FR3142673A1 - DISTRIBUTION MODULE FOR A DEVICE INTENDED FOR THE APPLICATION OF A COLORING PRODUCT AND DEVICE USING SUCH A MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE: DISTRIBUTION MODULE FOR A DEVICE INTENDED FOR THE APPLICATION OF A COLORING PRODUCT AND DEVICE USING SUCH A MODULE The present invention relates to a distribution module (1) for an apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, said distribution module being characterized in that it comprises: a channel (6) , at least one needle (2), disposed in said channel, a piston (4), a reservoir (5) of product, said reservoir comprising a port (11) opening into said channel (6), and an automatic valve. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

DISTRIBUTION MODULE FOR A DEVICE INTENDED FOR THE APPLICATION OF A COLORING PRODUCT AND DEVICE USING SUCH A MODULE Field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of permanent makeup or tattooing.

More specifically, this invention relates to a dispensing module for an apparatus for applying a coloring product, this dispensing module comprising a channel and at least one needle movable longitudinally in said channel, between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle is located inside the channel, and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from the channel. The invention also relates to an apparatus for applying a product, comprising such a module.

Prior art

Currently, devices intended for applying a coloring product to a person and used for permanent make-up or tattooing consist of a gun in which a tattoo needle moves longitudinally, and a motor intended to move this needle. When a coloring product such as in particular an ink is to be applied to or under the skin of a user, the needle is dipped in an ink reservoir, then it is applied to the user's skin so as to make the ink penetrate under the user's skin. When the ink that has been taken up by the needle is used up, this needle is again dipped in the ink reservoir, then the cycle begins again.

One problem that can occur with this type of device is that the amount of ink that can be used between each dip in the tank is relatively small because it is a capillary tank. Therefore, when the person doing the tattoo has to draw a straight or elongated line, for example, they must regularly stop the drawing to take more ink. Resuming the drawing at the exact spot where it was stopped is relatively difficult and it is possible that the drawing is not ideal for this reason.

Furthermore, the time required to perform a tattoo can be long because of the ink refills that must be carried out regularly. This is all the more important when large areas need to be colored, for example when shading. This relatively long working time can be unpleasant for the person doing the tattooing or makeup, but especially for the person on whom the tattoo or makeup is performed. Indeed, marking under the skin can be relatively painful. A shorter working time therefore brings more comfort to the person on whom the marking is performed.

Another problem can occur because the ink reservoirs are opened to allow the ink to be drawn. This ink is then in contact with the air. It is then possible that it can be contaminated with pathogens that can then be injected under the skin of the person on whom the tattoo or makeup is being done, which can cause infections.

To overcome some of these drawbacks, there is a tattoo or permanent makeup device comprising a reservoir integrated into the gun. Such a device is described in US patent US 6,345,553. This document describes a tattoo or permanent makeup gun comprising a module in which a tattoo needle moves longitudinally under the impulse of a motor. The tattoo gun comprises an ink reservoir. The needle, during its alternating longitudinal movement, moves in the ink reservoir, then its free end protrudes from the tattoo gun so as to be able to apply the ink taken by the needle, under the user's skin.

This design largely avoids the need to refill ink in an external reservoir. It is therefore possible to draw relatively long lines and fill large areas without having to refill ink. In addition, the ink is not exposed to the air and the risks of contamination or infections are therefore minimised.

This gun, however, has other drawbacks. In fact, the presence of a piston, namely the part supporting the needle and also the flexible sealing parts, during the tattooing action, creates overpressure pulses causing discharges expelling the ink in an uncontrollable manner.

In addition, the ink is constantly in contact with the metal needle and chemical integrations can occur. In the case of storage for several weeks, contamination of the ink becomes problematic and the needle can become blunt due to slow micro-corrosion. In addition, it should be noted that the ink is composed of solvents as well as more or less solid microparticles. The presence of the needle in the ink with even a slight loss of solvent causes accumulations, or films, on the surface of the needle, degrading its effectiveness. Another limitation comes from the shape of the needles. Indeed, to create specific tattoos, the needle is composed of several points welded together. This assembly of points imposes non-circular shapes as soon as the needle is composed of more than one point. It is then very delicate, if not impossible, to create a seal in the front nozzle, making the reservoir sensitive to contamination and leaks without the use of an additional sealing cap that must be taken care to replace each time it is used.

Another disadvantage is that ink is fed into the reservoir and then the needle moves through the reservoir. It is not possible to easily empty the ink from the reservoir and replace it with a different coloured ink. This would result in a heterogeneous mixture of colours that would not be usable. Thus, if the ink in the reservoir is not completely used up, it is wasted.

Furthermore, the ink reservoir in which the needle moves is located in a position relatively far from the free end of the needle, that is, from the end through which the needle emerges to perform the tattoo. In order for ink to be drawn by the needle, its free end must enter the reservoir entirely. This requires the needle to be guided in a particularly rigid manner, which complicates the production of the gun from a mechanical point of view and makes it more expensive. In addition, due to the construction of the gun, it is necessary for ink to be available on the side of the reservoir where the needle emerges. This requires the person performing the tattoo to hold the gun in a certain way, with the needle substantially vertical and pointing downwards, otherwise the needle does not receive ink. This makes this gun impractical to use. As a result, the solution is not ideal, particularly since the ink does not easily come into contact with the needle. Furthermore, the device described in this document does not allow the use of a removable tank.

Another disadvantage of this device is that the needle is constantly immersed in ink. This means that the only ink that can be used is the ink in the reservoir. As a result, it is not possible to use the ink in the reservoir for one part of a tattoo and then use the device by dipping the needle in ink from an external reservoir to create another part of the tattoo.

As a result, the solution described in US Patent 6,345,553 is not ideal in practice. Indeed, it is not possible to change the ink color while keeping the same gun. Unused ink is lost and the gun must be handled in a certain way, otherwise it does not work. In addition, it is not possible to use the device alternately in a "conventional" mode in which the needle is dipped in an external ink reservoir, and in the mode using the ink contained in the reservoir integrated into the device.

To solve the technical problems listed above, document WO 2021/204971 describes a dispensing module for an apparatus for applying a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing. This dispensing module comprises a channel and at least one needle movable longitudinally in the channel, between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle is inside the channel, and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from the channel. The dispensing module further comprises a coloring product reservoir, which communicates with the channel only in an area located downstream of the needle when this needle is in a certain position.

This dispensing module does not always allow the flow of coloring product delivered by the tank to be satisfactorily adjusted. This can lead to irregularities in the tattoo, as well as product leaks at the front and/or rear of the dispensing module. These inconveniences are caused by the rapid back-and-forth movements of the piston.

There is therefore a need for a device intended for the application of a coloring product, via at least one needle, which is flexible and practical to use, that is to say in particular which allows continuous use without having to dip the needle in product regularly, which allows a change of product without causing waste, which can be used in the normal positions of use of such a device, and which allows the flow rate of product to be controlled. All while having a sealed reservoir and without prolonged contact between the needle and the coloring product.

These objectives, as well as others which will become more clearly apparent later, are achieved using a dispensing module for a device intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, said dispensing module being characterized in that it comprises:
- a channel,
- at least one needle, arranged in said channel,
- a piston, arranged in said channel, upstream of said needle, said needle being integral in translation with said piston, the assembly formed by said needle and said piston being movable longitudinally in said channel between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle is located inside said channel, and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from said channel,
- a product reservoir, said reservoir comprising a port opening into said channel, and
- an automatic valve, said automatic valve being formed by the cooperation between at least one slot, arranged on the periphery of said piston, and said light, said at least one slot being arranged so as to be located at right angles to said light when said piston is in a first intermediate product supply zone, located between the retracted position and the extended position, the light being closed by said piston outside said first intermediate product supply zone.

The distribution module may comprise a front chamber, arranged in said channel, downstream of said light, said slot being able to be in said front chamber when said piston is in a second intermediate product supply zone.

The distribution module may include one or more decompression chimney(s), opening into said front chamber.

The decompression chimney may include a set of grooves, to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the decompression chimney.

The decompression chimney can be integrated into said tank.

The cooperation of the slot and the light can also allow air to return to the tank.

The light can be closed with a cap before using the said tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the piston comprises at least one slot having a constant shape extending over the entire circumference of the piston.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said piston has a cylindrical shape, said piston comprising several slots of different dimensions, arranged at different positions on the circumference of the piston, the piston being movable in rotation around its axis, to allow the selection of the slot to be used for the product supply.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing module comprises several needles arranged in the same plane, said slot having a substantially rectangular shape and being arranged on said piston so as to be located at right angles to said light when said piston is located in said first intermediate product supply zone.

The tank may have a bottom, the tank and/or said bottom being inclined relative to the axis of said channel.

The angle of inclination between the bottom of said tank and the axis of said channel is for example between 5° and 55°.

The bottom of the tank may include a set of grooves, to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product to the bottom of said tank.

The tank can be removable.

The removable reservoir may comprise a member for connecting said removable reservoir to said dispensing module, said connection member comprising an element for closing said light, movable between a closed position, in which the closing element closes said light, and an open position, in which the closing element releases said light, the closing element being moved from said closed position to said open position when said removable reservoir is mounted on said dispensing module.

The removable tank may include means for distributing the product in said tank.

The tank may include a cap, removably mounted on a filling opening of said tank.

The stopper can be a bayonet stopper.

The tank may include a cover, making it possible to close a filling opening of said tank.

The tank may have an air inlet hole.

Said closing element may be arranged to close the air inlet hole when it is in said closed position, said closing element being arranged to release the air inlet hole when it is in said open position.

The needle and the piston can be made integral by inserting a proximal end of said needle into said piston, along its longitudinal axis.

The front part of said channel may have the shape of an elongated beak.

The invention also relates to an apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, this apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a dispensing module as described above, and a module for actuating the needle of the dispensing module.

List of figures

• est une vue en coupe longitudinale d’un module de distribution d’un appareil pour l’application d’un produit, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l’invention ;
• est une vue similaire à la , montrant un piston du module de distribution dans une première position intermédiaire de déplacement ;
• est une vue similaire à la , montrant un piston du module de distribution dans une deuxième position intermédiaire de déplacement ;
• est une vue similaire à la , montrant le piston dans une position étendue ;
• est une vue de dessus d’un module de distribution, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l’invention ;
• est une vue en perspective du module de distribution de la , un opercule étant disposé sur un réservoir du module de distribution ;
• est une vue en coupe longitudinale d’un module de distribution, selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l’invention ;
• est une vue en coupe longitudinale d’un module de distribution, selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l’invention ;
• est une vue en perspective d’un module de distribution, selon un cinquième mode de réalisation de l’invention, dans lequel le module de distribution comporte un réservoir amovible ;
• est une vue en coupe longitudinale du module de distribution de la ;
• est une vue similaire à la , montrant le réservoir amovible monté sur le module de distribution ;
• est une vue en coupe longitudinale du module de distribution de la ;
• est une vue en coupe longitudinale d’un module de distribution, selon un sixième mode de réalisation de l’invention, et
• est une vue en perspective d’un module de distribution selon un septième mode de réalisation de l’invention.

Description détaillée de modes de réalisation de l’inventionThe invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which:

• is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing module of an apparatus for applying a product, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• is a view similar to the , showing a piston of the distribution module in a first intermediate displacement position;
• is a view similar to the , showing a piston of the distribution module in a second intermediate displacement position;
• is a view similar to the , showing the piston in an extended position;
• is a top view of a distribution module, according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• is a perspective view of the distribution module of the , a cover being arranged on a reservoir of the distribution module;
• is a longitudinal sectional view of a distribution module, according to a third embodiment of the invention;
• is a longitudinal sectional view of a distribution module, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
• is a perspective view of a distribution module, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the distribution module comprises a removable reservoir;
• is a longitudinal sectional view of the distribution module of the ;
• is a view similar to the , showing the removable tank mounted on the distribution module;
• is a longitudinal sectional view of the distribution module of the ;
• is a longitudinal sectional view of a distribution module, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, and
• is a perspective view of a distribution module according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for applying a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing.

According to the present invention, the term "coloring product" means any colored substance, natural or synthetic, which, when placed in contact with a support, under appropriate conditions, fixes itself to the latter in a lasting manner, imparting a certain color to it. The terms "coloring product", "ink", "dye", "color", "dye" will be used indifferently and substitutably in the present description.

The coloring product is, for example, ink.

Examples of inks that can be used are Panthera Ink (registered trademark) or Eclipse Black Tattoo Ink (registered trademark).

The device is essentially formed of two parts, namely a dispensing module 1, comprising in particular a needle 2, and a module for actuating the needle 2. This needle 2, or a support for the latter, allows, during a movement linked to its use, to release or not the coloring product.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distribution module 1 is removable, so that a distribution module 1 can be mounted on the actuation module, detached therefrom and replaced by another distribution module 1.

In practice, the actuation module comprises at least one motor and is used to perform a large number of tattoos while several dispensing modules 1 can generally be used for one person. For reasons of hygiene, a dispensing module is generally single-use, i.e. it is used to tattoo a single person and is disposed of after use on that person.

The actuation module may be of any conventional type and is therefore neither described nor shown in detail in the figures. It is simply designed to receive, in a removable manner, a distribution module 1.

1. Distribution module

The distribution module 1 comprises a body 3, to allow its installation in the actuation module.

The length of module 1 is, for example, between three and twenty centimetres.

The dispensing module 1 also comprises at least one needle 2, a piston 4, and a product reservoir 5.

Apart from needle 2, all parts in contact with the ink are made from a material that is inert to this ink.

In the case of using a dispensing module supplied with pre-filled ink, the piston 4 can be equipped with a lock of its longitudinal movement by, for example, a rotation of the latter. This system makes it possible to secure the dispensing of ink, typically during transport.

Tank 5 can be filled almost completely beforehand in order to limit the presence of air, in order to limit the risks of excess pressure, and therefore leaks, during plane journeys or increases in storage temperature, for example.

The distribution module 1 further comprises a longitudinal channel 6, in which the needle 2 undergoes an alternating back and forth movement, by means of the piston 4, under the effect of the actuation module.

The needle 2 and the piston 4 are integral in translation. The assembly formed by the needle 2 and the piston 4 is movable longitudinally in the channel 6 between a retracted position ( ), in which a distal end of the needle 2 is located inside the channel 6, and an extended position ( ), in which the distal end of the needle 2 protrudes from the channel 6.

The channel 6 opens at one end 7 of the distribution module 1, called the free end, through which the needle 2 can extend beyond the channel 6 and come into contact with the skin of the person to be tattooed so as to deposit product there.

The channel 6 comprises a front chamber 8, capable of containing product. The downstream part of the channel 6, in which the distal end of the needle 2 is located when it is in the retracted position, is called the “front chamber”. The front chamber 8 is arranged near the free end 7. The needle 2 can thus recover a small quantity of product at each return trip between the retracted position and the extended position.

The tank 5 may be fixed and an integral part of the distribution module 1, or it may be removable. In this second case, we refer below to a removable cartridge 105.

The distribution module 1 may also advantageously include a decompression chimney 9.

2. Tank

The tank 5 has a sealed wall and a filling opening 10.

The tank 5 further comprises a port 11 opening into the channel 6, to allow the passage of product from the tank 5 to the channel 6.

Before using the tank 5, the light 11 can be closed with a plug 28 ( ). The stopper 28 can be made from a fluid not soluble in the product, for example a fatty fluid released by a certain movement, or in a solid material released by a certain movement. The stopper 28 is arranged to be broken by the movement of the piston 4, at the start of use. The stopper 28 makes it possible to avoid a leak in the case of extremely capillary product via the light 11 before the reservoir 5 is used.

When the light 11 is arranged on the side of the reservoir 5 opposite the free end 7, the reservoir 5 advantageously comprises a bottom 12 inclined relative to the axis of the channel 6. The angle of inclination between the bottom 12 of the reservoir 5 and the axis of the channel 6 is for example between 5° and 55°, preferably between 15° and 35°. This characteristic has the function of promoting the presence of product at the level of the light 11, even when the module 1 is inclined, which is often the case during its use. Alternatively, the reservoir 5 could itself be inclined relative to the axis of the channel 6.

The bottom 12 of the tank 5 may further comprise a set of grooves 13 (visible on the ), to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the bottom 12 of the tank 5, towards the light 11. This characteristic makes it possible to further promote the presence of product at the level of the light 11, in particular when the module 1 is inclined. The light 11 participates in the management of the product flow.

The tank 5 may include a cap, removably mounted on the filling opening 10 of the tank 5. The cap is, for example, a bayonet cap.

The tank 5 may include, in addition to or instead of the cap, a cover 14 (visible on the ), to hermetically close the filling opening 10 before its assembly. The cover 14 may include, in a conventional manner, a tab 15 to allow it to be easily removed.

When the reservoir 5 is intended to be used while remaining hermetically sealed by a cap or a lid 14, it further comprises an air inlet hole, to allow atmospheric pressure to be maintained inside the reservoir 5, even when the quantity of product inside the reservoir 5 is modified. The air inlet hole may for example be provided at the cap, or be obtained by piercing the lid 14 just before using the reservoir 5. Depending on the fluidity of the ink, the lid 14 may or may not cover the chimney 9.

In the case of using fluid ink, the entire reservoir 5 can remain completely sealed at all times. In this case, the pressures are balanced by the rise of air bubbles coming from the chimney 9 and passing into the slot 16 when the piston is activated.

3. Needle and piston

The needle 2 is arranged in the channel 6. The piston 4 is also arranged in the channel 6, upstream of the needle 2. The piston 4 and the needle 2 are integral in translation. For this, for example, a proximal end of the needle 2 is fixed inside the piston 4.

The piston 4 is arranged so that it can be driven in translation by the actuation module, when the distribution module 1 is mounted on the actuation module.

The piston 4 also serves as a guide member for the needle 2. This has the advantage that the needle 2 is always guided adequately.

The piston 4 comprises at least one slot 16 arranged on its periphery. The function of the slot 16 is to allow the supply of product from the reservoir 5 to the front chamber 8.

The slot 16 is arranged so as to be located at right angles to the light 11 of the reservoir 5, when the piston 4 is located in a first intermediate product supply zone ( And ). The first intermediate zone is located between the retracted position and the extended position. When the slot 16 is located at the right of the light 11, product is transferred into the slot 16 from the tank 5, via the light 11.

Outside the first intermediate feed zone, the piston 4 closes the port 11. The piston 4 closes the port 11 in particular in the retracted position. This feature prevents product leaks when the module 1 is not in use.

According to embodiments of the invention, shown for example in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 9 to 13, the piston 4 has a cylindrical shape, and comprises a slot 16 of cylindrical shape extending over a complete circumference of the piston 4. The length of the slot 16 along the longitudinal axis of the piston is chosen according to the desired product flow rate. Indeed, the longer the slot 16, the greater the quantity of product that will pass from the reservoir 5 to the slot 16 during the stroke of the piston 4. This characteristic therefore makes it possible to adjust the product flow rate. This characteristic also makes it possible, when adjusting the output of the needle 2, to automatically increase the quantity of ink.

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in the , the piston 4 has a cylindrical shape, and comprises several slots 16 ₁ to 16 _n , n being a positive integer. The slots 16 ₁ to 16 _n each have a substantially rectangular shape and are of different dimensions. The slots 16 ₁ to 16 _n are arranged at different positions on a circumference of the piston 4. The number of slots 16 ₁ to 16 _n is for example four. This number is not limiting.

When the piston 4 has several slots 16 ₁ to 16 _n , the piston 4 is rotatable about its axis, to allow the selection of the slot 16 ₁ to 16 _n to be used for the product supply. The rotation of the piston 4 can be carried out manually. The slot 16 ₁ to 16 _n which will be located at the right of the port 11 during the stroke of the piston 4 is called the "slot to be used". This feature makes it possible to adjust the product flow rate even more precisely, and to modify this flow rate during the tattooing process.

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in the , the module 1 comprises several needles 2 ₁ to 2 _m , m being a positive integer, arranged in the same plane. The piston 4 here comprises a slot 16 of substantially rectangular shape, arranged so as to be at right angles to the port 11 in the first intermediate feed zone. As described above, the dimensions of the slot 16 are chosen according to the desired product flow rate.

The attachment of the needle 2 to the piston 4 can be carried out by inserting the proximal end of the needle 2 into the piston 4, along its longitudinal axis. A bonding of the proximal end into the piston 4 can further be carried out.

Other means may be used to make the needle 2 and the piston 4 integral in translation. For example, in the case of several needles 2 ₁ to 2 _m arranged in the same plane, a fixing member 17 ( ) can be provided to receive the proximal end of each needle 2 ₁ to 2 _m . The fixing member 17 is then fixed to the piston 4.

4. Front room

The front chamber 8 of the channel 6 is located downstream of the light 11, and extends to the vicinity of the free end 7 of the channel 6.

The downstream part of channel 6, in which the distal end of needle 2 is located when it is in the retracted position, is called the “front chamber”.

The front chamber 8 extends over a sufficient length of the channel 6 so that the slot 16 of the piston 4 is located in the front chamber 8 when the piston 4 is located in a second intermediate product supply zone ( And ).

The front chamber 8 is arranged so as to allow the transfer of product from the slot 16 to the front chamber 8, when the piston 4 is located in the second intermediate product supply zone. For this, the front chamber 8 may have a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the piston 4, or may have longitudinal capillary grooves, for example.

The first and second intermediate product supply zones may be distinct. In this case, the second intermediate product supply zone is located downstream of the first intermediate product supply zone. In other words, in this case, the reservoir 5 supplies the slot 16 with product, then, after movement of the piston 4, the slot 16 supplies the front chamber 8 with product.

Alternatively, the first and second intermediate product supply zones may comprise an overlap zone. In this case, when the piston 4 is in the overlap zone, the reservoir 5 supplies the slot 16 with product, and, simultaneously, the slot 16 supplies the front chamber 8 with product.

The body 3 of the module 1 has, at the free end 7, the shape of an elongated spout 18. Here, a spout 18 whose ratio between the length and the diameter is greater than four is considered to be “elongated”. For example, the spout 18 has a diameter of approximately 1 mm and a length of approximately 4 mm. The use of an elongated spout 18 is made possible by the supply of product via a reservoir 5. The advantage of an elongated spout 18 is that it allows better control of the product flow rate and that it prevents product leaks through the free end 7.

A tube 29 can further be inserted into the channel 6, at the spout 18. The tube 29 can be made of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material, depending on the applications. The tube 29 can for example be made with a coating of Kollidon (registered trademark) or of plasma-treated silicone to manage the hydrophilidity (or hydrophilic character). The function of this tube 29 is to participate in controlling the flow rate of product at the free end 7 and to facilitate priming during the first use.

All parts in contact with the ink can undergo treatments to manage the hydrophilicity, always with the aim of facilitating priming or accelerating it.

5. Decompression chimney

As shown in particular in figures 7, 8 and 14, the module 1 may comprise one or more decompression chimneys 9, located downstream of the light 11.

The decompression chimney(s) 9 open into the front chamber 8.

The section of the or each chimney 9 may have a circular, rectangular or ovoid shape, for example.

The decompression chimney 9 is arranged so as to be located at right angles to the slot 16 when the piston 4 is in the second intermediate product supply zone.

The decompression chimney 9 makes it possible to manage pressure changes in the front chamber 8 due to the stroke of the piston 4 and/or the variation in the quantity of product present in the front chamber 8. The utility lies in the elimination of leaks generated by the excess pressures of the piston 4.

The decompression chimney 9 may comprise a set of grooves 20., to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the decompression chimney 9. This characteristic makes it possible to maintain and regulate any excess product in the chimney 9, thus avoiding a leak of product at the free end 7, and to release the product, due to gravity, when necessary. The grooves are for example, oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis of the decompression chimney 9.

As shown in the figures, the decompression chimney 9 can be integrated into the tank 5. In this case, the shape of the cover 14 can be adapted to close the filling opening 10 while leaving the upper end of the chimney 9 free, as can be seen in the figure. .

The shape of the slot 16, in combination with the light 11, must allow the channel 6 to be supplied with ink when the piston 4 is activated, while allowing air to return to the reservoir 5, in the case where the latter is hermetically sealed. This air return, coming from the chimney 9, prevents the reservoir 5 from ceasing to supply the system with ink due to an internal depression in the latter.

6. Removable cartridge

Referring to Figures 9 to 12, an embodiment is described below in which the reservoir is removable. Such a reservoir is herein referred to as a removable cartridge 105.

The function of the cartridge 105 is identical to the function of the reservoir 5, namely to allow the supply of product.

The removable cartridge 105 comprises a fixing member 121 for fixing the removable cartridge 105 to the distribution module 1. The fixing member 121 comprises, for example, clipping means 122, intended to be clipped onto the body 3 of the distribution module 1.

The removable cartridge 105 further comprises a connection member 123 of the cartridge 105 to the channel 6, so as to allow the flow of product from a port 111 of the cartridge 105 to the channel 6, when the cartridge 105 is mounted on the dispensing module 1.

The connection member 123 comprises a closing element 124 of the light 111, movable between a closed position, in which it closes the light 111, and an open position, in which it releases the light 111.

The shutter element 124 is moved from the closed position to the open position when the removable cartridge 105 is mounted on the distribution module 1. This movement can be carried out automatically at the time of mounting.

For this, the closure element 124 may for example have the shape of a rod, which is pushed back by a spring 125 towards the closed position. Thus, in the absence of additional force exerted on the spring 125, the closure element 124 is in the closed position. This position makes it possible in particular to prevent product leaks when the cartridge 105 is not used. Then, when mounting the cartridge 105, the cooperation between the rod 124 and the body 3 of the dispensing module 1 compresses the spring 125, thus causing the closure element 124 to move towards the open position.

The compression of the spring 125 is for example obtained by a cooperation between a protrusion arranged on the lower part of the rod 124 and a protrusion of the body 3 of the distribution module 1, this cooperation forcing a movement of the rod 124 upwards.

The shutter element 124 then remains in the open position as long as the cartridge 105 is mounted on the module 1, because the clipping means 122 hold the entire cartridge 105 in position.

Similar to what has been described for the tank 5, the removable cartridge 105 may include a stopper 127 and/or a cover, to open and close its filling opening 110.

The removable cartridge has an air inlet hole 126, to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the removable cartridge 105, even in the presence of a stopper 127 or a cover on the filling opening 110.

The sealing element 124 may be arranged to seal the air inlet hole 126 when it is in the closed position, and to release the air inlet hole 126 when it is in the open position. This feature prevents leakage when the cartridge 105 is not in use.

The sealing element 124 may further comprise means 132 for distributing the product in the cartridge 105, by capillarity. The distribution means 132 comprise fins 133. The distribution means 132 make it possible to improve the regulation of the flow rate.

It should be noted that a removable cartridge 105 can be placed on different distribution modules 1, more precisely distribution modules 1 having needles 2 of different shapes. The same cartridge 105 can for example first be placed on a distribution module 1 having a needle 2 specific to the production of fine lines, then the same cartridge 105 can be placed on a distribution module 1 having a needle 2 specific to the production of large surfaces and/or shading.

The use of 105 cartridges also allows the installation of pre-filled cartridges, without it being necessary for these cartridges to be filled by the user himself.

7. Operation

The operation of distribution module 1 is described below.

The distribution module 1 is placed on the actuation module. Then, the motor of the actuation module is started.

When the distribution module 1 is used in a normal operating mode, the assembly formed by the piston 4 and the needle 2 moves longitudinally in the channel 6, under the effect of the actuation module, in a back-and-forth movement, between the retracted position and the extended position.

Use begins with a priming phase, which consists of transferring enough product into the front chamber 8, so that the needle 2 can then collect some with each pass, and bring it to the person's skin.

In the retracted position ( ), the slot 16 is upstream of the port 11, 111 of the reservoir 5, 105. When the piston 4 is moved to the extended position, the slot 16 enters the first intermediate supply zone ( ). As a result, the reservoir 5, 105 supplies the slot 16 with product.

Then, when the piston 4 continues to be moved towards the extended position, the slot 16 enters the second intermediate supply zone ( And ). The product contained in slot 16 is then released into the front chamber 8.

After one or a few back and forths, the front chamber 8 contains enough product for the tattoo to begin.

To facilitate the priming of the distribution module 1, a small quantity of product can be manually placed in the chimney 9. In combination or instead, grooves 30, 34 ( ) may be provided on the front part of the piston 4 and/or on the internal wall of the front chamber 8, to facilitate the advancement of the product in the front chamber 8.

At this stage, the assembly formed by the piston 4 and the needle 2 continues to move longitudinally in the channel 6, under the effect of the actuation module, between the retracted position and the extended position.

At each return stroke, in parallel with filling the front chamber 8 via the slot 16, the needle 2 takes a small quantity of ink, which it can then deposit under the skin of the tattooed person, in a conventional manner.

In each cycle, product is thus brought into the front chamber 8, and needle 2 collects some.

The assembly formed by the slot 16 of the piston 4 and the port 11, 111 thus forms an automatic valve. The term “automatic” refers to the fact that the valve is automatically actuated by the actuating module, between a closed position, in which the piston 4 closes the port 11, 111 of the reservoir 5, 105, and an open position, in which product can be conveyed to the front of the channel 6 via the slot 16. The automatic valve makes it possible to control and regulate the flow rate of product.

When module 1 includes a decompression chimney 9, this allows the quantity of product recovered by needle 2 to be regulated even more precisely. In fact, any excess product is pushed into chimney 8, rather than towards the front of channel 6, which prevents any excess pressure, and therefore any leakage.

When the chimney 9 has streaks 20, the excess ink is further retained by capillarity in the chimney 9, until the force of gravity is greater than the capillarity force.

The position of the slot 16 is adapted so that product cannot flow towards the rear of the module 1 during the return stroke of the piston 4. A nozzle 31 can nevertheless be provided to prevent any leakage towards the rear of the module 1, in the event that a small quantity of product is drawn towards the rear of the module 1 via the slot 16.

When product is to be added to the reservoir 5, 105, for example because the contents thereof have been used, the product can simply be added through the opening 10, 110 of the reservoir 5, 105, either by removing the cap 127 and pouring product into the reservoir 5, 105, or by removing or piercing the cover 14. The quantity of product introduced can be chosen so as to correspond substantially to the quantity of product required for the chosen product, for example the chosen colour, which avoids waste.

In the case of a 105 cartridge, this can alternatively be changed, i.e. replaced by a new pre-filled 105 cartridge.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stroke of the piston 4 and needle 2 assembly can be adjusted by the actuation module, which makes it possible to manage the quantity of product dispensed.

Here, in a first mode of use of the distribution module 1, the stroke is between a first position, in which the slot 16 is upstream of the light 11, 111, and a second position, in which the slot 16 is in the front chamber 8. The first mode of use corresponds to the use of the reservoir 5, 105 to convey the product into the channel 6.

In a second mode of use, the stroke is between a first position identical to the first position described above and a second position in which the slot 16 is upstream of the front chamber 8.

In this case, the front chamber 8 is not supplied with product from the tank 5, 105. A product from an external tank can then be used.

The present invention enables a tattoo or permanent makeup apparatus to be used without having to regularly stop to add ink to the tattoo needle 2. It enables large areas to be marked easily and quickly and colors to be changed simply. It can also be used in two different modes, namely a mode in which ink from the reservoir 5, 105 is used, and another mode in which ink from an external reservoir is used. The mode selection can be done quickly and easily.

This is particularly interesting in the case where a significant part of a tattoo or make-up is made using one color while another part requires the use of another color or in the case where two colors must be used alternately. In such a case, it is not necessary to empty the integrated reservoir 5, 105, to clean it and to fill it with another color to make a small part of the tattoo or make-up. It is sufficient to close the reservoir 5, 105, that is to say to activate the second mode of use, then to use the device in a conventional way, by drawing ink with the needle 2 from an external reservoir.

When this part of the tattoo or makeup is finished, the reservoir 5, 105 can be reopened, i.e. activated in the first mode of use, and the ink from the integrated reservoir 5, 105 is used again.

By these different characteristics, the device is easier and more pleasant to use for the person who performs the makeup or tattoo. The same operations can be carried out in a significantly shorter time than with the devices of the prior art, which is interesting for the person who performs the tattoo, but especially for the person on whom the tattoo is performed. Indeed, a tattoo can be relatively painful, saving time when performing a tattoo implies greater comfort for the person on whom the tattoo is performed.

The dispensing module according to the present invention can be used in all kinds of positions limited by the reversal of the tank into the chimney, which allows permanent makeup or tattooing to be performed without either the person performing the tattoo or the person receiving it having to be placed in an uncomfortable position. Increasing the height of the tank and the chimney makes it possible to increase the admissible angles of use.

Furthermore, with the device of the invention, it is possible to add ink in a simple and practical manner into a reservoir 5, 105, the quantity of ink added corresponding to the needs and not to the capacity of the reservoir.

It is also possible to change the ink colour easily, which allows the same dispensing module 1 to be used for several colours. In addition, it is possible to use pre-filled cartridges, which avoids handling the ink. It is also possible to prevent the ink from remaining in the open air for a long time, which avoids the risk of contamination by an airborne pathogen.

The shapes proposed for module 1 are adapted to allow simple and rapid cleaning by dipping all or part of the distribution system in a cleaning liquid. It is therefore very easy to change color.

The apparatus described above is intended to be used for permanent makeup or tattooing. However, other applications are possible using a similar apparatus, for example the injection of a medical product, a cosmetic product, a hair product, or a veterinary product.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants. In particular, it is important to note that the different elements described above can be combined with each other differently from the embodiments that have been shown. For example, a decompression chimney can be combined with any form of slot(s).

Claims (22)

Dispensing module (1) for a device intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, said dispensing module being characterized in that it comprises:
- a channel (6),
- at least one needle (2), arranged in said channel,
- a piston (4), arranged in said channel (6), upstream of said needle (2), said needle (2) being integral in translation with said piston (4), the assembly formed by said needle (2) and said piston (4) being movable longitudinally in said channel (6) between a retracted position, in which a distal end of the needle (2) is located inside said channel (6), and an extended position, in which the distal end of the needle (2) protrudes from said channel (6),
- a product reservoir (5, 105), said reservoir comprising a port (11, 111) opening into said channel (6), and
- an automatic valve, said automatic valve being formed by the cooperation between at least one slot (16), arranged on the periphery of said piston (4), and said light (11, 111), said at least one slot (16) being arranged so as to be located at right angles to said light when said piston (4) is in a first intermediate product supply zone, located between the retracted position and the extended position, the light (11, 111) being closed by said piston (4) outside said first intermediate product supply zone. Dispensing module according to claim 1, comprising a front chamber (8), arranged in said channel (6), downstream of said light (11, 111), said slot (16) being able to be in said front chamber (8) when said piston (4) is in a second intermediate product supply zone. Distribution module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising one or more decompression chimney(s) (9), opening into said front chamber (8). Distribution module according to claim 3, in which said decompression chimney (9) comprises a set of grooves (20), to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the decompression chimney. Distribution module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said decompression chimney (8) is integrated into said tank (5). Distribution module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the cooperation of the slot (16) and the light (11, 111) further allows a return of air into the tank (5, 105). Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which said light (11) is closed by a plug (28) before use of said reservoir (5). Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which said piston (4) comprises at least one slot (16) having a constant shape extending over the entire circumference of the piston. Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said piston (4) has a cylindrical shape, said piston comprising several slots (16 ₁ to 16 _n ) of different dimensions, arranged at different positions on the circumference of the piston, the piston being movable in rotation about its axis, to allow the selection of the slot (16) to be used for the product supply. Dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising several needles (2 ₁ to 2 _m ) arranged in the same plane, said slot (16) having a substantially rectangular shape and being arranged on said piston (4) so as to be located at right angles to said port (11, 111) when said piston is located in said first intermediate product supply zone. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the reservoir (5, 105) comprises a bottom (12), the reservoir and/or said bottom being inclined relative to the axis of said channel (6). Distribution module according to claim 11, wherein the angle of inclination between the bottom (12) of said reservoir (5, 105) and the axis of said channel (6) is between 5° and 55°. Dispensing module according to claim 11 or 12, in which the bottom (12) of the reservoir (5, 105) comprises a set of grooves (13), to allow, by capillarity, the rise of product in the bottom of said reservoir. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the reservoir (105) is removable. Dispensing module according to claim 14, wherein said removable reservoir (105) comprises a connecting member (123) for said removable reservoir to said dispensing module, said connecting member comprising a closing element (124) for said light (111), movable between a closed position, in which the closing element (124) closes said light (111), and an open position, in which the closing element (124) releases said light (111), the closing element being moved from said closed position to said open position when said removable reservoir (105) is mounted on said dispensing module. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which said reservoir (5, 105) comprises means (132) for distributing the product in said reservoir. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 16, in which said reservoir (5, 105) comprises a cap (127), removably mounted on a filling opening (10) of said reservoir (5, 105). Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in which said reservoir (5, 105) comprises a cover (14), making it possible to close a filling opening (10) of said reservoir (5, 105). Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 18, in which said reservoir (5, 105) comprises an air inlet hole (126). A distribution module according to claim 15 taken in combination with claim 19, wherein said sealing element (124) is arranged to seal the air inlet hole (126) when it is in said closed position, said sealing element (124) being arranged to release the air inlet hole (126) when it is in said open position. Distribution module according to any one of claims 1 to 20, in which the front part of said channel (6) has the shape of an elongated spout (18). Apparatus intended for the application of a coloring product for permanent makeup or tattooing, this apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a dispensing module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and a module for actuating the needle (2) of the dispensing module.