Distribution module for a device intended for applying a coloring agent, and device using such a module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a distribution module (1) for a device for applying a coloring agent for permanent makeup or tattooing, said distribution module being characterized in that it comprises: a channel (6), at least one needle (2) arranged in said channel, a plunger (4), a product reservoir (5), said reservoir comprising a lumen (11) opening into said channel (6), and an automatic valve.

Description

DISPENSING MODULE FOR AN APPARATUS INTENDED FOR THE APPLICATION OF A COLORING PRODUCT AND APPARATUS USING SUCH A MODULE Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of permanent makeup or tattooing.

[0002] More specifically, this invention relates to a dispensing module for an apparatus for applying a coloring product, this dispensing module comprising a channel and at least one needle movable longitudinally in said channel, between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle is located inside the channel, and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from the channel. The invention also relates to an apparatus for applying a product, comprising such a module. Prior art

[0003] Currently, devices intended for applying a coloring product to a person and used for permanent makeup or tattooing consist of a gun in which a tattoo needle moves longitudinally, and a motor intended to move this needle. When a coloring product such as ink in particular is to be applied to or under the skin of a user, the needle is dipped into an ink reservoir, then it is applied to the user's skin so as to make the ink penetrate under the user's skin. When the ink that has been taken up by the needle is consumed, this needle is again dipped into the ink reservoir, then the cycle begins again.

[0004] One problem that can occur with this type of device is that the amount of ink that can be used between each dip in the reservoir is relatively small because it is a capillary reservoir. Therefore, when the person doing the tattooing needs to draw a straight or elongated line, for example, they must regularly stop the drawing to refill the ink. Resuming the drawing at the exact point where it was stopped is relatively difficult and it is possible that the design will not be ideal for this reason.

[0005] Furthermore, the time required to complete a tattoo can be long due to the need to refill the ink regularly. This is especially important when large areas need to be colored, for example when shading. This relatively long working time can be unpleasant for the person doing the tattooing or makeup, but especially for the person on whom the tattoo or makeup is being done. Indeed, marking under the skin can be relatively painful. A shorter working time therefore brings more comfort to the person on whom the marking is being done.

[0006] Another problem can arise because the ink reservoirs are opened to allow ink to be drawn. This ink is then exposed to the air. It is then possible for it to be contaminated with pathogens that can then be injected under the skin of the person being tattooed or made up, potentially leading to infections.

[0007] To address some of these drawbacks, there is a tattoo or permanent makeup device comprising a reservoir integrated into the gun. Such a device is described in US patent US 6,345,553. This document describes a tattoo or permanent makeup gun comprising a module in which a tattoo needle moves longitudinally under the impulse of a motor. The tattoo gun comprises an ink reservoir. The needle, during its alternating longitudinal movement, moves in the ink reservoir, then its free end protrudes from the tattoo gun so as to be able to apply the ink taken by the needle, under the user's skin.

[0008] This design largely eliminates the need to refill ink from an external reservoir. It is therefore possible to draw relatively long lines and fill large areas without having to refill ink. In addition, the ink is not exposed to the air, minimizing the risk of contamination or infection.

[0009] This gun, however, has other disadvantages. Indeed, the presence of a piston, namely the part supporting the needle and also the flexible sealing parts, during the tattooing action, creates overpressure pulses causing discharges expelling the ink in an uncontrollable manner.

[0010] In addition, the ink is constantly in contact with the metal needle and chemical integrations can occur. In the case of storage for several weeks, contamination of the ink becomes problematic and the needle can become blunt due to slow micro-corrosion. In addition, it is important to know that the ink is composed of solvents as well as more or less solid microparticles. The presence of the needle in the ink with even a slight loss of solvent causes accumulations, or films, on the surface of the needle, degrading its effectiveness. Another limitation comes from the shape of the needles. Indeed, to create specific tattoos, the needle is composed of several points welded together. This assembly of points imposes non-circular shapes as soon as the needle is composed of more than one point.It is then very difficult, if not impossible, to create a seal in the front spout, making the tank sensitive to contamination and leaks without the use of an additional sealing cap which must be replaced after each use.

[0011] Another disadvantage is that ink is introduced into the reservoir, and then the needle moves within the reservoir. It is not possible to easily empty the ink from the reservoir and replace it with a different color ink. This would result in a heterogeneous mixture of colors that would not be usable. Thus, if the ink in the reservoir is not completely consumed, it is wasted.

[0012] Furthermore, the ink reservoir in which the needle moves is located in a position relatively far from the free end of the needle, that is, from the end through which the needle emerges to perform the tattoo. In order for ink to be taken up by the needle, its free end must enter entirely into the reservoir. This requires the needle to be guided particularly rigidly, which complicates the production of the gun from a mechanical point of view and which makes it more expensive. In addition, due to the construction of the gun, it is necessary for ink to be available on the side of the reservoir where the needle emerges. This requires the person performing the tattoo to hold the gun in a certain way, with the needle substantially vertical and pointing downwards, otherwise the needle does not receive ink. This makes this gun inconvenient to use.As a result, the solution is not ideal, particularly since the ink does not easily come into contact with the needle. In addition, the device described in this document does not allow the use of a removable reservoir.

[0013] Another disadvantage of this device is that the needle is constantly immersed in ink. This means that the only ink that can be used is the ink contained in the reservoir. Therefore, it is not possible to use the ink from the reservoir for one part of a tattoo, and then use the device by dipping the needle into ink from an external reservoir to create another part of the tattoo.

[0014] As a result, the solution described in US patent 6,345,553 is not ideal in practice. Indeed, it is not possible to change ink color while keeping the same gun. Unused ink is lost and the gun must be handled in a certain way, otherwise it does not work. In addition, it is not possible to use the device alternately in a "conventional" mode in which the needle is dipped in an external ink reservoir, and in the mode using the ink contained in the reservoir integrated into the device.

[0015] To solve the technical problems listed above, document WO 2021 / 204971 describes a dispensing module for an apparatus for applying a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing. This dispensing module comprises a channel and at least one needle movable longitudinally in the channel, between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle is located inside the channel, and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from the channel. The dispensing module further comprises a coloring product reservoir, which communicates with the channel only in an area located downstream of the needle when this needle is in a certain position.

[0016] This dispensing module does not always allow for satisfactory adjustment of the flow rate of coloring product delivered by the reservoir. This can lead to irregularities in the tattoo, as well as product leaks at the front and / or rear of the dispensing module. These inconveniences are caused by the rapid back-and-forth movements of the piston.

[0017] There is therefore a need for a device intended for the application of a coloring product, via at least one needle, which is flexible and practical to use, that is to say in particular which allows continuous use without having to dip the needle in the product regularly, which allows a change of product without causing waste, which can be used in the normal positions of use of such a device, and which allows the flow of product to be controlled. All this while having a sealed reservoir and without prolonged contact between the needle and the coloring product.

[0018] These objectives, as well as others which will become more clearly apparent hereinafter, are achieved by means of a dispensing module for an apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, said dispensing module being characterized in that it comprises:- a channel,- at least one needle, arranged in said channel,- a piston, arranged in said channel, upstream of said needle, said needle being integral in translation with said piston, the assembly formed by said needle and said piston being movable longitudinally in said channel between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle is located inside said channel, and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from said channel,- a product reservoir, said reservoir comprising a lumen opening into said channel, and- an automatic valve,said automatic valve being formed by the cooperation between at least one slot, arranged on the periphery of said piston, and said light, said at least one slot being arranged so as to be located in line with said light when said piston is in a first intermediate product supply zone, located between the retracted position and the extended position, the light being closed by said piston outside said first intermediate product supply zone.,

[0019] The dispensing module may comprise a front chamber, arranged in said channel, downstream of said light, said slot being able to be located in said front chamber when said piston is located in a second intermediate product supply zone.

[0020] The distribution module may include one or more decompression chimney(s), opening into said front chamber.

[0021] The decompression chimney may include a set of grooves to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the decompression chimney.

[0022] The decompression chimney can be integrated into said tank.

[0023] The cooperation of the slot and the light can further allow air to return to the tank.

[0024] The light can be closed with a cap before using the said tank.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the piston comprises at least one slot having a constant shape extending over the entire circumference of the piston.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, said piston has a cylindrical shape, said piston comprising several slots of different dimensions, arranged at different positions on the circumference of the piston, the piston being movable in rotation around its axis, to allow the selection of the slot to be used for the supply of product.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing module comprises several needles arranged in the same plane, said slot having a substantially rectangular shape and being arranged on said piston so as to be located in line with said light when said piston is located in said first intermediate product supply zone.

[0028] The reservoir may have a bottom, the reservoir and / or said bottom being inclined relative to the axis of said channel.

[0029] The angle of inclination between the bottom of said tank and the axis of said channel is for example between 5° and 55°.

[0030] The bottom of the tank may include a set of grooves to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product to the bottom of said tank.

[0031] The tank can be removable.

[0032] The removable reservoir may comprise a member for connecting said removable reservoir to said dispensing module, said connecting member comprising an element for closing said light, movable between a closed position, in which the closing element closes said light, and an open position, in which the closing element releases said light, the closing element being moved from said closed position to said open position when said removable reservoir is mounted on said dispensing module.

[0033] The removable tank may include means for distributing the product in said tank.

[0034] The tank may include a cap, removably mounted on a filling opening of said tank.

[0035] The cap can be a bayonet cap.

[0036] The tank may include a cover, allowing a filling opening of said tank to be closed.

[0037] The tank may have an air inlet hole.

[0038] Said closing element may be arranged to close the air inlet hole when it is in said closed position, said closing element being arranged to release the air inlet hole when it is in said open position.

[0039] The needle and the plunger can be made integral by inserting a proximal end of said needle into said plunger, along its longitudinal axis.

[0040] The front part of said channel may have the shape of an elongated beak.

[0041] The invention also relates to an apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, this apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a dispensing module as described above, and a module for actuating the needle of the dispensing module.

[0042] List of figures

[0043] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing module of an apparatus for applying a product, according to a first embodiment of the invention; is a view similar to the, showing a piston of the dispensing module in a first intermediate displacement position; is a view similar to the, showing a piston of the dispensing module in a second intermediate displacement position; is a view similar to the, showing the piston in an extended position; is a top view of a dispensing module, according to a second embodiment of the invention; is a perspective view of the dispensing module of the, a cover being arranged on a reservoir of the dispensing module;is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing module, according to a third embodiment of the invention;is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing module, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;is a perspective view of a dispensing module, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the dispensing module comprises a removable reservoir; is a longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing module of the ;is a view similar to the, showing the removable reservoir mounted on the dispensing module;is a longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing module of the ;is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing module, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, andis a perspective view of a dispensing module according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention;

[0044] The invention relates to an apparatus for applying a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing.

[0045] According to the present invention, the term "coloring product" means any colored substance, natural or synthetic, which, when brought into contact with a support, under appropriate conditions, fixes itself to the latter in a lasting manner, imparting a certain color to it. The terms "coloring product", "ink", "dye", "color", "dye" will be used indiscriminately and substitutably in the present description.

[0046] The coloring product is, for example, ink.

[0047] Examples of suitable inks are Panthera Ink (registered trademark) or Eclipse Black Tattoo Ink (registered trademark).

[0048] The device is essentially formed of two parts, namely a dispensing module 1, comprising in particular a needle 2, and a module for actuating the needle 2. This needle 2, or a support for the latter, allows, during a movement linked to its use, to release or not the coloring product.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing module 1 is removable, so that a dispensing module 1 can be mounted on the actuation module, detached therefrom and replaced by another dispensing module 1.

[0050] In practice, the actuation module comprises at least one motor and is used to perform a large number of tattoos, whereas several dispensing modules 1 can generally be used for one person. For hygiene reasons, a dispensing module is generally single-use, i.e. it is used to tattoo a single person and is disposed of after use on that person.

[0051] The actuation module can be of any conventional type and is therefore neither described nor shown in detail in the figures. It is simply designed to receive, in a removable manner, a distribution module 1.

[0052] 1. Distribution module

[0053] The distribution module 1 comprises a body 3, to allow its installation in the actuation module.

[0054] The length of module 1 is, for example, between three and twenty centimetres.

[0055] The dispensing module 1 also comprises at least one needle 2, a piston 4, and a product reservoir 5.

[0056] Except for needle 2, all parts in contact with the ink are made from a material that is inert to this ink.

[0057] In the case of using a dispensing module supplied with pre-filled ink, the piston 4 can be equipped with a lock for its longitudinal movement by, for example, rotating the latter. This system makes it possible to secure the dispensing of ink, typically during transport.

[0058] Tank 5 can be filled almost completely beforehand in order to limit the presence of air, in order to limit the risks of overpressure, and therefore leaks, during airplane journeys or increases in storage temperature, for example.

[0059] The distribution module 1 further comprises a longitudinal channel 6, in which the needle 2 undergoes an alternating back-and-forth movement, by means of the piston 4, under the effect of the actuation module.

[0060] The needle 2 and the piston 4 are integral in translation. The assembly formed by the needle 2 and the piston 4 is movable longitudinally in the channel 6 between a retracted position (), in which a distal end of the needle 2 is located inside the channel 6, and an extended position (), in which the distal end of the needle 2 protrudes from the channel 6.

[0061] The channel 6 opens at one end 7 of the distribution module 1, called the free end, through which the needle 2 can protrude from the channel 6 and come into contact with the skin of the person to be tattooed so as to deposit product there.

[0062] The channel 6 comprises a front chamber 8, capable of containing product. The downstream part of the channel 6, in which the distal end of the needle 2 is located when it is in the retracted position, is called the "front chamber". The front chamber 8 is arranged close to the free end 7. The needle 2 can thus recover a small quantity of product on each return trip between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0063] The reservoir 5 can be fixed and an integral part of the distribution module 1, or it can be removable. In this second case, we speak below of a removable cartridge 105.

[0064] The distribution module 1 may also advantageously include a decompression chimney 9.

[0065] 2. Tank

[0066] The tank 5 has a sealed wall and a filling opening 10.

[0067] The reservoir 5 further comprises a port 11 opening into the channel 6, to allow the passage of product from the reservoir 5 to the channel 6.

[0068] Before using the reservoir 5, the lumen 11 can be closed by a plug 28 (). The plug 28 can be made from a fluid not soluble in the product, for example a fatty fluid released by a certain movement, or in a solid material released by a certain movement. The plug 28 is arranged to be broken by the movement of the piston 4, at the start of use. The plug 28 makes it possible to prevent leakage in the case of extremely capillary product via the lumen 11 before the reservoir 5 is used.

[0069] When the light 11 is arranged on the side of the reservoir 5 opposite the free end 7, the reservoir 5 advantageously comprises a bottom 12 inclined relative to the axis of the channel 6. The angle of inclination between the bottom 12 of the reservoir 5 and the axis of the channel 6 is for example between 5° and 55°, preferably between 15° and 35°. This characteristic has the function of promoting the presence of product at the level of the light 11, even when the module 1 is inclined, which is often the case during its use. Alternatively, the reservoir 5 could itself be inclined relative to the axis of the channel 6.

[0070] The bottom 12 of the reservoir 5 may further comprise a set of grooves 13 (visible in the), to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the bottom 12 of the reservoir 5, towards the light 11. This characteristic makes it possible to further promote the presence of product at the level of the light 11, in particular when the module 1 is inclined. The light 11 participates in the management of the product flow.

[0071] The tank 5 may include a cap, removably mounted on the filling opening 10 of the tank 5. The cap is, for example, a bayonet cap.

[0072] The reservoir 5 may include, in addition to or instead of the cap, a cover 14 (visible in the), to hermetically close the filling opening 10 before its assembly. The cover 14 may include, in a conventional manner, a tab 15 to allow it to be easily removed.

[0073] When the reservoir 5 is intended to be used while remaining hermetically closed by a cap or a seal 14, it further comprises an air inlet hole, to allow atmospheric pressure to be maintained inside the reservoir 5, even when the quantity of product inside the reservoir 5 is modified. The air inlet hole may for example be provided at the cap, or be obtained by piercing the seal 14 just before using the reservoir 5. Depending on the fluidity of the ink, the seal 14 may or may not cover the chimney 9.

[0074] In the case of using fluid ink, the entire reservoir 5 can remain completely sealed at all times. In this case, pressure balancing is achieved by the rise of air bubbles coming from the chimney 9 and passing into the slot 16 when the piston is activated.

[0075] 3. Needle and plunger

[0076] Needle 2 is arranged in channel 6. Piston 4 is also arranged in channel 6, upstream of needle 2. Piston 4 and needle 2 are integral in translation. For this, for example, a proximal end of needle 2 is fixed inside piston 4.

[0077] The piston 4 is arranged so that it can be driven in translation by the actuation module, when the distribution module 1 is mounted on the actuation module.

[0078] The piston 4 also serves as a guide member for the needle 2. This has the advantage that the needle 2 is always guided properly.

[0079] The piston 4 comprises at least one slot 16 arranged on its periphery. The function of the slot 16 is to allow the supply of product from the reservoir 5 to the front chamber 8.

[0080] The slot 16 is arranged so as to be located in line with the light 11 of the reservoir 5, when the piston 4 is in a first intermediate product supply zone (and). The first intermediate zone is located between the retracted position and the extended position. When the slot 16 is located in line with the light 11, product is transferred into the slot 16 from the reservoir 5, via the light 11.

[0081] Outside the first intermediate feed zone, the piston 4 closes the port 11. The piston 4 closes the port 11 in particular in the retracted position. This feature prevents product leaks when the module 1 is not in use.

[0082] According to embodiments of the invention, shown for example in Figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 13, the piston 4 has a cylindrical shape, and comprises a slot 16 of cylindrical shape extending over a complete circumference of the piston 4. The length of the slot 16 along the longitudinal axis of the piston is chosen according to the desired product flow rate. Indeed, the longer the slot 16, the greater the quantity of product that will pass from the reservoir 5 to the slot 16 during the stroke of the piston 4. This characteristic therefore makes it possible to adjust the product flow rate. This characteristic also makes it possible, when adjusting the output of the needle 2, to automatically increase the quantity of ink.

[0083] According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in the, the piston 4 has a cylindrical shape, and comprises several slots 161 to 16 n , n being a positive integer. Slots 161 to 16 neach have a substantially rectangular shape and are of different dimensions. Slots 161 to 16 n are arranged at different positions on a circumference of the piston 4. The number of slots 161 to 16 n is for example four. This number is not exhaustive.

[0084] When the piston 4 has several slots 161 to 16 n , the piston 4 is movable in rotation around its axis, to allow the selection of the slot 161 to 16 n to be used for product supply. The rotation of the piston 4 can be carried out manually. The slot 161 to 16 is called the "slot to be used" n which will be located at the right of the light 11 during the stroke of the piston 4. This characteristic makes it possible to adjust the flow of product even more precisely, and to modify this flow during the tattooing process.

[0085] According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in the, the module 1 comprises several needles 21 to 2 m , m being a positive integer, arranged in the same plane. The piston 4 here comprises a slot 16 of substantially rectangular shape, arranged so as to be located at right angles to the port 11 in the first intermediate supply zone. As described previously, the dimensions of the slot 16 are chosen according to the desired product flow rate.

[0086] The needle 2 can be fixed to the plunger 4 by inserting the proximal end of the needle 2 into the plunger 4 along its longitudinal axis. The proximal end can also be glued into the plunger 4.

[0087] Other means can be used to make the needle 2 and the piston 4 integral in translation. For example, in the case of several needles 21 to 2 marranged in the same plane, a fixing member 17 () can be provided to receive the proximal end of each needle 21 to 2 m . The fixing member 17 is then fixed to the piston 4.

[0088] 4. Front room

[0089] The front chamber 8 of the channel 6 is located downstream of the lumen 11, and extends to near the free end 7 of the channel 6.

[0090] The downstream part of channel 6, in which the distal end of needle 2 is located when it is in the retracted position, is called the "front chamber".

[0091] The front chamber 8 extends over a sufficient length of the channel 6 so that the slot 16 of the piston 4 is located in the front chamber 8 when the piston 4 is located in a second intermediate product supply zone (and).

[0092] The front chamber 8 is arranged so as to allow the transfer of product from the slot 16 to the front chamber 8, when the piston 4 is located in the second intermediate product supply zone. For this, the front chamber 8 may have a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the piston 4, or may have longitudinal capillary grooves, for example.

[0093] The first and second intermediate product supply zones may be separate. In this case, the second intermediate product supply zone is located downstream of the first intermediate product supply zone. In other words, in this case, the reservoir 5 supplies the slot 16 with product, then, after movement of the piston 4, the slot 16 supplies the front chamber 8 with product.

[0094] Alternatively, the first and second intermediate product supply zones may comprise an overlap zone. In this case, when the piston 4 is in the overlap zone, the reservoir 5 supplies the slot 16 with product, and, simultaneously, the slot 16 supplies the front chamber 8 with product.

[0095] The body 3 of the module 1 has, at the free end 7, the shape of an elongated spout 18. Here, a spout 18 whose ratio between the length and the diameter is greater than four is considered to be “elongated”. For example, the spout 18 has a diameter of approximately 1 mm and a length of approximately 4 mm. The use of an elongated spout 18 is made possible by the supply of product via a reservoir 5. The advantage of an elongated spout 18 is that it allows better control of the product flow rate and that it prevents product leaks through the free end 7.

[0096] A tube 29 can further be inserted into the channel 6, at the spout 18. The tube 29 can be made of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material, depending on the applications. The tube 29 can for example be made with a coating of Kollidon (registered trademark) or of plasma-treated silicone to manage the hydrophilicity (or hydrophilic character). The function of this tube 29 is to participate in the control of the flow rate of product at the free end 7 and to facilitate priming during the first use.

[0097] All parts in contact with the ink can undergo treatments to manage the hydrophilicity, always with the aim of facilitating priming or accelerating it.

[0098] 5. Decompression chimney

[0099] As shown in particular in figures 7, 8 and 14, the module 1 may comprise one or more decompression chimneys 9, located downstream of the light 11.

[0100] The decompression chimney(s) 9 open into the front chamber 8.

[0101] The section of the or each chimney 9 may have a circular, rectangular or ovoid shape, for example.

[0102] The decompression chimney 9 is arranged so as to be located at right angles to the slot 16 when the piston 4 is located in the second intermediate product supply zone.

[0103] The decompression chimney 9 makes it possible to manage pressure changes in the front chamber 8 due to the stroke of the piston 4 and / or the variation in the quantity of product present in the front chamber 8. The utility lies in the elimination of leaks generated by the overpressures of the piston 4.

[0104] The decompression chimney 9 may comprise a set of grooves 20, to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the decompression chimney 9. This characteristic makes it possible to maintain and regulate any surplus of product in the chimney 9, thus avoiding a leak of product at the free end 7, and to release the product, due to gravity, when necessary. The grooves are, for example, oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis of the decompression chimney 9.

[0105] As shown in the figures, the decompression chimney 9 can be integrated into the tank 5. In this case, the shape of the cover 14 can be adapted to close the filling opening 10 while leaving the upper end of the chimney 9 free, as can be seen in the.

[0106] The shape of the slot 16, in combination with the light 11, must allow the channel 6 to be supplied with ink when the piston 4 is activated, while allowing air to return to the reservoir 5, in the case where the latter is hermetically closed. This air return, coming from the chimney 9, makes it possible to prevent the reservoir 5 from ceasing to supply the system with ink due to an internal depression in the latter.

[0107] 6. Removable cartridge

[0108] With reference to Figures 9 to 12, an embodiment is described below in which the reservoir is removable. Such a reservoir is herein referred to as a removable cartridge 105.

[0109] The function of the cartridge 105 is identical to the function of the reservoir 5, namely to allow the supply of product.

[0110] The removable cartridge 105 comprises a fixing member 121 for fixing the removable cartridge 105 to the distribution module 1. The fixing member 121 comprises, for example, clipping means 122, intended to be clipped onto the body 3 of the distribution module 1.

[0111] The removable cartridge 105 further comprises a connection member 123 of the cartridge 105 to the channel 6, so as to allow the flow of product from a port 111 of the cartridge 105 to the channel 6, when the cartridge 105 is mounted on the dispensing module 1.

[0112] The connection member 123 comprises a closing element 124 of the light 111, movable between a closed position, in which it closes the light 111, and an open position, in which it releases the light 111.

[0113] The closure element 124 is moved from the closed position to the open position when the removable cartridge 105 is mounted on the distribution module 1. This movement can be carried out automatically at the time of mounting.

[0114] For this purpose, the closure element 124 may, for example, have the shape of a rod, which is pushed back by a spring 125 towards the closed position. Thus, in the absence of additional force exerted on the spring 125, the closure element 124 is in the closed position. This position makes it possible in particular to prevent product leaks when the cartridge 105 is not in use. Then, when the cartridge 105 is mounted, the cooperation between the rod 124 and the body 3 of the dispensing module 1 compresses the spring 125, thus causing the closure element 124 to move towards the open position.

[0115] The compression of the spring 125 is for example obtained by cooperation between a protrusion arranged on the lower part of the rod 124 and a protrusion of the body 3 of the distribution module 1, this cooperation forcing a movement of the rod 124 upwards.

[0116] The closure element 124 then remains in the open position as long as the cartridge 105 is mounted on the module 1, because the clipping means 122 hold the entire cartridge 105 in position.

[0117] In a similar manner to what has been described for the reservoir 5, the removable cartridge 105 may comprise a stopper 127 and / or a cover, to open and close its filling opening 110.

[0118] The removable cartridge has an air inlet hole 126, to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the removable cartridge 105, even in the presence of a stopper 127 or a seal on the filling opening 110.

[0119] The sealing element 124 may be arranged to seal the air inlet hole 126 when it is in the closed position, and to release the air inlet hole 126 when it is in the open position. This feature makes it possible to prevent leaks when the cartridge 105 is not in use.

[0120] The closure element 124 may further comprise means 132 for distributing the product in the cartridge 105, by capillarity. The distribution means 132 comprise fins 133. The distribution means 132 make it possible to improve the regulation of the flow rate.

[0121] It should be noted that a removable cartridge 105 can be placed on different dispensing modules 1, more precisely dispensing modules 1 having needles 2 of different shapes. The same cartridge 105 can for example first be placed on a dispensing module 1 having a needle 2 specific to the production of fine lines, then the same cartridge 105 can be placed on a dispensing module 1 having a needle 2 specific to the production of large surfaces and / or shading.

[0122] The use of 105 cartridges also allows the installation of pre-filled cartridges, without the need for these cartridges to be filled by the user himself.

[0123] 7. Operation

[0124] The operation of distribution module 1 is described below.

[0125] The distribution module 1 is placed on the actuation module. Then, the actuation module motor is started.

[0126] When the dispensing module 1 is used in a normal operating mode, the assembly formed by the piston 4 and the needle 2 moves longitudinally in the channel 6, under the effect of the actuating module, in a back-and-forth movement, between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0127] Use begins with a priming phase, which consists of transferring enough product into the front chamber 8, so that needle 2 can then take some with each pass, and bring it to the person's skin.

[0128] In the retracted position (), the slot 16 is upstream of the port 11, 111 of the reservoir 5, 105. When the piston 4 is moved to the extended position, the slot 16 enters the first intermediate supply zone (). As a result, the reservoir 5, 105 supplies the slot 16 with product.

[0129] Then, as the piston 4 continues to be moved towards the extended position, the slot 16 enters the second intermediate feed zone (and). The product contained in the slot 16 is then released into the front chamber 8.

[0130] After one or a few back and forths, the front chamber 8 contains enough product for the tattoo to begin.

[0131] To facilitate the priming of the dispensing module 1, a small quantity of product may be manually placed in the chimney 9. In combination or instead, grooves 30, 34 () may be provided on the front part of the piston 4 and / or on the internal wall of the front chamber 8, to promote the advancement of the product into the front chamber 8.

[0132] At this stage, the assembly formed by the piston 4 and the needle 2 continues to move longitudinally in the channel 6, under the effect of the actuation module, between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0133] On each return trip, in parallel with the filling of the front chamber 8 via the slot 16, the needle 2 takes a small quantity of ink, which it can then deposit under the skin of the tattooed person, in a conventional manner.

[0134] At each cycle, product is thus brought into the front chamber 8, and needle 2 recovers some.

[0135] The assembly formed by the slot 16 of the piston 4 and the port 11, 111 thus forms an automatic valve. The term “automatic” refers to the fact that the valve is automatically actuated by the actuating module, between a closed position, in which the piston 4 closes the port 11, 111 of the reservoir 5, 105, and an open position, in which product can be conveyed to the front of the channel 6 via the slot 16. The automatic valve makes it possible to control and regulate the product flow rate.

[0136] When module 1 includes a decompression chimney 9, this makes it possible to regulate even more precisely the quantity of product recovered by needle 2. In fact, any surplus product is pushed into chimney 8, rather than towards the front of channel 6, which avoids any excess pressure, and therefore any leakage.

[0137] When the chimney 9 has grooves 20, the excess ink is further retained by capillarity in the chimney 9, until the force of gravity is greater than the capillarity force.

[0138] The position of the slot 16 is adapted so that product cannot flow towards the rear of the module 1 during the return stroke of the piston 4. A nozzle 31 can nevertheless be provided to prevent any leakage towards the rear of the module 1, in the event that a small quantity of product is drawn towards the rear of the module 1 via the slot 16.

[0139] When product is to be added to the reservoir 5, 105, for example because the contents thereof have been used, the product can simply be added through the opening 10, 110 of the reservoir 5, 105, either by removing the cap 127 and pouring product into the reservoir 5, 105, or by removing or piercing the seal 14. The quantity of product introduced can be chosen so as to correspond substantially to the quantity of product required for the chosen product, for example the chosen color, which avoids waste.

[0140] In the case of a 105 cartridge, this can alternatively be changed, i.e. replaced by a new pre-filled 105 cartridge.

[0141] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stroke of the piston 4 and needle 2 assembly can be adjusted by the actuation module, which makes it possible to manage the quantity of product dispensed.

[0142] Here, in a first mode of use of the distribution module 1, the stroke is between a first position, in which the slot 16 is upstream of the light 11, 111, and a second position, in which the slot 16 is in the front chamber 8. The first mode of use corresponds to the use of the reservoir 5, 105 to convey the product into the channel 6.

[0143] In a second mode of use, the stroke is between a first position identical to the first position described above and a second position in which the slot 16 is upstream of the front chamber 8.

[0144] In this case, the front chamber 8 is not supplied with product from the tank 5, 105. A product from an external tank can then be used.

[0145] The present invention makes it possible to use a tattoo or permanent makeup apparatus without having to regularly stop to add ink to the tattoo needle 2. It makes it possible to easily and quickly mark large areas and to change colors in a simple manner. It can also be used in two different modes, namely a mode in which the ink from the reservoir 5, 105 is used, and another mode in which ink from an external reservoir is used. The mode selection can be done quickly and easily.

[0146] This is particularly advantageous in the case where a significant part of a tattoo or makeup is created using one color while another part requires the use of another color or in the case where two colors must be used alternately. In such a case, it is not necessary to empty the integrated reservoir 5, 105, clean it and refill it with another color to create a small part of the tattoo or makeup. It is sufficient to close the reservoir 5, 105, i.e. to activate the second mode of use, and then to use the device in a conventional manner, by drawing ink with the needle 2 from an external reservoir.

[0147] When this part of the tattoo or makeup is finished, the reservoir 5, 105 can be reopened, i.e. activated in the first mode of use, and the ink from the integrated reservoir 5, 105 is used again.

[0148] These various features make the device easier and more pleasant to use for the person applying the makeup or tattoo. The same operations can be performed in a significantly shorter time than with prior art devices, which is advantageous for the person applying the tattoo, but especially for the person on whom the tattoo is applied. Indeed, since a tattoo can be relatively painful, saving time when applying a tattoo means greater comfort for the person on whom the tattoo is applied.

[0149] The dispensing module according to the present invention can be used in all kinds of positions limited by the reversal of the reservoir into the chimney, which allows permanent makeup or tattooing to be carried out without either the person carrying out the tattoo or the person receiving it having to be placed in an uncomfortable position. Increasing the height of the reservoir and the chimney makes it possible to increase the permissible angles of use.

[0150] Furthermore, with the device of the invention, it is possible to add ink in a simple and practical manner to a reservoir 5, 105, the quantity of ink added corresponding to the needs and not to the capacity of the reservoir.

[0151] It is also possible to change the ink color easily, which allows the same dispensing module 1 to be used for several colors. In addition, it is possible to use pre-filled cartridges, which avoids handling the ink. It is also possible to prevent the ink from remaining in the open air for a long time, which avoids the risk of contamination by an airborne pathogen.

[0152] The shapes proposed for module 1 are adapted to allow simple and rapid cleaning by dipping all or part of the distribution system in a cleaning liquid. It is therefore very simple to change color.

[0153] The device described above is intended for use in permanent makeup or tattooing. However, other applications are possible using a similar device, such as injecting a medical product, a cosmetic product, a hair product, or a veterinary product.

[0154] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants. In particular, it is important to note that the different elements described above can be combined with each other differently from the embodiments that have been shown. For example, a decompression chimney can be combined with any form of slot(s).

Claims

Dispensing module (1) for an apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, said dispensing module being characterized in that it comprises:- a channel (6),- at least one needle (2), arranged in said channel,- a piston (4), arranged in said channel (6), upstream of said needle (2), said needle (2) being integral in translation with said piston (4), the assembly formed by said needle (2) and said piston (4) being movable longitudinally in said channel (6) between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle (2) is located inside said channel (6), and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle (2) protrudes from said channel (6),- a reservoir (5, 105) of product, said reservoir comprising a lumen (11, 111) opening into said channel (6), and- an automatic valve, said automatic valve being formed by the cooperation between at least one slot (16),arranged on the periphery of said piston (4), and said light (11, 111), said at least one slot (16) being arranged so as to be located in line with said light when said piston (4) is in a first intermediate product supply zone, located between the retracted position and the extended position, the light (11, 111) being closed by said piston (4) outside said first intermediate product supply zone., Dispensing module according to claim 1, comprising a front chamber (8), arranged in said channel (6), downstream of said light (11, 111), said slot (16) being able to be located in said front chamber (8) when said piston (4) is located in a second intermediate product supply zone. Distribution module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising one or more decompression chimney(s) (9), opening into said front chamber (8). Dispensing module according to claim 3, in which said decompression chimney (9) comprises a set of grooves (20), to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the decompression chimney. Distribution module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said decompression chimney (8) is integrated into said reservoir (5). Dispensing module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the cooperation of the slot (16) and the light (11, 111) further allows air to return to the reservoir (5, 105). Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said light (11) is closed by a plug (28) before use of said reservoir (5). Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which said piston (4) comprises at least one slot (16) having a constant shape extending over the entire circumference of the piston. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said piston (4) has a cylindrical shape, said piston comprising several slots (161 to 16 n ) of different dimensions, arranged at different positions on the circumference of the piston, the piston being movable in rotation around its axis, to allow the selection of the slot (16) to be used for the product supply. Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising several needles (21 to 2 m) arranged in the same plane, said slot (16) having a substantially rectangular shape and being arranged on said piston (4) so ​​as to be located at right angles to said light (11, 111) when said piston is located in said first intermediate product supply zone. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the reservoir (5, 105) comprises a bottom (12), the reservoir and / or said bottom being inclined relative to the axis of said channel (6). Distribution module according to claim 11, wherein the angle of inclination between the bottom (12) of said reservoir (5, 105) and the axis of said channel (6) is between 5° and 55°. Dispensing module according to claim 11 or 12, in which the bottom (12) of the reservoir (5, 105) comprises a set of grooves (13), to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the bottom of said reservoir. A dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the reservoir (105) is removable. Dispensing module according to claim 14, wherein said removable reservoir (105) comprises a connecting member (123) for said removable reservoir to said dispensing module, said connecting member comprising a closing element (124) for said light (111), movable between a closed position, in which the closing element (124) closes said light (111), and an open position, in which the closing element (124) releases said light (111), the closing element being moved from said closed position to said open position when said removable reservoir (105) is mounted on said dispensing module. Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which said reservoir (5, 105) comprises means (132) for distributing the product in said reservoir. Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said reservoir (5, 105) comprises a cap (127), removably mounted on a filling opening (10) of said reservoir (5, 105). Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in which said reservoir (5, 105) comprises a cover (14), making it possible to close a filling opening (10) of said reservoir (5, 105). Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said reservoir (5, 105) comprises an air inlet hole (126). A dispensing module according to claim 15 taken in combination with claim 19, wherein said closing element (124) is arranged to close the air inlet hole (126) when it is in said closed position, said closing element (124) being arranged to release the air inlet hole (126) when it is in said open position. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the front part of said channel (6) has the shape of an elongated spout (18). Apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, this apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a dispensing module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and a module for actuating the needle (2) of the dispensing module.

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