KR20230146626A - Device with counter-form for ultrasonic cleaning of hair - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic device for cleaning hair, comprising: - an ultrasonic transmitter, and - between the bearing surface 31 of the counter-form 3 and the distal outer surface 22 of the probe 2. It includes a handpiece (18) comprising a probe (2) cooperating with a counter-form (3) to entrap a tuft of hair. The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for cleaning hair using the device with a cleaning composition, preferably comprising at least one surfactant.

Description

Device with counter-form for ultrasonic cleaning of hair

The present invention relates to a compact device for cleaning hair with ultrasonic waves. The invention also relates to a method of using said miniature device in the presence of cosmetic compositions, especially shampoos.

More generally, beauty products are products defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on beauty products.

Various devices for cleaning hair are known.

Several documents in the hair field, such as documents CN105124902, CN204909967, JPH09308518 or JPH081104, relate to multifunctional combs or hairbrushes with water reservoir and ultrasonic spray system.

Other documents, such as CN204448700, JP2015019670 or CN107716391, relate to basins or washbasins for washing hair.

Another document, such as CN2191621, relates to shower devices.

Document US2018207690 shows the use of an emulsifier to clean hair extensions while moving the hair tress through a plurality of compartments where they can be washed, rinsed and dried respectively.

Document CN2720876 relates to a portable device with an ultrasonic emission system for washing hair and two separate compartments containing water and shampoo respectively. However, since these devices cannot easily grip the head portion of the hair to be treated, they lack effectiveness and loss of surfactant solution occurs.

Patent application WO2011001084 relates to a method for treating hair fibers by application of a cosmetic composition and ultrasonic treatment, these two steps being carried out separately. The document does not mention the application of ultrasound for cleaning hair. Since the two purposes conflict with each other, i.e. closing the scales for shampooing and opening the scales for sonication, shampoo cleaning is referred to only as a post-treatment for dyeing and is therefore a separate area from sonication. It is in

Patent application WO2017118984 relates to a system for removing parasites from the head of the hair by a device comprising an ultrasonic transmitter for generating ultrasonic radiation and a plurality of teeth extending from the base of the device, the plurality of teeth being vibrating teeth and reflecting teeth. Containing teeth, ultrasonic radiation can be transmitted by the vibrating teeth and reflected by the reflecting teeth, damaging parasites located between these same teeth. The document does not mention any applications other than eradicating parasites and their larvae. In particular, washing the hair is not mentioned at all. Moreover, the use of the device described in this document does not involve the use of any composition, whether a cosmetic product or not.

Patent application AU2012221702 relates to a device for damaging parasites while they are on the surface of the body of a mammal, the device comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter for generating ultrasonic radiation; a small device disposed proximate to a parasite and coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter suitable for delivering ultrasonic radiation to the parasite, the small device comprising a plurality of teeth extending from a base of the device, the plurality of teeth and/ Alternatively, the ultrasonic transmitter includes at least one vibrating element coupled to a plurality of teeth. According to this document, removal of parasites can occur by combing or after irradiation under vacuum. There is no mention of application for washing hair during irradiation.

US patent application US 16/805,586, filed by the applicant on February 28, 2020, discloses a device for applying formulations for hair, comprising a body structure having one or more teeth at the front end and an electrostatic charger electrically connected to an electrode. Discloses the device, where the tip of the teeth includes an electrode and a cartridge containing a formulation for hair.

Ultrasonic treatment occurs only in the modification of devices with electrostatic charges and, more specifically, in the modification of nebulizers for generating mist from shampoo formulations. The nebulizer is placed in the device upstream of the teeth of the comb. This mist is discharged through an orifice located at the distal end of the teeth. A nebulizer, which may be provided with an ultrasonic generator, is placed in the device upstream of the teeth of the comb. Therefore, ultrasound waves are not emitted from the hair.

In general, the creation of an electrostatic charge on the hair can inhibit the adsorption of the shampoo's active agents as a result of the repulsion phenomenon, thus reducing their effectiveness. If hair is negatively charged, adsorption of anionic surfactants and anionic polymers may be limited. If they are positively charged, adsorption of cationic conditioning polymers may be limited.

Therefore, a device that performs well in hair cleansing while also meeting current environmental requirements using significantly less water and less surfactant(s) than current devices, especially 10 to 20 times less water than known devices. , there is a need to provide an improved portable device for cleaning hair with ultrasound. Furthermore, recycling of wastewater can be considered.

Definition of the present invention

The subject matter of the present invention is a beauty device for washing hair, the beauty device comprising:

- an ultrasonic transmitter, having an ultrasonic transducer powered by a current generator and configured to produce ultrasonic vibrations,

- a handpiece comprising a probe coupled to an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer to the hair bundle to be treated, the probe extending along the longitudinal axis (X) between the proximal external surface and the distal external surface. extended along,

The handpiece also includes a counter-form provided with a bearing surface to at least partially receive the hair tuft to be treated, wherein the probe cooperates with the counter-form to form a bearing surface of the counter-form and a distal exterior of the probe. Place a strand of hair between the noodles.

With the device according to the invention, it is possible to effectively clean hair. Ultrasound may also contribute to the release of chemical species in the cleaning composition that contribute to more rigorous cleaning of keratinous materials, such as free radicals, for example. In appropriate cases, under the influence of sound waves, the foam of the cleansing composition generates shock waves that can exert a mechanical effect on the hair, thereby improving cleaning.

Advantageously, the distal outer surface of the probe is positioned “ immediately near the surface of the hair to be cleaned .”

The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for washing hair comprising the following operations:

(i) operation providing the device as previously described;

(ii) sandwiching at least one region of the hair tuft between the bearing surface of the counter-form and the distal outer surface of the probe;

(iii) an operation that produces ultrasonic waves;

(iv) where appropriate, after relative movement of the bundle relative to the probe, subsequently treating one or more other areas to clean the desired portion of the bundle.

Preferably, the method comprises, during operation (iii), operation (v) of applying to the hair a metered amount of a cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant, which is preferably particularly anionic.

Preferably, the method is performed dynamically with a movement speed of the bundle relative to the probe of between 5 mm/s and 5 cm/s.

Advantageously, the device does not have an electrostatic charger and therefore prevents the hair from charging and standing up without inhibiting the action of the cleaning composition.

Preferably, in order to optimize the quality of cleaning, the counter-form does not have a circular or semi-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

main definition

“ Cross section of a component on axis (X) ” is a cross section perpendicular to the axis (X) of the component.

The expression " longitudinal axis of the component " represents the line connecting all centers of mass of the cross section of the component.

The expression “ in the immediate vicinity of the hair surface to be cleansed ” should be understood to mean sufficiently close for the effect of the sound waves to have a beneficial effect on the cleaning action. For example, the distal outer surface is positioned less than 15 mm, more preferably less than 10 mm, even more preferably less than 5 mm and most preferably less than 2.5 mm from the surface of the bundle to be cleaned. The probe may contact the bundle to be cleaned.

The expression “ counter-form ” denotes a component of a shape complementary to that of the probe, capable of blocking the hair between the counter-form and the probe. The counter-form and the probe can advantageously be moved relative to each other so that the hair to be treated can be inserted at a position where the probe and the counter-form are spaced apart and then the hair at a position where the probe and the counter-form are moved together or at the position of use of the device. By applying pressure, it is possible to ensure better contact between the probe and the counter-form, especially those transmitting ultrasonic waves.

“ Ultrasound ” consists of radio waves with frequencies ranging from 16 kHz to 10 MHz.

To generate ultrasound (ultrasound or ultrasonic wave), a “ high frequency generator ” converts the normal main frequency of 50 to 60 Hz into high frequency oscillations, preferably in the range of 16 to 60 kHz.

An “ ultrasonic transducer ” or transducer then converts these electrical vibrations into acoustic vibrations of the same frequency. A transducer is nothing more than a resonant system driven by providing energy suitable for natural vibrations. The transducer converts electrical energy into acoustic energy in the ultrasonic range ranging from several mW to several kW.

A “ sonotrode ” is a metal component or tool that is coupled to a transducer and returns this vibrational energy to the target element, eg hair. According to the standard frequency range of ultrasound use, the sonotrode resonates at a frequency by “contracting” and “expanding” x times per second at an amplitude of a few micrometers. This half-wave acoustic resonance follows the properties of the material's constant elasticity, density (ρ), speed and frequency of sound propagation through this material. They are made of titanium, aluminum or steel, with or without heat treatment. Small diameter sonotrodes are sometimes called probes. The shape of the sonotrode depends on the amount of vibration energy and physical constraints for precise application.

“ Sound waves ” are generated by one or more ultrasonic transducers. According to the invention, the sound waves are ultrasonic waves.

The sound wave may be generated by a single transducer or, as a variant, by at least two transducers. Each transducer may include a sonotrode, typically made of metal, that can define a surface from which sound waves are emitted. The transducer may include at least one piezoelectric material.

The sound waves may be generated permanently as soon as the device is turned on, or, as a variation, only when certain operating conditions are met, for example the presence of the device in close proximity to the hair.

Sound waves can be generated by sinusoidal signals or by signals of more complex shapes, for example with frequency modulation or amplitude modulation. The sound waves are preferably emitted at a single frequency, which allows for more precise focus on a given area, but as a variation, they could be emitted at several different frequencies. Sound waves can be emitted continuously or in pulse form.

The device may also include a system for detecting the presence of the device in contact with the hair to be treated and adjusting the function of the transducer(s) in response to this detection.

The “ probe ” allows the emission and reception of signals, for example ultrasound.

suction device

The device according to the invention may have a suction system for recovering the used cleaning composition and residues arising from washing (natural or chemical contamination, damaged keratin residues present on the hair surface). The suction system may have, for example, a fan and filter and/or a pump and filter and/or a liquid recovery system to collect the particles, and/or an electrostatic system to attract the particles to the surface by creating an electric potential field. The device according to the invention can have a reservoir of used surfactant composition, which is drawn up by the suction system.

Preferably, the power of the suction device is set between 80 and 120 air watts.

Air watt data is the ratio between air flow rate, intake and electricity consumption. According to the ASTM international standard, this data is calculated as follows:

P = 1/8.5 × F × S

where P is power (air watts); F is the air flow rate in CFM; S is positive.

Air watts therefore indicate the overall performance of the motor of the suction device and therefore the effectiveness of the suction device.

recycle

Advantageously, the cleaning composition is transferred into contact with the hair and is at least partially recovered, recycled and/or filtered.

The recovered composition may be filtered to remove solid debris or particulates thereof before being transferred back to the hair tress to be cleaned.

Preferably, the composition is recovered by inhalation or absorption, for example using a porous support.

Advantageously, the treatment and purification device includes a treatment device inlet and separator for receiving the used composition, including the composition in contact with the hair.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, the treatment and purification device includes a sterilization device for killing germs in the recycled composition, the sterilization device comprising a UV lamp and/or an ozone or oxidant generator and/or a chemical or disinfectant dispenser and/or or a heating device.

Preferably, the treatment and purification device includes a filter with a pore size of 50 microns or less. The filter may be non-woven with or without pleats.

nebulizer or nebulizer

The device according to the invention may be an electrically powered device comprising an atomizing component for fogging, spraying or atomizing the cleaning composition. Preferably, this includes equipment for processing and recycling used cleaning compositions.

In one embodiment, the nebulizer includes a compressor, a pump, and uses ultrasonic waves to generate a mist from the cleaning composition and air.

Preferred Embodiment

Preferably, the application elements according to the invention, alone or in combination, have one or more of the following characteristics:

The counter-form delimits the container, the lower part of which defines the bearing surface. This shape promotes blocking and retention of the bundle.

The probe has an axial guidance channel passing through the probe. Preferably, the probe has a flared and hollow shape. Guidance of the wave is optimized by the guidance channel.

The probe has a flared shape in the direction of the distal end. This shape allows passage of ultrasonic waves and possibly makes dispensing of the cleaning composition easier.

The bearing surface of the counter-form and the distal outer surface of the probe are parallel. Preferably, the contact angle between the longitudinal axis of the probe and the hair is close to 90°. In this case, the base of the probe is advantageously flat against the hair, which provides a better treatment effect.

In a variant, the handpiece comprises a first comb or a first brush disposed next to the probe and directed towards the counter-form, to loosen and aerate the hair bundle before, during or after treatment by ultrasonic waves, thus separating the individual hairs. Facilitates the passage of ultrasound.

In this variant, the counter-form includes a second comb or second brush disposed external to the bearing surface and directed towards the probe.

The counter-form thus preferably has a groove formed on its inner contour and positioned between the first comb or first brush and the second comb or second brush in the use position of the device. These grooves can provide a space to facilitate the discharge of spent composition during combing or brushing.

The ultrasonic frequencies used by the transducer range from 16 kHz to 10 MHz, preferably from 16 kHz to 60 kHz.

It includes a cleaning composition supply duct connected to the outlet of the reservoir containing the cleaning composition.

This preferably includes a spent composition exhaust duct connected to the counter-form.

This preferably includes equipment for processing and recycling the used cleaning composition. The device thus comprises a system for recovering used cleaning compositions, especially contaminated surfactant solutions. Even more preferably, this recovery device comprises a suction device.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention and examining the accompanying schematic and partial drawings, in which:
1 is an oblique perspective view of a device according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates the device according to Figures 1 and 2 connected to a reservoir containing a cleaning composition;
Figure 4 illustrates the placement of a hair bundle in a device according to the invention.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, where the processing device comprises an ultrasonic transducer 13 for emitting sound waves at the input of the probe. The transducer 13 is connected to a current generator 15 which may or may not form part of the handpiece 18 , for example present in a base station to which the handpiece 18 is connected via a cable. Power is supplied by

The device (1) has a counter-form (3) for receiving a hair bundle onto which sound waves emitted by the hollow and flared probe (2) are applied. The probe 2 has a longitudinal axis X extending between a proximal outer surface 21 and a distal outer surface 22 .

The probe 2 and the counter-form 3 can be moved relative to each other between a spaced-out configuration (not shown) between which the hair tress is introduced and a mutually moving configuration for processing (shown in FIG. 1 ).

The probe 2 and the counter-form 3 can for example be carried by upper and lower arms, respectively, which are independent of each other or are connected together at one end by a joint, thus handpiece 18 forms pincers. The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the probe 2 and the counter-form 3. However, the presence of a joint may be preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

The probe 2 and the counter-form 3 define between them an area for the treatment of the head of hair, which area is intended to receive the hair tuft to be treated, e.g. to ensure that the tuft is thoroughly cleaned. To ensure that the hair is moved during treatment in a direction that progresses from root to tip.

The probe (2) is an elongated, partially hollow body comprising a flared and flattened head intended to contact or approximate hair tufts spreading in a sheet on a bearing surface (31) formed by the lower end of the vessel (30). It can be seen in the figure that the area of the bundle to be treated is positioned facing the distal outer surface 22 of the probe 2.

The probe (2) is a mobile component of a cooperating shape associated with the counter-form (3) by providing a space between the bearing surface (31) and the distal outer surface (22) constituting a recess (60) for the bundle. forms. In the example shown, the probe 2 is moved by the user along the longitudinal axis ) and the bearing surface 31 are arranged so that they face each other and can be inserted into the bundle at the same time.

A groove 39 may be provided on the edge of the upper surface 36 of the counter-form 3 to facilitate, for example, discharge of used cleaning composition.

1 and 2, two first combs 32, 33 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the probe and two second combs 34, 35 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the longitudinal edge of the counter-form. are arranged accordingly. The two first combs 32, 33 are symmetrical to each other about the middle plane of the probe 2 and the two second combs 34, 35 are symmetrical to each other about the middle plane of the counter-form 3.

3 shows a supply duct 45 connected to a mixer 41 which can be connected to a water reservoir 42 and a reservoir of concentrated cleaning solution 43, which advantageously comprises at least one surfactant, which is preferably anionic. The device according to Figures 1 and 2 is shown, which is supplied with a cleaning composition through The hair composition passes through the outlet orifice of the guiding channel and then passes through the probe through the axial guiding channel before being dispensed onto the hair by, for example, a nebulizer or nebulizer.

The counter-form 3 is for example a drain of spent hair composition, which passes through the transverse wall 37 of the recess 60 which receives the hair tress and opens into a cup 48 for collecting the spent composition. It has a duct (44).

The supply duct and discharge duct may be equipped with a motor system 40 to make discharge easier.

Figure 4 shows a hair bundle (M) ready to be inserted between the probe (2) and the combs (34, 35) of the counter-form (3) when the probe (2) is moved closer to the counter-form (3). is shown schematically.

To use the device according to the invention, the probe 2 and the counter-form 3 can be moved away from each other so that a tuft of hair is placed between them. The probe 2 and the counter-form 3 are then moved closer together, sandwiching the hair bundle between the distal outer surface 22 of the probe 2 and the bearing surface 31 of the counter-form 3.

The handpiece 18 has a base station 19 that preferably has a cylindrical shape. It houses an electrical energy source, for example one or more accumulators or batteries, and a printed circuit board with the electronic components of the device. This component ensures, for example, the creation of the necessary pressure for possible spraying of the cleaning composition, the control of various electrical elements and performs auxiliary functions, for example, calculation of the amount of product remaining to be sprayed, The user may be notified of the need to replace a cartridge containing a.

The user turns on the power supply to expose the hair tress to ultrasonic vibrations for a selected duration, in particular at least 1 second. Spraying of the cleaning composition may begin and stop simultaneously with the transducer 13 being turned on, or the start of spraying and the turning on of the transducer may be at different times.

The user then moves the bundle relative to the container 30 to ensure that the bundle is thoroughly cleaned, either over its entire length or over the desired length.

The cleaning composition preferably includes one or more surfactants. Preferred surfactants are nonionic, anionic, or amphoteric surfactants. Even more preferentially, the cleaning composition comprises at least one anionic surfactant. Anionic surfactants may in particular be alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates.

Preferably, the concentration of surfactant in the cleaning composition is 0.05% to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.1% to 10% by weight, even more preferably 0.2% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. %am.

The cleansing composition may also comprise one or more hair conditioning agents, selected in particular from non-silicon cationic or amphoteric polymers, nonionic or cationic silicon oils or gums, mineral oils, oils of plant origin, waxes or butters of plant origin.

The cleaning composition may also include other compounds selected from thickening agents, pearlescent or mattifying agents, alkalinizing or acidifying agents, anti-UV agents, preservatives, antibacterial agents, anti-hair loss agents, oil control agents, and fragrances. there is.

The invention is not limited to the specifically described examples. The invention particularly encompasses different structures of the handpiece 18 and different modes of relative arrangement of the transducer 13 and the probe 2.

Claims (14)

As a beauty device for cleaning hair,
- an ultrasonic transmitter, powered by a current generator and having an ultrasonic transducer (13) configured to produce ultrasonic vibrations,
- a handpiece (18) comprising a probe (2) coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer (13) to the hair bundle to be treated, wherein the probe (2) is proximally external. A handpiece extending along the longitudinal axis (X) between surface (21) and distal outer surface (22).
Including,
The handpiece 18 also comprises a counter-form 3 provided with a bearing surface 31 to at least partially receive the hair tress to be treated, wherein the probe 2 is positioned on the counter. - sandwiching the hair bundle between the bearing surface (31) of the counter-form (3) in cooperation with the form (3) and the distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2),
Device characterized in that the counter-form (3) delimits a container (30) whose lower end defines the bearing surface (31). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the probe (2) has an axial guide channel passing through the probe. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the probe (2) has a flared shape in the direction of its distal end. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the bearing surface (31) of the counter-form (3) and the distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2) are parallel. . 5. The handpiece (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handpiece (18) has a first comb or first brush (32) disposed next to the probe (2) and directed towards the counter-form (3). ) A device comprising: 6. The counter-form (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the counter-form (3) is disposed outside the bearing surface (31) and is provided with a second comb or a second brush ( 34) A device comprising: 7. The counter-form (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the counter-form (3) is formed on the inner contour and comprises the first comb or the first brush (32) and the second comb or the second brush ( 34) A device characterized in that it has a groove (39) disposed in the use position of the device. 8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ultrasonic frequencies used by the transducer (13) are between 16 kHz and 10 MHz and preferably between 16 kHz and 60 kHz. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a supply duct (45) connected to a mixer (41) connected to a reservoir for the concentrated cleaning solution (43). 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concentrated cleaning solution (43) comprises at least one surfactant, preferably anionic. 11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a spent cleaning composition discharge duct (44) connected to the counter-form (3). 12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a device for processing and recycling used cleaning compositions. As a cosmetic method for cleaning hair,
(i) providing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
(ii) sandwiching at least one region of a hair bundle between the bearing surface (31) of the counter-form (3) and the distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2),
(iii) an operation that produces ultrasonic waves;
(iv) where appropriate, after relative movement of the hair tuft with respect to the probe (2), subsequently treating one or more other areas to clean the desired portion of the hair tuft. 14. Method according to claim 13, comprising, during operation (iii), operation (v) applying to said hair a metered amount of a cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant, which is preferably anionic in particular.