METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MIXING COMPONENTS TO PRODUCE A PERSONALIZED PRODUCT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing device and a method for homogeneously mixing components, preferably cosmetic, for the manufacture of a personalized, preferably cosmetic, product.

[0002] The invention relates firstly to a mixing device 51 of at least two components according to claim 1, the mixing device 51 comprising a first receptacle 52 and a second receptacle 53 each provided a. of at least one orifice 110 connected by a conduit 55 and provided with a device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the receptacles 52 and 53, so as to transfer the contents of said first receptacle 52 or said second receptacle 53 into the other receptacle 52 or 53 via the orifices 110 and the conduit 55. b. of pistons 50 capable of being driven by opposite movements so as to transfer the contents of one of said first receptacle 52 or second receptacle 53 into the other receptacle 52 or 53 via the orifices 110 and the conduit 55; c. of at least one inlet orifice X for the first receptacle 52 and of at least one inlet orifice X' for the second receptacle 53 allowing the entry of the at least two components; said mixing device not comprising an additional outlet orifice, one of the inlet orifices X allowing both the inlet of at least one component and the outlet of the mixture of at least two components obtained.

[0003] Document US 6,062,722 A discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] By device for alternately varying the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and the second receptacle 53, is meant according to the present invention a device for increasing the available volume of the first receptacle 52 when the volume of the second receptacle 53 decreases and vice versa. Preferably according to the invention, such a device comprises pistons 50, capable of being driven in opposite movements to vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and the second receptacle 53. Advantageously according to the invention, said device consists of rollers driven by a motor which alternately crush the first receptacle 52 and the second receptacle 53, said first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 then being made of a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic bag.

[0005] Preferably, the device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one inlet orifice X is included in the first receptacle 52 and is intended for the inlet of at least one active cosmetic component and in that at least one other inlet orifice X' is included in the second receptacle 53 and is intended for the inlet of at least one basic cosmetic component and for the outlet of the mixture of at least 2 cosmetic components obtained, said inlet and outlet orifice X being named X'.

[0006] By components is meant according to the present invention liquids of viscosity which can be of different viscosities and which can range from 1 centipoise or 1 mPa.S (such as water for example) to 500,000 mPa.s (such as butter at 10°C, viscosity measured with Brookfield DVIII Ultra, needle F, Speed ​​1.5), as well as powders, the maximum particle size of which is defined by the size of the inlet orifices X and X' and the orifices 110, so as not to block them. Preferably, at least one compound is selected in liquid form.This may for example be a mixture of liquid paint and powder pigments, a mixture of hair coloring precursor, for example an oxidant, a base and a coupler to obtain a hair coloring composition, a mixture of two cosmetic foundations of different colors to obtain a foundation of the desired color, a mixture of a cosmetic cream base and one or more active ingredients, or a mixture of a food sauce base and a liquid flavoring, or a mixture of a food alcohol, a fruit juice and a food syrup or liqueur for making a cocktail.

[0007] Advantageously according to the invention, the at least two components are at least two cosmetic components, preferably at least one basic component and at least one, two, three, four, five, or at least six active components. Particularly preferably, the at least two components are at least one basic component and at least one, two, or three active components.

[0008] A "base component" means a cosmetic component whose purpose is to provide a particular texture (cream, serum, oil, etc.) to the cosmetic product. It may be a single ingredient (e.g. sweet almond oil) or several ingredients (e.g. water, sweet almond oil and an emulsifier) ​​to obtain said particular texture.

[0009] By "active component" we mean a cosmetic component whose purpose is to provide at least one particular activity (anti-aging, moisturizing, antioxidant, etc.). It may be a single active ingredient or several active ingredients combined to obtain said particular activity.

[0010] The mixing device according to the invention then makes it possible to obtain, in a rapid time, preferably less than 30 seconds, even more preferably less than 15 seconds, a mixture of at least two components, preferably cosmetic, which is perfectly homogeneous, even if it is prepared in small quantities (typically of the order of cm 3< or less), all while benefiting from a very small footprint and great robustness in use. In particular, this mixing device, integrated into a manufacturing and distribution device, makes it possible to produce a product, preferably cosmetic, personalized with the same characteristics.

[0011] Advantageously, the mixing device according to the invention comprises a reduced number of orifices, making it possible to limit the number of orifices to be cleaned and the risks of occlusion. Thus, this mixing device does not comprise a dedicated outlet orifice, but one of the inlet orifices X' allows both the entry of at least one component and the exit of the mixture of at least two components obtained.

[0012] The receptacles of the mixing device according to the invention can be of various shapes, cylindrical, oval, cubic, spherical, rectangular. Preferably, these receptacles are of oval or cylindrical shape, which facilitates cleaning and makes it possible to obtain a more homogeneous mixture.

[0013] Oval-shaped receptacles have the technical advantage of a smaller mixing device than cylindrical receptacles. They therefore also make it possible to obtain a cosmetic product manufacturing and dispensing device with a smaller footprint than with other shapes such as a cylindrical shape.

[0014] These receptacles must each have an orifice 110 and a conduit 55 connecting them in order to allow the mixing of at least two components. However, there is no technical constraint on the position of these receptacles relative to each other, these receptacles being able to be, for example, spaced apart, superimposed, placed face to face or parallel.

[0015] Furthermore, the conduit 55 can be formed by a valve 57 connecting the two orifices and making it possible to open and close said orifices.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the receptacles of the mixing device may be flexible bags. These bags are preferably made of flexible plastic, in particular elastic.

[0017] Preferably according to the invention, the inlet orifice X is included in the first receptacle 52 and is intended for the inlet of at least one active cosmetic component and the inlet orifice X' is included in the second receptacle 53 and is intended for the inlet of at least one basic cosmetic component and for the outlet of the mixture of at least 2 cosmetic components obtained.

[0018] Preferably according to the invention, said device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and of the second receptacle 53, preferably said pistons 50, are driven by an actuator.

[0019] Also, the mixing device according to the invention comprises at least one valve 57. The mixing device according to the invention comprises at least a first main valve 56 and a second main valve 56' and at least one auxiliary valve 57. The valves are each provided with two holes. The device comprises a first main valve 56 and a second main valve 56' and an auxiliary valve 57 each provided with two holes.

[0020] These at least three valves 56, 56' and 57 thus pierced make it possible in particular to ensure the cleaning of said device without it being necessary to add a water pump, nor nozzles powered by said water pump to bring water into the device. It is the mixing device which will itself suck up the water necessary for its cleaning, thanks to said valves and the piston, in a self-cleaning step.

[0021] Particularly preferably according to the invention, the valves, and in particular the at least 3 valves 56, 56' and 57 of the mixing device according to the invention are diaphragm valves, slide valves, pinch valves, knife gate valves or ball valves, preferably slide valves.

[0022] Such valves make it possible to optimize the sealing of the device, and to obtain very good sealing, notably considerably improved compared to the use of other valves conventionally used by those skilled in the art, in particular slide valves. This improved sealing allows the self-cleaning step of the mixing device 51, without a water pump, with all the required sealing.

[0023] The mixing device according to the invention comprises an auxiliary valve 57 provided with at least two holes sliding in a conduit provided in the mixing device and said valve 57 is capable of being driven in translation by a rack system 61, actuated by a motor 62, and capable of controlling the flow between said first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53.

[0024] The use of racks makes it possible to drive said valves in a translational movement, while keeping the device minimally bulky.

[0025] The first main valve 56 has 2 holes, sliding in a conduit arranged in the mixing device, one of the holes allowing access to the cleaning water in order to allow the water to enter the mixing device 51 for cleaning said device (this is then referred to as a valve 56 in the washing position), and the other hole allowing access to the hollow needle, either to allow a component, preferably an active ingredient component, to enter said mixing device, or to allow the cleaning water to exit through the hollow needle and thus clean it (this is then referred to as a valve 56 in the open position).

[0026] The second main valve 56' has 2 holes, sliding in a conduit provided in the mixing device, one of the holes allowing access to the component, preferably the base component, and the other hole allowing access to the nozzle for supplying the product thus obtained by mixing, preferably the personalized cosmetic product.

[0027] A second subject of the present invention relates to a device for the manufacture and distribution of a personalized cosmetic product, said product being manufactured by mixing at least two cosmetic components characterized by the fact that said device comprises a mixing device 51 according to the invention.

[0028] The device for manufacturing and dispensing a personalized cosmetic product according to the invention comprises, in addition to the mixing device 51, at least two containers (11, 103) respectively housing each of the at least two cosmetic components. This manufacturing and dispensing device advantageously comprises as many containers as there are cosmetic components. Preferably, the active components are contained in the containers (103) and the basic components are contained in the containers (11). Also advantageously, the containers of the basic components comprise an outlet orifice.

[0029] As a means of transferring the component, preferably the active cosmetic component, to said mixing device (51), the device according to the invention may comprise at least one first main valve 56 capable, in one of its positions, of placing a hollow needle 90 in communication with said mixing device, in one of its positions of obstructing the orifice of the mixing device during the mixing phase, in another of its positions of placing the washing channel in communication with the mixing device and at least one second main valve 56' capable of supplying said product, preferably cosmetic, to a user via a supply nozzle.

[0030] Preferably according to the invention, the device for manufacturing and dispensing a personalized cosmetic product further comprises a device for cleaning said mixing device comprising a. a water tank connected to the inlet orifice X, allowing the water to enter the first receptacle 52 of the mixing device 51, b. a gutter connecting the inlet and outlet orifice X' to a recovery tank allowing the water from the washing to be evacuated from the second receptacle 53, c. a hollow device Y of circular shape connecting the inlet orifice X to a recovery tank for the water from the washing to be evacuated from the first receptacle 52.

[0031] Similarly, the present invention will refer to cleaning or washing.

[0032] Advantageously, the cleaning water may be preheated for better cleaning, or may be replaced or supplemented with a cleaning agent such as an antibacterial agent and / or a detergent. The cleaning water may, for example, be supplemented with soda, and the device may then be rinsed in an additional step with clean water.

[0033] A third subject of the present invention relates to a method for the manufacture by mixing at least two cosmetic components and the distribution of a personalized cosmetic product, said method comprising the steps of: bringing to a mixing device 51 according to the present invention at least one basic cosmetic component in the second receptacle 53 through the orifice X'; passing by the movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the movement of the pistons 50, said basic cosmetic component from the second receptacle 53 to the first receptacle 52 through the conduit 55 connecting the two orifices 110; carrying out a degassing of the first receptacle 52 by a movement of the piston 50 so as to exit the air present in the first receptacle 52 through the orifice X; bringing to said mixing device 51 at least one active cosmetic component in the first receptacle 52 through the orifice X;producing a homogeneous mixture of the cosmetic components by actuating the motor 62 so as to alternately pass, by the movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the opposite movement of the pistons 50, the components of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 through the conduit 55 connecting the two orifices 110, ending with said mixture of the cosmetic components in the second receptacle 53; dispensing the cosmetic product thus produced to the user by a movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the movement of the piston 50 so as to output said cosmetic product through the orifice X' to the user; optionally washing the mixing device by a cleaning step. ;

[0034] The volume of personalized cosmetic product obtained by the invention may be for one dose for one use, for example immediate by the user, or several doses, for several uses, in which case the product may be stored in a container by the consumer. In the case where the volume of cosmetic product is one dose, it will typically be a volume of the order of ml, and in the particular case of a cosmetic product for the face a volume of approximately 1 ml.In this case of a cosmetic product volume of 1 ml, the volume of the conduit 55 in the valve 57 can be of the order of 0.05 ml, and it will be advantageous to carry out at least 3, advantageously 3 to 6, back and forth movements of the cosmetic components between the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 (by actuating the motor 62 so as to alternately pass, by the movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the opposite movement of the pistons 50, the components of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 through the conduit 55 connecting the two orifices 110) in order to allow a homogeneous mixture of the cosmetic components to be produced.

[0035] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which: There figure 1is a front face view of the mixing device 51 without the pistons. The figure 2 is a rear face view of the mixing device 51. The figure 2' is a 3 / 4 rear face view of the mixing device 51. The figure 3 and 3' represent the first main valve 56 and the second main valve 56' and an auxiliary valve 57, from the front ( figure 3 ) and rear face ( figure 3' ). We can see on the figure 3 , the first valve 56, the open positions allowing access of the cosmetic component into the first receptacle 52, and the washing position allowing access to the cleaning water. figure 4 represents, in perspective, the entire mixing device on the front face, the pistons and the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 being represented in transparency. Figure 5 represents, in perspective, the entire mixing device from the rear face. The figure 6represents the circular hollow device for cleaning (shown in horizontal section at the top of the photo, shown closed as used in the device according to the invention at the bottom of the photo). On the left we can see the tip for inserting the hollow needle 90 and with the white arrow the path of the water inside the device Y for cleaning the inside of the hollow needle 90, then passing back after the elbow, the outside of the hollow needle 90 (at the point where the white arrow crosses) The figure 7 represents the circular hollow device for cleaning with the hollow needle inserted inside, in the cleaning position (Y shown closed as used in the device according to the invention at the bottom of the photo). The figure 8represents the circular hollow device for cleaning with the hollow needle inserted inside, in the cleaning position (shown in horizontal section. The hollow needle 90 can be seen inside the device Y). The figure 9 is a view of the mixing device (51) and the pistons (50) in action, the piston (50).

[0036] Advantageously, the method for manufacturing by mixing at least two cosmetic components and dispensing a personalized cosmetic product, comprises the steps of: Put the second valve 56' in the open position using the motor 62 so as to bring to a mixing device 51 at least one basic cosmetic component in the second receptacle 53 through the orifice X'; put the second valve 56' in the closed position using the motor 62 making it possible to close the orifice X'; put the valve 57 in the open position using the motor 62, making it possible to open the two orifices 110; Actuate the motor 62 so as to pass, by the movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the movement of the pistons 50, said basic cosmetic component from the second receptacle 53 to the first receptacle 52 through the conduit 55 connecting the two orifices 110; put the valve 57 in the closed position using the motor 62, making it possible to close the two orifices 110;putting the first valve 56 in the open position using the motor 62 so as to open the orifice X and degas the first receptacle 52 by a movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by a movement of the piston 50 so as to release air present in the first receptacle 52 through the orifice X; bringing to said mixing device 51 at least one active cosmetic component into the first receptacle 52 through the orifice X with the first valve 56 in the open position using the motor 62; bringing the first main valve 56 and the second main valve 56' into the closed position using the motor 62 so as to close the orifices X and X';bringing the valve 57 to the open position using the motor 62 so as to open the orifices 110 and the conduit 55; producing a homogeneous mixture of the cosmetic components by actuating the motor 62 so as to alternately pass, by the movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the opposite movement of the pistons 50, the components of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 through the conduit 55 connecting the two orifices 110, ending with said mixture of the cosmetic components in the second receptacle 53; bringing the valve 57 to the closed position and bringing the second valve 56' to the open position using the motor 62 so as to open the orifice X';dispensing the cosmetic product thus manufactured to the user by a movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the movement of the piston 50 so as to release said cosmetic product through the orifice X' to the user; optionally washing the mixing device by a cleaning step.;

[0037] Advantageously, the cleaning step of the process comprises the following step(s): a first step of washing the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, the orifices X and X', the interior of the first main valve 56 and the second main valve 56' and the conduit 55 preferably included in the valve 57 comprising the following steps: ∘ putting the first valve 56 in the washing position using the motor 62, allowing the orifice X to be opposite the washing water tank; ∘ sucking water located in the washing water tank through the orifice X to the first receptacle 52;∘ put the first valve 56 in the closed position, put the auxiliary valve 57 in the open position using the motor 62, ∘ operate the motor so as to alternately pass the water by the movement of the device making it possible to alternately vary the available volume of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53, preferably by the opposite movement of the pistons 50, of the first receptacle 52 and second receptacle 53 through the conduit 55, preferably included in the valve 57 connecting the two orifices 110, then finish with the cleaning water in the second receptacle 53, ∘ put the valve 57 in the closed position to close the orifices 110 ∘ put the second valve 56' in the open position ∘ evacuate the water from the washing through the orifice X' to a recovery tank;a second step of washing the first receptacle 52, the orifice X and the inside and outside of the hollow needle 90 comprising the following steps: ∘ putting the valve 57 in the closed position to close the orifices 110; ∘ putting the first valve 56 in the washing position using the motor 62, allowing the orifice X to be connected to the washing water tank; ∘ sucking water located in the washing water tank through the orifice X to the first receptacle 52; ∘ putting the first valve 56 in the open position allowing the orifice X to be connected to the hollow needle 90;∘ insert the hollow needle 90 into the circular hollow device Y connecting the inlet orifice X to a water recovery tank ∘ evacuate the water through the orifice X and the hollow needle 90 through the hollow device Y making it possible to clean the orifice X then the inside of the hollow needle 90, then the outside of the hollow needle 90, the water returning to the device Y on the outside of the hollow needle 90 before being evacuated to a tank for recovering the water from the washing;

Claims

1. Device (51) for mixing at least two components, comprising a first container (52) and a second container (53), each provided with a. at least one opening (110), connected by a duct and provided with a device for alternately varying the available volume of the first container (52) and the second container (53), so as to transfer the contents of one of said first container (52) or second container (53) into the other first container (52) or second container (53) through the openings (110) and said duct; b. at least one inlet opening (X) for the first container (52) and at least one inlet opening (X') for the second container (53), allowing the inlet of the at least two components; said mixing device not comprising an additional outlet opening, one of the inlet openings (X, X') allowing both the inlet of at least one component and the outlet of the obtained mixture of the at least two components, said mixing device (51) being characterized in that it comprises at least a first main valve (56) and a second main valve (56') and at least one auxiliary valve (57), said valves (56, 56', 57) sliding in ducts provided in the mixing device; said first valve (56) having two bores, one of the bores allowing access for cleaning water, and the other bore allowing access for a hollow needle, either to penetrate a component, or to let cleaning water out through the hollow needle, thereby cleaning it; said second valve (56') having two bores, one of the bores allowing access to the component, and the other bore allowing access to a nozzle for supplying the product thus obtained by mixing; said auxiliary valve (57) being provided with at least two bores, and being suitable for being translated by a system of racks (61) which are actuated by a motor (62), and being capable of controlling the flow between said first container (52) and second container (53).

2. Mixing device (51) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers are oval or cylindrical in shape.

3. Mixing device (51) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inlet opening (X) is included in the first container (52) and is intended for the inlet of the at least one active cosmetic component and in that at least one other inlet opening (X') is included in the second container (53) and is intended for the inlet of the at least one base cosmetic component and for the outlet of the obtained mixture of the at least 2 cosmetic components.

4. Mixing device (51) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves are diaphragm valves, slide valves, pinch valves, knife gate valves or ball valves.

5. Device for producing and dispensing a customized cosmetic product, said product being produced by mixing at least two cosmetic components, characterized in that said device comprises a mixing device (51) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. Device for producing and dispensing a customized cosmetic product according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a device for cleaning said mixing device comprising a. a water reservoir which is connected to the inlet opening (X), allowing water to enter the first container (52) of the mixing device (51), b. a gutter which connects the inlet and outlet opening (X') to a collecting tank for draining the washing water from the second container (53), c. a circular hollow device (Y) which connects the inlet opening (X) to a washing water collecting tank for draining washing water from the first container (52).

7. Method for producing, by mixing at least two cosmetic components, and dispensing a customized cosmetic product, said method comprising the steps consisting of: • introducing, to a mixing device (51) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one base cosmetic component into the second container (53) via the opening (X'); • transferring, by the movement of the device which allows the available volume of said first container (52) and said second container (53) to be varied alternately, preferably by the movement of the pistons (50), said base cosmetic component from the second container (53) to the first container (52) through the duct which connects the two openings (110); • removing gas from the first container (52), by a movement of the device which allows the available volume of said first container (52) and said second container (53) to be varied alternately, preferably by the movement of the piston (50) so as to remove air present in the first container (52) through the opening (X); • introducing, to said mixing device (51), at least one active cosmetic component into the first container (52) via the opening (X); • achieving a homogeneous mixture of the cosmetic components by actuating the motor (62) so as to alternately transfer, by the movement of the device which allows the available volume of said first container (52) and said second container (53) to be varied alternately, preferably by the opposing movement of the pistons (50), the components of said first container (52) and second container (53) through said duct which connects the two openings (110), ending with said mixture of the cosmetic components in the second container (53); • dispensing the cosmetic product thus produced to the user, by a movement of the device which allows the available volume of said first container (52) and said second container (53) to be varied alternately, preferably by a movement of the piston (50) so as to dispense said cosmetic product through the opening (X') to the user; • optionally washing the mixing device in a cleaning step.