FR3053233A1 - COSMETIC DISTRIBUTION DEVICE WITH DISTANCE SENSOR - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a cosmetic product on a body surface (8) comprising: - a pressurized container (3) equipped with a product dispensing valve actuated by an actuating system of the valve (20), a dispensing system (4), - a sensing sensor (13) detecting the grip of the device (1), - a distance sensor (12) designed to measure the distance between the dispensing head ( 41) and the body surface (8) - a treatment unit (6).

Description

® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number

053 233

56066

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸ : A47 K 5/12 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 06.29.16. (© Priority: (© Applicant (s): L'OREAL Société anonyme— FR. @ Inventor (s): DOVERGNE OLIVIER. ©) Date of availability of the request: 05.01.18 Bulletin 18/01. ©) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this booklet (© References to other related national documents: (® Holder (s): L'OREAL Société anonyme. ©) Extension request (s): (© Agent (s): L'OREAL Société anonyme.

COSMETIC DISPENSING DEVICE WITH DISTANCE SENSOR.

FR 3 053 233 - A1 _ The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a cosmetic product on a body surface (8) comprising:

- a pressurized container (3) equipped with a product distribution valve actuated by a valve actuation system (20), a distribution system (4),

- a sensitive sensor (13) detecting the grip of the device (1),

- a distance sensor (12) designed to measure the distance between the dispensing head (41) and the body surface (8)

- a processing unit (6).

i

Cosmetic dispensing device with distance sensor

The present invention relates to devices for dispensing a fluid product, and more particularly but not exclusively to the dispensing heads of a cosmetic product such as for example a deodorant (including antiperspirants) or a hair product, for example for shaping the hair.

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

Technological background

EP 0 955 826 discloses hair dryers that can measure the moisture content of the hair from a distance before emitting hot air. Remote measurement is carried out by determining the energy of a radiation in a predetermined absorption band.

There are known devices for dispensing soap that can be used in public spaces. Some trigger automatically when a person approaches their hands with a sensor. Such devices are usually attached to the wall or to a chest located above a sink. Such an example is described in patent application EP 2 811 881 which describes a soap dispenser with a sensor for measuring the distance between device and a hand of a user and dispensing a dose of soap as soon as the measured distance is understood within a predetermined value range.

In nomadic dispensing devices such as aerosols, the actuation of the dispensing head is done manually. For this, the device is brought by the user near the surface to be treated. Then, he presses the push button to cause the distribution of the product. Each user appreciates, in their own way, the right distance to trigger the distribution. However, the size of the droplets projected onto the surface depends precisely on this distance.

For some types of product, such as hairspray, deodorant or sunscreen, the effect of the product may depend on the size of the droplets on the surface. It is therefore important to be sure to place the device at an optimal distance from the body surface. This placement is often difficult for the user to assess, especially when spraying the product on an area of the body that they do not see like the back or back of the thighs. In addition, such areas complicate the handling of the device, especially when the distribution is long to cover a large area, when the person has a disability or an illness or the area is inaccessible.

There is a need to increase the precision of application of a product sprayed onto the skin without taking the risk of triggering an untimely dispensing when the user approaches his hands with the device.

The invention also aims to facilitate the gesture of the user when applying a cosmetic product.

The invention also aims to produce a rechargeable device.

The invention also aims to produce distribution heads whose cost is compatible with large-scale distribution.

Definition of the invention

The object of the invention is, according to a first of its aspects, a device for dispensing a cosmetic product on a body surface comprising:

a pressurized container containing the product to be dispensed and equipped with a product distribution valve actuated by a valve actuation system, a distribution system intended for distributing the product on a body surface, the system comprising a distribution head connected to the container and comprising at least one nozzle defining at least one product outlet orifice, the device further comprises:

a sensitive sensor detecting the grip of the device by a user, a distance sensor designed to measure, without physical contact of the device with the body surface, the distance between the dispensing head and the body surface, a processing unit connected to the sensitive sensor and to the distance sensor, an electrical power source and energizing means connected to the electrical power source, said energizing means being actuable by the user to allow the energizing of the sensor sensitive, of the distance sensor, of the processing unit and of the valve actuation system, the processing unit being able to control the valve actuation system to trigger the distribution when on the one hand, the sensitive sensor is activated and, on the other hand, the distance sensor determines that the distance between the exit orifice and the body surface is less greater than a predetermined maximum value and greater than a predetermined minimum value.

Thanks to the invention, there is now a portable device capable of automatically dispensing a pressurized cosmetic product when the distance between the outlet orifice and the body surface is within an optimal prerecorded range of values. Thus, the distribution is clearly simplified for the user since he no longer needs to think about the correct positioning of the device relative to the surface he wants to treat. He just has to move the device close to this surface and the dispensing of product, possibly droplets if there is a diffuser for example, will be triggered instantly as soon as the distance with the surface is in the prerecorded range of values.

According to the invention, the device is not triggered only when the distance sensor detects a surface located at the correct distance, it is also necessary that the user is ready to apply the product and that he has taken control of the device to activate the sensitive sensor. Therefore, untimely triggering of the product is avoided for improved safety of the dispensing devices.

Thanks to these provisions, the device has no contact with the surface on which the product is intended to be projected, and the user simply controls the activation of the dispensing of product by bringing the device at an adequate distance from the surface. This activation of the dispensing of product can therefore be stopped by the user, either by immobilizing his hand and therefore the device, either by moving the device or more precisely the dispensing head from the surface, or by deactivating the sensitive sensor. This device therefore makes it possible to provoke or not the distribution of product under optimal conditions, without however requiring the slightest calculation on the part of the user.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the steps consisting in:

(i) Take control of a device as described above, (ii) Switch on the distance sensor, the sensitive sensor, the processing unit and the valve actuation system by actuating the tensioning means , (iii) Move the dispensing head closer to the body surface, (iii) Move the device relative to the body surface.

Main definition

The "distance from the exit port to the body surface" is the distance measured along the Y axis of the port between the exit section of the port and the body surface. The Y-axis of the hole may or may not coincide with the direction of distribution. According to a preferred embodiment, the Y axis of the orifice is perpendicular to the X axis of the device.

The term “distribution” means an emission of product, in particular of droplets, such as a spray or a spray.

Preferred embodiments

Preferably, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

The valve actuation system includes a motor or a solenoid. Such a system is simple to implement.

The distance sensor includes an optical system for measuring the distance between the outlet and the body surface, including an infrared system. The measurement is precise and suitable for short distances.

The distance sensor includes an ultrasonic acoustic probe. This alternative is suitable for measuring short distances.

The distribution system further comprises an electrical signal generator for controlling the activation of said at least one nozzle of the distribution head. The nozzle is also activatable for improved safety of the device.

The dispensing head comprises an external wall on which are attached means for selecting the size of the droplets of the product to be dispensed, said selection means being connected to the electrical signal generators of the dispensing system to vary the frequency and / or the amplitude of said electrical signals controlling the activation of said at least one distribution nozzle. The user can choose the size of the droplets according to his skin type for example.

The device comprises a body surface analysis system comprising a thermal detector, in particular an infrared detector (PIR). The distribution is better suited to the user.

The device includes a system for analyzing the surface of the body comprising a detector of the product applied to the skin. This avoids a new distribution of product, especially droplets on an already treated surface.

The distance sensor includes a printed circuit board. The distance sensor is more compact.

The distance sensor includes a plurality of signal transmitting elements and a plurality of signal receiving elements. The distance calculation is more precise and reliable.

The distance sensor is provided with conductive tracks for electrically supplying the signal transmission and reception elements and for transmitting the signals from said at least one reception element to the processing unit. The distance sensor is miniaturized for an optimal size of the device.

When the distribution system has not been activated for a first time interval, the processing unit is adapted to activate a communication unit intended to emit an alert signal, in particular an audible signal, a light signal or a visual signal, in particular a signal generated on a smartphone-type interface, such as a display on a smartphone screen or a sound effect generated by a smartphone. The device interacts with the user to prevent and advise him.

Description of the figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of an example of non-limiting implementation thereof, and on examining the appended, partial and schematic drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows in perspective, in isolation, the dispensing head according to the invention, Figure 2 shows in perspective, the dispensing head of Figure 1, mounted on a container, Figure 3 is a block diagram of the different components the device according to the invention.

The device 1 of axis X represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 in connection with the operating diagram of FIG. 3 comprises a dispensing head 41 intended to equip a container 3, for example an aerosol can comprising a product which is distributed under the pressure of a propellant. This is for example a deodorant or a sunscreen.

The device according to the invention can be formed, for example, of thermoplastic material.

The device according to the invention can deliver droplets if a diffuser has been mounted on the spray head. It can also simply deliver a jet of product, for example if only one valve is fitted.

The container 3 is equipped with a product distribution valve actuated by an electrical signal generator intended to control the activation or not of said valve by actuating a motor or a solenoid.

The valve is adapted to open or close according to the electrical signals coming from a processing unit 6, thus creating for example droplets at the outlet of the orifice 22 to project them onto the surface 6, if a diffuser has been fitted in addition to the valve.

The device 1 comprises a source of electrical power formed, for example, by a battery, or even two rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, allowing by means of a switch to energize the various electrical elements forming the device 1. It also comprises means for detecting the grip of the device 1, such as a sensitive sensor 13, for example, a capacitive sensor arranged at the external wall of the device 1 and intended to detect a pressure when the grip of the device 1 by the user.

The device 2 also comprises, at the level of the dispensing head 41, measuring means, namely a distance sensor 12 for measuring, without any physical contact of the device with the body surface 8, the distance between the outlet orifice 22 of the dispensing head 41 and the surface 8. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 12 is constituted by an optical system which comprises, for example, an infrared LED which sends a beam of incident light FI towards the surface 8 so as to create a light spot on said surface 8 and a beam of reflected light FR which will then be analyzed by a photodiode so as to calculate the angle of inclination of the incident beam FI relative to said surface 8.

The distance between the photodiode and the infrared LED being known and the angle of inclination of the incident light beam FI being calculated, it then suffices to calculate, by simple trigonometric relationships, the distance which separates the infrared LED from the surface 8.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the incident light beam FI coming from the optical system forming the distance sensor 12 is substantially directed in the same direction Z as the direction Y of distribution of the product, in particular droplets of product.

This direction of the incident light beam merges substantially, in the example considered here, with the distribution axis Y. Thus, the distance measured between the outlet orifice 22 and the surface 8 also corresponds to the path of the product, in particular droplets from said nozzle to the surface 8.

According to another alternative embodiment, the optical system of the distance sensor 12 can also include means for emitting a conical light beam whose axis of symmetry merges with the Y axis. The optical system then comprises a sensor suitable for calculating the radius of the light spot formed by the conical beam on the body surface 8. The radius of the light spot being proportional to the distance which separates the means for emitting the conical beam from the surface 8, it is then possible to determine linearly the distance between the emission means and the surface 8.

According to an alternative embodiment, the distance sensor 12 can also be constituted by an acoustic ultrasonic probe.

The optical system which forms the measurement means 12 is directly connected directly to the processing unit 6 which keeps in memory the measurement carried out by the optical system. The processing unit 6 can also be adapted to command the optical system to carry out repeated measurement operations in determined time intervals. These time intervals could for example be between 1 ms and 0.1 seconds.

The sensitive sensor 13 can be located on the external wall of the dispensing head 41 to be easily held between the thumb and middle finger of a user.

The operation of the device 1 will now be described.

When the user wishes to use the device 1, he first puts the various electrical elements of said device 1 under tension by actuating a switch for example.

He grasps the device by placing, for example, two fingers on the sensitive sensor 13, so as to mark his desire to distribute product on a surface 8.

Optionally, it activates the OFF / ON button 121 to activate the distance sensor.

The user then brings the dispensing head 41 towards a surface 8, so that the distance sensor 12 calculates automatically and without physical contact with the surface 8 the distance which separates the outlet orifice 22 from the surface 8 This measured distance is transmitted to the processing unit 6 adapted to control the activation of the actuation system of the valve 20 and cause the distribution of droplets on the surface 8 only when, on the one hand, the sensitive sensor 13 is activated and on the other hand, the distance sensor 12 determines that the distance between the outlet orifice 22 and the body surface 8 is less than a predetermined maximum value and greater than a predetermined minimum value.

Fa predetermined maximum value can for example be, for information, of the order of 50 cm, and preferably 40 cm. Fa predetermined minimum value can for example be, for information, of the order of 10 cm, and preferably 20 cm.

Thus, for example, when the measurement means 12 determine that the distance between the outlet orifice 22 and the surface 8 is greater than the predetermined maximum value and that the sensitive sensor 13 is activated, the processing unit 6 will not control not activation of the valve actuation system and no droplet 7 will be projected onto the surface 8.

The processing unit 6 is also suitable for stopping the activation of the distribution system when the nozzle 43 is too close to the surface 8 to allow the droplets 7 to be suitably sprayed onto the surface 8.

Likewise, for better user comfort, the processing unit 6 can be adapted to activate communication means emitting an alert signal when the distribution system 4 has not been activated for a prerecorded time interval ( for example 30 minutes or an hour). An alert signal may appear, for example, on the screen of a smartphone 30.

The device 1 can also include a product detector 15 possibly already present on the skin. The result of this detection is transmitted to the processing unit 6. It is compared with a predetermined product value with reference to which the processing unit 6 authorizes or not the distribution. The product detector 15 may comprise a transmitting coil and a receiving coil, the transmitting coil being supplied by an excitation signal.

The device 1 can also include a thermal detector 16 for detecting the quality of the skin. The result of this detection is transmitted to the processing unit 6. It is compared with a predetermined value with reference to which the processing unit authorizes or not the distribution. The thermal detector 16 can be a detector having a resistive heating element traversed by a phase current and thermally coupled to a temperature sensor by means of a thermal coupling body.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described.

In particular, the nozzle can be produced and arranged differently and the dispensing head can be arranged differently.

The invention is suitable for the distribution of products other than cosmetics, for example an oven cleaner or an insecticide.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one".

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Claims (13)

1. Device (1) for dispensing a cosmetic product on a body surface (8) comprising: a pressurized container (3) containing the product to be dispensed and equipped with a product distribution valve actuated by a valve actuation system (20), a distribution system (4) intended to distribute the product on a surface body (8), the system comprising a dispensing head (41) connected to the container (3) and comprising at least one nozzle (43) defining at least one outlet orifice (22) for the product, characterized in that the device ( 1) further includes: a sensitive sensor (13) detecting the grip of the device (1) by a user, a distance sensor (12) designed to measure, without physical contact of the device (1) with the body surface (8), the distance between the dispensing head (41) and the body surface (8), a processing unit (6) connected to the sensitive sensor (13) and to the distance sensor (12), a source of electrical power and means of placing under voltage (11) connected to the electric power source, said tensioning means (11) being actuable by the user to allow the sensing sensor (13), the distance sensor (12), the processing unit (6) and of the valve actuation system (20), the processing unit (6) being able to control the valve actuation system (20) to initiate the distribution when d on the one hand, the sensitive sensor (13) is activated and on the other hand, the distance sensor ( 12) determines that the distance between the outlet (22) and the body surface (8) is less than a predetermined maximum value and greater than a predetermined minimum value. 2. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve actuation system (20) comprises a motor or a solenoid. 3. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance sensor (12) comprises an optical system for measuring the distance between the outlet orifice (22) and the body surface (8 ), including an infrared system. 4. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance sensor (12) comprises an acoustic ultrasonic probe. 5. Distribution device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution system (4) further comprises an electric signal generator for controlling the activation of said at least one nozzle (43) of the distribution head (41). 6. Dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the dispensing head (41) comprises an outer wall on which are attached means for selecting the size of the droplets (7) of the product to be dispensed, said means for selection being connected to the electrical signal generator of the distribution system (4) to vary the frequency and / or the amplitude of said electrical signals controlling the activation of said at least one distribution nozzle (43). 7. Distribution device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a body surface analysis system (8) comprising a thermal detector (16), in particular an infrared detector (PIR). 8. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a system for analyzing the surface of the body comprising a product detector (15) applied to the skin. 9. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance sensor (12) comprises a printed circuit board. 10. Distribution device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance sensor (12) comprises a plurality of signal transmission elements and a plurality of signal reception elements. 11. Distribution device according to claim 10, characterized in that the distance sensor (12) is provided with conductive tracks for electrically supplying the signal transmission and reception elements and for transmitting the signals of said at least one element reception to the processing unit (6). 12. Distribution device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the distribution system (4) has not been activated for a first time interval, the processing unit (6) is adapted for activating a communication unit intended to emit an alert signal, in particular an audible signal, a light signal or a visual signal, in particular a signal generated on a smartphone-type interface (30), such as a display on a smartphone screen (30) or a sound effect generated by a smartphone (30). 13. Cosmetic process comprising the steps consisting in: (i) Take over a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, (ii) Switch on the distance sensor (12), the sensitive sensor (13), the processing unit (6) and the valve actuation system (20) by actuating the tensioning means (11), (iii) bring the dispensing head (41) closer to the body surface, (iv) move the device (1) relative on the body surface (8). ³ θ53233 î / 2 I 2/2 SMARTPHONE