Cleaning device comprising a nebulizer and a suction unit

Abstract

Cleaning device comprising a nebulizer and a suction unit. The invention relates to a device (100) for cleaning and applying a hair product, comprising a body structure (140) including a first distribution opening (130) and a second vacuum opening (132), a nebulizer (112) with an outlet connected to the first distribution opening (130), a vacuum system (114) with an inlet connected to the second vacuum opening (132), and a handle (104) extending from the body structure (140). The body structure includes a support (10) having a peripheral edge (20) delimited by a perimeter line (74) and application elements (12) extending from a longitudinal face (11) of the support (10). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning device comprising a nebulizer and a suction unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic device for treating hair fibers, in particular for cleaning hair.

[0002] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products. Technological background

[0003] Capillary devices for distributing cleaning fluid are known.

[0004] Patent DE3800954 discloses a hairstyling device with a rotatable and hollow body provided on its outer circumferential surface with projections and recesses for winding, shaping and drying the hair. The body can be driven by a motor arranged in a handle-shaped housing, with blowing openings arranged in the projections and suction openings arranged in the recesses. The openings are connected via ducts to a central soundproof device which contains at least one fan, an outlet connection, an inlet connection and an air heater. Through the exhaust openings, a permanent waving, fixing, hair coloring or other hair treatment agent in the form of vapor can be discharged through a blowing nozzle extending parallel to the hollow body along the housing.The hair treatment agent reaches the hair, while excess components are immediately sucked away through the suction openings.

[0005] Patent application DEP0659363A1 discloses a device for treating hair, comprising a generator, a tool holder provided with a gripping handle, and a tool. The generator and the tool holder are arranged to provide the tool with at least one supply of steam. They are placed at a distance from each other and connected by a flexible bundle comprising at least one conduit for supplying steam to the tool holder. The tool holder supports a steam outlet channel, the wall of which is crossed by steam distribution orifices. The generator may be designed to convey other fluids through the tool, the other fluids being able to be blown and / or sucked through the tool.

[0006] French patent application No. 2003401, filed by the Applicant on April 6, 2020, discloses a device for applying a hair formulation which comprises, a body structure having one or more teeth at a front end, wherein a tip of a tooth includes a first and a second opening; a ne- a bulizer with an outlet connected to the first opening; a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second opening; and a handle extending the body structure at an obtuse angle relative to the front end of the body structure. Definition of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to provide a device for cleaning human keratin fibers, in particular hair, making it possible to effectively clean said fibers with a cleaning composition, and to improve and shorten the routine of removing sebum and shampoo mixture particles from the hair and scalp after application of the cleaning composition.

[0008] In particular, the aim of the invention is to propose a device, preferably portable and compact, capable of washing hair effectively, without having to rinse it with water.

[0009] To do this, the invention proposes an all-in-one device capable of dispensing a composition onto the hair, scalp or roots, of mixing the composition and sebum and of eliminating, using a suction system, the waste generated by this mixture, the suction system comprising an air or water pump, which is quiet and easy to integrate into the body of the device. Definition of invention

[0010] The subject of the invention is a device for cleaning and applying a composition for the hair, comprising a body structure comprising a first dispensing opening and a second vacuum opening, a nebulizer with an outlet connected to the first dispensing opening, a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second vacuum opening, and a handle extending the body structure, the body structure comprises a support having a peripheral edge delimited by a perimeter line, the support extending along a longitudinal axis X, and application elements extending from a longitudinal face of the support along a longitudinal axis Y, the application elements comprising a first free end and a second end connecting obliquely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal face of the support,the first distribution opening and the second vacuum opening opening onto the longitudinal face of the support, without passing through the application elements.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device removes more than just "macro" particles such as dandruff. The device provides a cleansing formulation in conjunction with agitation to dissolve and absorb oils, sebum, and other odor-trapping items to leave the hair with signs of cleanliness / refreshment. The device creates a mist for dispersal of the formulation, and includes teeth for mechanical agitation, and vacuum removal to accomplish the purpose of the cleaning.

[0012] Because the device can clean the hair in a manner equivalent to shampooing in the shower, the hair is easy to style afterward, leading to healthier hair in the longer term.

[0013] Thanks to the specific arrangement of the first dispensing opening and the second vacuum opening on the support, the cosmetic composition is efficiently distributed on the hair and scalp and cleaning is efficient due to good distribution of the suction.

[0014] Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises a formula misting system or nebulizer, a hairbrush bristle system forming the application elements and an air pump system capable of removing sebum and dirt from the scalp and hair roots.

[0015] Mechanism of action:

[0016] The mist / atomizer or nebulizer distributes a composition targeting the scalp and hair roots.

[0017] The application elements like bristles allow the user to activate the formula with sebum.

[0018] The formula solubilizes and suspends oil and sebum.

[0019] The vacuum system, in particular the air pump system, sucks up the excess formula and of sebum through the second vacuum openings that target the scalp and hair roots.

[0020] Over at least a portion of its length, the support may have a substantially constant thickness. Main definitions

[0021] An "X-axis part cross-section" is a section perpendicular to the X-axis of the part.

[0022] By "longitudinal axis of a part" is meant the line joining all the barycenters of the cross-sections of a part. Preferred embodiments

[0023] Preferably, the application element according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

[0024] The longitudinal face is flat. The performance of the device is increased.

[0025] The support has an outer surface of non-circular shape in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0026] The support has an external cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of polygonal and / or flattened shape. The combing and suction quality is better.

[0027] The application elements are closer to the perimeter line than to the longitudinal axis X. The device according to the invention can style a larger area of ​​hair.

[0028] The first dispensing opening and the second vacuum opening are closer to the longitudinal axis X than to the perimeter line. The openings are centered for better distribution of the composition and better suction.

[0029] The application elements are arranged in rows, the bases of the application elements of a row being in particular aligned or arranged in a staggered manner. Combing the hair is more regular.

[0030] The support has a symmetrical shape relative to a median plane, in particular a median plane containing the longitudinal axis X of the support. The use of the device is facilitated.

[0031] The vacuum system includes an air pump or a water pump, in order to reduce noise.

[0032] It comprises a suction nozzle movable in translation along its longitudinal axis Z and ending in the second vacuum opening, a drive mechanism setting the suction nozzle in motion with an oscillating movement along the longitudinal axis Z. With this drive system, the suction nozzles can touch the scalp at regular time intervals, which promotes the elimination of sebum. Each suction nozzle can be equipped with an oscillating mechanism.

[0033] Each suction nozzle is connected to a pump outlet by its own outlet conduit, to avoid any loss of suction power. Each suction nozzle can target the scalp and hair roots.

[0034] At least two suction nozzles are connected to the same outlet of a pump by a common outlet conduit. In this case, the device is preferably equipped with a system for blocking the channels whose nozzle is not in contact with the area to be treated, in order to limit the loss of vacuum power due to these open channels. This system may comprise valves and / or solenoid valves and / or pressure sensors.

[0035] The first dispensing opening is placed in the center of the longitudinal face of the support. The distribution of the composition on the hair is optimal. Description of figures

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the detailed description which follows, from non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic illustration of a device implementing several pumps and several suction nozzles;

[0038] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a top view of the device of [Fig.l];

[0039] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic illustration of a device implementing a single pump and several suction nozzles;

[0040] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a top view of the device of [Fig.3];

[0041] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic illustration of a device according to Figures 3 and 4 implementing a cam system to produce a tapping of the suction nozzles;

[0042] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a top view of the device of [Fig.5];

[0043] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic illustration of components of the device of the figures 1 to 6; and

[0044] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a flowchart of a method of using a device according to Figures 1 to 6.

[0045] Figures 1-6 show various embodiments of a device 100 for applying and removing shampoo. The device 100 is an electrically powered device including a nebulizing component for misting, spraying, or atomizing a shampoo formulation through a first dispensing opening 130 connected to a nebulizer 112 and a vacuum component for removing used shampoo and any debris or oils washed out with the shampoo formulation through a second vacuum opening 132. In one embodiment, the shampoo formulation is a liquid shampoo formulation.

[0046] The device 100 is formed by a body structure 140 comprising the first central dispensing opening 130 for dispensing the composition in the form of droplets and six nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 provided with vacuum openings 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 and connected to a vacuum system 114 comprising a filtering unit 7 and a control unit 6. The openings are aligned along the longitudinal axis X.

[0047] The vacuum system 114 comprises, in the example shown, six vacuum pumps connected to a pump outlet 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 by an outlet conduit 57, 88, 59, 60, 61, 62 which is specific to it.

[0048] The support 10 may be fixed or movable relative to the handle 104 of the device 100 or the device may comprise a member for ejecting the support 10 in order to replace the support after use.

[0049] The support may comprise a central housing containing the nebulizer 112 and vacuum system 114.

[0050] The vacuum openings may be circular, oval, oblong in shape, preferably all the vacuum openings have the same shape. Preferably, the longitudinal axis Z of the nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 is located in the median longitudinal plane of the support 10. Thus, the suction is carried out more uniformly.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 are succeed in a staggered pattern on either side of a median plane of the support 10.

[0052] The support 10 with longitudinal axis X may in particular have a cross-section perpendicular to the axis X, in its portion which is intended to contact the hair, which is not circular, for example polygonal, in particular hexagonal, triangular, square, octagonal, or even rectangular.

[0053] The support 10 can also be produced with a flattened shape, for example at least in its distal part, as illustrated in the figures.

[0054] The support 10 may be made with a constant thickness of material, in particular in its portion intended to come into contact with the hair. The thickness of material may also be non-constant.

[0055] The device 100 comprises a handle 104 and body structure 140 comprises a support 10 elongated along the longitudinal axis X and having a free peripheral edge 20 delimited by a perimeter line 74. This device is suitable for combing hair. It is more suitable than a cylindrical sleeve adapted for making curls, generally without detangling.

[0056] Preferably, the application elements 12 are molded in one piece with the support 10 and are preferably made of an elastomeric material so as to give flexibility to the device.

[0057] The application elements 12 may have a cylindrical or pyramidal shape, in particular with a triangular base, for example with an edge oriented towards the outside of the support.

[0058] The base of the application elements 12 can also be oval or polygonal.

[0059] In one embodiment, the device 100 is shaped in the style of the devices for familiar and well-recognized hair to inspire confidence in the device leading to intuitive use and gestures during use.

[0060] The device 100 may include a housing that accepts a removable cartridge 102 containing shampoo and connected to the nebulizer 112. The cartridge may be configured as a refillable cartridge or a disposable cartridge. In one embodiment, the device 100 may be configured to hold more than one cartridge.

[0061] The device 100 is provided with application elements 12 extending from the longitudinal face 11 of the support 10 along a longitudinal axis Y. The application elements 12 comprise a first free end 1 and a second end 2 connecting to the longitudinal face 11 of the support 10.

[0062] The application elements 12 may in particular be bristles, tufts of bristles, spikes, teeth, notches. They may have a constant cross-section perpendicular to their longitudinal axis Y or, for example, have a conical shape gradually decreasing from the second end 2 towards the first end 1 or vice versa. The end 2 may be rounded for a massage and end 1 may have a chamfer.

[0063] The rounded tips of the application elements 12 may part the hair for easy access to the scalp and hair roots. The rounded tips may include "brassing bumps" and a chamfered corner for cleaning.

[0064] Nebulizer 112

[0065] The nebulizer 112 produces mist on demand, for example by pressing a mist switch 106 placed for example on the handle 104 to allow operation with the index finger. In one embodiment, the mist switch 106 is a momentary switch whose default position is the off position. Pressing the mist switch 106 starts the nebulizer 112 and produces mist. The nebulizer 112 is supplied with shampoo formulation by the cartridge 102. Releasing the mist switch 106 can stop the nebulizer and the dispensing of shampoo formulation through the first dispensing port 130.

[0066] In one embodiment, the mist switch is a multi-position, multi-functional selector that requires positive selection of the off position to stop the nebulizer. In one embodiment, the mist switch is a multi-position selector that has settings for off and more than one setting for mist production, such as light or heavy mist. In one embodiment, a mist selector may include settings for mist and no-mist dispensing.

[0067] In one embodiment, the nebulizer 112 includes a compressor, a pump, or an ultrasonic wave generator for generating the mist from the shampoo formulation. In the case of a pump or compressor nebulizer 112, such a nebulizer 112 causes air or the shampoo formulation to flow at high velocity which propels the shampoo formulation through a fine nozzle configured to form mist at the opening 130.

[0068] In one embodiment, a hand-driven pump mechanism is used to propel the shampoo formulation through the atomizing nozzle at the opening 130. In the case of a pump or compressor nebulizer, a single nebulizer 112 may be placed within the body structure of the device 100. Thereafter, the output of the pump or compressor nebulizer 112 is routed through a conduit system to the first opening 130.

[0069] An ultrasonic wave nebulizer 112 includes an ultrasonic wave generator in contact with the shampoo formulation where the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is sufficient to produce the mist. An ultrasonic wave nebulizer also includes a "mesh" nebulizer that includes a vibrating mesh just touching the surface of the shampoo formulation to create the mist. Any form of ultrasonic wave nebulizer can use a piezoelectric element. In the case of an ultrasonic wave nebulizer or mesh nebulizer, the nebulizer 112 including a piezoelectric element or a combination of piezoelectric element and mesh, in essence, the device 100 comprises three nebulizers.

[0070] Shampoo formulations may include, but are not limited to, formulations that include any one or more absorbents in a carrier. Carriers include alcohols or water. Absorbents may include corn starch or clays, such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, smectite. A surfactant, such as anionic fatty acid surfactants, may be included to prevent caking. If provided as a foam or aerosol, the shampoo formulation may include a propellant.

[0071] The cartridge is connected to the nebulizer 112 to supply the hair formulation to the nebulizer 112 through any conduit suitable for supplying the nebulizer 112 with shampoo formulation when the nebulizer 112 is driven. Advantageously, the hair formulation does not need to be mixed with external water as compared to a shampoo used in the shower.

[0072] Vacuum system 114

[0073] In one embodiment, the vacuum system includes a vacuum generating motor 114 driven by a vacuum switch 110 and a collector 116. The vacuum motor includes, for example, impeller vanes that cause an air stream to enter through the vacuum inlet openings 132. The air stream may carry away the used shampoo formulation along with any debris and oils washed from the hair by the shampoo formulation, which may then be captured by a collector 116, and the air is expelled from the device 100.

[0074] In one embodiment, the collector 116 includes an annular vent positioned at the rear of the device 100 and surrounding the cartridge. The vent allows airflow to exit the device 100, while used shampoo and debris are trapped in the collector 116. In one embodiment, the collector 116 is removable from the device 100 and dishwasher safe to allow cleaning in a dishwasher. In one embodiment, the surface of the collector 116, which is in contact with the used formulation shampoo, is coated with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material to facilitate cleaning of the collector.

[0075] In one embodiment, the vacuum motor 114 is driven by a multi-position, multifunctional selector switch. A selector switch may be a slide switch or a dial switch with more than two positions, or a pushbutton switch with more than two positions, for example. In one embodiment, a vacuum selector switch includes settings for stop and more than one vacuum speed setting, such as high and low.

[0076] In one embodiment, the vacuum switch is placed on the rear side of the lower portion of handle 104 to allow operation with the thumb, for example. Vacuum switch 110 may be insulated for uninterrupted vacuum. Light-emitting diodes may be used to illuminate the selected position. Selector 110 remains in the selected position until moved to another position. In one embodiment, a momentary switch may replace the selector, in which the default position of the momentary switch is the off position, and the momentary switch must be pressed to start the vacuum motor. In one embodiment, device 100 includes both a vacuum selector and a momentary switch, the momentary switch being used to drive the vacuum motor when pressed, and at the speed setting on the selector.

[0077] Power Source 5

[0078] The device 100 includes a power source 5. In one embodiment, the device 100 is powered by a common AC mains power source that relies on an electrical cord (not shown) to power the device 100. In one embodiment, the device 100 is powered by a DC power source, such as a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging into a mains AC power outlet. A DC powered device 100 allows the device to be used without being near an electrical outlet.

[0079] In Figures 1 and 2, the device comprises several pumps 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 each connected to its own suction nozzle 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 and the distribution opening 130 is located in the center of the support 10.

[0080] In Figures 3 and 4, the device comprises a single pump 37 connected to six independent suction nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 and the distribution opening 130 is located in the center of the support 10.

[0081] In Figures 5 and 6, the device is identical to that of Figures 3 and 4, except that the independent suction nozzles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 are set in motion by a drive mechanism including a motor 78 and a camshaft 79 to synchronize the movements of the nozzles. It can transform the continuous rotational movement of the shaft into an alternating translational movement of the nozzles, in order to produce a controlled tapping on the hair or scalp.

[0082] Use of the device according to the invention

[0083] Referring to [Fig.7], the device 100 is shown schematically to illustrate the main components according to the embodiments described above.

[0084] Referring to [Fig. 8], an embodiment of cleansing hair with the device 100 is illustrated. At block 120, the vacuum motor 114 is turned on by a user. At this point, the user may move the device 100 to the area of ​​the scalp that they wish to cleanse in preparation for dispensing the formulation. shampoo.

[0085] From block 120, the method enters block 122. At block 122, the nebulizer 112 is turned on while the vacuum 114 is operating. Before turning on the nebulizer 112, the user has moved the device 100 to the desired location on the scalp for cleaning. The user now presses the mist switch 106. From block 122, the method enters block 124.

[0086] At block 124, after pressing the mist switch 106 to dispense the shampoo formulation, the user may agitate the scalp and hair roots with the application elements 12 while the vacuum is operating. The vacuum removes the used shampoo formulation along with any collected debris, such as dead hair or skin cells, and any previously applied hair oil or formulation. From block 126, the process enters block 128.

[0087] At block 126, the user moves the application elements to a new area on the scalp that they wish to cleanse and repeats these misting, mixing, and vacuuming operations. When the entire scalp is cleansed, the user can stop the vacuum at block 128.

[0088] The device 100 allows mechanical actions, including vacuum, "squeegee" and wiping actions, combined with chemical action, such as that of surfactants and molecules capable of capturing and removing oil from the hair, in order to clean the hair.

[0089] The use of the device 100 impacts the hair styling minimally, the overall shape of the device is familiar from other hair implements, such as a hair dryer, leading to simple intuitive use of the device 100. Furthermore, the device 100 does not require hand contact with the hair formulations. The device 100 allows people to clean their hair only as needed, to maintain their hairstyle for a long time and limit damage to the hair, as opposed to washing their hair every shower.

[0090] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A device (100) for cleaning and applying a composition to the hair, comprising a body structure (140) comprising a first dispensing opening (130) and a second vacuum opening (132), a nebulizer (112) with an outlet connected to the first dispensing opening (130), a vacuum system (114) with an inlet connected to the second vacuum opening (132), and a handle (104) extending the body structure (140), characterized in that the body structure comprises a support (10) having a peripheral edge (20) delimited by a circumference line (74), the support (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), and application elements (12) extending from a longitudinal face (11) of the support (10) along a longitudinal axis (Y),the application elements (12) comprising a first free end (1) and a second end (2) connecting obliquely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal face (11) of the support (10), the first dispensing opening (130) and the second vacuum opening (132) opening onto the longitudinal face (11) of the support (10), without passing through the application elements (12) and it comprises a suction nozzle (77) movable in translation along its longitudinal axis (Z) and ending in the second vacuum opening (132), a drive mechanism (78) setting the suction nozzle (77) in motion with an oscillatory movement along the longitudinal axis (Z).,

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal face (11) is flat.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (10) has an outer surface of non-circular shape in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (10) has an external cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of polygonal and / or flattened shape.

5. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (12) are closer to the perimeter line (74) than to the longitudinal axis (X).

6. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first dispensing opening (130) and the second vacuum opening (132) are closer to the longitudinal axis (X) than to the perimeter line (74).

7. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (12) are arranged in rows, the bases of the application elements (12) of a row being in particular aligned or arranged in a staggered pattern.

8. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (10) has a symmetrical shape relative to a median plane, in particular a median plane containing the longitudinal axis (X) of the support (10).

9. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum system (114) comprises an air pump or a water pump.

10. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each suction nozzle (77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82) is connected to a pump outlet (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) by an outlet conduit (57, 88, 59, 60, 61, 62) which is specific to it.

11. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two suction nozzles (77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82) are connected to the same outlet (87) of a pump (37) by a common outlet conduit (57).

12. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first dispensing opening (130) is placed in the center of the longitudinal face (11) of the support (10).

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