Device for treating hair using ultrasound

Abstract

Ultrasound device for treating hair with a handpiece comprising tongs The invention relates to an ultrasound device (100) for treating hair, comprising: - a handpiece (101) comprising: o two arms (110, 120) that are articulated with respect to one another o at least one sealing gasket (130) interposed between the two arms and at least partially defining a treatment cavity that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the handpiece (101) in the closed configuration, o at least one inlet (161) for admitting a cosmetic composition, notably a cleaning composition, into the treatment cavity (140), o at least one ultrasound transducer (190, 191) to emit ultrasound waves (US) into the composition present in the treatment cavity (140).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Device for treating hair using ultrasound

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to devices for treating hair using ultrasound.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Application FR3135604 describes a device for treating hair using ultrasound in which ultrasound waves are emitted into a cosmetic composition that is in contact with the hair that is to be treated. The device comprises two jaws articulated to one another in the manner of hair straighteners. One of the jaws bears a treatment head and the other a supporting surface. A sealing endpiece presses against the hair around the treatment zone in order to limit the amount of composition lost during the treatment. The ultrasound waves are able to generate bubbles and / or to cause bubbles present in the cosmetic composition to collapse in order to apply a mechanical action to the matter that is to be treated, thereby contributing to the treatment of this matter.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] There is a need to improve existing treatment devices in order notably to make them more effective and limit the consumption of cosmetic composition, notably a cleaning cosmetic composition.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims in particular to meet this need, and does so by proposing an ultrasound device for treating hair, comprising:

[0011] a handpiece comprising:

[0012] o two arms that are articulated with respect to one another between an open configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a closed configuration in which the arms are closed against one another,

[0013] o at least one sealing gasket interposed between the two arms in the closed configuration and at least partially defining a treatment cavity that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handpiece in the closed configuration,

[0014] o at least one inlet for admitting a cosmetic composition, notably a cleaning cosmetic composition, into the treatment cavity,o at least one ultrasound transducer borne by one of the arms to emit ultrasound waves into the composition present in the treatment cavity.

[0015] Such a device enables the hair to be treated effectively, ensuring that the hair is held between the arms during the treatment. The orientation of the treatment cavity enables a lock of hair to be treated across its entire width in a single pass. In order to improve the effectiveness of the treatment still further, a number of passes along the hair may be performed.

[0016] The arms are articulated with respect to one another about a transverse axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handpiece in the closed configuration. Thus, the handpiece takes the form of tongs.

[0017] As a preference, the ultrasound transducer extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm that bears it. That may make it possible to have an arm of limited thickness, and a device having an appearance similar to that of conventional hair straighteners.

[0018] Alternatively, the ultrasound transducer extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm that bears it.

[0019] The transducer may be at least partially in contact with the composition, notably via a part of it that forms a sonotrode. The sonotrode is then at least partially immersed in the composition. As a variant, the ultrasound waves are transmitted to the composition via a wall arranged on the arm that bears the ultrasound transducer, between this transducer and the cavity, the ultrasound waves emitted by the transducer being transmitted to the composition through the wall. The wall may define a bottom of said cavity. The wall may be smooth, making the cavity easier to clean. For example, the wall is a membrane. The wall may be essentially made of metal, enabling the ultrasound waves to be transmitted through it with limited attenuation. The wall may be formed by part of a shell of the relevant arm.

[0020] The sealing gasket may comprise at least one sealing member, notably a sealing lip, borne by one and / or the other of the arms. This sealing member may be elastically returned towards the other arm by at least one elastic-return member. Thus, if the separation between the arms varies slightly during treatment, the sealing gasket remains pressed against the arm, maintaining the sealing of the treatment cavity.

[0021] The sealing member may protrude at least on one side. The sealing member may be at least partially housed in a housing such as a groove.

[0022] The sealing gasket may have a cylindrical, oval or polygonal, notably triangular, cross section.The sealing member is advantageously made from a material that contributes to limiting runs from the treatment cavity to the outside. For example, the sealing member is made of rubber, of polymer, notably elastomer, or some other plastic.

[0023] As a preference, the device comprises a sealing member on each of the arms, these sealing members pressing against one another when the arms are in the closed configuration.

[0024] The device may comprise a single transducer borne by one of the arms. As a variant, the device comprises two ultrasound transducers for emitting ultrasound waves into the composition present in the treatment cavity.

[0025] When the device comprises several transducers, these may or may not be borne by the same arm.

[0026] Several transducers are, for example, arranged side-by-side on the one same arm. Such an arrangement may be beneficial for applying ultrasound waves over a relatively long distance, while at the same time having, for example, the axes of the transducers oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0027] At least two transducers may be arranged, each on a respective arm. Such an arrangement enables two faces of the one same lock of hair to be treated simultaneously. As a preference, the transducers are arranged face-to-face when the arms are in the closed configuration. The device may comprise at least one combing member for combing the lock of hair and borne by at least one of the arms, notably at least one row of teeth extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm, the row of teeth preferably being situated upstream of the cavity when the handpiece is moved along the lock of hair. That enables the hair to be combed and separated before it enters the treatment cavity.

[0028] One of the arms may comprise the inlet for cosmetic composition and the other arm may be connected to an outlet for this composition, so that the composition circulates from one arm to the other when these arms are in the closed configuration. Alternatively, one of the arms comprises a composition inlet and a composition outlet. As a further variant, the two arms are connected to just one cosmetic-composition inlet or, alternatively, to two respective cosmeticcomposition inlets.

[0029] The composition outlet may be connected to a suction pump. In that case, it is the depression generated by the suction pump in the treatment cavity upon closure of the arms that causes the composition to be sucked into the treatment cavity. This suction ceases as soon as the depression disappears, upon the opening of the arms.When the composition outlet is connected to a suction pump, the device may comprise at least one nonreturn valve arranged in a supply line of the composition inlet, the valve being able to open when the hair is being treated, and to close when the arms are in the open configuration. This valve contributes to limiting the amount of composition lost, by keeping the supply line full, and to making it easier for the treatment to be resumed, by reducing the time taken to fill the cavity.

[0030] The composition inlet may be connected by an inlet pipe to a delivery pump. In that case, the composition may reach the treatment cavity independently of the existence of a depression in the treatment cavity. It is possible for the composition that reaches the cavity not to be returned to the pump by a return line, being for example recovered by a basin and then possibly recycled from this basin to the handpiece. The device may also comprise a return line connected to the handpiece so as to recover the composition circulating in the cavity when this cavity is closed. This return line may be connected to the suction inlet of a pump, via a filtration and purification unit if appropriate.

[0031] Optionally, a nonreturn valve is arranged in a cosmetic-composition return line so as to avoid liquid returning to the cavity and thus avoid composition escaping to the outside when the arms are in the open configuration.

[0032] Optionally, the supply of cosmetic composition to the treatment cavity may be conditional upon the actuation of a button, for example arranged on the handpiece. This button controls, for example, a valve and / or the starting of the pump.

[0033] A further subject of the invention is a system for treating hair, comprising:

[0034] an ultrasound device as defined above,

[0035] a control member providing control over the flowrate of composition sent into the cavity, and

[0036] a base station remote from the handpiece of the device and connected thereto by at least one line, the base station being designed to supply the treatment cavity with the composition so that this composition comes into contact with the hair that is to be treated and this hair is exposed to the ultrasound waves emitted by the device.

[0037] The control member makes it possible for example to cut off the flow of composition when the arms are in the open configuration. This control member thus makes it possible to limit the amount of composition lost. The control member may act on an electrically-operated valve associated with a pump and / or on the speed of a pump, notably a variable-output pump. For example, the system comprises a detector for detecting the closed configurationof the arms, the control member being designed to make the sending of composition into the cavity conditional upon detection of the arms being closed. This may make the system easier to use.

[0038] The system may comprise a control unit for making the emission of the ultrasound waves conditional upon the arms being closed and / or upon the cavity being filled with composition. This control unit makes it possible for example not to emit ultrasound waves if the arms are in the open configuration and / or if the treatment cavity is empty. For example, the system comprises a detector for detecting the closed configuration of the arms, the control unit being designed to make the emission of the ultrasound waves conditional upon detection of the arms being closed and / or upon composition being present in the cavity. The emission of ultrasound waves may be brought about using a control button. The emission of these ultrasound waves may be performed continuously or discontinuously. The control button is, for example, present on the handpiece.

[0039] The system may also comprise a composition collecting basin, the base station being designed to recover at least some of the composition that flows out of the cavity into the collecting basin during the treatment and to recycle it.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for treating hair with the device as defined above, comprising the steps consisting in:

[0041] positioning a lock of hair between the arms of the handpiece, bringing the arms into the closed configuration,

[0042] filling the treatment cavity with composition,

[0043] emitting the ultrasound waves into the treatment cavity while moving the handpiece along the lock of hair, preferably from the roots towards the tips. The treatment method may be implemented with a system as mentioned hereinabove, the method comprising the steps consisting in:

[0044] recovering at least some of the composition that flows out of the cavity into the collecting basin during the treatment,

[0045] recycling the recovered composition.

[0046] During the treatment, the device may be moved along the lock of hair, in the closed configuration, oriented with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the lock of hair. The step consisting in recycling the recovered composition may comprise prior sub-steps of filtering and decontaminating the composition.

[0047] Brief description of the figuresThe invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and from examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0048] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a schematic depiction, in perspective, of an ultrasound device according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

[0049] [Fig 1 A] Figure 1 A is a schematic partial view, in cross section at a sealing member, of one example of an arm of a handpiece according to the invention;

[0050] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a schematic depiction, in longitudinal section, of the ultrasound device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in an open configuration;

[0051] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a schematic depiction, showing hidden detail, of the ultrasound device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the open configuration;

[0052] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a schematic depiction, in longitudinal section, of the ultrasound device according to a third embodiment of the invention, in the open configuration;

[0053] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a schematic depiction, in longitudinal section, of the ultrasound device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in the open configuration;

[0054] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a partial and schematic longitudinal section of an example of an arm of the handpiece according to the invention; and

[0055] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a schematic depiction, in perspective, of a hair treatment system according to the invention.

[0056] Detailed description

[0057] The ultrasound device 100 depicted in Figure 1 comprises a handpiece 101 which takes the form of tongs having two arms 110, 120 that are articulated with respect to one another about a transverse axis T between an open configuration for introducing a lock of hair K between them, and a closed configuration in which the arms are closed against one another.

[0058] Each arm extends along a respective longitudinal axis L1, L2. In the closed configuration, the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of each of the arms 110, 120 are substantially parallel.

[0059] The device 100 may comprise an elastic-return means - not illustrated here - for keeping the handpiece in the open configuration. A force then has to be applied by the user in order to move the arms closer to one another and achieve the closed configuration. It must be understood that this is merely one example and that the elastic-return means may, conversely, be configured to keep the handpiece in the closed configuration, user action thenbeing needed to open the handpiece. For example, the opening of the arms may be conditional upon actuation of a button positioned on the handpiece, or else the handpiece may comprise an opening mechanism triggered by the application of additional pressure to the arms in the closed configuration.

[0060] The handpiece 101 comprises at least one sealing gasket 130 that is interposed between the two arms 110, 120 in the closed configuration. This sealing gasket 130 at least partially defines a longitudinal treatment cavity 140, which is to say a treatment cavity that extends in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the handpiece in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the longitudinal axis L of the handpiece is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of each of the arms 110, 120.

[0061] The sealing gasket 130 enables the treatment cavity 140 to be substantially hermetically sealed when the arms are in the closed configuration. The sealing gasket is advantageously made from a material that enables the handpiece to slide easily along the lock of hair being treated. For example, the sealing gasket is made from a rubber, a polymer, or a plastic. At least one inlet for admitting a cosmetic composition, notably a cleaning composition, opens into the treatment cavity 140, and the handpiece 101 comprises at least one ultrasound transducer configured to emit ultrasound waves into the composition present in the treatment cavity.

[0062] The handpiece 101 may, as illustrated, comprise two hydraulic couplings 160, 180 intended for supplying the treatment cavity 140 with cosmetic composition and removing this composition from the treatment cavity, to be connected to respective ducts 165, 185.

[0063] The handpiece 101 may be provided with a human-machine interface 150, for example accessible on an external face of one of the arms 110, 120.

[0064] The interface may comprise a screen, notably a touchscreen. The interface 150 may comprise one or more buttons enabling the selection of various operating parameters and modes of the device.

[0065] As depicted schematically in Figure 1A, the sealing gasket 130 may comprise at least one sealing member 131, notably a sealing lip, coupled to an elastic-return member 133.

[0066] As depicted, the sealing member 131 may comprise a retaining portion 1310, for example housed in a housing 111 formed longitudinally in the relevant arm, and a sealing-lip-forming portion 1311 which extends beyond this housing. The retaining portion 1310 is configured to hold the sealing member in the housing 111, while the sealing portion 1311 is intended to come into contact with the other arm, for example with a sealing member borne by this otherarm, in order to seal the treatment cavity 140 closed. The elastic-return member 133 is also housed in the housing 111 and arranged in such a way as to urge the sealing member 131 to press against an edge 1110 of the housing 111. When the arms are in the closed configuration, the sealing member 131 is pushed back into the bottom of the housing against the action of the elastic-return member 133. Thus, if the arms should part slightly, the sealing member 131 continues to press against the surface opposite in order to maintain the sealing. The elastic-return member 133 may be formed by an element made of elastomer, one or more metal springs, or by flat shape-memory blades.

[0067] If applicable, a number of elastic return members are used one after another to achieve local deformation of the sealing member 131 and thus to obtain better overall sealing of the treatment cavity.

[0068] Figure 2 illustrates the ultrasound device 100 in the open configuration, according to a first embodiment of the invention. According to this first embodiment, the sealing gasket comprises two sealing members 131, 132, borne by the arms 110 and 120, formed by respective sealing lips, these sealing members 131, 132 coming into contact with one another in the closed configuration. The sealing members may be made from the same material, or else from different materials.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates the possibility of the handpiece comprising a single ultrasound transducer 190 borne by the arm 110.

[0070] The ultrasound transducer 190 may, as illustrated, extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the arm 110.

[0071] The ultrasound transducer 190 may be received in a housing 141 formed in the arm 110, this housing 141 contributing to forming the treatment cavity 140 once the arms 110, 120 are in the closed configuration.

[0072] The transducer 190 may be at least partially immersed in the composition during the treatment.

[0073] The composition inlet 161 may open directly into the housing 141, being coupled to the hydraulic coupling 160.

[0074] The ultrasound transducer 190 is also coupled to an electrical power supply.

[0075] A composition outlet 181 extends from the housing 141, being coupled to the hydraulic coupling 180 so as to allow the removal of the composition once it has passed through the treatment cavity 140.The composition inlet and outlet are arranged in such a way that the composition circulates from the inlet to the outlet when the arms are in the closed configuration.

[0076] Optionally, the circulation of the composition is conditional upon the actuation, by the user, of a button present on the handpiece.

[0077] The composition outlet may be coupled to a suction pump via the second hydraulic coupling 180, the first coupling 160 being connected to a reservoir of composition.

[0078] The handpiece 101 comprises at least one combing member 112, 122 for combing the lock of hair and borne by at least one of the arms.

[0079] As illustrated, the arms 110, 120 may bear respective combing members 112, 122. These combing members may take the form of rows of teeth, depicted very schematically, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm that bears them. Each row of teeth is preferably situated upstream of the treatment cavity 140 when the handpiece 101 is being moved along the lock of hair K.

[0080] The device 100 may comprise a control member configured to control the flowrate of composition sent into the treatment cavity 140. The control member may be configured to allow the treatment cavity to be filled with composition only when the handpiece is in the closed configuration.

[0081] The handpiece may comprise a closure sensor 102 - depicted schematically in Figure 2 - to detect that the handpiece is in the closed configuration. For example, the sensor 102 comprises a magnetic-field emitter housed in one of the arms and a magnet in the other arm. Optionally, the sensor 102 may be in communication with a luminous indicator positioned on the handpiece, the luminous indicator being for example configured to illuminate when the handpiece is in the closed configuration.

[0082] The device 100 may further comprise a control unit for making the emission of the ultrasound conditional upon the arms being closed and / or upon the cavity being filled with composition. This control unit makes it possible not to emit ultrasound waves if the arms are in the open configuration or if the treatment cavity is empty.

[0083] Optionally, the device 100 also comprises a source 103 of ultraviolet radiation. This source 103 of ultraviolet radiation may allow for disinfection of the treatment cavity 140. This source of ultraviolet radiation may also allow activation of agents present in the composition. As illustrated in Figure 2, this source of radiation may be housed in the housing 141 that also houses the transducer 190.Figure 3 illustrates a variant that differs from the first embodiment in that the device 100 comprises two ultrasound transducers 190, 191, each one borne by a respective arm 110, 120. Each ultrasound transducer is operated independently of the other. Thus, the ultrasound waves emitted by each of these transducers may have different characteristics. The transducers may also be switched on or off independently of one another.

[0084] A housing 141, 142 is formed in each of the arms 110, 120 to receive the corresponding transducer. The transducers are positioned in such a way as to face one another when the arms are in the closed configuration. Such an arrangement notably makes it possible to treat simultaneously two opposite faces of the lock of hair received between the arms.

[0085] Alternatively, the transducers are arranged side-by-side on the one same arm. Such an arrangement enables the ultrasound waves to be applied along a greater distance.

[0086] In this embodiment, each arm 110, 120 is connected to a respective fluidic connector 160, 180. These connectors are for example each connected to a cosmetic-composition conveying duct 165. Thus, according to this second embodiment, the handpiece is for example used over a collecting basin so as to enable recovery of the composition that flows out of the treatment cavity 140.

[0087] The variant illustrated in Figure 4 differs from the second embodiment that has just been described in that the ultrasound transducers, particularly the sonotrode thereof, are separated from the treatment cavity 140 by a respective wall 113, 123. The ultrasound transducers 190, 191 are therefore not immersed in the composition during the treatment. Each wall 113, 123 is permeable to the ultrasound waves so that these can be transmitted to the composition present in the treatment cavity 140.

[0088] For example, each wall comprises a membrane. The wall may be essentially made of metal, being for example formed by a thinned portion of a shell of the relevant arm 110, 120. The wall may define the bottom of the treatment cavity.

[0089] Figure 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention which differs from the third embodiment that has just been described in that one of the arms 110 comprises the composition inlet 161 whereas the other arm 120 is connected to a composition outlet 181. The composition inlet 161 and the composition outlet 181 are formed in such a way that the composition circulates from one arm to the other when these arms are in the closed configuration.As mentioned hereinabove, the composition inlet 161 may be connected to a delivery pump via the first hydraulic coupling 160 and a duct 165, and the composition outlet 181 may be connected to a suction pump via the second hydraulic coupling 180 and a return duct 185. Figure 6 partially illustrates a variant embodiment of the invention in which the housing 141 that houses the ultrasound transducer 190 comprises a reflector 192. According to this variant, the ultrasound transducer 190 is configured to emit ultrasound waves in its longitudinal direction. The reflector 192 is then designed to reflect the generated ultrasound waves so as to redirect them towards the treatment cavity 140. Where applicable, each housing that houses an ultrasound transducer may be equipped with a reflector. Such a reflector may also make it possible to increase the intensity of the ultrasound waves emitted by the transducer by focusing them close to the surface that is to be treated.

[0090] The transducer 190 may also be configured to vibrate in bending, as indicated schematically by the double-headed arrow V in Figure 2, so as to emit ultrasound waves transversely. Figure 7 depicts one example of a hair treatment system 200 according to the invention. The system 200 may comprise a device 100 as described hereinabove, a collecting basin 210 and a base station 220 remote from the handpiece 101 of the device 100 and connected thereto by a connecting line 221 able to establish the fluidic connection between the base station and the handpiece 101. This connecting line may form part of a lead 250 which also provides the electrical connection for supplying electrical power notably to the transducer. The line 221 may be flexible so as to make the handpiece easier to manipulate, the connecting lead connecting the handpiece to the base station advantageously being a flexible one. The fluidic circuit connecting the base station to the handpiece may comprise one or more rigid sections, if appropriate.

[0091] The line 221 is connected to the aforementioned conveying duct 165 of the handpiece 110. The base station 220 comprises an electrical power supply 222 so as to electrically power various elements of the system, including, at least, the ultrasound transducer. This electrical power supply 222 is intended to be connected to an external network via an electrical connector 223.

[0092] The base station also comprises a circuit 230 for circulating the cosmetic composition used for treating the hair. This circuit 230 may comprise one or more rigid sections if appropriate. The circuit 230 comprises a collector 231 in which the cosmetic composition is stored before it is sent to the treatment cavity. The cosmetic composition is for example made up of a fluid, preferably water, coming from an external network and carried by a fluidic coupling 224, to which fluid there is added at least one active agent that has a cleaning action, such as asurfactant, or molecules that are active for treating the hair and that can be deposited on the hair, and partly remain thereon after the treatment.

[0093] If appropriate, a pump - not illustrated here - is provided for drawing water from the external network, if the pressure in the network is not sufficient.

[0094] An accumulation reservoir 239 - depicted very schematically in Figure 7- may potentially be positioned between the collector 231 and the coupling 224 if operation without a permanent connection to the network is intended.

[0095] The coupling 224 may be followed by a pressure regulator, if appropriate, and / or by an electrically-operated valve.

[0096] The active agent or the active molecules are for example stored in at least one reservoir 241 coupled to an injection pump 242 configured to inject these active agents or molecules. The injection of active agent(s) or active molecules into the fluid is for example performed directly into the collector 231. As a variant, the injection of active agent(s) or of active molecules is achieved under the effect of gravity and / or by venturi effect. According to another variant, the collecting basin 210 may also enable specific products or agents to be introduced into the composition intended to be recycled and then reapplied to the hair.

[0097] The collector 231 is for example coupled to the control member 232, for example an electrically-operated valve, configured to open or close the circuit 230, namely to allow or not allow the circulation of composition therein. As mentioned previously, the control member is advantageously configured to make the supply of composition to the treatment cavity conditional upon the configuration, open or closed, of the handpiece. For example, the control member 232 is arranged at the outlet of a pump 233 which is itself connected on the one hand to the collector 231 and on the other hand to the device 100, and in particular to the inlet for admitting composition to the treatment cavity.

[0098] Optionally, a heater 234 is arranged in such a way that the composition sent to the handpiece is warm or hot.

[0099] The base station 220 may also comprise a treatment unit 235 for treating the composition recovered by the basin 210, or as a variant coming from a return line 227 coupled to the return duct 185 of the aforementioned handpiece, so that it can be recycled.

[0100] The treatment unit 235 comprises for example a filter able to rid the cosmetic composition of its solid debris and purify this composition.

[0101] The filter may comprise one or more stages, with different filtration capabilities, as appropriate. The filter may thus comprise a prefilter.The filtration capability may be greater than or equal to 50 microns, which is to say that the filter has the ability to stop particles of a size greater than or equal to 50 microns.

[0102] The base station 220 may comprise a filter-status sensor to alert the user when the filter needs to be cleaned or changed.

[0103] The filter may be of any type, for example a sand filter, a nonwoven, with or without pleats, a wound filament filter, a ceramic filter and / or an activated charcoal filter.

[0104] Advantageously, the filter is removable so that it can be cleaned and / or changed by the user of the system.

[0105] The treatment unit 235 may also comprise a source 228 of ultraviolet radiation, notably UVC radiation, to disinfect the composition after it has passed through the treatment cavity.

[0106] The treatment unit 235 may further comprise an ozone generator to treat the recycled composition and / or a dispenser of an oxidising product and / or of a biocide into the treated composition. The treatment unit 235 is coupled on the one hand to the device 100, and more particularly to the return line 227 and / or to the collecting basin 210 and, on the other hand, to the collector 231. The base station may comprise a line 225 for connecting the collecting basin 210 to the treatment unit 235.

[0107] The system 200 may have no return line 227 in which case all of the cosmetic composition may then be recovered by the basin 210. The system 200 may thus comprise a handpiece with a connector enabling it to be coupled to a return line, and the collecting basin, or else may be without one of the two.

[0108] Thus, the treatment unit 235 collects the composition once it has passed through the treatment cavity so that it can be recycled and sent back to the collector 231 for reuse, which is to say so that it can be returned to the treatment cavity of the handpiece 101.

[0109] Optionally, one or more sources of ultraviolet radiation may be arranged in the collector 231. Once the quantity of water circulating and / or accumulated in the circuit 230 of the base station 220 is sufficient, the supply of water from the external network via the coupling 224 may be closed and operation may continue using the recycling of the composition within the base station 220.

[0110] Optionally, a nonreturn valve 236 - depicted schematically in Figure 7 - may be arranged in the supply line 221 of the handpiece 101. This nonreturn valve 236 is advantageously configured to open during the treatment of the hair, namely when the handpiece is in the closed configuration, and to close when the arms are in the open configuration. Optionally,this valve also contributes to limiting composition losses by supplying the treatment cavity only when the arms are in the closed configuration.

[0111] When the device 100 is used over the collecting basin 210, the latter is able to collect the composition that may leak out of the treatment cavity during the treatment and may also be able to recover the composition discharged, for example, between each change of lock of hair. The collecting basin 210 is connected to the base station 220 by the line 225 for discharging the composition during and after treatment. As described hereinabove, the composition thus recovered can be recycled by the treatment unit 235. Alternatively, the composition recovered is removed directly, in which case the system comprises a coupling leading to a wastewater outlet. According to the example illustrated, the collecting basin 210 is a shampooing basin supported by a support leg 211 to which the other line 225 is connected.

[0112] The shampooing basin is shaped to enable the individual being treated to position their head such that their hair can be treated.

[0113] The base station 220 may in this case advantageously serve as a support for the basin 210 or may be housed in a unit or a pedestal that supports the basin.

[0114] Advantageously, the system 200 comprises a control unit 240 configured to operate the ultrasound transducer(s).

[0115] If appropriate, the control unit 240 is designed to make the emission of the ultrasound waves conditional upon detection of the arms being closed and / or upon composition being present in the treatment cavity 140. For example, this control unit 240 is in communication with the closure sensor described earlier.

[0116] Optionally, an additional human-machine interface 226 may be arranged on the base station, for example to control the recycling parameters or to operate pumps for circulating the composition.

[0117] The device may function as follows.

[0118] In a first phase, the handpiece 101 is in the open configuration. The separation of the arms allows the user to position between these arms the lock of hair that is to be treated, for example by placing it on one of the arms.

[0119] The combing member allows the lock of hair to be spread out so that it is best distributed across the width of the treatment cavity. Advantageously, the teeth that form each guide member are distributed in such a way as to ensure the most uniform possible distribution of the lock of hair.The user then brings the arms of the handpiece 101 closer together in order to reach the closed configuration, closing the treatment cavity 140 in which the lock of hair that is to be treated is received. Because the lock of hair has been combed, its thickness is small and uniform, so that contact between the sealing members is easier, allowing the most substantially sealed possible closure of the treatment cavity, thanks to the sealing gasket. This sealing is also enhanced by the presence of the elastic-return member described hereinabove with reference to Figure 1A.

[0120] Once the handpiece 101 is in the closed configuration, the closure sensor transmits this information to the control member which may thus allow composition to circulate in the circuit 230 in order to fill the treatment cavity with this composition. In the event of loss of composition, this composition is advantageously recovered in the collecting basin 210 so that it can possibly be recycled and then reused.

[0121] Once the treatment cavity is filled with the composition, the ultrasound transducer(s) is / are switched on so as to emit ultrasound waves into the composition. Applying these ultrasound waves to the composition leads to the formation and / or collapse of bubbles in this composition, thus generating mechanical impact on the keratin matter that is to be treated, in this instance the hair, contributing to the cleaning thereof, as described in application FR3135604.

[0122] Ensuring that the treatment cavity is full of composition before applying the ultrasound waves to this cavity makes it possible to prevent any bubbles that might be present in the composition before it enters said cavity being repelled by the acoustic waves emitted.

[0123] The handpiece 101 is then moved along the lock of hair, from the root to the tips, keeping the handpiece in the closed configuration throughout the movement. Once the user reaches the end of the lock of hair, they unclamp the handpiece 101 to release the treated lock of hair. When the closure sensor 102 detects opening, the control member shuts off the circulation of composition in the circuit and the control unit switches the transducer(s) off. The control member may also be configured to govern the emission of the ultrasound waves.

[0124] The operation may be repeated until the entire head of hair has been treated.

[0125] It must be appreciated that the various embodiments described are given merely by way of examples and that the features described in connection with each of these embodiments may be combined with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims1. Ultrasound device (100) for treating hair, comprising:a handpiece (101) comprising:o two arms (110, 120) that are articulated with respect to one another between an open configuration for introducing a lock of hair (K) between them and a closed configuration in which the arms are closed against one another,o at least one sealing gasket (130) interposed between the two arms in the closed configuration and at least partially defining a treatment cavity (140) that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the handpiece (101) in the closed configuration,o at least one inlet (161) for admitting a cosmetic composition, notably a cleaning composition, into the treatment cavity (140),o at least one ultrasound transducer (190, 191) borne by one of the arms to emit ultrasound waves (US) into the composition present in the treatment cavity (140).

2. Device (100) according to Claim 1, the ultrasound transducer (190, 191) extending mainly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (L1, L2) of the arm (110, 120) that bears it.

3. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a wall (113, 123), preferably essentially made of metal, on the arm (110, 120) bearing the ultrasound transducer (190, 191), between the transducer and the treatment cavity (140), the ultrasound waves emitted by the transducer being transmitted to the composition through the wall.

4. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, said at least one sealing gasket (130) comprising at least one sealing member (131, 132) borne by one and / or the other of the arms (110, 120) and returned elastically towards the other arm by at least one elastic-return member (133).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two ultrasound transducers (190, 191) configured to emit ultrasound waves (US) into the composition present in the treatment cavity (140).

6. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one combing member (112, 122) for combing the lock of hair (K) and borne by at least one of the arms (110, 120), notably at least one row of teeth extending in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the arm (110, 120), the row of teeth preferably being situatedupstream of the cavity (140) when the handpiece (101) is moved along the lock of hair (K).

7. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one nonreturn valve (236) arranged in a supply line (221) of the composition inlet, the valve (236) being able to open when the hair (K) is being treated, and to close when the arms (110, 120) are in the open configuration.

8. System (200) for treating the hair, comprising:an ultrasound device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, a control member (232) providing control over the flowrate of composition sent into the cavity (140) via the composition inlet, anda base station (220) remote from the handpiece (101) and connected thereto by at least one line (221), the base station (220) being designed to supply the treatment cavity (140) with the composition via said line so that this composition comes into contact with the hair that is to be treated and is exposed to the ultrasound waves emitted by the transducer (190, 191).

9. System (200) according to the preceding claim, the control member (232) comprising an electrically-operated valve associated with a pump and / or being designed to act on the speed of a pump, notably a variable-output pump.

10. System (200) according to one of claims 8 or 9, comprising a detector (102) for detecting the closed configuration of the arms (110, 120), the control member (232) being designed to make the sending of composition into the cavity (140) conditional upon detection of the arms (110, 120) being closed.

11. System (200) according to one of claims 8 to 10, comprising a control unit (240) for making the emission of the ultrasound (US) conditional upon the arms (110, 120) being closed and / or upon the cavity (140) being filled with composition.

12. System (200) according to the preceding claim, comprising a detector (102) for detecting the closed configuration of the arms (110, 120), the control unit (240) being designed to make the emission of the ultrasound (US) conditional upon detection of the arms (110, 120) being closed and / or upon composition being present in the cavity (140).

13. System (200) according to one of claims 8 to 12, comprising a composition collecting basin (210), the base station (220) being designed to recover at least some of the composition that flows out of the cavity (140) into the collecting basin (210) during the treatment and to recycle it.

14. Method for treating hair with the device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps consisting in:positioning a lock of hair between the arms (110, 120) of the handpiece (101),bringing the arms (110, 120) into the closed configuration, filling the treatment cavity (140) with cosmetic composition,emitting the ultrasound waves (US) into the treatment cavity (140) while moving the handpiece along the lock of hair, preferably from the roots towards the tips.

15. Method according to the preceding claim implemented using a system (200) according to claim 13 and comprising the additional steps consisting in:recovering at least some of the composition that flows out of the cavity (140) into the collecting basin (210) during the treatment,- recycling the recovered composition.

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