Ultrasound device for the treatment of human keratinous materials
The ultrasonic device addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent contact by using a non-return valve to prevent air entry, ensuring continuous treatment efficiency and comfort.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LOREAL SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing ultrasonic treatment devices for human keratinous materials face challenges in maintaining consistent contact with the treatment area, leading to air entry and disruption of the treatment process, compromising patient comfort and treatment quality.
An ultrasonic device with a handpiece, liquid distribution and collection tanks, a circulation circuit, and a non-return device that opens during contact and closes when the handpiece is moved away, along with a suction pump to maintain vacuum and prevent air entry.
Ensures continuous and efficient treatment by minimizing air intake, allowing quick re-establishment of vacuum upon contact, enhancing patient comfort and treatment efficiency.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Ultrasonic device for the treatment of human keratinous materials. Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to devices for cleaning human keratinous materials, and more particularly those operating by emitting ultrasound. Prior art
[0002] Applications FR3116450, FR3135606 and FR3135604 describe devices for cleaning human keratinous materials in contact with a cosmetic composition.
[0003] Application FR3135603 describes an ultrasonic treatment device suitable for hair bleaching.
[0004] Some prior art ultrasonic treatment devices include a circulation circuit for a fluid used for treatment and at least one storage reservoir for this fluid. In particular, the devices described in applications FR3135606 and FR3135604 include a fluid circulation circuit between a first reservoir, a handpiece having a treatment head, and a second reservoir. This circuit includes a suction pump capable of creating a vacuum in the second reservoir. The treatment head has a flexible lip surrounding the treatment area. When the user applies this lip to the surface to be treated, a vacuum can be established in the second reservoir, causing the fluid to circulate from the first reservoir to the second, through the treatment area.
[0005] These devices are adapted to emit ultrasonic waves in the fluid used for treatment, in order to generate cavitation phenomena and / or collapse of bubbles present in the fluid, thus generating a mechanical shock on the keratinous materials to be treated, contributing to their cleaning.
[0006] These devices are designed to be moved along the keratinous materials during treatment, so maintaining constant contact between the treatment head and the surface being treated can be difficult. Air may enter the treatment area, potentially amplified by handpiece movements. The treatment area may become at least partially emptied, and air may enter the fluid supply line to the treatment head. This disrupts the proper functioning of the device, as the transducer used to generate the ultrasound is then not adequately immersed in the fluid, or even completely in the air. This causes a latency period during which the device is not fully operational, thus compromising patient comfort and treatment quality. Description of the invention
[0007] There is therefore a need for an ultrasound device that is comfortable to use and offers increased treatment efficiency. Summary of the invention
[0008] The invention aims in particular to meet this need, and it achieves this by proposing an ultrasound device for the treatment of human keratinous materials, in particular skin and / or hair, comprising: - a handpiece to be placed in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, the handpiece defining, at least partially, a treatment zone, the handpiece comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer to emit acoustic waves into at least one liquid present in the treatment zone, - a liquid distribution tank to hold the liquid used during the treatment, - a liquid collection tank to receive the liquid after it has passed through the treatment area, - a liquid circulation circuit used during treatment, comprising at least one supply line extending from the distribution tank to the treatment area and a return line to the collection tank, - a suction pump configured to generate a vacuum in the return line when the handpiece is placed in contact with keratinous materials, in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit and through the treatment area, - a non-return device arranged in the supply conduit, which can take an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution reservoir to the treatment area when the handpiece is in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of the handpiece being moved away from the keratinous materials to be treated.
[0009] In particular, the non-return device can assume the open configuration when a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone and the closed configuration when the pressure in the treatment zone exceeds a predefined trigger pressure threshold. The treatment zone is defined as the space delimited by the handpiece on one side and the surface to be treated, for example, the skin, on the other.
[0010] The term "depression" refers to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The aforementioned trigger pressure threshold may be equal to or lower than atmospheric pressure.
[0011] The non-return device makes it possible to limit the entry of air into the liquid circulation circuit in the event of atmospheric pressure being brought to the treatment area due to the distance of the handpiece from the keratinous materials to be treated. By limiting the air intake in the supply duct, the treatment area fills more quickly when it is recreated by applying the handpiece to the surface to be treated.
[0012] The device according to the invention may have all or part of the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.
[0013] The non-return device can be arranged at the handpiece or at the connection of the supply line to the handpiece. This minimizes air entry into the supply line. The non-return device can also be arranged at the dispensing tank.
[0014] The opening and / or closing of the anti-return device can be mechanical.
[0015] The non-return device may include a non-return valve. The non-return valve is configured to open when the liquid pressure difference between its upstream and downstream sides exceeds a predefined opening pressure threshold. This passive operation simplifies the device's manufacture.
[0016] For example, the non-return device includes a non-return valve with a shutter, in particular in the form of a membrane, held in its closed configuration by an elastic return element, for example a spring, adapted to take its open configuration when the pressure differential exerted by the liquid on the shutter is greater than the return force of the elastic return element.
[0017] The non-return device can be configured to open in response to detection of contact between the handpiece and the keratinous materials to be treated. For example, the non-return device is controlled by a mechanical sensor mounted on the handpiece. This sensor can be actuated when the handpiece is applied to the skin, and in turn actuates the non-return device to open it.
[0018] The non-return device can also be electrically controlled. In this case, the ultrasonic device can include a control circuit configured to electrically control the opening and / or closing of the non-return device.
[0019] The ultrasonic device may include a pressure sensor sensitive to the presence of a vacuum in the treatment zone, the non-return device comprising a solenoid valve controlled to open upon detection of said vacuum by the sensor. For example, the control circuit includes a control unit, the pressure sensor being configured to measure a pressure in the zone of processing and to send corresponding information to the control unit, itself configured to control the opening of the valve when the measured pressure is below the predefined trigger pressure threshold, for example below atmospheric pressure.
[0020] The ultrasonic device may include an anti-foam device configured to limit foam formation in the collection tank. The anti-foam device includes, for example, a hydrophobic filter arranged downstream of a supply port to the treatment zone and / or an ultrasonic device and / or a means for supplying the collection tank with an anti-foam solution.
[0021] The hydrophobic filter may include a woven element impregnated with a hydrophobic solution.
[0022] The ultrasonic device is, for example, housed in the collection tank. The ultrasonic device may include a vibrating blade.
[0023] Optionally, the ultrasonic device includes at least one safety reservoir connected to the outlet of the suction pump.
[0024] The suction pump can have uninterrupted operation when the handpiece is away from the surface to be treated, at least for a predefined period; this allows the device to be made operational more quickly when the sealing of the treatment area is recreated.
[0025] The invention further relates to a method for treating keratinous materials with an ultrasonic device according to the invention, as defined above, comprising the steps of - bring the handpiece into contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, - generate a vacuum with the suction pump running the return channel when the handpiece is positioned in contact with keratinous materials in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit and through the treatment area, - moving the handpiece over the keratinous materials,
[0026] the non-return device taking an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution reservoir to the treatment area when the handpiece is in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of the handpiece being moved away from the keratinous materials to be treated.
[0027] In particular, the non-return device can be in an open configuration to allow the flow of liquid from the distribution tank to the treatment zone when a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone, and in a closed configuration opposing this flow when the pressure in the zone the treatment volume becomes greater than a predefined trigger threshold, due to the handpiece moving further away from the keratinous materials to be treated.
[0028] The suction pump can be started before the handpiece has come into contact with the keratinous materials. The suction pump can operate continuously while the handpiece is away from the surface to be treated, for example, for repositioning on it, as mentioned above. Brief description of the drawings
[0029] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] Schematically and partially represents, viewed from above, a ultrasonic device for the treatment of human keratinous materials according to an example of implementation of the invention;
[0031] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically illustrates the operation of the device ultrasound of the [Fig.1],
[0032] [Fig.3], [Fig.3A] Figures 3 and 3A are views analogous to [Fig.2] of a variant of the ultrasound device,
[0033] [Fig. 4A], [Fig. 4B] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate, in perspective at angles From different perspectives, an example of a non-return device that can be fitted to the ultrasonic device according to the invention, and
[0034] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates, schematically and partially, another example implementation of the anti-return device that can be fitted to the ultrasonic device according to the invention. Detailed description
[0035] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate two variants of an ultrasonic device 100 according to the invention, with Figures 1 and 2 illustrating a first variant and Figures 3 and 3A illustrating a second variant. In each of the illustrated variants, the ultrasonic device 100 comprises a handpiece 101, a liquid distribution reservoir 102, a liquid collection reservoir 103, a circulation circuit 104 for the liquid used to treat human keratinous materials P, and a suction pump 105. These keratinous materials P may be skin, particularly of the face or body, scalp, or hair. The distribution reservoir 102 contains the liquid before its use, while the collection reservoir 103 allows this liquid to be recovered after it has passed through a treatment zone 300 in which it comes into contact with the keratinous materials to be treated.
[0036] The circulation circuit 104 more particularly includes a supply conduit 114 of the liquid from the distribution tank 102 to the treatment zone 300 and a return conduit 124 from the treatment zone 300 to the collection tank 103.
[0037] At least one non-return device 108 is further arranged in the supply conduit 114.
[0038] As detailed below, the variants illustrated in figures 1 to 3 differ from each other by the position of this non-return device 108 in the circuit 104.
[0039] The treatment zone 300 is formed by the substantially closed volume generated by the contact of the handpiece 101 with the keratin materials P to be treated, as seen in figures 2 and 3.
[0040] The handpiece 101 may include a sealing lip adapted to come into contact with the keratin materials P. The treatment zone 300 is then delimited by the handpiece 101 on the one hand, and in particular by the sealing lip thereof, and by the keratin materials P on the other hand.
[0041] Thus, during the treatment, the supply conduit 114 is in fluidic connection with the distribution tank 102 and with the treatment zone 300, while the return conduit 124 is in fluidic connection with the treatment zone 300 and with the collection tank 103.
[0042] The handpiece may have a supply port 301 which opens into the treatment area and an outlet port which also opens into the treatment area, the supply conduit 114 being connected to the supply port 301.
[0043] The handpiece 101 may, where appropriate, include a contact sensor 109 configured to detect contact between the handpiece 101, and in particular the sealing lip, and the keratinous materials P, and to send a corresponding signal 111 to a control circuit 115 of the suction pump 105. Thus, when the control circuit 115 receives the signal 111 that the handpiece is indeed in contact with the keratinous materials P, this control circuit 115 activates the suction pump 105 in order to generate a vacuum in the treatment zone 300. A hysteresis timer can allow continuous operation of the pump for a predefined duration, even if the handpiece is moved away from the surface to be treated.
[0044] The non-return device 108 is configured to take an open configuration when the handpiece is brought into contact with the keratinous materials P, and in particular when the vacuum is generated, so as to allow the circulation of the liquid used for the treatment.
[0045] When the handpiece is moved away from the keratinous materials, the seal of the treatment zone 300 is broken and atmospheric pressure is restored. The The non-return device 108 then takes a closed configuration, in which it limits the loss of liquid in the supply conduit.
[0046] Thus, the anti-return device 108 makes it possible to shorten the time required to fill the treatment zone 300 when the handpiece is brought back into contact with the surface to be treated.
[0047] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the non-return device 108 is arranged near the liquid supply port of the treatment zone 300, at the level of the handpiece 101 or at the connection of the supply line 114 with the handpiece 101. This minimizes the loss of liquid in the supply line 114 in the event of a vacuum break in the treatment zone, and prevents liquid loss even if the line 114 is directed downwards.
[0048] In the variant illustrated in Figures 3 and 3A, the non-return device 108 is arranged further upstream in the circulation circuit 104, at the liquid distribution reservoir 102. The supply conduit 114 includes a portion 134 normally immersed in the liquid of the distribution reservoir 102, the non-return device being arranged on this immersed portion 134.
[0049] In variants not shown, the non-return device 108 is positioned elsewhere on the supply conduit 114, for example immediately at the outlet of the distribution tank 102.
[0050] The handpiece 101 includes an ultrasonic transducer 131, shown in Figures 2, 3 and 3A, configured to emit ultrasonic waves into the liquid present in the treatment area 300.
[0051] These ultrasonic waves can cause bubbles present in the liquid to collapse, thus creating a mechanical action in contact with the treated keratinous materials.
[0052] These ultrasonic waves can still be the cause of a cavitation phenomenon.
[0053] The handpiece may also include a grid 132 adapted to come to the contact with the keratinous materials to be treated. This grid 132 can ensure a minimum spacing between the ultrasonic transducer 131 and the keratinous materials being treated.
[0054] The ultrasonic device 100 may include an anti-foam device, configured to limit the formation of foam in the collection tank 103.
[0055] The anti-foam device may include a hydrophobic filter 110 arranged downstream of the feed orifice 301 of the treatment zone 300.
[0056] The hydrophobic filter is, for example, a woven element impregnated with a hydrophobic solution.
[0057] According to the examples illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the hydrophobic filter is positioned in the return conduit 124, between the treatment zone 300 and the collection tank 103, so that the liquid leaving the treatment zone passes through the hydrophobic filter 110 before reaching the collection tank 103. Such a filter hydrophobe 110 thus contributes advantageously to limiting the formation of foam in the collection tank.
[0058] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the hydrophobic filter is positioned at the outlet of the treatment area.
[0059] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.3], the hydrophobic filter 110 is positioned at one end of the return conduit 124 through which the latter opens into the collection tank 103.
[0060] According to another example schematically illustrated in [Fig. 3A], the return conduit 124 plunges into the collection tank 103, the hydrophobic filter 110 then being able to be arranged in this tank 103. According to this other example, the hydrophobic filter 110 is dimensioned so as to come into contact with all the peripheral walls of the collection tank 103 and this filter is traversed by the return conduit 124. According to this example, any foam present in the liquid released by the return conduit 124 at the bottom of the collection tank 103 rises towards the hydrophobic filter where it disappears thanks to the hydrophobic solution impregnated on the filter.
[0061] Optionally, the anti-foam device includes an ultrasonic device 111 configured to emit ultrasonic waves to break up the foam in the collection tank 103. Such an ultrasonic device may include a vibrating blade. The ultrasonic device 111 may be arranged in the collection tank 103, as schematically represented by dashed lines in [Fig. 2]. Alternatively, the ultrasonic device is arranged upstream of the collection tank.
[0062] As schematically represented in [Fig. 3], the anti-foam device may include a means for supplying the collection tank 103 with the anti-foam solution. For example, the supply means includes a bottle 112 containing the anti-foam solution, this bottle being connected to the collection tank 103 by a dedicated conduit 113.
[0063] It is understood that the anti-foam device may comprise one or more of the aforementioned elements. The anti-foam device may thus comprise a hydrophobic filter and / or an ultrasonic device and / or a means of supplying the collection tank with the anti-foam solution. Each of the positions of the non-return device 108 within the supply conduit 114 is also compatible with the use of one or more of these anti-foam devices.
[0064] The ultrasonic device 100 may include, as illustrated, a base station 106 equipped with at least a first housing 116, a second housing 126 and a third housing 136 which receive, respectively, the distribution tank 102, the collection tank 103 and the suction pump 105. It is understood that this is only one example of an embodiment and the ultrasonic device may include several distribution tanks.
[0065] The handpiece 101 is attached to the base station by a flexible cord 121.
[0066] The base station 106 may include, as illustrated, a fourth housing 146 adapted to receive a safety tank 107, to which the suction pump 105 is connected. This safety tank 107 makes it possible in particular to prevent the suction pump 105 from being able to discharge liquid outside the base station 106.
[0067] Regardless of the position of the non-return device 108 in the fluidic circuit, it can be implemented in multiple ways.
[0068] The non-return device may in particular be a mechanical, passive non-return valve, i.e. only controlled by the pressure variation between the inlet and the outlet.
[0069] An example of a check valve, known per se, is illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. According to this example, the check valve 108 comprises a check valve having a tubular body 118, which receives a disc-shaped obturator 128, for example, a diaphragm made of an elastically deformable material. The body 118 extends along a longitudinal axis X between a first end 138, which serves as a seat for the obturator 128, and a second open end 148, which receives a support member for the obturator 128. An O-ring 158 may be carried by the body 118 to ensure the sealing of the assembly of the device.
[0070] Such a non-return device 108 can be inserted into the supply conduit 114 so that the liquid flows from the first end 138 to the second end 148. At rest, the obturator 128 closes the valve.
[0071] When a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone as described above, the liquid is circulated, thereby exerting pressure on the shutter 128, which opens. When the seal of the treatment zone 300 is broken, the liquid circulation stops. The shutter 128 closes, thus preventing liquid loss and the entry of air into the supply line 114.
[0072] Any other type of mechanical check valve known to those skilled in the art may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the check valve may be a swing check valve, a double-swing check valve, or a ball check valve.
[0073] Alternatively, the non-return device is controlled in opening by a mechanical probe arranged on the handpiece, rather than by a pressure differential.
[0074] Alternatively, the non-return device 108 is electrically controlled.
[0075] As schematically represented in [Fig.5], the ultrasonic device 100 can then include a control circuit 400 which includes a control unit 401 configured to receive information from a contact sensor 109 and to control the opening and closing of the non-return device 108 accordingly.
[0076] According to the illustrated example, the non-return device 108 is a solenoid valve which is controlled in its open configuration when the sealing lip of the handpiece is in contact with the keratin materials and in its closed configuration when the contact is broken.
[0077] Optionally, and as represented by the dashed lines in [Fig.5], the ultrasonic device includes a pressure sensor 402 configured to measure the pressure in the treatment area 300.
[0078] Thus, when the pressure measured in the treatment zone 300 is below a given trigger pressure threshold, for example below atmospheric pressure, the pressure sensor 402 sends a corresponding information i2 to the control unit 401, which then commands the non-return device 108 to open. When the pressure measured in the treatment zone is above this threshold, indicating a break in the seal, the control unit 401 commands the non-return device 108 to close, thus limiting liquid loss and preventing air from entering the supply line 114.
[0079] It is understood that other types of electrically controlled backflow prevention devices may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0080] The invention is not limited to the examples just described; in particular, the shape of the handpiece can be modified.
Claims
Demands
1. An ultrasonic device (100) for the treatment of human keratinous materials (P), in particular skin and / or hair, comprising: - a handpiece (101) to be placed in contact with the keratinous materials (P) to be treated, the handpiece (101) defining, at least partially, a treatment zone (300), the handpiece (101) comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer (131) for emitting acoustic waves into a liquid present in the treatment zone (300), - a liquid distribution reservoir (102) for containing the liquid used during the treatment, - a liquid collection reservoir (103) for receiving the liquid after it has passed through the treatment zone (300), - a circulation circuit (104) for the liquid used during the treatment,comprising at least one supply line (114) extending from the distribution reservoir (102) to the treatment zone (300) and a return line (124) to the collection reservoir (103), - a suction pump (105) configured to generate a vacuum in the return line (124) when the handpiece (101) is in contact with the keratinous materials (P) in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit (104) and through the treatment zone (300), - a non-return device (108) arranged in the supply line (114), which can be in an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution reservoir to the treatment zone when the handpiece is in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated and in a closed configuration opposing this circulation when the handpiece is moved away from the keratinous materials to be treated.
2. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the check valve (108) is configured to assume the open configuration when a depression is generated in the treatment zone (300) and closed configuration when the pressure in the treatment zone becomes greater than a predefined trigger threshold due to the handpiece (101) moving away from the keratinous materials (P) to be treated.
3. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the non-return device (108) is arranged at the handpiece (101) or at the connection of the supply conduit (114) with the handpiece (101).
4. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the non-return device (108) is arranged at the level of the distribution tank (102).
5. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening and / or closing of the non-return device (108) is mechanical.
6. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the check valve device (108) comprises at least one check valve.
7. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one control circuit (400) configured to electrically control an opening and / or a closing of the check valve device (108).
8. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a pressure sensor (402) sensitive to the presence of a vacuum in the treatment zone (300), the non-return device (108) comprising at least one solenoid valve controlled to open by the control circuit (400), depending on the detection of said vacuum by the sensor.
9. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an anti-foam device (110, 111, 112, 113) configured to limit the formation of foam in the collection tank (103).
10. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, the antifoam device comprising a hydrophobic filter (110) arranged downstream of a supply port (301) of the treatment zone (300) and / or an ultrasonic device (111) and / or a supply means (112, 113) for the antifoam solution of the collection tank (103).
11. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the hydrophobic filter (110) comprises a woven element impregnated with a hydrophobic solution.
12. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one safety reservoir (107) connected to the outlet of the suction pump (105).
13. A cosmetic treatment method for keratinous materials (P) using the ultrasonic device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - bringing the handpiece (101) into contact with the keratinous materials (P) to be treated, - generating, with the suction pump (105) in operation, a vacuum in the return duct (124) when the handpiece (101) is positioned in contact with the keratinous materials (P) in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit (104) and through the treatment zone (300), - moving the handpiece (101) over the keratinous materials (P),the non-return device (108) having an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution reservoir (102) to the treatment zone (300) when the handpiece is in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of the handpiece moving away from the keratinous materials to be treated, in particular being able to have an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution reservoir to the treatment zone when a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone (300) and a closed configuration opposing this circulation when the pressure in the treatment zone becomes greater than a predefined triggering threshold, due to the handpiece (101) moving away from the keratinous materials (P) to be treated.
14. Method according to the preceding claim, the suction pump having uninterrupted operation when the handpiece is away from the surface to be treated, at least for a predefined period.