Cosmetic product manufacturing device and process implementing the device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for manufacturing a cosmetic product comprising: - a cartridge holder (12) receiving a cartridge (14) containing a cream base that can exit the cartridge through an outlet orifice (16) of the cartridge, - an actuator (18) configured to extract the cream base from the cartridge towards the outlet orifice, - a channel (20) through which the cream base can flow and connected to the outlet orifice, - a movable plate (28) disposed opposite the channel, and movable between a flow position and a waste position; in the flow position, the movable plate has a flow orifice (34) disposed opposite the channel; in the waste position, the movable plate includes a blind cavity (36) disposed opposite the channel, the blind cavity being able to receive the cream base. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for manufacturing cosmetic products and method implementing the device

[0001] The invention relates to a device for manufacturing cosmetic products. The invention also relates to a method implementing the manufacturing device.

[0002] Cosmetic products, for example moisturizing and / or anti-wrinkle creams, include, in particular, a fatty substance forming the oil phase and containing, in particular, vegetable oils, butters, emulsifying waxes for cosmetic use, an aqueous phase generally containing pure or floral water, or any water-soluble agent, and at least one adjuvant called an active ingredient that gives the cosmetic product the desired efficacy. For example, this active ingredient may be an anti-aging agent such as hyaluronic acid. In addition, the cosmetic product may include a natural or synthetic fragrance, which makes the application and use of the cosmetic product more pleasant.

[0003] Cosmetic products are generally distributed in containers, for example, equipped with a dosing pump allowing the user to take the desired quantity.

[0004] The invention provides a device for filling a container with a precise quantity of cosmetic product. The patent application filed in the name of the applicant and published under No. WO 2018 / 073541 A1 describes a mixing system for preparing the cosmetic product by primarily mixing water, a texturizing agent, and an active ingredient directly in the container. This device and the process implementing it present some complications that the invention proposes to resolve. In particular, ensuring the emulsification of the water and the texturizing agent in the container is difficult. The invention provides a simpler device for directly inserting a cream base, for example, composed of a texturizing agent and pre-mixed water, into the container. The invention is not limited to emulsions and can be implemented for any type of viscous cream base. An active ingredient is added to this cream base.The invention is primarily concerned with filling the container with a precise dose of cream base while taking care to preserve its integrity.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a device for manufacturing a cosmetic product comprising: - a cartridge holder configured to receive at least one cartridge containing a cream base that can exit the cartridge through an outlet orifice in the cartridge, - an actuator configured to extract the cream base from the cartridge towards the outlet orifice, - a channel in which the cream base can flow and having a first end configured to be connected to the outlet orifice and a second end, - a movable tray having a first face arranged opposite the second end of the channel and a second face opposite the first face, the tray being movable between at least a first and a second position, in the first position, called the flow position, the movable tray has a flow orifice between the two faces, the flow orifice being arranged opposite the second end of the channel, in the second position, called the waste position, the movable tray includes a blind cavity opening on the first face and arranged opposite the second end of the channel, the blind cavity being able to receive the cream base, - a container support positioned opposite the second face of the moving platform and configured to receive a container whose opening is positioned opposite the passage hole when the moving platform is in its first position.

[0006] Advantageously, the channel and the moving plate are arranged so that, in the passage position, the cream base, exiting from the second end of the channel, can flow through the passage orifice by gravity without coming into contact with the moving plate.

[0007] Advantageously, the second face is arranged horizontally.

[0008] Advantageously, the manufacturing device further comprises a heating element disposed in the vicinity of the channel, the channel being formed of a heat-conducting material, the heating element and the channel being configured to heat the cream base.

[0009] Advantageously, the tray includes at least one compartment formed in the first face and configured to receive a capsule containing an adjuvant, the tray being movable to at least a third position in which the opening of the container is arranged opposite the compartment.

[0010] Advantageously, the manufacturing device further includes a dosing device configured to deliver a given dose of adjuvant present in the capsule.

[0011] Advantageously, the dosing unit includes a valve located at the outlet of the compartment and configured to open and close tightly.

[0012] Advantageously, the doser includes a valve disposed at the outlet of the compartment and configured to open beyond a given pressure.

[0013] Advantageously, the cartridge holder can receive several cartridges, the cartridge holder being mobile between several positions each allowing the outlet orifice of one of the cartridges present in the cartridge holder to be connected to the first end of the channel.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method implementing a manufacturing device according to the invention, in which the following operations are carried out in sequence: - Movement of the moving plate to its waste position, - Implementation of the actuator to eject cream base from the channel to the blind cavity, - Movement of the moving plate to its passage position, - Implementation of the actuator to eject a dose of cream base from the channel through the passage orifice.

[0015] Advantageously, the heating element is activated when the actuator is implemented to eject a base dose of cream from the channel through the passage orifice and the heating element is deactivated when the actuator is implemented to eject the base of cream from the channel into the blind cavity (36).

[0016] The invention will be better understood and other advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of an embodiment given by way of example, a description illustrated by the accompanying drawing in which:

[0017] [Fig.1] schematically represents an example of a device for manufacturing a cosmetic product according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig.2] represents an example of a platform of the device of [Fig.1], the platform being mobile in rotation;

[0019] [Fig.3] represents an example of a dosing device of [Fig.1];

[0020] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an example of a means of mixing the product present in a container filled by means of the device of [Fig.1].

[0021] For the sake of clarity, the same elements will bear the same references in the different figures.

[0022] Figure 1 represents a device 10 for manufacturing a cosmetic product, comprising a cartridge holder 12 configured to receive a cartridge 14 containing a cream base. The cream base is, for example, an aqueous emulsion with a texturizing agent. This texturizing agent is preferably a cosmetic fat, optionally with the addition of an emulsifier based on amphiphilic molecules. Alternatively, this texturizing agent is a polymer for cosmetic use, for example, a polysaccharide such as xanthan gum or an acrylic acid polymer of the carbomer type. The cartridge 14 and its filling are carried out outside the manufacturing device 10. As an alternative to an aqueous emulsion, the cream base can be formed from any viscous fluid that can be used in the composition of a cosmetic product, such as, for example, an oil, a colloid, an ethanol-based solution, sunscreens, etc.The cartridge 14 includes an outlet orifice 16 through which the cream base can exit the cartridge 14. The cartridge holder 12 is adapted to the dimensions of the cartridge 14 and its outlet orifice 16.

[0023] The manufacturing device 10 includes an actuator 18 configured to extract the cream base from the cartridge 14 towards the outlet 16. The cartridge 14 is, for example, formed of a cylindrical casing equipped with a piston at its base, which is pushed by the actuator 18. The action of the actuator 18 pushes the cream base inside the cartridge 14 towards the outlet 16. Any other type of actuator can be implemented in the manufacturing device, depending on the shape of the cartridge 14. The actuator 18 can, for example, compress a lateral face of the cartridge 14 to extract the cream base from the cartridge 14 towards the outlet 16. More generally, compressing a lateral face of the cartridge or pressing on a piston of the cartridge ensures that the cream base contained in the cartridge 14 is pressurized.As an alternative to pressurization, the actuator 18 can perform a suction allowing, by vacuum, the extraction of the cream base from the cartridge 14 towards the outlet orifice 16. Internal tests have shown that a pump providing suction facilitates the extraction of the cream base when its viscosity is high.

[0024] The manufacturing device 10 includes a channel 20 through which the cream base can flow. The channel 20 extends between two ends 22 and 24. End 22 is configured to be connected to the outlet 16. This configuration can be achieved directly or via the cartridge holder 12. For example, the outlet 16 may have a conical shape that fits into a complementary shape of an adapter piece 26 of the cartridge holder 12. The adapter piece 26 may have a tube onto which the end 22 of the channel 20 is fitted. Thus, when a user wishes to use a cartridge 12 of a different shape, they can replace the cartridge holder 12 or at least the adapter piece 26.

[0025] The manufacturing device 10 includes a movable platform 28. In the example shown in [Fig. 1], the platform 28 is rotationally movable. Alternatively, the platform 28 can be translationally movable. The platform 28 is movable between several positions. The manufacturing device 10 includes an actuator, not shown in [Fig. 1], which allows the platform 28 to move between these different positions. As mentioned above, this actuator can rotate the platform 28 if it is rotationally movable or can translate the platform 28 if it is translationally movable.

[0026] The tray 28 comprises two opposing faces 30 and 32. The first face 30 is positioned opposite the end 24 of the channel 20. The tray 28 includes a passage 34 between the two faces 30 and 32. In other words, the passage 34 forms a light through the tray 28 and through which the cream base can flow. The tray 28 also includes a blind cavity 36 opening onto face 30 and can receive cream base directly in cavity 36 or in a container placed in cavity 36. In practice, as will be seen later, the blind cavity 36 is intended to receive excess or denatured cream base.

[0027] In a first position of the plate 28, called the passage position, the passage orifice 34 is arranged opposite the end 24 of the channel 20. In a second position, called the waste position, the blind cavity 36 is arranged opposite the end 24 of the channel 20.

[0028] The manufacturing device 10 includes a container support 38 arranged opposite the face 32 of the tray 28. The container support 38 is configured to receive a container 40 having an opening 42 arranged opposite the passage orifice 34 when the movable tray 28 is in the passage position. In this position of the tray 28, some of the cream base circulating in the channel 20 can be inserted into the container 40 through its opening 42.

[0029] The cartridge support 12, the actuator 18, the channel 20, the moving plate 28, or at least its actuator, and the container support 38 can be carried by a frame 44 of the manufacturing device 10.

[0030] Advantageously, gravity can be used to facilitate the filling of the container 40. The channel 20, in particular its end 24, and the movable tray 28 are arranged such that, in the flow position, the cream base, exiting the channel through the end 24, can flow through the flow orifice 34 by gravity without coming into contact with the movable tray 28. In an advantageous configuration, the faces 30 and 32 of the movable tray 28 are parallel and horizontal. The flow orifice 34 extends vertically between the two faces 30 and 32. The horizontal orientation of the face 30 allows the blind cavity 36 to be filled by gravity as well when the movable tray 28 is in its waste position.

[0031] For certain cream base compositions, it may be useful to heat them to facilitate their flow through the channel 20 and their introduction into the container 40. More specifically, the viscosity of some cream bases may decrease with an increase in temperature. To this end, the manufacturing device 10 may include a heating element 46 disposed near the channel 20 to heat the cream base flowing through the channel 20. Furthermore, the channel 20 is made of a heat-conducting material, at least in the vicinity of the heating element 46, to facilitate heat transfer from the heating element 46 to the cream base flowing through the channel 20.

[0032] The cosmetic product may include one or more adjuvants that can be added to the cream base in the container 40. In particular, it is desirable that the manufacturing device 10 be able to insert an active ingredient into the container 40. giving the cosmetic product the desired efficacy. For example, this active ingredient could be an anti-aging agent such as hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, the manufacturing device 10 can be configured to add a natural or synthetic fragrance to the container 40, making the application and use of the cosmetic product more pleasant. Each adjuvant can include a preservative mixed with the adjuvant in question. For adding adjuvants, the movable tray 28 advantageously includes at least one compartment 48 formed in the face 30 and configured to receive a capsule 50 containing an adjuvant. In [Fig. 1], only one compartment is shown. It is, of course, possible to provide several compartments, depending on the maximum number of separately packaged adjuvants that one wishes to add to the cosmetic product.

[0033] When the movable platform 28 has one or more compartments 48 for adding one or more cream base adjuvants to the container 40, the platform 28 is movable to as many additional positions as there are compartments 48. Each additional position allows the compartment in question to be positioned opposite the opening 42 of the container 40. The manufacturing device 10 also includes an actuator 52 configured to expel the adjuvant contained in one of the capsules 50. The actuator 52 may be a single unit attached to the frame 44 and adapted to each of the capsules 50. The movement of the movable platform 28 allows the actuator 52 to be positioned opposite each compartment 48 in order to expel the adjuvant contained in the corresponding capsule 50 into the container 40.

[0034] Figure 2 shows an example of a rotating plate 28. It includes the through-hole 34, the blind cavity 36, and three compartments 48. The plate 28 is configured to rotate about an axis 54. In the example shown, the plate 28 includes a toothed ring 56 that is concentric with the axis 54. The ring 56 drives the rotation of the plate 28 by means of an actuator, not shown, which may be an electric motor equipped with a pinion that meshes with the ring 56. Alternatively, the plate 28 can be manually moved between its different positions.

[0035] A capsule 50 can contain a dose of adjuvant adapted to the base dose of cream introduced into the container 40. Thus, for a given adjuvant, a single-use capsule 50 is placed in each container 40 filled with a base dose of cream. Alternatively, the contents of a capsule 50 can contain several doses of adjuvant, and the actuator 52 is configured to deliver the required dose of adjuvant to each container 40.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of a dosing unit configured to deliver to container 40 the dose of adjuvant adapted to the amount of base cream present in the container. The internal volume of compartment 48 allows for the accommodation of a capsule 50, not represented in [Fig. 3]. The actuator 52 comprises, for example, a rod 58 and a piston 60 moving vertically. The rod 58 may be threaded, and its movement may be ensured by a nut rotated by an electric motor to move the rod 58 in translation. The piston 60 presses the capsule 50 and allows the additive present in the capsule 50 to exit the compartment 48 through an opening 62. Any other configuration of the actuator 52 is possible. The piston 60 may, for example, be part of the capsule 50. The rod 58 may be actuated by means of a hydraulic cylinder. The additive can be metered by means of the actuator 52. The capsule 50 may be equipped with an outlet nozzle positioned opposite the opening 62, and the pressure exerted by the piston 60 may be sufficient to precisely meter the additive. The cross-section of the bottleneck is then defined as a function of the surface tension of the additive.

[0037] In addition, a valve 64 can be provided at the outlet of compartment 48 and configured to open and close hermetically. More specifically, in its closed position, valve 64 forms a plug obstructing opening 62. The hermetic closure of valve 64 is advantageous, particularly for adjuvants with high volatility or for adjuvants that can degrade upon contact with air. Thus, when valve 64 is closed, the adjuvant in the capsule 50 inserted into compartment 48 is not in contact with ambient air.

[0038] Alternatively, or in addition to the hermetic closure of the valve 64, the valve can be configured to open above a given pressure. When the pressure exerted by the piston 60 increases and is transmitted to the additive, and this pressure exceeds a given value, the valve 64 opens and allows the additive to flow into the container 40. When the pressure decreases and falls below the given value, the valve 64 closes. The valve 64 includes, for example, a flap 66 held on a seat 68 by means of a spring 70. The spring 70 setting determines the pressure above which the valve 64 opens.

[0039] The mixture of the cream base and the adjuvant(s) can be prepared in the container 40 by natural diffusion of the various fluids present in the container 40. Alternatively, mixing of the cream base and the adjuvant(s) can be carried out by stirring. Stirring can be performed using a tool immersed in the container 40 through its opening 42 after filling and removed from the container 40 after stirring.

[0040] Alternatively, the stirring tool can remain in the container after stirring. Figure 4 illustrates an example of a container equipped with a stirring tool. Figure 4 shows the bottom 72 of the container 40, forming a wall of the container 40 opposite the opening 42. The stirring tool is, for example, formed of movable fins 74. Rotation relative to the bottom 72. After filling container 40 with cream base and adjuvant, the contents of container 40 are stirred. After stirring, the stirring tool can remain in place in container 40.

[0041] The base 72 of the container 40 is placed on a plinth 76 belonging to the manufacturing device 10. The plinth 76 is configured to drive the fins 74 in rotation. The plinth 76 is integral with the frame 44 and is equipped with a drive means 78 for the fins 74, an example of which is shown in [Fig. 5]. This drive means may include one or more teeth 80 driven in rotation by a motor integral with the frame 44. The teeth 80 cooperate with a complementary recessed shape formed in the base 72 and not visible in [Fig. 3]. Any other drive means is, of course, possible. For example, it is possible to form a recessed shape in the complementary drive means of a prominent shape, such as one or more teeth, formed in the base 72.

[0042] It is advantageous to provide a system of stops 82, visible in [Fig. 1], preventing the container 40 from rotating relative to the base 76 when the container 40 is placed on it. As an alternative to a system of stops ensuring rotational restraint by means of an obstacle, it is possible to prevent the container 40 from rotating by means of adhesion.

[0043] Before filling container 40 with a dose of cream base, it is advantageous to drain at least some of the cream base present in channel 20. The presence of the cream base in channel 20 results from a previous filling of container 40. Indeed, the cream base may have degraded, for example, through contact with ambient air at the end 24 of channel 20. To do this, the following steps are performed: - Moving the mobile platform 28 to its waste position. - Implementation of the actuator 18 to eject some of the cream base from channel 20 to the blind cavity 36 in order to empty at least part of channel 20. At the end of this operation the cream base present in channel 20 has regained its integrity. - Movement of the movable plate 28 towards its passage position, - Activation of the actuator 18 to eject a base dose of cream from the channel 20 through the passage orifice 34 in order to fill the container 40.

[0044] When an adjuvant is added to the cream base in the container 40, the addition of this adjuvant can be carried out before or after filling the container 40 with a dose of cream base.

[0045] After the container 40 is filled, it is removed from the manufacturing device for packaging to dispense the cosmetic product. The packaging may consist of fitting a simple cap closing the opening 42. The cap may be equipped with a dosing system allowing a user to dispense a dose of the cosmetic product. The dosing system may include a plunger and a A flexible tube is inserted into the container 40. The dosing system can prevent air from entering during its operation to protect the cosmetic product from prolonged exposure to ambient air. Alternatively, a dosing system may include a base 72 that is not fixed to the walls of the container 40 and is movable in translation to push the cosmetic product towards the opening 42.

[0046] Prolonged heating of the cream base can lead to a degradation of its properties. Cooling the cream base in the container 40 by natural convection of the container walls with the ambient air can be sufficient to prevent excessively high temperatures over a significant period from degrading the cream base. This cooling can be accelerated by implementing an additional cooling means 84. This cooling means, integral with the frame 44, may include a fan that draws ambient air along the walls of the container 40 to generate forced convection. This cooling means may also include a material with high thermal conductivity in contact with the walls of the container 40. This could be metal fins in contact with the walls of the container 40. The fins are in turn cooled by natural or forced convection.It is also possible to increase thermal conductivity in the highly thermally conductive material by inserting one or more heat pipes. The supplementary cooling means 84 may also include a heat exchanger arranged to cool the walls of the container 40. A heat transfer fluid, such as water, from a reservoir 86 of the manufacturing device 10, can circulate in this exchanger. When stirring of the cream base and the additive(s) present in the container 40 is planned, it is advantageous to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the exchanger only after stirring has finished. This allows stirring to be carried out with a lower viscosity of the cream base, achieved by heating the cream base. Only then is the temperature of the cream base and any additives lowered.

[0047] Cooling the container 40 is effective in limiting the degradation of the cream base present in the container 40. It is advantageous to also treat the cream base remaining in the channel 20 after filling the container 40. To this end, it is also possible to provide a means of cooling the channel 20 implemented alternatively with the heating element 46. Alternatively, with this channel cooling means, the channel can be drained into the blind cavity 36 after filling the container 40. During draining, the heating element 46 is inactive. In other words, when the manufacturing device 10 is equipped with a heating element 46, the process implementing the manufacturing device 10 advantageously activates the heating element 46 when the actuator 18 is activated to eject a dose of cream base from the channel 20 through the passage orifice 34. fill the container 40 and deactivate the heating element 46 when the actuator 18 is activated to eject cream base from the channel 20 to the blind cavity 36 in order to empty at least part of the channel 20. Thus, the cream base present in residual form in the channel 20 at the level of the heating element 46 and downstream of it has not been heated and presents less risk of degradation.

[0048] In [Fig. 1], the cartridge holder 12 can accommodate a single cartridge 14. Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the manufacturing device 10 includes a cartridge holder 88 that can accommodate several cartridges 14. In the example shown, the cartridge holder 88 is rotatable about an axis 90, allowing it to alternately position the cartridges 14 opposite the actuator 18 and the first end 22 of the channel 20. As an alternative to rotational mobility, the cartridge holder 88 can be translationally movable between its different positions. The mobility of the cartridge holder 88 can be achieved by means of an actuator, not shown in [Fig. 6], such as, for example, by means of a toothed ring similar to the toothed ring 56 fixed to the movable part of the cartridge holder 88 and an electric motor equipped with a pinion meshing with the toothed ring.As an alternative to the presence of an actuator, the cartridge support 88 can be manually maneuvered between its different positions.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for manufacturing a cosmetic product comprising: - a cartridge holder (12; 88) configured to receive at least one cartridge (14) containing a cream base that can exit the cartridge through an outlet orifice (16) of the cartridge (14), - an actuator (18) configured to extract the cream base from the cartridge (14) to the outlet orifice (16), - a channel (20) through which the cream base can flow and having a first end (22) configured to be connected to the outlet orifice (16) and a second end (24), - a movable platform (28) having a first face (30) disposed opposite the second end (24) of the channel (20) and a second face (32) opposite the first face (30), the platform (28) being movable between at least a first and a second position; in the first position, referred to as the passage position, the movable platform has a passage orifice (34) between the two faces (30, 32),The passage orifice (34) being disposed opposite the second end (24) of the channel (20), in the second position, known as the waste position, the movable tray (28) comprises a blind cavity (36) opening on the first face (30) and disposed opposite the second end (24) of the channel (20), the blind cavity (36) being able to receive the cream base, - a container support (38) disposed opposite the second face of the movable tray (28) and configured to receive a container (40) having an opening (42) disposed opposite the passage orifice (34) when the movable tray (42) is in its first position.

2. A manufacturing device according to claim 1, in which the channel (20) and the moving plate (28) are arranged such that, in the passage position, the cream base, exiting from the second end (24) of the channel (20), can flow through the passage orifice (34) by gravity without coming into contact with the moving plate (28).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the second face (32) is arranged horizontally.

4. A manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heating element (46) disposed in the vicinity of the channel (20), the channel (20) being formed of a heat-conducting material, the heating element (46) and the channel (20) being configured to heat the cream base.

5. A manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray comprises at least one compartment (48) formed in the first face (30) and configured to receive a capsule (50) containing an adjuvant, the tray being movable to at least a third position in which the opening (42) of the container (40) is arranged opposite the compartment (48).

6. Manufacturing device according to claim 5, comprising a dosing unit (52, 64) configured to deliver a given dose of adjuvant present in the capsule (50).

7. A manufacturing device according to claim 6, wherein the doser (52, 64) includes a valve (64) disposed at the outlet of the compartment (48) and configured to open and close hermetically.

8. A manufacturing device according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the doser (52, 64) includes a valve (64) disposed at the outlet of the compartment (48) and configured to open beyond a given pressure.

9. A manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge holder (88) can receive several cartridges (14), the cartridge holder (88) being movable between several positions each allowing the outlet orifice (16) of one of the cartridges (14) present in the cartridge holder (88) to be connected to the first end (22) of the channel (20).

10. A method implementing a manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the following operations are carried out in sequence: - Moving the movable plate (28) to its waste position, - Activating the actuator (18) to eject cream base from the channel (20) to the blind cavity (36), - Moving the movable plate (28) to its passage position, - Activating the actuator (18) to eject a dose of cream base from the channel (20) through the passage orifice (34).

11. A method according to claim 10 implementing a manufacturing device according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 9 as a dependent claim of claim 2, wherein the heating element (46) is activated upon implementation of the actuator (18) to eject a base dose of cream from the channel (20) through the passage orifice (34), and wherein the element heating (46) is deactivated when the actuator (18) is implemented to eject cream base from the channel (20) into the blind cavity (36).

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