Ultrasonic device for treating human keratin materials

Abstract

Ultrasonic device for treating human keratin materials The invention relates to a device comprising: a handpiece (101), a tank (102) for containing the liquid used in the treatment, a collection tank (103), a circuit (104) comprising at least one supply line (114) extending from the distribution tank (102) into the treatment zone (300) and a return line (124) to the tank (103), a suction pump (105), a non-return device (108) arranged in the supply line (114).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Ultrasonic device for treating human keratin materials

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to devices for cleaning human keratin materials, and more particularly those operating by ultrasound emission.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Applications FR3116450, FR3135606 and FR3135604 describe devices for cleaning human keratin materials in contact with a cosmetic composition.

[0007] Application FR3135603 describes an ultrasonic treatment device suitable for bleaching hair.

[0008] Certain ultrasonic treatment devices known from the prior art comprise a circuit for circulating a fluid used for the treatment and at least one tank for storing this fluid. In particular, the devices described in applications FR3135606 and FR3135604 comprise a circuit for circulating the fluid between a first tank, a handpiece comprising a treatment head and a second tank, this circuit comprising a suction pump capable of creating a vacuum in the second tank. The treatment head comprises a flexible lip surrounding the treatment zone. When the user applies this lip to the surface to be treated, a vacuum can be established in the second tank, causing the fluid to circulate from the first tank to the second, through the treatment zone.

[0009] These devices are adapted to emit ultrasonic waves into the fluid used for the treatment, in order to generate cavitation phenomena and / or bubble collapse phenomena for bubbles present in the fluid, thus generating a mechanical shock on the keratin materials to be treated contributing to their cleaning.

[0010] These devices are designed to be moved along the keratin materials as the treatment progresses, with the result that it may prove difficult to maintain permanent contact between the treatment head and the surface to be treated. Re-entry of air from the treatment zone may occur, which may be amplified by movements of the handpiece. The treatment zone may at least partially empty, and air may flow into the fluid supply line of the treatment head. This interferes with the proper operation of the device, because the transducer used to generate ultrasound is then not properly immersed in the fluid, or even completely in air. This causes a latency period during which the device is not fully operational, thus affecting the comfort and quality of the treatment.

[0011] US2018 / 0303515 discloses a device for skin treatment that uses an abrasive probe for removing epidermal layers while providing for the infusion of therapeutic fluids into the skin.

[0012] KR 2024-0098993 discloses a device that combines ultrasound treatment with fluid delivery from various reservoirs that contains different respective compositions. The device comprises a control valve connected to the various reservoirs for selection of the reservoir depending on the composition to be used.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] There is therefore a need to have the benefit of an ultrasonic device that is comfortable to use, and has increased treatment effectiveness.

[0015] Summary of the invention

[0016] The invention aims notably to meet this need, and it does so by proposing an ultrasonic device for the treatment of human keratin materials, notably the skin and / or the hair, comprising: a handpiece to be disposed in contact with the keratin materials to be treated, the handpiece defining, at least partially, a treatment zone, the handpiece comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer for emitting acoustic waves at least into a liquid present in the treatment zone, a liquid distribution tank for containing the liquid used in the treatment, a liquid collection tank for receiving the liquid after it has passed through the treatment zone, a circulation circuit for the liquid used in the treatment, comprising at least one supply line extending from the distribution tank into the treatment zone and a return line to the collection tank, a suction pump configured to generate a vacuum in the return line when the handpiece is disposed in contact with the keratin materials, in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit and through the treatment zone, a non-retum device arranged in the supply line, being able to assume an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution tank to the treatment zone when the handpiece is in contact with the keratin materials to be treated and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of separation of the handpiece from the keratin materials to be treated.

[0017] In particular, the non-return device may assume the open configuration when a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone and the closed configuration when the pressure in the treatment zone is greater than a predefined triggering pressure threshold. The treatment zone is defined as the space delimited by the handpiece on the one hand and the surface to be treated, for example the skin, on the other hand.

[0018] The term "vacuum" denotes a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The aforementioned triggering pressure threshold may be equal to atmospheric pressure or lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0019] The non-return device makes it possible to limit the entry of air into the liquid circulation circuit in the event of the treatment zone being placed at atmospheric pressure due to the separation of the handpiece from the keratin materials to be treated. By limiting the entry of air into the supply line, the treatment zone is filled more rapidly when the latter is recreated again by applying the handpiece to the surface to be treated.

[0020] The device according to the invention may have all or some of the following features, considered alone or in combination.

[0021] The non-return device may be arranged at the handpiece or at the connection of the supply line to the handpiece. This minimizes the entry of air into the supply line. The non-return device may also be arranged at the distribution tank.

[0022] The opening and / or closing of the non-return device may be mechanical.

[0023] The non-return device may comprise a non-retum valve. The non-retum valve is configured to open when a pressure difference of the liquid between the upstream and downstream sides thereof is greater than a predefined opening pressure threshold. Such passive operation simplifies the manufacture of the device.

[0024] For example, the non-retum device comprises a non-return valve with a shut-off member, notably in the form of a membrane, held in its closed configuration by an elastic return member, for example a spring, adapted to assume its open configuration when the pressure differential exerted by the liquid on the shut-off member is greater than the return force of the elastic return member. The non-return device may be configured to open in response to detection of the handpiece being brought into contact with the keratin materials to be treated. For example, the nonreturn device is controlled by a mechanical probe arranged on the handpiece. This probe may be actuated when the handpiece is applied to the skin, and actuates the non-retum device in return so as to open it.

[0025] The non-return device may also be electrically controllable. In this case, the ultrasonic device may comprise a control circuit configured to electrically control an opening and / or closing of the non-return device.

[0026] The ultrasonic device may comprise 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 depending on the detection of said vacuum by the sensor. For example, the control circuit comprises a control unit, the pressure sensor being configured to measure a pressure in the treatment zone and to send corresponding information to the control unit, which is itself configured to control the opening of the valve when the measured pressure is lower than the predefined triggering pressure threshold, for example lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0027] The ultrasonic device may comprise an anti-foam device configured to limit the formation of foam in the collection tank. The anti-foam device comprises, for example, a hydrophobic filter arranged downstream of a supply orifice of the treatment zone and / or an ultrasonic unit and / or a means for supplying anti-foam solution to the collection tank.

[0028] The hydrophobic filter may comprise a woven element impregnated with a hydrophobic solution.

[0029] For example, the ultrasonic unit is housed in the collection tank. The ultrasonic unit may comprise a vibrating blade.

[0030] Optionally, the ultrasonic device comprises at least one safety tank connected to the outlet of the suction pump.

[0031] The suction pump may have an uninterrupted operation when the handpiece is separated from the surface to be treated, at least for a predefined duration; this allows the device to be made operational more rapidly when the sealing of the treatment zone is recreated.

[0032] A further subject of the invention is a process for treating keratin materials with an ultrasonic device according to the invention, as defined above, comprising the consisting in - bringing the handpiece into contact with the keratin materials to be treated,

[0033] - generating with the suction pump in operation a vacuum in the return line when the handpiece is disposed in contact with the keratin materials in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit and through the treatment zone,

[0034] - moving the handpiece over the keratin materials, the non-return device assuming an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution tank to the treatment zone when the handpiece is in contact with the keratin materials to be treated and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of separation of the handpiece from the keratin materials to be treated.

[0035] In particular, the non-return device may assume an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution tank to the treatment zone when a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone and the closed configuration opposing this circulation when the pressure in the treatment zone becomes greater than a predefined triggering threshold, due to a separation of the handpiece from the keratin materials to be treated.

[0036] The suction pump may be put into operation before the handpiece has been brought into contact with the keratin materials. The suction pump may have an uninterrupted operation during the period of time in which the handpiece is separated from the surface to be treated, for example with a view to repositioning it thereon, as mentioned above.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] The invention may be understood more clearly on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0039] [Fig 1] figure 1 schematically and partially shows, seen from above, an ultrasonic device for the treatment of human keratin materials according to one example of implementation of the invention;

[0040] [Fig 2] figure 2 schematically illustrates the operation of the ultrasonic device in figure 1,

[0041] [Fig 3], [Fig 3 A] figures 3 and 3 A are views, similar to figure 2, of a variant of the ultrasonic device, [Fig 4A], [Fig 4B] figures 4A and 4B illustrate, in perspective from different viewing angles, an example of a non-return device that can equip the ultrasonic device according to the invention, and

[0042] [Fig 5] figure 5 schematically and partially illustrates another embodiment of the nonreturn device that can equip the ultrasonic device according to the invention.

[0043] Detailed description

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate two variants of an ultrasonic device 100 according to the invention, figures 1 and 2 illustrating a first variant and figures 3 and 3 A illustrating a second variant. In each of the variants illustrated, the ultrasonic device 100 comprises a handpiece 101, a liquid distribution tank 102, a liquid collection tank 103, a circulation circuit 104 for the liquid used for the treatment of human keratin materials P and a suction pump 105. These keratin materials P may be the skin, notably the face or body, the scalp or the hair. The distribution tank 102 contains the liquid before it is used, whereas the collection tank 103 makes it possible to recover this liquid after it has passed through a treatment zone 300 in which it is brought into contact with the keratin materials to be treated.

[0045] The circulation circuit 104 more particularly comprises a liquid supply line 114 from the distribution tank 102 to the treatment zone 300 and a return line 124 from the treatment zone 300 to the collection tank 103.

[0046] At least one non-return device 108 is also arranged in the supply line 114.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The treatment zone 300 is formed by the substantially closed volume generated by bringing the handpiece 101 into contact with the keratin materials P to be treated, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3.

[0049] The handpiece 101 may comprise 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.

[0050] Thus, during the treatment, the supply line 114 is in fluidic connection with the distribution tank 102 and with the treatment zone 300, whereas the return line 124 is in fluidic connection with the treatment zone 300 and with the collection tank 103. The handpiece may have a supply orifice 301 which opens out into the treatment zone and a discharge orifice which also opens out into the treatment zone, the supply line 114 being connected to the supply orifice 301.

[0051] The handpiece 101 may, where appropriate, comprise a contact sensor 109 configured to detect the bringing of the handpiece 101, and in particular of the sealing lip, into contact with the keratin materials P and to send corresponding information il to a control circuit 115 of the suction pump 105. Thus, when the control circuit 115 receives the information il that the handpiece is indeed in contact with the keratin materials P, this control circuit 115 causes the activation of 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 in the event of separation of the handpiece from the surface to be treated.

[0052] The non-return device 108 is configured to assume an open configuration when the handpiece is brought into contact with the keratin materials P, and in particular when the vacuum is generated, so as to allow the circulation of the liquid used for the treatment.

[0053] When the handpiece is separated from the keratin materials, the sealing of the treatment zone 300 is broken and atmospheric pressure is reestablished. The non-return device 108 then assumes a closed configuration, in which it limits the loss of liquid in the supply line.

[0054] Thus, the non-return device 108 makes it possible to shorten the duration necessary for filling the treatment zone 300 when the handpiece is brought back into contact with the surface to be treated.

[0055] In the example of figures 1 and 2, the non-retum device 108 is arranged close to the liquid supply orifice of the treatment zone 300, at the handpiece 101 or at the connection of the supply line 114 to the handpiece 101. This makes it possible to minimize the loss of liquid in the supply line 114 in the event of a break in the vacuum in the treatment zone, and to avoid a loss of liquid even if the line 114 is directed downward.

[0056] In the variant illustrated in figures 3 and 3 A, the non-return device 108 is arranged further upstream on the circulation circuit 104, at the liquid distribution tank 102. The supply line 114 comprises a portion 134 normally immersed in the liquid of the distribution tank 102, the non-retum device being arranged on this immersed portion 134.

[0057] In variants that are not illustrated, the non-retum device 108 is positioned elsewhere on the supply line 114, for example immediately at the outlet of the distribution tank 102. The handpiece 101 comprises an ultrasonic transducer 131, shown in figures 2, 3 and 3 A, configured to emit ultrasonic waves into the liquid present in the treatment zone 300.

[0058] These ultrasonic waves may cause bubbles present in the liquid to collapse, thus creating a mechanical action in contact with the treated keratin materials.

[0059] These ultrasonic waves may also cause a cavitation phenomenon.

[0060] The handpiece may also comprise a grille 132 adapted to come into contact with the keratin materials to be treated. This grille 132 can provide a minimum spacing between the ultrasonic transducer 131 and the treated keratin materials.

[0061] The ultrasonic device 100 may comprise an anti -foam device configured to limit the formation of foam in the collection tank 103.

[0062] The anti -foam device may comprise a hydrophobic filter 110 arranged downstream of the supply orifice 301 of the treatment zone 300.

[0063] The hydrophobic filter is, for example, a woven element impregnated with a hydrophobic solution.

[0064] According to the examples illustrated in figures 2 and 3, the hydrophobic filter is positioned in the return line 124, between the treatment zone 300 and the collection tank 103, in such a way that the liquid leaving the treatment zone passes through the hydrophobic filter 110 before reaching the collection tank 103. Such a hydrophobic filter 110 thus advantageously participates in limiting the formation of foam in the collection tank.

[0065] According to the example illustrated in figure 2, the hydrophobic filter is positioned at the outlet of the treatment zone.

[0066] According to the example illustrated in figure 3, the hydrophobic filter 110 is positioned at an end of the return line 124 via which the latter opens out into the collection tank 103.

[0067] According to another example schematically illustrated in figure 3A, the return line 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 the return line 124 passes through this filter. According to this example, any foam present in the liquid released by the return line 124 at the bottom of the collection tank 103 rises toward the hydrophobic filter where it disappears by virtue of the hydrophobic solution impregnated on the filter.

[0068] Optionally, the anti-foam device comprises an ultrasonic unit 111 configured to emit ultrasonic waves in order to break up the foam in the collection tank 103. Such an ultrasonic unit may comprise a vibrating blade. The ultrasonic unit 111 may be arranged in the collection tank 103, as shown schematically by dashed lines in figure 2. Alternatively, the ultrasonic unit is arranged upstream of the collection tank.

[0069] As shown schematically in figure 3, the anti-foam device may comprise a means for supplying the collection tank 103 with anti -foam solution. For example, the supply means comprises a bottle 112 containing the anti-foam solution, this bottle being connected to the collection tank 103 by a dedicated line 113.

[0070] It is understood that the anti-foam device may comprise one or more of the above-mentioned elements. The anti-foam device may thus comprise a hydrophobic filter and / or an ultrasonic unit and / or a means for supplying the collection tank with anti-foam solution. Each of the positions of the non-retum device 108 within the supply line 114 is also compatible with the use of one or more of these anti-foam devices.

[0071] The ultrasonic device 100 may comprise, 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 an exemplary embodiment and the ultrasonic device may comprise several distribution tanks.

[0072] The handpiece 101 is attached to the base station by a flexible cord 121.

[0073] The base station 106 may comprise, 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 notably to prevent the suction pump 105 from being able to deliver liquid outside the base station 106.

[0074] Whatever the position of the non-retum device 108 in the fluidic circuit, the latter can be produced in many ways.

[0075] The non-return device may notably be a mechanical non-return valve that is passive, that is to say controlled solely by the pressure variation between the inlet and the outlet. An example of a non-return valve, known per se, is illustrated in figures 4A and 4B. According to this example, the non-return device 108 comprises a non-return valve comprising a tubular body 118, which receives a shut-off member 128, for example a membrane made of an elastically deformable material, in the form of a disk. The body 118 extends along a longitudinal axis X between a first end 138, acting as a seat for the shut-off member 128, and an open second end 148 which receives a support member for the shut-off member 128. An O-ring 158 may be borne by the body 118 in order to ensure the sealing of the mounting of the device.

[0076] Such a non-return device 108 may be inserted into the supply line 114 so that the liquid circulates therein from the first end 138 to the second end 148. At rest, the shut-off member 128 closes the valve.

[0077] When the vacuum is generated in the treatment zone as described above, the liquid is circulated, thus exerting a pressure on the shut-off member 128, which opens. When the sealing of the treatment zone 300 is broken, the circulation of liquid is interrupted. The shutoff member 128 closes, thereby preventing the loss of liquid and the entry of air into the supply line 114.

[0078] Any other type of mechanical non-return device known to those skilled in the art can be used without departing from the context of the present invention. For example, the non-retum device may be a swing-type non-return valve, a double swing-type non-return valve, or a balltype non-return valve.

[0079] In a variant, the non-return device is controlled to open by a mechanical probe arranged on the handpiece, rather than by a pressure differential.

[0080] Alternatively, the non-return device 108 is electrically controlled.

[0081] As shown schematically in figure 5, the ultrasonic device 100 may then comprise a control circuit 400 which comprises a control unit 401 configured to receive information il from a contact sensor 109 and to control the opening and closing of the non-return device 108 accordingly.

[0082] According to the example illustrated, the non-retum device 108 is a solenoid valve which is controlled into its open configuration when the sealing lip of the handpiece is in contact with the keratin materials and into its closed configuration when the contact is broken. Optionally, and as shown by the dashed lines in figure 5, the ultrasonic device comprises a pressure sensor 402 configured to measure the pressure in the treatment zone 300.

[0083] Thus, when the pressure measured in the treatment zone 300 is lower than a given triggering pressure threshold, for example lower than atmospheric pressure, the pressure sensor 402 sends corresponding information i2 to the control unit 401, which then controls the passage of the non-return device 108 into its open configuration. When the pressure measured in the treatment zone is greater than this threshold, reflecting the rupture of the sealing, the control unit 401 controls the passage of the non-return device 108 into its closed configuration, thus limiting the loss of liquid and preventing air from rushing into the supply line 114. It is understood that other types of electrically controlled non-return devices can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0084] The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described; the shape of the handpiece can notably be modified.

Claims

Claims1. An ultrasonic device (100) for treating human keratin materials (P), notably the skin and / or the hair, comprising: a handpiece (101) to be disposed in contact with the keratin 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 at least into a liquid present in the treatment zone (300), a liquid distribution tank (102) for containing the liquid used in the treatment, a liquid collection tank (103) for receiving the liquid after it has passed through the treatment zone (300), a circulation circuit (104) for the liquid used in the treatment, comprising at least one supply line (114) extending from the distribution tank (102) into the treatment zone (300) and a return line (124) to the collection tank (103), a suction pump (105) configured to generate a vacuum in the return line (124) when the handpiece (101) is disposed in contact with the keratin materials (P) in order to circulate the liquid in the circulation circuit (104) and through the treatment zone (300), a non-retum device (108) arranged in the supply line (114), being able to assume an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution tank to the treatment zone when the handpiece is in contact with the keratin materials to be treated and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of separation of the handpiece from the keratin materials to be treated.

2. The device (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the non-return device (108) is configured to assume the open configuration when a vacuum is generated in the treatment zone (300) and the closed configuration when the pressure in the treatment zone becomes greater than a predefined triggering threshold due to a separation of the handpiece (101) from the keratin materials (P) to be treated.

3. The device (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the non-return device (108) is arranged at the handpiece (101) or at the connection of the supply line (114) to the handpiece (101).

4. The device (100) as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the non-retum device (108) is arranged at the distribution tank (102).

5. The device (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening and / or closing of the non-retum device (108) is mechanical.

6. The device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonreturn device (108) comprises at least one non-return valve.

7. The device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one control circuit (400) configured to electrically control an opening and / or closing of the non-retum device (108).

8. The device (100) as claimed in 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. The device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an antifoam device (110, 111, 112, 113) configured to limit the formation of foam in the collection tank (103).

10. The device (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, the anti-foam device comprising a hydrophobic filter (110) arranged downstream of a supply orifice (301) of the treatment zone (300) and / or an ultrasonic unit (111) and / or a means (112, 113) for supplying anti-foam solution to the collection tank (103).

11. The device (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the hydrophobic filter (110) comprises a woven element impregnated with a hydrophobic solution.

12. The device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one safety tank (107) connected to the outlet of the suction pump (105).

13. A process for the cosmetic treatment of keratin materials (P) with the ultrasonic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps consisting in- bringing the handpiece (101) into contact with the keratin materials (P) to be treated,- generating with the suction pump (105) in operation a vacuum in the return line (124) when the handpiece (101) is disposed in contact with the keratin 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 keratin materials (P),the non-return device (108) assuming an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution tank (102) to the treatment zone (300) when the handpiece is in contact with the keratin materials to be treated and a closed configuration opposing this circulation in the event of separation of the handpiece from the keratin materials to be treated, notably being able to assume an open configuration to allow the circulation of liquid from the distribution tank 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 a separation of the handpiece (101) from the keratin materials (P) to be treated.

14. The process as claimed in the preceding claim, the suction pump having an uninterrupted operation when the handpiece is separated from the surface to be treated, at least for a predefined duration.

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