FR3104390A1 - Cosmetic product refill, loading assembly, dispensing mechanism and associated kits - Google Patents

Abstract

Cosmetic product refill, charging assembly, dispensing mechanism and associated kit The refill comprises: - a tank (20); - an applicator (22), mounted at a proximal end of the tank (20) to receive cosmetic product contained in the tank (20); - an attachment head (28) mounted at a distal end of the vessel (20), the attachment head (28) including at least one attachment assembly (98) to the dispensing mechanism; - a piston (24) slidably mounted in the tank (20) to push the cosmetic product towards the applicator (22); - an actuating screw (26) for the piston (24), passing through the fixing head (28), the actuating screw (26) having a proximal end connected to the piston (24) and a distal threaded rod (80) protruding longitudinally from the tank (20) to be introduced into the dispensing mechanism. Figure for the abstract: figure 3

Description

Cosmetic product refill, charging assembly, dispensing mechanism and related kit

The present invention relates to a cosmetic product refill, intended to be removably mounted in a ratchet dispensing mechanism, the refill comprising:

- a tank intended to contain the cosmetic product, the tank extending along a longitudinal axis.

The refill is intended in particular to contain a cosmetic product for make-up, care or coloring, suitable for being applied to a body surface of a user, such as the skin or keratin fibers of the user.

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

Known devices for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products comprise an applicator formed from a tuft of bristles which is connected to a tank containing the cosmetic product.

A ratchet dispensing mechanism, activated by a push button, causes a very precise dispensing of the cosmetic product in the applicator. A simple press of the button by the user moves a piston contained in the tank to push the product towards the applicator.

Such a packaging and dispensing device allows very precise application of a controlled dose of cosmetic product by the user. The device also has dimensions, an external appearance, and a gesture of use very appreciated by the user.

However, this device can still be improved in order to reduce its environmental impact. Indeed, when the cosmetic product contained in the refill has been completely dispensed, the packaging and dispensing device must be discarded as a whole.

To overcome this problem, it is known, for example from EP 1 557 288, to provide devices for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products, having a refill capable of being filled, or changed once the cosmetic product has been used up.

Such a device does not give complete satisfaction. Indeed, it is not suitable for distribution with a ratchet distribution mechanism. In addition, its adaptation to a ratchet mechanism would require significantly changing the dimensions, the external appearance, and the gestures of use of the device.

An object of the invention is to provide a refill for a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device allowing precise dispensing of the product, while having a reduced environmental impact, without significantly changing the dimensions, the external appearance, and the gestures of use of the device for the user.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a cosmetic product refill as defined above, characterized by:

- an applicator, mounted at a proximal end of the tank to receive the cosmetic product contained in the tank;

- a fixing head in the dispensing mechanism, mounted at a distal end of the tank, the fixing head comprising at least one attachment assembly to the dispensing mechanism;

- a piston mounted sliding in the tank to push the cosmetic product towards the applicator;

- a piston actuation screw, passing through the fixing head, the actuation screw having a proximal end connected to the piston and a distal threaded rod protruding longitudinally from the tank to be introduced into the dispensing mechanism.

Such a refill is therefore particularly suitable for fitting into a ratchet mechanism, capable of gripping the actuating screw, without significantly changing the dimensions of the device, its external appearance, or its gestures of use.

The refill is compact and has a limited number of parts, allowing the mechanism to be kept for long-term use, while only throwing away what is strictly necessary when the cosmetic product is used up.

This is obtained with a minimum of adaptation of the external shape and dimensions of the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device, making it possible to maintain the desired gestures.

According to variants:

- the piston is rotatably mounted at the proximal end of the actuation screw;

- the piston is mounted free in translation relative to the proximal end of the actuating screw over a limited stroke relative to the actuating screw.

The rotational uncoupling of the piston relative to the screw allows it to slide easily in the tank, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of product. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in translation between the piston and the screw guarantees that, when assembling the applicator on the tank, the applicator is not contaminated by cosmetic product.

According to variants:

- the actuating screw comprises at least one lateral flat extending longitudinally on the threaded rod;

- the actuation screw has a rounded distal end.

The presence of a lateral flat on the screw allows it to be easily engaged by the ratchet mechanism. In addition, its rounded distal end ensures reliable guidance and insertion into the ratchet mechanism.

According to variants:

- the attachment assembly comprises an internal skirt having at least one attachment member external to the dispensing mechanism, in particular an external thread;

- the internal skirt delimits a central passage for circulation of the actuating screw, the central passage comprising an internal thread engaged on the threaded rod of the actuating screw.

The attachment assembly formed by a skirt is simple to assemble, in particular by screwing into the mechanism. The skirt also delimiting an internal passage for guiding the screw, the screw is therefore secured and guided during its rotation to allow homogeneous distribution of the cosmetic product.

According to a variant, the applicator comprises a tuft, and a tuft holder, mounted at the proximal end of the tank.

The refill is particularly suitable for applicators comprising a tuft of bristles and a tuft holder, since it guarantees a change of applicator for each use.

According to a variant, the refill comprises an outer skirt for protecting the actuating screw, and for guiding the insertion of the refill into the dispensing mechanism, the outer skirt protruding around the threaded rod, up to the distal end of the actuation screw.

The outer skirt protruding around the distal section, to the distal end of the screw, it protects the screw during storage of the refill, and facilitates the insertion of the refill into the ratchet mechanism during use .

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a refill as defined above and an assembly/disassembly cover of the refill in the dispensing mechanism, the assembly/disassembly cover being removably engaged around the refill applicator.

The presence of a temporary assembly cover facilitates the introduction of the refill into the mechanism, and later, its replacement.

The invention also relates to a ratchet dispensing mechanism, intended to removably receive a refill containing cosmetic product, the refill comprising a screw for actuating the dispensing of cosmetic product, and an assembly for attaching to the mechanism dispensing mechanism, the dispensing mechanism comprising:

- an external yoke defining an internal volume for introducing the refill;

- a ratchet actuation assembly comprising:

*an actuating button mounted mobile in translation relative to the outer yoke, suitable for being actuated by a user following a to-and-fro movement;

* a pawl, able to move together with the actuation button;

* a pawl wheel, cooperating with the pawl to be driven in rotation always in the same direction during a reciprocating movement in translation of the pawl, the pawl wheel defining an internal slot for receiving the actuating screw containing at least one drive member in rotation of the actuating screw;

*an elastic biasing device distal to the pawl and the actuation button; the dispensing mechanism further comprising:

- an attachment assembly complementary to the refill, capable of cooperating with the attachment assembly when the refill is received in the dispensing mechanism.

The mechanism is intended to be used several times with successive refills, guaranteeing reliable operation and simplified dispensing of product for the user. It contains most of the parts necessary for this distribution.

According to variants:

- the or each member for driving the actuating screw in rotation is a fin for engaging the actuating screw, capable of cooperating with at least one flat of the actuating screw to drive the actuating screw in rotation.

- the or each fin is bevelled at its proximal end.

The presence of a central passage equipped with fins, allows effective engagement of the screw, for reliable rotation training when the mechanism is actuated. The presence of chamfered fins also simplifies this introduction.

The invention also relates to a kit intended to be assembled to form a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product, comprising a dispensing mechanism as defined above and at least one refill as defined above, intended to be removably mounted in the dispensing mechanism, the refill attachment assembly being intended to engage in the complementary attachment assembly of the dispensing mechanism, the actuating screw being intended to be inserted into internal reception light defined by the ratchet wheel, the kit advantageously comprising at least one additional refill as defined above intended to be mounted in a removable manner in the dispensing mechanism, replacing the refill.

Such a kit therefore has a particularly reduced environmental impact, while offering the possibility of easily assembling a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product, the gestures of which are desired by the user.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- FIG. 1 is a section along a median axial plane of a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention;

- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a dispensing mechanism of the device of FIG. 1;

- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a cosmetic product refill intended to be introduced into the mechanism of FIG. 2;

- FIG. 4 is a view of the relevant parts of the device of FIG. 1, once the refill has been inserted into the mechanism;

- Figure 5 is an end view of Figure 4;

- FIG. 6 is a three-quarter front perspective view of an assembly/disassembly cover of the refill of FIG. 3;

- Figure 7 is a side view of the cover of Figure 6;

- Figure 8 is a view of the end of the applicator present on the refill of Figure 3; And

- FIG. 9 is a view of a kit comprising a refill and a mechanism, with an assembly/disassembly cover assembled on the refill, when the refill is put in place.

In what follows, the term “proximal” generally means located relatively closer to the point of application of the cosmetic product on the body surface and the term “distal” generally means located relatively farther from this point of application.

A first device 10 for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product is illustrated in FIG. 1. The device 10 generally extends along a longitudinal axis A-A', between a proximal product application end (on the left in 1) and a distal product dispensing actuation end (on the right in Figure 1).

The device 10 comprises a ratchet dispensing mechanism 12 intended to be kept for a plurality of uses of the device 10, and a removable refill 14, intended to be introduced into the mechanism 12 to form the device 10.

The packaging and dispensing device 10 further comprises an external-looking hoop 16 housing the dispensing mechanism 12 and a closure cap 18 intended to temporarily close the refill 14.

The refill 14 is replaceable when the cosmetic product it contains runs out or to allow the user to modify the cosmetic product delivered by the device 10.

Referring to Figure 3, the refill 14 comprises a tank 20 containing the cosmetic product, an applicator 22, mounted at a proximal end of the tank 20, and a piston 24 disposed distally in the tank 20 to push the cosmetic product towards the applicator 22.

The refill 14 further comprises an actuation screw 26 of the piston 24, intended to cooperate with the dispensing mechanism 12 and a fixing head 28 in the mechanism 12, which closes the tank 20 at its distal end.

In this example, the refill 14 further comprises a distal outer skirt 29 for protecting the actuating screw 26 and for guiding the introduction of the refill 14 into the dispensing mechanism 12.

The tank 20 is delimited on the outside by a cylindrical wall 30 of longitudinal axis A-A'.

At its proximal end, the cylindrical wall 30 includes a neck 32 for mounting the applicator 22. It opens into the outer skirt 29 at its distal end.

In the vicinity of the distal end of the tank 20, the cylindrical wall 30 defines notches 34 for locking the fixing head 28. The notches 34 here pass through the cylindrical wall 30.

The tank 20 delimits an interior volume 36 containing a cosmetic product intended to be dispensed by the device 10. The volume of cosmetic product contained in the tank 20 is for example less than 15 mL, and in particular comprised 1 mL and 5 mL.

The applicator 22 is mounted at the distal end of the tank 20, in fluid communication with the tank 20. In this example, it comprises a tuft 38 of bristles, and a tuft holder 40 enclosing the tuft 38 at the end of bowl 20.

In this example, the applicator 22 further comprises a diffuser 42 inserted through the tuft holder 40 and the tuft 38, to guide the cosmetic product contained in the tank 20 towards the end of the tuft 38.

Advantageously, the tuft 38 tapers in the proximal direction to its free end. It is intended to be impregnated with cosmetic product, with a view to applying the cosmetic product to the body surface of the user.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the tuft holder 40 comprises a cylindrical base 46, a locking collar 48 in the receiving neck 32 and a substantially frustoconical yoke 50 intended to engage around the tuft 38.

The cylindrical base 46 is externally provided with gadroons 52 for clamping the tuft holder 40 in the receiving neck 32. It defines an internal passage receiving the diffuser 42.

The collar 48 is intended to rest on the proximal edge of the neck 32 of reception. It defines a flat transverse surface 54 of circular outer contour, from which the yoke 50 protrudes.

The yoke 50 defines an internal passage 56 for the tuft 38 and an external peripheral surface 58 of deformed frustoconical shape, elongated transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

The outer surface 58 has, in section in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A′, at its base on the collar 48, an ellipse-shaped contour C1 inscribed in the outer contour C2 of the collar 48. It also has a contour C3 in the shape of an ellipse at its free edge 60.

The ratio between the length LGA of a major axis of the ellipse forming the contour in the shape of an ellipse at the base on the annular collar 48, to the length LPA of the minor axis of the same ellipse is advantageously greater than 1.2 and in particular between 1.1 and 2.

Similarly, in a median axial plane P1 passing through the longitudinal axis A-A' and through the major axis of the ellipse, the outer surface 58 has a half angle at the vertex S greater than 12° and in particular between 10° and 20°.

These dimensions allow the applicator 22 and the refill 14 to be driven in rotation by an assembly/disassembly cover 70, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and which will be described in detail below.

In addition, these particular dimensions of the ratio of the lengths LGA of the major axis and LPA of the minor axis, and of half angle at the apex S of the outer surface 58 offer a good grip to the assembly/disassembly cover 70 during its rotation. , an ease of clipping this cover 70, while avoiding crushing the bristles of the tuft 38 when the tuft 38 is introduced into the cover 70.

Also, as will be described below, when the refill 14 is placed in abutment in the dispensing mechanism 12, this shape can cause the ejection of the assembly/disassembly cap 70 by proximal displacement away from the applicator. 22, during a rotation of the assembly/disassembly cover 70 around the longitudinal axis A-A'.

Referring to Figure 3, the piston 24 includes a scraper 72 having a peripheral wall 74 applied in a sealed manner on the cylindrical wall 30 of the tank 20. Thus, the cosmetic product is confined in the interior volume 36, between the piston 24 and the applicator 22, without risk of distal leakage.

The piston 24 is movable in translation along the longitudinal axis A-A' in the tank 20, under the action of the actuating screw 26, driven by the dispensing mechanism 12, from a distal position, represented on Figure 3, away from the applicator 22, towards a proximal position (not shown) close to the applicator 22.

In this example, the piston 24 defines a central pocket 76 provided with a radial blocking relief 78, intended to receive the actuating screw 26.

The actuating screw 26 comprises a threaded rod 80, a proximal head 82 intended to be inserted into the piston 24 and an unthreaded distal end 84 intended to guide the screw 26 in the distribution mechanism 12.

The threaded rod 80 extends longitudinally along the axis A-A'. It is provided with a thread 86 extending angularly around the axis A-A' on opposite parts of its periphery. It has, between the threaded parts, two parallel flats 87, intended for the engagement of the actuating screw 26 by the mechanism 12, to allow the driving in rotation of the actuating screw 26 around the axis longitudinal A-A'.

The proximal head 82 has an annular housing 88 intended to receive the annular relief 78 of the central pocket 76.

Once the annular relief 78 is engaged in the annular housing 88, the screw 26 and the piston 24 are movable relative to each other in rotation around the longitudinal axis A-A'. Thus, the screw 26 is capable of being driven in rotation around the axis A-A', without rotation of the piston 24.

In addition, the annular housing 88 and the annular relief 78 of the pocket 76 allow longitudinal clearance along the axis A-A' of the piston 24 relative to the actuating screw 26 over a limited axial travel along the axis A-A'.

This axial stroke is less than the length of the piston 24, taken along the axis A-A'. It is in particular less than 1 mm.

The axial travel between the piston 24 and the screw 26 prevents the cosmetic product from penetrating into the applicator 22, when the applicator 22 is mounted on the tank 20, by allowing the cosmetic product to move back. Thus, the tuft 38 remains devoid of cosmetic product, before its first use.

The distal end 84 is rounded, to facilitate the insertion of the threaded rod 80 into the delivery mechanism 12.

Referring to Figure 5, the attachment head 28 comprises a bowl 90 opening distally and having a bottom transverse wall 92 and a cylindrical peripheral wall 94 around the axis A-A'.

The bowl 90 defines, in its bottom wall 92, a central opening 96 through which the screw 26 passes. 98 projecting distally from bottom wall 92 into peripheral wall 94.

Referring to Figure 5, the peripheral wall 94 delimits longitudinal notches 100 defining two by two of the lugs 102 for fixing the head 28.

The legs 102 are provided with notches 104, projecting radially away from the axis A-A'. The notches 104 are capable of penetrating into the radial locking notches 34 to immobilize the fixing head 28 axially and radially with respect to the tank 20.

Referring to Figure 4, the inner skirt 98 delimits a central passage 120 of axis A-A' opening into the opening 96 and receiving the threaded rod 80 of the actuation screw 26.

The central passage 120 comprises an internal thread 122, intended to cooperate with the thread 86 of the threaded rod 80, to allow the advancement by screwing of the actuating screw 26.

The internal skirt 98 is provided with a hooking member 124 to the distribution mechanism 12, formed here by an external thread.

The outer protective skirt 29 extends in the axial extension of the cylindrical wall 30 forming the tank 20.

In this example, it is formed in one piece by being integral with the cylindrical wall 30. The skirt 29 has a length adapted to completely contain the screw 26 over the entire stroke of the piston 24 between the distal position and the position proximal. Thus, the screw 26 is protected during storage of the refill 14, and is advantageously guided in the dispensing mechanism 12 via the skirt 29.

Referring to Figure 2, the dispensing mechanism 12 comprises a cylindrical outer yoke 130, and a ratchet actuation assembly 132, housed in the yoke 130.

The yoke 130 extends along the longitudinal axis A-A'. It defines internally a volume 134 for receiving the refill 14, which opens axially at the ends of the yoke 130.

It defines, in the vicinity of its distal end, a wedging rim 136 of the mechanism, projecting radially towards the axis A-A'.

The ratchet actuating assembly 132 is capable of driving the actuating screw 26 in rotation, always in the same direction around the longitudinal axis A-A', by a back and forth movement of a button. actuation 150 movable in translation along the longitudinal axis A-A'.

The ratchet actuation assembly 132 includes a support sleeve 138. The sleeve 138 defines, at its proximal end, a complementary attachment assembly 140 intended to cooperate with the attachment assembly 98 of the refill 14.

The support sleeve 138 is wedged axially in the yoke 130, resting on the wedging rim 136. It comprises, near its proximal end, a shoulder 142 for supporting the complementary attachment assembly 140. It also comprises a blocking stop 144.

In addition to the actuation button 150, the pawl actuation assembly 132 comprises a pawl 152 movable together with the actuation button 150 along the axis A-A', a pawl support 154 defining internal stops inclined 156 for driving in rotation, and a ratchet wheel 158, adapted to be driven in rotation always in the same direction by cooperation with the drive stops 156, during a back and forth movement of the pawl 152, caused by the actuation button 150.

Ratchet actuator assembly 132 further includes a member 160 for resiliently biasing ratchet wheel 158, pawl 152, and actuator button 150 to a distal rest configuration.

The actuating button 150 partially projects out of the outer yoke 130 at the level of the distal end of the outer yoke 130. It is capable of being pushed by the user, against the elastic stress generated by the elastic biasing member 160, to allow the rotational drive of the pawl wheel 158.

The pawl 152 is partially housed in the pawl support 154. It is movable in translation along the axis A-A' together with the actuation button 160.

It has support legs 162 on the pawl wheel 158.

The pawl support 154 is wedged axially in the support handle 138 via the intermediate stops 144. It remains fixed in translation during the rotation of the pawl wheel 158 and during the translation of the pawl 152.

In a known way, during a first back and forth movement of the actuating button 150 and the pawl 152, the pawl wheel 158 moves in translation together with the pawl 152. During this movement, the wheel pawl 158 is driven in rotation in a first direction around the axis A-A' by cooperation with the inclined drive stops 136.

Then, during each successive back and forth movement of the actuating button 150, the rotation of the pawl wheel 158 around the axis A-A' in the same first direction continues, always by cooperation with the stops d training 136 inclined.

Ratchet wheel 158 defines an internal axial lumen 164 into which screw 26 fits.

It comprises radial fins 166, projecting radially into the internal slot 164 to cooperate with the flats 87 of the screw.

To facilitate the introduction of the screw 26 into the internal lumen 164, the fins 166 are bevelled at their proximal end, providing guidance for the distal end 184 of the screw 26 during its introduction into the mechanism 12.

The elastic biasing member 160 is formed here by a helical spring resting on the one hand, on the wedging shoulder 152, and on the other hand, on the pawl wheel 158, to push distally in translation along of the axis A-A' the ratchet wheel 158, the pawl 152 and the actuation button 150.

Complementary attachment assembly 140 includes a cylindrical wall 170 projecting distally into support sleeve 138 from support shoulder 152.

The cylindrical wall 170 is internally provided with a complementary attachment member 172, here formed by a thread, intended to cooperate with the attachment member 124 of the refill 14.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the assembly/disassembly cap 70 of the refill 14 has in this example the general shape of a truncated warhead at its end.

It comprises an open distal region 180 for engagement on the applicator 22, delimiting an interior cavity 182 for insertion of the applicator 22. It also comprises a proximal gripping region 184 intended to be grasped by the fingers of a user to drive the assembly/disassembly cover 70 in rotation.

The open distal region 180 opens at its distal end. It has a cylindrical distal part 186, and a convergent proximal part 188, in the shape of a dome which closes the cavity 182.

The open distal region 180 has internally, in the cavity 182, a plurality of internal fins 190, projecting towards the axis A-A'. Each internal fin 190 has a free edge 192.

The free edges 192 of the fins 190 jointly define an internal surface of cooperation with the external surface 58 of the tuft holder 40, of shape conjugate to the external surface 58 of the tuft holder 40.

The fins 190 delimit between them intermediate longitudinal spaces 194 making it possible to accommodate the bristles of the tuft 38 when the assembly/disassembly cover 70 is put in place on the applicator 22.

Thus, the assembly/disassembly cap 70 is suitable for being easily mounted on the applicator 22, to cooperate in a complementary manner with the tuft holder 40, minimizing the risk of damaging the tuft 38.

Advantageously, the open distal region 180 is further provided, in the cavity 182, with grapes 196 for locking the assembly/disassembly cover 70 in translation along the longitudinal axis A-A' with respect to the receiving neck 32 of the applicator 22.

The proximal gripping region 184 comprises at least one gripping wing 200, preferably at least three gripping wings 200 projecting radially away from the longitudinal axis A-A'.

In this example, the distal region has four gripping wings 200 distributed angularly around the axis A-A'.

The adjacent wings 200 delimit between them longitudinal hollows 202 intended to receive the fingers of a user.

The assembly and operation of a first cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device 10 according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 9. The device 10 is formed from a kit 210 comprising a refill 14 , a dispensing mechanism 12, and optionally a package containing the refill 14 and the dispensing mechanism 12.

Initially, a loading assembly 212 comprising a refill 14 equipped with an applicator 22 and an assembly/disassembly cover 70, mounted on the applicator 22 is provided. A dispensing mechanism 12, preferably housed in an outer trim hoop 16 is also provided separately from the loading assembly 212.

In the loading assembly 212, the applicator 22 is received in an interior cavity 182 delimited by the open distal region 180.

The cylindrical part 186 is engaged around the receiving neck 32, with the stick 196 limiting the movement in translation along the axis A-A' of the assembly/disassembly cover 70 with respect to the refill 14.

The free edges 192 of the internal fins 190 delimiting an internal surface 193 of conjugate shape to the external surface 58 of the tuft holder 40, the assembly/disassembly cover 70 is engaged integrally around the tuft holder 40.

Given the deformation of the outer surface 58 which has an almost elliptical shape at its base, the engagement of the inner surface 193 on the outer surface 58 prevents or greatly limits the relative rotation between the cap 70 and the applicator 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the user grasps the proximal gripping region 184, advantageously by sliding his fingers into the longitudinal recesses 202 defined between the gripping wings 200. The cross shape of the gripping wings 200 facilitates gripping by the user. user, and makes possible the application of a torque by the user.

Then, the user grasps with another hand the dispensing mechanism 12 provided with the trim ring 16. He then introduces the refill 14 by its distal end to the proximal end of the outer yoke 130.

The guide skirt 29 having a shape substantially complementary to that of the interior volume 134 of the outer yoke 130, the refill 14 is aligned longitudinally with the dispensing mechanism 12 along the axis A-A'.

Then, the user moves the refill 14 in translation in the interior volume 134 along the axis A-A'.

During this movement, the threaded rod 80 of the actuation screw 26 reaches the pawl actuation assembly 132 and passes through the complementary attachment assembly 140. It then penetrates, via its non-threaded distal end 84, into the internal lumen 164 of the ratchet wheel 158, being advantageously guided by the bevels formed at the proximal ends of the fins 166.

The fins 166 then come into contact with the opposite flats 87 to engage around the screw 26.

The distal movement of the refill 14 continues until the attachment assembly 98 comes into contact with the complementary attachment assembly 140.

The hooking member 124 formed by the external thread around the hooking member 98 of the refill 14 engages in the complementary hooking member 172 of the mechanism 12, formed by a complementary thread internal to the wall cylindrical 170.

The user then drives the refill 14 in rotation around the axis A-A' to fix it in the dispensing mechanism 12, by screwing the attachment member 124 into the complementary attachment member 172.

Given the specific shapes of the outer surface 85 of the tuft holder 40 and the combined shape of the inner surface 193 of the assembly/disassembly cover 70, screwing via the gripping wings 200 is made easy for the user.

When the screwing ends, if the user continues to drive the assembly/disassembly cover 70 in rotation around the axis A-A', the specific shape of the outer surface 85 generates the ejection of the assembly cover / disassembly 70 away from the applicator 22. The user can then place a closure cap 18 around the applicator 22.

When he wishes to use the device 10 to dispense cosmetic product, the user releases the closure cap 18. He then exerts back and forth movements on the actuation button 150 which are transmitted to the pawl 152, and to the ratchet wheel 158.

Under the effect of the cooperation between the ratchet wheel 158 and the drive stops 156, the ratchet wheel 158 moves in rotation around the axis A-A' always in the same direction, whatever the direction. translational movement of the actuating button 150 and the pawl 152.

The rotation of the ratchet wheel 158 causes the screw 26 to rotate around the longitudinal axis A-A', by cooperation between the fins 166 and the flats 87.

The external thread 86 of the threaded rod 80 being engaged in the internal thread 122 of the fixing head 28, the screw 26 moves towards the applicator 22.

The rotational movement of the screw 26 around the longitudinal axis A-A' is not transmitted to the piston 24, since the latter is rotatably mounted around the proximal head 82.

However, the movement in longitudinal translation of the screw 26 towards the applicator 22 gradually moves the piston 24 from its distal position to its proximal position. This movement causes the ejection of cosmetic product from the interior volume 36 of the tank 20 towards the applicator 22, advantageously through the diffuser 42, up to the tuft 38.

The number of back and forth movements of the actuating button 150 is controlled by the user, causing a limited displacement of the piston 24 at each back and forth, and therefore, the ejection of a quantity of cosmetic product dosed by the user. .

When the user wishes to change the cosmetic product, or when the cosmetic product present in the tank 20 is exhausted, the user can then replace the refill 14.

To this end, he again engages the assembly/disassembly cover 70 around the applicator 22. Then, he unscrews the refill 14, causing the unscrewing of the complementary attachment member 172 with respect to the attachment 124, to release the complementary attachment assembly 140 from the attachment assembly 98.

Then, the user extracts the refill 14 by translating it along the longitudinal axis A-A' out of the internal yoke 130. Then, the user introduces a new refill 14, as described above.

The device 10 according to the invention is therefore particularly simple to use, and offers a very precise application of a dose of cosmetic product chosen by the user, with simple gestures and suitable dimensions.

The device 10 however remains easily refillable, by means of disposable refills 14, which comprise the only elements necessary for the distribution of the cosmetic product in a biologically safe manner, namely the applicator 22, the tank 20, the piston 24 and the screw 26.

All other elements are part of the distribution mechanism 12 which is kept by the user. Thus, the environmental impact of the device 10 according to the invention is greatly reduced, without modifying the dimensions of the device 10, nor the gestures of use.

Furthermore, the introduction or extraction of the refill 14 in the mechanism 12 is very simple, and is facilitated by the use of the assembly/disassembly cover 70 which has maximum ergonomics and use, while offering effective attachment, without harming the hold of the applicator.

Claims (14)

Cosmetic product refill (14), intended to be removably mounted in a ratchet dispensing mechanism (12), the refill (14) comprising:
- a tank (20) intended to contain the cosmetic product, the tank (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A-A'),
characterized by:
- an applicator (22), mounted at a proximal end of the tank (20) to receive the cosmetic product contained in the tank (20);
- a fixing head (28) in the dispensing mechanism (12), mounted at a distal end of the tank (20), the fixing head (28) comprising at least one attachment assembly (98) to the distribution (12);
- a piston (24) mounted to slide in the tank (20) to push the cosmetic product towards the applicator (22);
- an actuating screw (26) for the piston (24), passing through the fixing head (28), the actuating screw (26) having a proximal end connected to the piston (24) and a distal threaded rod (80) protruding longitudinally from the tank (20) to be introduced into the dispensing mechanism (12). A refill (14) according to claim 1, wherein the piston (24) is rotatably mounted at the proximal end of the actuation screw (26). Refill (14) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the piston (24) is mounted free in translation relative to the proximal end of the actuating screw (26) over a stroke limited relative to the actuating screw (26). Refill (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the actuating screw (26) comprises at least one lateral flat (87) extending longitudinally on the threaded rod (80). A refill (14) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation screw (26) has a rounded distal end. Refill (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the attachment assembly (98) comprises an internal skirt having at least one external attachment member (124) to the dispensing mechanism (12), in particular an external thread. Refill (14) according to Claim 6, in which the internal skirt delimits a central passage (120) for circulation of the actuating screw (26), the central passage (120) comprising an internal thread engaged on the threaded rod (80 ) of the actuating screw (26). Refill (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator (22) comprises a tuft (38), and a tuft holder (40), mounted at the proximal end of the tank (20). Refill (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an outer skirt (19) for protecting the actuating screw (26), and for guiding the insertion of the refill (14) into the dispensing mechanism. (12), the outer skirt (19) projecting around the threaded rod (80), to the distal end of the actuation screw (26). Loading assembly (212) comprising a refill (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an assembly/disassembly cover (70) of the refill (14) in the dispensing mechanism (12), the cover assembly / disassembly (70) being removably engaged around the applicator (22) of the refill (14). Ratchet dispensing mechanism (12), intended to removably receive a refill (14) containing cosmetic product, the refill (14) comprising an actuating screw (26) for dispensing cosmetic product, and a set of hooking (98) to the dispensing mechanism (12), the dispensing mechanism (12) comprising:
- an outer yoke (130) delimiting an interior volume (134) for introducing the refill (14);
- a ratchet actuation assembly (132) comprising:
* an actuating button (130) mounted movable in translation relative to the outer yoke (130), suitable for being actuated by a user following a back and forth movement;
* a pawl (152), adapted to move together with the actuating button (130);
* a pawl wheel (158), cooperating with the pawl (152) to be driven in rotation always in the same direction during a reciprocating movement in translation of the pawl (152), the pawl wheel (158) delimiting an internal slot (164) for receiving the actuating screw (26) containing at least one member for driving the actuating screw (26) in rotation;
* a member (160) for distal elastic biasing of the pawl (152) and of the actuating button (150); the dispensing mechanism (12) further comprising:
- a complementary attachment assembly (140) of the refill (14), capable of cooperating with the attachment assembly (98) when the refill (14) is received in the dispensing mechanism (12). A dispensing mechanism (12) according to claim 11, in which the or each member for driving the rotation of the actuating screw (26) is a vane (166) for engaging the actuating screw (26). , adapted to cooperate with at least one flat (87) of the actuating screw (26) to drive the actuating screw (26) in rotation. A dispensing mechanism (12) according to claim 12, wherein the or each fin (166) is tapered at its proximal end. Kit (210) intended to be assembled to form a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10), comprising a dispensing mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 and at least one refill (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, intended to be removably mounted in the dispensing mechanism (12), the attachment assembly (98) of the refill (14) being intended to engage in the complementary attachment assembly (140) of the dispensing mechanism (12), the actuating screw (26) being intended to be inserted into the internal reception slot (164) defined by the pawl wheel (158), the kit (210) advantageously comprising at least one additional refill (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 intended to be removably mounted in the dispensing mechanism (12), replacing the refill (14).