the handheld component (2) includes at least one ultrasonic transducer (13) for transmitting sound waves at least into the fluid present in the processing area.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the handheld component (2) comprises at least one electric pump (11) for circulating the fluid in the fluid circulation loop (6) between the one or more reservoirs (7) and the keratin material (K) to be treated.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (1) comprising a support (3) configured to receive the handpiece (2) when the device (1) is not used to process keratin material (K), the support (3) being particularly configured to power the pump (11) when the handpiece (2) is held in the support (3).

5. The device according to the preceding claims, wherein the cut-off portion (31) is defined by the support member (3).

6. The device according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the support (3) and the handheld member (2) have electrical contacts (32; 22) that contact each other when the handheld member (2) is held on the support (3).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one UV radiation source (20).

8. The device according to the preceding claims and claim 4, wherein the support (3) supplies power to the UV radiation source (20) in particular when the handheld device (2) is powered by the support (3).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), comprises at least one surfactant.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage (7) is removable.

11. The device according to the preceding claims and claim 4, wherein the support (3) includes a housing (9) designed to receive the reservoir (7) detached from the handpiece (2).

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims and claim 6, wherein at least one UV radiation source (20) emits UV radiation inside the storage unit (7).

13. A method for cleaning and disinfecting an apparatus (1) for treating keratin materials (K), particularly an apparatus (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: (1) Position the handheld component (2) on the support component (3) such that the cut-off portion (31) contacts the handheld component (2) and closes the processing area. (2) The fluid is recirculated in the fluid circulation loop (6).

14. According to the method of the preceding claims, when the handheld component (2) is positioned on the support member (3), the support member (3) supplies power to the handheld component (2).

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 and 14, comprising: (3) Remove the at least one storage device (7) from the handpiece (2), (4) Position the now-detached storage unit (7) on the support (3).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fluid circulated during the cleaning phase is water, a cleaning composition containing at least one active cleaning agent, or the cosmetic composition (C) used elsewhere in the treatment of the keratin material (K).

17. An apparatus (1) for treating human keratin materials (K), particularly skin and / or hair, comprising: - A processing head (5) is positioned to contact the keratin material (K) to be treated, the processing head defining at least one processing area. - At least one reservoir (7) for containing a fluid, particularly a cosmetic composition (C) used in the process, the reservoir (7) having an inner surface in contact with the fluid, -At least one UV radiation source (20), - At least one fluid circulation loop (6) connecting the reservoir (7) and the processing area, at least a portion of the inner surface of the reservoir (7) and / or at least a portion of the fluid circulation loop (6) being exposed to UV radiation emitted by the source (20).

18. The device according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer (13) for transmitting sound waves at least into the fluid present in the processing zone.

19. The device according to any one of claims 17 and 18, comprising a handheld component (2), said handheld component (2) including the processing head (5), the one or more reservoirs (7), the one or more ultrasonic transducers (13), and / or the fluid circulation loop (6), The device includes a support (3) designed to receive the handpiece (2) when the device is not used for the treatment of the keratin material (K).

20. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the fluid circulation loop (6) includes at least one electric pump (11) for circulating the fluid in the fluid circulation loop between the one or more reservoirs (7) and the processing area.

21. The device according to claim 19 and possible claim 20, wherein the at least one UV radiation source (20) is located inside the handheld device (2).

22. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the fluid circulation loop (6) includes at least one UV radiation source (20) and / or at least one reservoir (7) of the device includes at least one UV radiation source (20) located inside the reservoir (7).

23. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 22 and claim 18, wherein the support (3) comprises at least one UV radiation source (20), particularly one or two.

24. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the storage (7) is removable.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein the support (3) comprises a housing (9) designed to receive the reservoir (7) detached from the handpiece (2), and in particular designed to receive the reservoir (7) with the opening (71) of the reservoir (7) pointing downwards.

26. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 25 and claim 19, wherein the support (3) comprises at least one UV radiation source (20) arranged to emit UV radiation inside the reservoir (7) and / or at least one UV radiation source (20) arranged to emit UV radiation onto the processing head (5).

27. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the device, in particular the handheld component (2), comprises a material that reflects more than 50% of the UV, in particular UVC radiation, such as aluminum.

28. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the device (1) is covered with a metal coating, particularly an aluminum coating, so that the UV radiation can propagate.

29. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein at least a portion of the conduits (6a; 6b; 61; 62; 63) of the fluid circulation loop (6) is covered with a metallic coating, particularly an aluminum coating, to facilitate the propagation of the UV radiation within the fluid circulation loop (6) and / or toward the reservoir (7).

30. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the transducer (13) extends at least partially into the processing head (5).

31. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 30, wherein the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), comprises at least one surfactant.

32. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 31 and claim 19, comprising, in particular, a stop portion (31) defined by the support member (3), the stop portion (31) being designed to contact the treatment head (5) without using the device (1) for treating the human keratin material (K), the stop portion (31) having a surface designed to close the treatment area in a manner that allows the fluid to recirculate in the fluid circulation loop (6) without the treatment head (5) contacting the human keratin material (K).

33. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 32, wherein the support (3) is designed to power the handpiece (2), and in particular the one or more pumps (11) included in the handpiece (2), when the handpiece (2) is held in the support (3).

34. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 33 and claim 19, wherein the support (3) and the handheld member (2) have electrical contacts (32; 22) that contact each other when the handheld member (2) is held on the support (3).

35. A method for cleaning and disinfecting an apparatus (1) for treating keratin material (K), the apparatus (1) comprising at least one reservoir (7) for containing fluid and at least one UV radiation source (20), particularly the apparatus (1) for treating keratin material (K) as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 35, the method comprising: (1) UV radiation from the at least one UV radiation source (20) is emitted onto at least a portion of the inner surface (72) of the at least one reservoir (7) and / or at least a portion of the inner surface of the fluid circulation loop, and optionally toward the processing head (5) of the device (1).

36. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the device includes a handheld component (2), the handheld component (2) including the reservoir (7) and the support (3), the method comprising, prior to step (1): (2) Position the handheld component (2) on the support component (3).

37. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising: (3) Remove the storage device (7) from the handpiece (2). (4) Position the now-detached storage container (7) on the support (3). (5) The UV radiation is emitted into the storage device (7).

38. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the device (1) includes a fluid circulation loop (6), and the method includes reflecting at least some of the UV radiation from a surface (64) of the fluid circulation loop and / or from an inner surface and / or an outer surface (72) of the reservoir and / or from an inner surface of the handpiece (2).

39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the handheld member (2) comprises a processing head (5) defining a processing area and a fluid circulation loop (6), the fluid circulation loop (6) having a channel (6a; 61) for conveying the fluid to the processing area and a channel (6b; 62) for returning the fluid from the processing area, and the support member (3) comprises a stop portion (31), the method comprising: (6) Position the handheld component (2) on the support component (3) so that the cut-off portion (31) contacts the handheld component (2) and closes the processing area. (7) The fluid is recirculated in the fluid circulation loop (6).

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