EP1935280A1 - Method for dispensing a product sprayed by a piezoelectric spraying system and spraying system for implementing such a method - Google Patents

Abstract

The process for distributing a cosmetic or care product such as make-up foundation and self-tanning composition, comprises receiving a product circulating in a tank during the pulverization cycle in a chamber of a piezoelectric pulverization device (3), and detecting a gradient of the chamber. The direction of circulation of the product is reversed at the end of the pulverization cycle to evacuate the product. The circulation is carried out using a pump placed in a direction for supplying the product and in an opposite direction for discharging the chamber. The process for distributing a cosmetic or care product such as make-up foundation and self-tanning composition, comprises receiving a product circulating in a tank during the pulverization cycle in a chamber of a piezoelectric pulverization device (3), and detecting a gradient of the chamber. The direction of circulation of the product is reversed at the end of the pulverization cycle to evacuate the product. The circulation is carried out using a pump placed in a direction for supplying the product and in an opposite direction for discharging the chamber. The pump has two rotative organs, and is closed to stop the communication between the chamber and the tank. The piezoelectric pulverization device maintains its operation for 0.5-2 seconds and stops its operation after the direction of the circulation is reversed. Duration of the circulation of the product towards the chamber is unrecorded. An audible and/or visual signal is emitted according to the duration of the product circulation to give information about the emptying of the tank to the user. The pulverization device comprises a vibration membrane. The product is received in the tank without retaking the air. The supply of the product is carried out using a pipe placed at lower end of the chamber when the pulverization device is in normal position. The chamber has a volume of 0.25-0.75 ml, and a flow of 0.7-0.9 g/mn during pulverization. An independent claim is included for a system for pulverization of product.

Description

The present invention relates to a piezoelectric spraying system and a method of dispensing at least one pulverized product using such a system.

Piezoelectric spraying devices are widely used for spraying low viscosity liquids, for example room fragrances.

A wick allows to supply, by capillarity, a membrane vibrated by a ceramic.

These devices are not suitable for spraying a more viscous product, such as a foundation for example.

International demand WO 2005/075095 discloses an electrostatic spraying system comprising a pump for supplying a spray tip in which the product is subjected to an electric field. Such a spraying system has the disadvantage of requiring a particular formulation of the product to make it polarizable and dispersible under the effect of the electric field.

The patent application European EP 0 656 230 describes an aerosol comprising a piezoelectric system and a membrane provided with an orifice. The liquid particles are sprayed with a jet of gas disposed at the outlet of the orifice. A method of cleaning the orifice in the event of capping is provided.

The patent application European EP 1 533 041 discloses a spraying device comprising a water reservoir comprising an electrolyte, a pump and an electrolysis bath provided with an anode and a cathode for producing acidic water on the side of the anode and the alkaline water on the side of the cathode, the first being sprayed with the piezoelectric device and the second being directed to a second reservoir of lost liquids. A control circuit including a microprocessor for controlling the electrolysis, the pump and the piezoelectric device is also included.

The invention aims in particular to provide a system and a spraying method for spraying products having various rheologies and formulations, polarizable or not.

The present invention thus relates, in one of its aspects, to a method of dispensing a product, in which a product supply chamber of a piezoelectric spraying device receives, during a spraying cycle, of product flowing in a direction from at least one tank, the flow direction of the product being reversed at the end of the spraying cycle to evacuate the product contained in the feed chamber.

Thanks to the invention, even a relatively viscous product can be sprayed several times by the piezoelectric spraying device, because the drying and the formation of a large solid deposit of product in the feed chamber, between two uses spaced apart in time, is avoided.

The feed chamber is delimited at least partially by a vibrating membrane of the piezoelectric device.

The use of a piezoelectric device may make it possible to spray with a relatively large spray if necessary.

The circulation of the product can be effected for example by a pump driven in one direction to supply the chamber and in the opposite direction to empty the chamber.

This pump may comprise for example two rotary members, for example ovoid or other shape, may or may not include a toothing.

The two rotating members can rotate in contact with each other. In the absence of teeth, means may be provided to prevent slippage of one member relative to the other, for example a friction or a suitable mechanical connection.

The pump can be configured to close, when stopped, any communication between the chamber and the tank, which can help improve the conservation of the product, especially when it comprises one or more volatile solvents.

The operation of the piezoelectric spraying device can be interrupted only after the direction of circulation of the product has been reversed. The operation of the piezoelectric device is for example maintained for a duration greater than or equal to 0.5 seconds from the reversal of the direction of flow of the product. This duration can be for example between 0.5 and 2 seconds. This can further improve the emptying of the chamber by spraying a residual amount of product.

The piezoelectric device can be operated before the product is circulated at the beginning of a spraying cycle. This can improve the particle size distribution of the sprayed product by allowing the device piezoelectric to reach a relatively stable operating regime before the actual spraying.

Feeding at least one product from the chamber may be through a channel at a lower end of the chamber when the spraying system is in a normal position of use.

An inclination of the chamber is detected in an exemplary implementation of the method. This may indicate to the user that the spraying system is not in an orientation suitable for complete emptying of the chamber. An audible and / or visual signal can then be emitted if the chamber is inclined unfavorable to the emptying thereof.

The duration of circulation of the product to the chamber can be counted. An audible and / or visual signal may be emitted depending on the duration of circulation of the product, to inform the user on the degree of emptying of the tank.

The chamber can receive sprays from at least two tanks, for example two products having different hues.

The product or products may be taken from the reservoir (s) without air intake.

The chamber may have a volume of less than or equal to 1 ml, for example a volume of between 0.25 and 0.75 ml.

The product flow to the chamber during spraying is, for example, between 0.1 g / min and 5 g / min, for example from 0.7 to 0.9 g / min.

The sprayed product may be any cosmetic or care product, for example a makeup composition, especially a foundation or a self-tanning composition.

• un réservoir contenant au moins un produit à pulvériser,
• une chambre d'alimentation d'un dispositif piézoélectrique,
• un système de mise en circulation du produit du réservoir vers la chambre,
• un circuit de contrôle du système de mise en circulation pour inverser le sens de circulation du produit à la fin d'un cycle de pulvérisation, afin de vider la chambre.

The invention also relates, in another of its aspects, to a system for spraying at least one product, comprising:

• a tank containing at least one product to be sprayed,
• a feed chamber of a piezoelectric device,
• a system for circulating the product of the reservoir to the chamber,
• a control circuit of the circulation system to reverse the flow direction of the product at the end of a spraying cycle, in order to empty the chamber.

The circulation system may comprise a pump integral with the reservoir, and the pump and reservoir assembly may belong for example to a refill.

The spraying system may comprise a switch, for example a push button, to trigger a spraying cycle.

The spraying system may comprise an electric motor for driving a first coupling member, the aforementioned pump comprising a second coupling member arranged to cooperate with the first coupling member, so that a rotation of the first coupling member Coupling caused by the motor is accompanied by a rotation of the second coupling member and the actuation of the pump.

The piezoelectric spraying device may be normally separable from the tank or alternatively may be permanently attached to the tank.

• la figure 1 représente, en perspective, un exemple de système de pulvérisation réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente isolément une recharge pour le système de pulvérisation de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté selon III de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une vue partielle arrière selon IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement un exemple de pompe pouvant être utilisée,
• la figure 6 représente de manière schématique la chambre d'alimentation du dispositif piézoélectrique et la pompe associée,
• la figure 7 est un schéma en blocs représentant différents composants du système de pulvérisation,
• la figure 8 illustre une variante de réalisation du système de mise en circulation du produit,
• les figures 9 et 10 représentent partiellement, en perspective, des variantes du système de pulvérisation, et
• la figure 11 est un schéma en blocs illustrant un exemple de déroulement d'un cycle de pulvérisation.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, in perspective, an example of a spraying system produced according to the invention,
• the figure 2 represents in isolation a refill for the spray system of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a side view according to III of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 4 is a partial rear view according to IV of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 5 schematically represents an example of a pump that can be used,
• the figure 6 schematically represents the feed chamber of the piezoelectric device and the associated pump,
• the figure 7 is a block diagram showing different components of the spray system,
• the figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the system for circulating the product,
• the Figures 9 and 10 partially represent, in perspective, variants of the spraying system, and
• the figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a spraying cycle.

The spraying system 1 shown in FIG. figure 1 comprises a housing 2 housing a piezoelectric spraying device 3 for spraying a product through an opening 4 of the housing 2.

The opening 4 is for example a front opening, of axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the housing 2, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , but other configurations of the housing 2 are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the example, the opening 4 is formed on a removable cover 5, which can be separated from the base of the housing by acting on unlocking tabs 6 which are for example diametrically opposed.

The removal of the cover 5 frees access to a refill 10 that has been shown separately to the Figures 2 to 4 .

The spraying system 1 comprises, as illustrated schematically in FIG. figure 7 , an electrical source 11 which is for example accessible under the hood 5 and / or after removal of a hatch, not shown, so as to be replaced. In a variant, the electric source 11 can be integrated into the refill 10.

The spraying system 1 also comprises a control circuit 12 which makes it possible to control the operation of an electric motor 13 and that of the piezoelectric device 3 during a spraying cycle, as will be detailed below.

The spraying system 1 comprises, in the illustrated example, a push-button 15 located in the upper part of the housing 2. This push-button 15 can pass through a corresponding opening formed on the cover 5.

The spraying system 1 may also comprise at least one audible and / or luminous warning device 17, for example a light-emitting diode, and possibly at least one inclinometer 19 represented diagrammatically in FIG. figure 7 whose role will be explained later.

The refill 10 comprises, as shown figure 2 , a reservoir 20, which is for example in the form of a flexible bag containing at least one product to be dispensed. The product can be taken from the tank 20 without air intake, if necessary.

In the example illustrated, the refill 10 further comprises the piezoelectric device 3, which is contained in a housing 22 integral with the reservoir 20.

The piezoelectric device 3 may comprise a not shown ring, made of a piezoelectric material, and a perforated membrane, still sometimes called a grid, mechanically vibrated by the ring. The latter may have a circular or non-circular shape, comprising for example a ceramic, in particular zirconate (PZT), metaniobate (PN), barium titanate or zinc oxide. Requirement FR 2,886,174 discloses an example of a piezoelectric device.

The perforated membrane has for example a diameter greater than or equal to 6 mm, for example equal to 7 mm. The membrane comprises, for example, more than 100 holes, for example 150 holes.

The holes have for example a diameter of between 20 microns and 40 microns, for example equal to 30 microns.

The holes are for example located in the central region of the membrane.

The membrane is for example glued on a ceramic having a thickness of between 0.5 and 0.7 mm, for example equal to 0.6 mm, for example with an outer diameter of 20 mm, and an internal diameter equal to 5 mm. .

The ceramic is for example excited by a sinusoidal voltage 100 kHz 100 peak to peak.

The control circuit 12 can supply the excitation current of the piezoelectric material ring and comprise the electronic components making it possible to keep the excitation frequency at the resonance value.

The reservoir 20 can be connected to the housing 22 detachably, if necessary, for example to allow its replacement while maintaining the piezoelectric device 3.

The reservoir 20, in particular when it is permanently fixed on the housing 2, may optionally be made to allow it to be reloaded with product and may include an opening for this purpose.

The housing 22 houses, in the example considered, in addition to the piezoelectric device 3, a pump 26 which allows the circulation of the product from the reservoir 20 to a feed chamber 27 of the piezoelectric device 3. The chamber 27 is delimited by one side by the vibrating membrane of the piezoelectric device.

The pump 26 comprises for example two rotary members 28 and 29 which rotate in contact with one another, which makes it possible to close the communication between the chamber 27 and the reservoir 20 when the pump is at a standstill.

The pump 26 can be rotated by means of a first coupling member 30 accessible on one face of the casing 22, arranged to cooperate with a second coupling member 31 which is only shown schematically in FIG. figure 7 driven by the motor 13. Thus, the rotation of the motor can be transmitted, via the first and second coupling members 30 and 31, to the rotary members 28 and 29.

The spraying system may comprise, where appropriate, a gearbox between the motor 13 and the second coupling member 31.

The housing 22 also comprises, in the example considered, electrical conductors 32 intended for the electrical supply of the piezoelectric device 3, the housing 2 housing corresponding electrical contacts connected to the control circuit 12.

During the introduction of the refill 30 in the housing 2, the first and second coupling members 30 and 31 cooperate and the conductors 32 can be supplied by the control circuit 12.

The operation of the spraying system 1 during the spraying cycle can be as follows, as illustrated in FIG. figure 11 .

First, pressing the push-button 15 is detected by the control circuit 12 in step 40.

The circuit 12 can then control the operation of the piezoelectric device 3 in step 41, then that of the motor 13 so as to cause in step 42 the circulation of the product to the chamber 27.

The spraying can take place, for example, as long as the user holds down the pushbutton 15.

When the release thereof is detected in step 43, the operation of the piezoelectric device 3 can be maintained while the direction of rotation of the motor 13 is reversed, so that the pump 26 empties the chamber 27. After a predefined duration, the piezoelectric device 3 can be stopped in step 45.

The chamber 27 may be powered by a channel 48 located in the lower part thereof. This channel 48 preferably has a small section.

The control circuit 12 may be arranged to signal to the user by means of the inclinometer 19, for example by emitting a light and / or sound signal, that the spraying system 1 is not in the most suitable orientation. the complete emptying of the chamber 27, in this case head up in the example of the figure 6 .

The control circuit 12 can also, if necessary, record the operating time of the motor 13 when it drives the pump 26 so as to supply the product to the chamber 27. This operating time thus counted can be compared to a preset value and the control circuit 12 may be arranged to warn the user of the imminent emptying of the tank 20 by emitting for example a sound and / or light signal.

The alarm 17 is for example an LED which changes color or which flashes when the reservoir 20 is empty or practically empty. This LED can also light to indicate that the device is working properly.

The invention is not limited to a particular drive means for circulating the product to the chamber 27 from the tank 20 or vice versa, and one can use various types of pumps, for example using a peristaltic pump, to gears or screw.

The reservoir 20 may be further defined at least partially by a piston 65, as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 and the motor 13 can drive a pusher 50 which moves the piston 20 in one direction or another, depending on whether it is desired to supply the chamber 27 or empty it.

The invention is not limited to the spraying of a single product and the housing 2 may for example receive at least two refills which are for example each associated with a spraying device 3, the housing 2 may comprise in this case two openings 4a and 4b for respectively spraying each of the products, as illustrated in FIG. figure 9 .

The spraying system 1 may then comprise a selector 52 which allows the user to choose one or the other of the products, or even to allow the simultaneous spraying of the two products with a user-determined ratio, the control can for example in this case control the respective drive motors of the corresponding pumps with different speeds of rotation depending on the relative proportion of the products to be sprayed.

Products can also be sprayed together through a single opening, as shown in figure 10 .

In this case, the spraying system may comprise two tanks respectively containing the two products to be sprayed and corresponding pumps for feeding a single chamber associated with the spraying device.

The piezoelectric device can be made in various ways and comprise for example any form of vibrating membrane. The invention is not limited either to a feed chamber of the piezoelectric device of particular shape. The shape of the feed chamber of the piezoelectric device may in particular depend on the shape of the vibrating membrane.

In a variant, the refill also includes the drive motor of the pump. In this case, additional electrical contacts can be made on the recharge to allow the supply of the current corresponding to the engine.

In another variant, the spraying system comprises a refill which is limited to the single tank.

The spray system may still not have a removable refill. In this case, the tank may for example be permanently present in the housing of the spray system and can be reloaded or not in product.

The pump for supplying the product to the feed chamber of the piezoelectric device may, where appropriate, serve to fill the tank, a selector being for example provided to allow the pump to suck in a source of product for filling the reservoir and not in the feed chamber of the piezoelectric device.

Where appropriate, the recharging may comprise means for informing the housing on the nature of the product contained therein, for example reliefs cooperating with contactors of the housing and whose state is analyzed by the control circuit.

The refill can also comprise an electronic memory or a barcode containing information representative of the product contained inside, and possibly also additional characteristics, such as, for example, information relating to the spraying conditions of the product, for example the flow rate. supply of the piezoelectric device.

The piezoelectric device may for example have a shape as disclosed in the application WO 9116997 .

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (28)

A method of dispensing a product, wherein a product supply chamber (27) of a piezoelectric spraying device (3) receives, during a spraying cycle, product flowing in a direction from at least one reservoir (20), the flow direction of the product being reversed at the end of the spraying cycle to evacuate the product contained in the chamber (27). A method according to claim 1, the circulation of the product being effected by means of a pump (26) driven in one direction to supply the chamber and in the opposite direction to empty the chamber. The method of claim 2, the pump having two rotatable members. Method according to claim 2 or 3, the pump shutting off any communication between the chamber and the reservoir. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the operation of the piezoelectric spraying device being interrupted after the direction of flow of the product has been reversed. A method according to claim 5, the operation of the piezoelectric device (3) being maintained for a duration greater than or equal to 0.5 seconds from the reversal of the direction of flow of the product, this duration being in particular between 0.5 and 2 seconds. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the piezoelectric device being operated prior to circulating the product at the beginning of a spraying cycle. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an inclination of the chamber (27) is detected. A method according to claim 8, an audible and / or visual signal being emitted in case of inclination of the chamber unfavorable to the emptying thereof. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, the duration of circulation of the product towards the chamber being accounted for. A method according to claim 10, an audible and / or visual signal being issued according to the running time of the product to inform the user on the degree of emptying of the reverse. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the chamber (27) receives sprays from at least two tanks. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the spraying device comprising a vibrating membrane. Process according to Claims 1 to 13, the product or products being taken from the reservoir (s) (20) without air intake. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, feeding at least one product of the chamber through a channel (48) at a lower end of the chamber when the spraying device is in a normal position use. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, the chamber (27) having a volume of less than or equal to 1 ml, more preferably a volume of between 0.25 and 0.75 ml. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, the product flow rate to the chamber during spraying being between 0.1 g / min and 5 g / min. Method according to the preceding claim, the flow rate ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 g / min. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, the product being a cosmetic or care product. Process according to Claim 19, the product being a makeup composition, especially a foundation. The process of claim 19 wherein the product is a self-tanning composition. System (1) for spraying a product, comprising: a reservoir (20) containing at least one product to be sprayed, a chamber (27) for feeding a piezoelectric device (3), a system (26) for circulating the product of the reservoir to the chamber, - A control circuit (12) of the circulation system to reverse the flow of the product at the end of a spray cycle to empty the chamber. The system of claim 22 including a switch (15) for initiating a spraying cycle. System according to claim 22 or 23, the product circulation system comprising a pump (26). System according to the preceding claim, the pump being secured to the reservoir. System according to one of claims 24 and 25, comprising an electric motor (13) for driving a first coupling member, the pump (26) comprising a second coupling member arranged to cooperate with the first coupling member of such that a rotation of the first coupling member caused by the motor is accompanied by a rotation of the second coupling member and the actuation of the pump. System according to any one of claims 22 to 26, the piezoelectric sputtering device (3) being normally separable from the reservoir. System according to any one of claims 22 to 26, the piezoelectric spraying device (3) being permanently integral with the reservoir (20).

Images