Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device, and associated method

Abstract

Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device, and associated method The head comprises a support (48) and a closure element (46) retained in the support (48) by a deformable assembly (82). The closure element (46) is movable in the support (48) between: - a closure position, in which the closure element (46) is arranged against a nozzle (42) to block a dispensing orifice (44) and in which the deformable assembly (82) is in a configuration for retaining the closure element (46) against the nozzle (42), and - a product passage position, in which the closure element (46) is arranged away from the nozzle (42) to release the dispensing orifice (44) and in which the deformable assembly (82) is held in a deformed configuration by the movable closure element (46).The region of the tip (42) defining the dispensing orifice (44) is non-deformable during movement of the closure element (46) between the closure position and the product passage position. Figure for the abstract: figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device, and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic product dispensing head, intended to be mounted on a cosmetic product reservoir, the dispensing head comprising:

[0002] - a tip having a region defining at least one dispensing orifice of product ;

[0003] - a support mounted in the end piece, the support and the end piece defining at least one product circulation channel connected to the dispensing orifice;

[0004] - a closing element for the dispensing orifice, mounted in the support.

[0005] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0006] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0007] To dispense a cosmetic product from a reservoir containing it, it is for example known to arrange a dispensing mechanism on the reservoir.

[0008] The dispensing mechanism typically comprises a dip tube dipping into the product to the bottom of the reservoir. To dispense the product, the user creates an overpressure in the reservoir using a movable pusher associated with a pump or by exerting pressure on a wall of the reservoir, if the latter is deformable. This overpressure causes a dispensing of product from the reservoir to a dispensing orifice provided in the dispensing mechanism. During this movement, the product circulates through a dispensing conduit connected to the dip tube.

[0009] Such a dispensing mechanism is simple to use. However, it does not always give complete satisfaction, particularly in the case where the product dispensed is too viscous to be completely dispensed up to the dispensing orifice.

[0010] In this case, product is likely to stagnate at the dispensing orifice or in the dispensing conduit, once its dispensing is complete. The remaining product which is then in the dispensing conduit or possibly at its outlet, is subject to oxidation and drying and may form a residual solid which is not aesthetically pleasing.

[0011] This phenomenon also causes a risk of partial or total obstruction of the dispensing pipe. In addition, any remaining product may contaminate the product dispensed subsequently, particularly during the next dispensing, which affects user comfort, as the dispensing head may feel dirty and / or contaminated.

[0012] To overcome this problem, the user generally discards the first dose of product redistributed, which causes a loss of product.

[0013] To avoid the formation of a product residue after dispensing, WO01 / 83010 discloses a dispensing head mounted on a reservoir comprising a support on which a ball rests, the support comprising at least one product circulation channel opening into the reservoir.

[0014] The dispensing head further comprises a membrane defining a dispensing orifice. The membrane is elastically deformable between a closed position, in which the membrane rests on the ball and a dispensing position, in which, under the effect of a pressure of cosmetic product arriving from each circulation channel, the membrane moves away from the ball and opens a leakage path for the product, the leakage path extending to the dispensing orifice between the ball and the membrane.

[0015] Such a dispensing head is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the attachment of the elastically deformable membrane makes the assembly of the dispensing head complex. In addition, the membrane can be deformed by the user when it is applied to a body surface. The leak path is then likely to be modified or even blocked. The membrane is also often made of elastomer, which limits the recyclable nature of the dispensing head.

[0016] Finally, with such a dispensing head implementing an elastically deformable membrane, the interruption of the dispensing of the product and the closing of the dispensing orifice, under the effect of the elastic return of the membrane following the stopping of the arrival under pressure of the product, do not take place in a sufficiently clear and rapid manner, which induces a risk of inertial dispensing of the product after the stopping of the arrival under pressure of the product and thus difficulties in the precision of dosing of the dispensing of the product.

[0017] Other dispensing heads limiting product drying after dispensing are described in US3877619, KR910011482, KR20000030460, or KR100392469.

[0018] An aim of the invention is to propose a dispensing head which allows simple and effective dispensing of cosmetic product, allowing a sharp stop in the dispensing of product to promote dosage precision, while avoiding or significantly limiting the formation of a residue of product after dispensing from the dispensing head.

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to a cosmetic product dispensing head of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the support comprises an assembly deformable relative to the end piece, the deformable assembly being deformable between a retaining configuration and a deformed configuration, by being elastically biased towards its retaining configuration, the closure element being retained in the support by the deformable assembly,

[0020] the closure element being mounted to move in the support under the effect of a pressure of cosmetic product applied through the or each circulation channel on the movable closure element downstream of the deformable assembly, between:

[0021] - a closing position, in which the movable closing element is arranged pressing against the nozzle to block the dispensing orifice and in which the deformable assembly is in a retaining configuration to keep the movable closure element pressing against the nozzle; and

[0022] - a product passage position, in which the movable closure element is arranged away from the tip to free the dispensing orifice and allow the dispensing of product through the dispensing orifice and in which the deformable assembly is maintained in the deformed configuration by the movable closure element;

[0023] the region of the tip defining the dispensing orifice being non-deformable during movement of the movable closure element between the closure position and the product passage position.

[0024] The dispensing head according to the invention allows a clean stoppage of the dispensing of product when the pressure of the cosmetic product decreases due to its dispensing, while preventing the presence of product between the closure element and the tip at the dispensing orifice, when the closure element is in the closure position.

[0025] Indeed, when the pressure applied to the cosmetic product decreases, the deformable assembly is immediately urged from its deformed configuration to its retaining configuration. This consequently moves the closure element to its closure position to quickly plug the dispensing orifice.

[0026] Thus, no residual product is present in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice and is not likely to dry out or oxidize on contact with outside air after dispensing.

[0027] In addition, since the region of the tip defining the dispensing orifice is not deformed during the movement of the closure element between the closure position and the product passage position, reliable and reproducible operation of the application head by the user is ensured, even when the tip is applied to a body surface or when the cosmetic product is grasped on the tip by the user's fingers.

[0028] Such a head fits any type of pumping assembly that can be mounted on a container, and also to containers without a pumping unit.

[0029] The tip with the dispensing orifice is visible and easily accessible to the user, while being compact.

[0030] According to one variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0031] - the support defines a barrel extending around a central distribution axis, the barrel having an internal volume receiving at least in part the movable sealing element and the deformable assembly, the or each circulation channel extending axially along the barrel outside the internal volume.

[0032] The presence of a barrel extending around a central distribution axis ensures precise guidance of the movable closure element under the effect of the deformation of the deformable assembly. This is obtained without disturbing the circulation of cosmetic product which takes place outside the barrel through the or each circulation channel extending axially along the barrel.

[0033] According to a variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0034] - the barrel has at least one product passage window connecting the volume internal, upstream of the deformable assembly, to the or each circulation channel.

[0035] The or each passage window ensures easy fluid communication between the internal volume of the barrel and the or each circulation channel, upstream of the deformable assembly, which minimizes the interaction between the cosmetic product and the closure element in the barrel.

[0036] According to a variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0037] - the barrel and the deformable assembly are made in one piece.

[0038] Thus, the barrel and the deformable assembly are made from a single piece, which facilitates the assembly of the dispensing head and reduces its cost. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a metal part or part in another material to produce the deformable assembly, which simplifies manufacturing by limiting the number of referenced parts, while increasing the recyclable nature of the dispensing head.

[0039] According to a variant, the distribution head comprises the following characteristic:

[0040] - the or each circulation channel extends between an upstream end and an upstream end downstream, the upstream end being intended to be connected to the tank, and the downstream end opening between the distribution orifice and the movable closure element, when the movable closure element is in the product passage position.

[0041] The arrangement of the downstream end of each circulation channel between the dispensing orifice and the closure element, when the closure element is in the product passage position, ensures that the product leaving each circulation channel causes the closure element to move towards its product passage position. The closure element thus moves away from the region of the nozzle defining the dispensing orifice creating a fluid communication between the downstream end of each circulation channel and the distribution orifice.

[0042] According to one variant, the dispensing head comprises one or more of the following characteristics:

[0043] - the deformable assembly has at least two delimited deformable regions between them by at least one through slot;

[0044] - the deformable assembly has at least three deformable regions defined by at least at least two intersecting through slots, preferably at least four deformable regions defined by two mutually perpendicular through slots.

[0045] The through slots simplify the production of the dispensing head, in particular to easily produce by molding a deformable assembly having a plurality of deformable regions applying a stress force to the closure element. Thus, the reliability of the movement of the closure element between the rest position and the deformed position is improved, in a simple and inexpensive manner to produce.

[0046] In particular, the through slots make the elastic return of the deformable assembly to its rest position more reliable, in particular without having to use elastomer material. The recyclability of the dispensing head is improved.

[0047] According to one variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0048] - the cumulative area of ​​the through slot(s) is less than the area of ​​the surface external of the movable sealing element intended to come into contact with the cosmetic product downstream of the or each product circulation channel.

[0049] The axial force exerted on the closure element by the fluid product at the downstream end of each circulation channel is then greater than the force exerted by the fluid product on the closure element at the through slots.

[0050] Such a difference allows the establishment of a difference in forces applied to the closure element due to the product pressure, causing a resultant of the forces directed downstream in projection on the axis of movement of the closure element and greater than the projection on this axis of the elastic stress force generated by the deformable assembly.

[0051] Thus, the movement of the closure element towards its passage position when the product is under pressure is ensured, despite the presence of the through slots.

[0052] According to a variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0053] - the or each deformable region has a thinned zone forming a hinge.

[0054] The thinned area facilitates the elastic return of each deformable region, while being simple to achieve. The recyclability of the dispensing head is also improved.

[0055] According to one variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0056] - the movable closure element is a ball.

[0057] The closure element in the form of a ball is easy to produce and assemble in the dispensing head. The spherical shape of the ball ensures a very reliable seal at the contact between the closure element and the tip.

[0058] According to a variant, the dispensing head comprises the following characteristic:

[0059] - the region defining the product dispensing orifice has a module Young's strength greater than 800 MPa and advantageously between 1000 MPa and 5000 MPa.

[0060] The Young's modulus is defined in this way to allow adequate rigidity of the tip, particularly when the closure element is moved, and when the user comes into contact with the tip.

[0061] The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic product reservoir and a dispensing head as defined above, mounted on the reservoir.

[0062] According to one variant, the packaging and dispensing device comprises one of the following characteristics:

[0063] - the reservoir defines an interior volume, the dispensing head being mounted mobile relative to the reservoir between a rest position and a product dispensing position, the packaging and dispensing device comprising a cosmetic product pumping assembly from the interior volume to the dispensing head, actuated by the movement of the dispensing head between the rest position and the product dispensing position;

[0064] - the tank comprises an elastically deformable external wall between a confi rest configuration and a deformed product distribution configuration, the external wall being elastically stressed towards the rest configuration, the packaging and distribution device advantageously being devoid of a pumping assembly.

[0065] The pumping assembly or the deformable external wall are configured to allow a user to easily create an overpressure in the reservoir. The movement of the cosmetic product to the dispensing head is therefore generated simply, in particular to each circulation channel, to allow the movement of the closure element between the closure position and the passage position.

[0066] The invention also relates to a method for dispensing a cosmetic product comprising the following steps:

[0067] - provision of a packaging and dispensing device as defined below high, the movable shutter element being in the shutter position;

[0068] - supply of cosmetic product under pressure from the reservoir through the or each circulation channel from the reservoir;

[0069] - under the effect of the pressure of cosmetic product coming from the or each channel circulation, applied to the movable closure element, deformation of the deformable assembly towards the deformed configuration and movement of the movable closure element towards the product passage position, without deformation of the region of the nozzle defining the dispensing orifice;

[0070] - distribution of the cosmetic product coming from the or each circulation channel to through the dispensing orifice;

[0071] - reduction of the pressure of the cosmetic product, elastic return of the assembly formable towards its rest position and movement of the movable shutter element towards the shutter position.

[0072] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is an elevation view of a first product packaging and dispensing device, provided with a product dispensing head according to the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view taken in section along a median axial plane of the distribution head of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the various components of the head of distribution of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view taken in cross-section along plane IV of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of a variant of the device of packaging and distribution according to the invention.

[0073] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view illustrating an alternative support for wedging of the movable closure element in a variant of the product dispensing head according to the invention.

[0074] In all that follows, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are generally understood in relation to the normal direction of circulation of a cosmetic product during its distribution.

[0075] A first device 10 for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention is illustrated by [Fig.l].

[0076] The first packaging and dispensing device 10 is intended for packaging and dispensing a fluid cosmetic product.

[0077] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product. The cosmetic product is, for example, a liquid, a gel, or a cream.

[0078] In the example illustrated by [Fig.l], the packaging and dis Tribution 10 comprises a reservoir 12 of cosmetic product, and in this example, a pumping assembly 14 of cosmetic product in the reservoir 12, fixedly mounted in the reservoir 12.

[0079] The packaging and dispensing device 10 further comprises a cosmetic product dispensing head 16, mounted to move relative to the pumping assembly 14, between a rest position, shown in [Fig.l], and a product dispensing position, which will be described in detail below.

[0080] The reservoir 12 comprises a bottom 18 and a side wall 20 defining, at its downstream end, a neck 22.

[0081] The bottom 18, the side wall 20 and the neck 22 delimit an interior volume 24 intended to contain cosmetic product. The interior volume 24 is configured to contain, for example, between 5 mL and 500 mL, and in particular between 15 mL and 100 mL of cosmetic product.

[0082] The pumping assembly 14 comprises a pump support 30, fixedly mounted in the neck 22 of the reservoir 12, a pump 32, configured to be actuated by the movement of the dispensing head 16 to pump cosmetic product from the interior volume 24 to the dispensing head 16, and advantageously, a dip tube 34, mounted upstream of the pump 32 to take cosmetic product from the bottom of the interior volume 24.

[0083] The pump 32 is carried by the pump support 30. It comprises a pump motor (not shown), configured to pump cosmetic product through the dip tube 34 to direct it towards the dispensing head 16. The pump motor is here activated under the effect of the movement of the dispensing head 16 back and forth between the rest position and the product dispensing position.

[0084] With reference to [Fig. 2], the dispensing head 16 comprises a member 40 for actuating the pump 32, a nozzle 42, delimiting a dispensing orifice 44 for cosmetic product outside the dispensing head 16, and a movable element 46 for closing the dispensing orifice 44.

[0085] The dispensing head 16 further comprises a support 48, inserted into the end piece 42 to wedge the movable closure element 46 between the end piece 42 and the support 48.

[0086] The actuating member 40 comprises, from upstream to downstream (from bottom to top in [Fig.2]), a sleeve 50 for actuating the pump 32, a conduit 52 for supplying product to the end piece 42 and a sheath 54 for retaining the end piece 42, to house the end piece 42.

[0087] The actuating member 40 further comprises in this example an actuating paddle 56, configured to be grasped by the user's fingers to move the dispensing head 16 from the rest position to the product dispensing position. The paddle 56 here has the shape of a collar projecting radially from the supply duct 52.

[0088] The sleeve 50 projects towards the inside of the reservoir 12 to be received in contact with the pump 32 in the pump support 30. In this example, it comprises an upstream peripheral skirt 58 defining a central passage 60 for guiding the product.

[0089] The upstream peripheral skirt 58 is configured to bear on the pump motor in order to activate the pump motor when the dispensing head 16 moves between the rest position and the product dispensing position.

[0090] The upstream peripheral skirt 58 is further configured to guide the dispensing head 16 in translation along a displacement axis AA' which here corresponds to the central axis of the neck 22 and more generally, to that of the reservoir 12.

[0091] The supply duct 52 comprises a peripheral wall 62 defining a central channel 64.

[0092] In this example, the supply duct 52 is straight. The central channel 64 extends along the axis A-A'.

[0093] The cross-sectional area of ​​the central channel 64 is advantageously less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the central passage 60.

[0094] The peripheral wall 62 delimits an annular housing 66 for receiving the support 48 arranged around and radially away from the central channel 64. The annular housing 66 is blind towards the upstream end. It opens towards the downstream end into the retaining sheath 54.

[0095] The retaining sheath 54 projects downstream from the supply duct 62. It comprises a downstream peripheral skirt 68 defining at least one relief 69 for axially retaining the end piece 42 in the retaining sheath 54.

[0096] The peripheral skirt 68 defines a central space 70 for receiving the end piece 42, of a shape complementary to the periphery of the end piece 42. The central channel 64 of the distribution conduit 52 opens into the central space 70.

[0097] The tip 42 comprises an insertion sleeve 72 in the retaining sheath 54, and a partition here in the form of a dome 74, projecting from the insertion sleeve 72 outwards to define the dispensing orifice 44.

[0098] As visible in [Fig. 3], the insertion sleeve 72 is of substantially cylindrical shape. It has externally a rib 76 configured to cooperate with the retaining relief 69 and block the end piece 42 in the retaining sheath 54 in translation along the axis A-A'.

[0099] As visible in [Fig.2], the insertion sleeve 72 further comprises, along its upstream edge, an internal annular shoulder 78 intended to retain the support 48.

[0100] In this example, the insertion sleeve 72 and the dome 74 are formed as a single piece by being integral.

[0101] The insertion sleeve 72 and the dome 74 are for example made of a material that does not deform when touched by a human being, in particular a plastic material. rigid.

[0102] The material which is non-deformable to the touch has, for example, a Young's modulus greater than 800 MPa and in particular between 1000 MPa and 5000 MPa, as measured for example by Standard © ISO 527-1 dated June 15, 1993.

[0103] This material is for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyketone (PK), polyoxymethylene (POM), and / or polyamide (PA).

[0104] As will be seen below, the non-deformability of the partition, here in the form of a dome 74, provides robust retention of the movable closure element 46 in a position of sealed closure of the distribution orifice 44, ensuring effective sealing at rest.

[0105] Furthermore, after the movable closure element 46 has been moved to a product passage position, this non-deformability ensures a dynamic and clean closing of the dispensing orifice 44 when it returns to the closure position.

[0106] Finally, this non-deformability allows the partition, here in the form of a dome 74, to support the cosmetic product dispensed by the dispensing orifice 44 and to allow a user to apply it effectively to a body surface or to grasp it between his fingers with precision.

[0107] In this example, the dispensing orifice 44 extends at the top of the dome 74, preferably along the central axis A-A'.

[0108] The closure element 46 is here formed of a ball. The closure element 46 is wedged between the support 48 and the end piece 42 being pressed at rest against an upstream surface of the dome 74 around the distribution orifice 44.

[0109] As will be seen below, the closure element 46 is movable under the effect of a pressure of cosmetic product, between the closure position shown in [Fig.2], in which it is arranged to bear against the dome 74 to close the dispensing orifice 44, and a product passage position, in which it has moved upstream away from the dome 74 to free the dispensing orifice 44 and allow the dispensing of product through the dispensing orifice 44.

[0110] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the support 48 comprises a barrel 80 and a deformable assembly 82, arranged in the barrel 80, the deformable assembly 82 being configured to retain the closure element 46 and elastically urge it into its closure position.

[0111] The barrel 80 extends here along the central axis A-A', it has an upstream region 90, housed in the annular housing 66, and a downstream region 92 projecting into the retaining sheath 54, in contact with the end piece 42.

[0112] The barrel 80 comprises a peripheral wall 94 delimiting an internal volume 96 in which the deformable assembly 82 is housed.

[0113] The internal volume 96 opens axially at the ends of the barrel 80.

[0114] As visible in Figures 3 and 4, the peripheral wall 94 delimits towards the outside, opposite the internal volume 96, a plurality of axial external grooves 98. It has at least one through window 100, connecting the internal volume 96 to at least one external groove 98, the through window 100 extending upstream of the deformable assembly 82 along the axis A-A'.

[0115] The peripheral wall 94 further comprises a plurality of projecting locking lugs 102, projecting radially away from the axis A-A', outside the external grooves 98.

[0116] The locking lugs 102 are wedged in the annular shoulder 78 to block the barrel 80 in translation relative to the end piece 42 and relative to the retaining sheath 54.

[0117] The external grooves 98 extend over the entire length of the barrel 80, opening axially downstream into an intermediate space 103 (see [Fig.2]) formed between the downstream edge of the barrel 80, the upstream surface of the dome 74 and a downstream surface of the movable closure element 46.

[0118] The external grooves 98 define, between the barrel 80 and the sleeve 72 of the end piece 42, a plurality of product circulation channels 104.

[0119] Each circulation channel 104 is connected upstream to the central channel 64 of the distribution conduit 52, via the internal volume 96 and a through window 100. When the movable closure element 46 occupies its product passage position, each circulation channel 104 is connected downstream to the distribution orifice 44 via the intermediate space 103.

[0120] With reference to figures 2 and 4, the deformable assembly 82 comprises at least one deformable region 106, advantageously a plurality of deformable regions 106 delimited between them by through slots 108.

[0121] As illustrated by [Fig.4], each deformable region 106 forms a movable flap projecting from the peripheral wall 94 into the internal volume 96 of the barrel 80.

[0122] In this example, the deformable assembly 82 is integral with the barrel 80. Thus, the support 48 is produced very simply, by molding in a single piece, which limits costs, and avoids the use of additional metal parts to elastically stress the closure element 46.

[0123] The deformable assembly 82 is for example made of a material having a flexural modulus greater than 300 MPa and advantageously between 500 MPa and 3000 MPa, as measured for example by Standard © ISO 178 dated April 2019.

[0124] This material is for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyketone (PK), polyoxymethylene (POM), and / or polyamide (PA).

[0125] Each deformable region 106 projects towards the axis AA' from a base 112 integral with the peripheral wall 94 up to a free end 110 which remains away from the axis A-A'.

[0126] In this example, as illustrated by [Fig.2], each deformable region 46 also projects downstream (upwards in [Fig.2]), from the peripheral wall 94 towards its free end 110.

[0127] At rest, the free end 110 of each deformable region 46 is located further downstream than its base 112.

[0128] The deformable assembly 82 thus has a shape converging towards the axis A-A' while moving along the axis A-A', from upstream to downstream.

[0129] In the example shown in [Fig.4], the deformable regions 106 are delimited by at least two intersecting through slots 108, here two perpendicular through slots 108.

[0130] Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for a deformable assembly formed from a relatively more rigid material, particularly having a flexural modulus greater than 900 MPa, particularly close to 1500 MPa.

[0131] In a variant shown in [Fig.6], the deformable regions 106 are 2 in number and are delimited by a single through slot 108, advantageously passing through the axis A-A', the slot 108 here widening in its middle around the axis A-A'.

[0132] Such an arrangement with a single slot 108 is particularly suitable when the material constituting the deformable assembly 82 is made of a relatively more flexible material, such as polyethylene, for example for flexural modulus values ​​of between 300 MPa and 900 MPa.

[0133] Thus, the number of deformable regions 106 is for example between 1 and 6, preferably between 2 and 4.

[0134] At rest, in a retaining configuration, each deformable region 106 is applied against the closure element 46 to push the closure element 46 against the dome 74 and thus close the dispensing orifice 44 while maintaining it in its closure position.

[0135] Each deformable region 106 is configured to be elastically deformed downstream, towards a deformed configuration, to allow the movement of the closure element 46 from the closure position towards the product passage position.

[0136] Advantageously, to promote elastic deformation, each deformable region 106 has at its base 112, a circumferential cup 114, advantageously formed during the molding of the support 48. The circumferential cup 114 defines a thinned zone forming a hinge.

[0137] Thus, the deformable assembly 82 is deformable between a retaining configuration and a deformed configuration, by being elastically biased towards its retaining configuration. restraint.

[0138] The deformation of each deformable region 106 is generated by a pressure of the cosmetic product, transmitted from the central channel 64, through the internal volume 96 upstream of the deformable assembly 82, then through the circulation channels 104 to the intermediate space 103.

[0139] To allow the movement of the movable closure element along the axis A-A', the cumulative area of ​​the through slots 108 is less than the area of ​​the external surface of the movable closure element 46 in contact with the cosmetic product in the intermediate space 103, when the movable closure element 46 occupies its closure position.

[0140] Such a difference allows the establishment of a difference in forces applied to the closure element 46 due to the product pressure, causing a resultant of the forces directed downstream in projection on the axis A-A' and greater than the projection on the axis A-A' of the elastic stress force generated by the deformable assembly 82.

[0141] In addition, the cumulative area of ​​the cross-sections of the circulation channels 104 is greater than the cumulative area of ​​the through-slots 108.

[0142] The operation of the product packaging and dispensing device 10 will now be described.

[0143] Initially, at rest, the dispensing head 16 occupies its rest position. The vane 56 is arranged away from the pumping assembly 14.

[0144] In the dispensing head 16, the deformable regions 106 of the deformable assembly 82 urge the movable closure element 46 towards its closure position. The movable closure element 46 is thus pressed against the dome 74, closing the dispensing orifice 44.

[0145] When the user wishes to dispense product, he places his fingers on the paddle 56, and he moves the paddle 56 towards the reservoir 12. This causes the displacement in translation along the axis AA' of the dispensing head 16 relative to the pumping assembly 14.

[0146] The actuating sleeve 50 then activates the pump motor, causing the cosmetic product to be pumped through the dip tube 34 and the pressurized cosmetic product to arrive in the internal passage 60, then in the central channel 64 up to the internal volume 96 of the barrel 80.

[0147] The pressurized cosmetic product then passes through the windows 100, and flows in the circulation channels 104 outside the barrel 80, along the barrel 80 to the intermediate space 103 located between the dome 74 and the movable closure element 46.

[0148] The dome 74 being made of a non-deformable material, it is not deformed under the effect of the pressure of the cosmetic product or the movement of the mobile element. closure 46, when moving the movable closure element 46 between the closure position and the product passage position.

[0149] By "non-deformable", it is generally understood that the maximum deformation of an element is contained in a volume homothetic to the initial volume of the element, which is at most 2%, better at most 1% larger or smaller than the initial volume.

[0150] The cumulative area of ​​the through slots 108 being less than the area of ​​the external surface of the movable closure element 46 in contact with the cosmetic product in the intermediate space 103, a difference in axial forces applied to the movable closure element 46 is established, due to the product pressure. This produces a resultant of the forces directed downstream, in projection on the axis A-A', greater than the projection on the axis A-A' of the elastic stress force generated by the deformable assembly 82.

[0151] Each deformable region 106 deforms elastically upstream, and the movable closure element 46 moves away from the dispensing orifice 44, allowing the dispensing of the pressurized cosmetic product contained in the intermediate space 103 towards the outside through the dispensing orifice 44.

[0152] When the pressure of the cosmetic product decreases due to the dispensing of product, each deformable region 106 deforms spontaneously and rapidly, due to elastic return. Each deformable region 106 pushes the closure element 46 again towards its closure position to close the dispensing orifice 44.

[0153] Thus, the dispensing head 16 according to the invention ensures simple dispensing of cosmetic product, by pressurizing the closure element 46 under the effect of the pressure of the cosmetic product, causing it to move from the closure position to the product passage position, against the stress force generated by the deformable assembly 82.

[0154] However, as soon as the pressure of the cosmetic product decreases, the deformable assembly 82 spontaneously forces the movable closure element 46 towards the closure position, causing the immediate and sealed closure of the dispensing orifice 44.

[0155] This avoids or significantly limits the formation of a product residue after dispensing from the dispensing head 16.

[0156] In the variant illustrated by [Fig. 5], the movable dispensing head 16 comprises an actuating member 40 formed of a push button, mounted movable on a pumping assembly 14 which is here screwed onto the neck of a reservoir 12 formed for example of a bottle.

[0157] The push button comprises a peripheral wall 116 extending around the axis A-A' of movement of the dispensing head 16 between the rest position and the closing position and an upper support wall 118 closing the peripheral wall 116 upwards.

[0158] The distribution conduit 52 comprises an upstream section 120 extending along the axis A-A' under the upper support wall 118. It comprises a downstream section 122 extending transversely with respect to the axis A-A' and which opens out through the peripheral wall 116. The retaining sheath 54 and the end piece 42, housing between them the support 48 and the movable closure element 46, as defined above, extend at the downstream end of the downstream section 122.

[0159] The operation of the packaging and dispensing device 10 shown in [Fig. 5] is similar to the operation described above for the packaging and dispensing device 10 shown in [Fig. 1], except that to dispense the product, a user presses on the upper support wall 116 in order to bring the dispensing head 16 closer to the pumping assembly 14. He recovers the dispensed product at the tip 42, as described previously.

[0160] In a variant not shown, the dispensing head 16 is mounted fixed relative to the container 12. The wall 20 of the container 12 is then elastically deformable to allow a user to generate an excess pressure of cosmetic product in the container 12, which is transmitted to the dispensing head 16.

[0161] The device 10 is then without a pump, the cosmetic product being put under pressure by deformation of the wall 20 between the user's fingers. The dispensing head 16 is connected directly to the plunger tube 34, without an actuating sleeve 50.

[0162] The operation of the dispensing head 16 remains identical, however, as soon as the pressurized cosmetic product is introduced into the central channel 64, then into the internal volume 96 and into the circulation channels 104.

Claims

Claims

1. Cosmetic product dispensing head (16), intended to be mounted on a cosmetic product reservoir (12), the dispensing head (16) comprising: - a tip (42) having a region defining at least one product dispensing orifice (44), - a support (48) mounted in the end piece (42), the support (48) and the end piece (42) defining at least one product circulation channel (104) connected to the dispensing orifice (44), - a closing element (46) for the dispensing orifice (44), mounted in the support (48), characterized in that the support (48) comprises a deformable assembly (82) relative to the end piece (42), the deformable assembly (82) being deformable between a retaining configuration and a deformed configuration, by being elastically urged towards its retaining configuration, the closing element (46) being retained in the support (48) by the deformable assembly (82), the closure element (46) being mounted to move in the support (48) under the effect of a pressure of cosmetic product applied through the or each circulation channel (104) on the movable closure element (46) downstream of the deformable assembly (82), between: - a closing position, in which the movable closing element (46) is arranged to bear against the end piece (42) to block the dispensing orifice (44) and in which the deformable assembly (82) is in a retaining configuration to keep the movable closing element (46) bearing against the end piece (42), and - a product passage position, in which the movable closure element (46) is arranged away from the end piece (42) to release the dispensing orifice (44) and allow the dispensing of product through the dispensing orifice (44) and in which the deformable assembly (82) is maintained in a deformed configuration by the movable closure element (46), the region of the end piece (42) defining the dispensing orifice (44) being non-deformable during the movement of the movable closure element between the closure position and the product passage position.

2. A dispensing head (16) according to claim 1, wherein the support (48) defines a barrel (80) extending about a central axis (A-A') of distribution, the barrel (80) having an internal volume (96) receiving at least in part the movable closure element (46) and the deformable assembly (82), the or each circulation channel (104) extending axially along the barrel (80) outside the internal volume (96).

3. Dispensing head (16) according to claim 2, in which the barrel (80) has at least one window (100) for the passage of product connecting the internal volume (96), upstream of the deformable assembly (82), to the or each circulation channel (104).

4. Dispensing head (16) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, in which the barrel (80) and the deformable assembly (82) are made in one piece.

5. Dispensing head (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each circulation channel (104) extends between an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end being intended to be connected to the reservoir (12), and the downstream end opening between the dispensing orifice (44) and the movable closure element (46), when the movable closure element (46) is in the product passage position.

6. Dispensing head (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deformable assembly (82) has at least two deformable regions (106) delimited between them by at least one through slot (108).

7. Dispensing head (16) according to claim 6, in which the deformable assembly (82) has at least three deformable regions (106) defined by at least two intersecting through slots (108), preferably at least four deformable regions (106) defined by two through slots (108) perpendicular to each other.

8. Dispensing head (16) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the cumulative area of ​​the through slot(s) (108) is less than the area of ​​the external surface of the movable closure element (46) intended to come into contact with cosmetic product downstream of the or each product circulation channel (104).

9. Dispensing head (16) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 in which the or each deformable region (106) has a thinned zone forming a hinge.

10. Dispensing head (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the movable closing element (46) is a ball.

11. Dispensing head (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the region defining the product dispensing orifice (44) has a Young's modulus greater than 800 MPa and advantageously between 1000 MPa and 5000 MPa.

12. A device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products comprising a reservoir (12) of cosmetic products and a dispensing head (16) according to any one of the preceding claims mounted on the reservoir (12).

13. Packaging and dispensing device (10) according to claim 12, in which the reservoir (12) defines an interior volume (24), the dispensing head (16) being mounted to move relative to the reservoir (12) between a rest position and a product dispensing position, the packaging and dispensing device (10) comprising a pumping assembly (14) for pumping cosmetic product from the interior volume (24) to the dispensing head (16), actuated by the movement of the dispensing head (16) between the rest position and the product dispensing position.

14. Packaging and dispensing device (10) according to claim 12, in which the reservoir (12) comprises an outer wall (20) elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a deformed product dispensing configuration, the outer wall (20) being elastically biased towards the rest configuration, the packaging and dispensing device (10) advantageously being devoid of a pumping assembly (14).

15. A method of dispensing a cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: - providing a packaging and dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, the movable closure element (46) being in the closure position; - supplying cosmetic product under pressure from the reservoir (12) through the or each circulation channel (104) from the reservoir (12); - under the effect of the pressure of the cosmetic product coming from the or each circulation channel (104), applied to the movable closure element (46), deforming the deformable assembly (82) towards the deformed configuration and moving the movable closure element (46) towards the product passage position, without deforming the region of the nozzle (42) defining the dispensing orifice (44); - dispensing the cosmetic product from the or each circulation channel (104) through the dispensing orifice (44); - reduction of the pressure of the cosmetic product, elastic return of the deformable assembly (82) to its rest position and movement of the movable closure element (46) to the closure position.

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