EP3609623B1 - Refillable fluid product dispenser - Google Patents
Refillable fluid product dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3609623B1 EP3609623B1 EP18732137.7A EP18732137A EP3609623B1 EP 3609623 B1 EP3609623 B1 EP 3609623B1 EP 18732137 A EP18732137 A EP 18732137A EP 3609623 B1 EP3609623 B1 EP 3609623B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- volume
- dip tube
- movable
- air pump
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims description 52
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0056—Containers with an additional opening for filling or refilling
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
- B05B11/028—Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
- B05B11/029—Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container located on top of the remaining content
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
- B05B11/1023—Piston pumps having an outlet valve opened by deformation or displacement of the piston relative to its actuating stem
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refillable fluid product dispenser comprising a dispensing head comprising a fluid product pump, a variable volume reservoir and a filling valve connected to the reservoir.
- a dispensing head comprising a fluid product pump, a variable volume reservoir and a filling valve connected to the reservoir.
- the preferred field of application of the present invention is that of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.
- This type of refillable dispenser is often referred to as a “nomadic” dispenser. It generally has a low capacity reservoir of the order of 10 ml at most.
- FR3024056 which describes a refillable dispenser in which the filling valve is integral with the dip tube which disconnects from the pump to perform the filling. The user is forced to pull on the fill valve to bring the dispenser into a state where it can be filled.
- the architecture of this dispenser is very complex and its use is not really intuitive.
- the object of the present invention is to define a refillable dispenser whose refill gesture is simpler, more intuitive or more obvious to an uninformed user.
- Another object of the present invention is to be able to refill the refillable dispenser using a standard source bottle equipped with a conventional valve stem.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to seek a variable volume reservoir architecture which generates or imposes a different handling gesture.
- Another object is to guarantee the opening of the source bottle without exerting a constant pressure on the fluid product stored in the reservoir. More particularly, the opening of the source bottle must occur as soon as the filling valve is pressed against the source bottle.
- the present invention provides a refillable fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing head comprising a fluid pump, a variable volume reservoir and a filling valve connected to the reservoir,
- the fluid pump being provided with a dip tube which passes through the reservoir, a sliding member comprising a movable piston sliding in sealed contact around the dip tube so as to vary the volume of the reservoir, the sliding member being movable between a depressed position in which the sliding member is located near the pump and an extended position in which the sliding member is remote from the fluid pump, the reservoir defining a maximum volume in the depressed position and a minimum volume in the extended position , so that the volume of the reservoir increases when the sliding member is pushed around the dip tube towards the fluid pump, the dip tube being provided with a fixed piston which slides in sealed contact in a movable barrel formed by the sliding member, the movable piston sliding around the dip tube between the fluid pump and the fixed piston, the reservoir being delimited axially between the pisto n mobile and the piston fixed and radially between the dip tube and the mobile barrel.
- the distributor further comprising an air pump of variable volume, the volume of which varies inversely with that of the reservoir, so as to create resistance to the variation in volume of the reservoir. It is precisely this resistance to the variation in volume which is used to exert sufficient force on the valve stem of the source bottle and thus open its outlet valve.
- air pump the expressions “air chamber” or “pneumatic cylinder” or even “pneumatic brake” can also be used. Very generally, the function of the air pump is to temporarily put air under pressure / depression.
- the air pump is not sealed, thus communicating with the outside, so that the air in the air pump is momentarily pressurized during a change in volume and then returns to atmospheric pressure a shortly after the end of the volume variation.
- the air pump may include a vent hole through which air enters and leaves the air pump, thereby allowing air to return to atmospheric pressure after each. volume variation.
- the leakage of the air pump is preferably calibrated so that a sudden and massive variation, as during filling, generates a momentary overpressure in the air pump and that a slow and / or weak variation, as during dispensing fluid, generates only a momentary very low vacuum in the air pump.
- the volume of the air pump varies suddenly and massively, puts the air it contains under pressure so as to create a pneumatic resistance. sufficient to depress the valve stem of the source bottle and open its outlet valve.
- the pressure in the air pump will last as long as the user varies its volume and that of the tank without increasing exponentially, since pressurized air escapes from the air pump through the fault d. sealing.
- the volume of the air pump has reached its minimum, but the pressurized air it contains continues to escape until it returns to atmospheric pressure.
- the volume of the air pump certainly varies, but very slightly, which allows it to remain almost constantly at atmospheric pressure.
- the air pump acts as a dynamic brake on the variation in volume of the reservoir which is only really active during the filling phases and almost completely inactive outside these filling phases.
- the implementation of such an air pump is very simple and avoids the use of a spring.
- the reservoir is filled by pressing the dispenser against the source bottle, and not by pulling on the dispenser. This responds to a completely classic and intuitive gesture that requires you to press the source bottle to fill or reload the reservoir. Thanks to the air pump, the opening of the outlet valve of the source bottle is ensured.
- the reservoir is empty or practically empty when the two pistons are brought together as close as possible and full or practically full when they are moved apart as far as possible.
- the tank is full or practically full, when the movable piston is as close as possible to the pump.
- the reservoir is empty when the sliding member is extended to the maximum.
- the air pump is at its maximum volume, when the sliding member is extended to the maximum and at its minimum volume, when the movable piston is as close as possible to the pump. All the user then has to do is position the filling valve on the valve stem of a source bottle and press on it until the sliding member comes to a stop in the depressed position close to the pump.
- the opening of the outlet valve is carried out as soon as the filling valve is sufficiently pressed on the valve stem of a source bottle.
- the air pump is delimited axially between the fixed piston and the filling valve and disposed axially below the reservoir.
- the fixed piston is therefore common to the fluid reservoir and to the air pump.
- a fixed sleeve is engaged around the dip tube, this fixed sleeve defining a free lower end forming a sealing lip which is slidably engaged in a movable tube integral with the sliding member, the pump.
- air being delimited radially between on the one hand the fixed sleeve and the movable pipe and on the other hand the movable barrel.
- the movable barrel includes a vent hole.
- the dip tube is permanently secured to the pump and the filling valve is permanently secured to the sliding member.
- the filling valve communicates with the reservoir through an intermediate chamber of variable volume inversely to that of the reservoir.
- the distribution tank fills up when the intermediate chamber empties.
- the volume of the dispensing tank is greater than that of the intermediate chamber.
- the intermediate chamber can communicate with the reservoir through at least one fixed channel which is integral with the dip tube.
- a fixed sleeve is engaged around the dip tube so as to define said at least one fixed channel between them, this fixed sleeve defining a free lower end forming a sealing lip which is engaged to slide tightly in a movable tube integral with the sliding member, thus defining the intermediate chamber, the fixed piston being advantageously formed by the fixed sleeve.
- the movable piston is formed at one end of the movable barrel and the filling valve is mounted at the other end of the movable barrel.
- the filling valve comprises a valve support engaged in the movable barrel and forming a movable pipe in which is engaged a sealing lip, thus defining together an intermediate reservoir through which the filling valve communicates. with the tank.
- the dispenser further comprises a case integral with the dip tube and in which the sliding member can be moved by sealed sliding around the dip tube.
- the spirit of the present invention lies in the fact of using the variation in volume of an air pump coupled to the fluid reservoir to create a momentary dynamic resistance which will allow sufficient pressure on the valve stem.
- the leakage of the air pump makes it possible to reduce its volume (while the volume of the fluid reservoir increases) while limiting the overpressure in the air pump.
- the air pump reaches its minimum volume, and after a short time (around 2 to 5 seconds) the air in the air pump is again at atmospheric pressure, so that the fluid reservoir is not subjected to any pressure from the air pump.
- the refillable dispenser includes a dispenser head T and a container which are associated to together form the dispenser.
- the dispensing head T can be a completely conventional dispensing head with a fluid pump D comprising a body defining a fluid inlet in the form of an axial inlet pipe E.
- the fluid product pump D also comprises an actuating rod (not shown) on which is mounted a push button B. By depressing the push button B, fluid is pressurized in a pump defined inside the body.
- the push-button B can define a dispensing orifice through which the fluid product discharged from the pump is dispensed in the form of spray, jet or drops.
- a fixing member F For fixing the pump to the container, a fixing member F is provided which holds the body fixedly and which hooks onto a neck or an opening of the container.
- a removable cap C can optionally cover the fluid pump D and the push button B.
- the container on which the dispensing head T is mounted has a particular shape which should not be considered as limiting in its structure.
- the term “container” should be considered as the complete lower sub-assembly which cooperates with the upper sub-assembly formed by the dispensing head T.
- the container incorporates a reservoir of fluid R and other functional members, as will be seen below. -after.
- the container forms a dip tube 23 to which the inlet E of the fluid pump D of the dispensing head T is connected. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is entirely makes it possible to integrate the dip tube 23 into the dispensing head T and not into the container.
- the container comprises several constituent parts, namely a case 1, an insert 2, a sliding member 3, a fixed sleeve 4, a valve support 6, a filling valve 7. All these parts should not be considered essential and frozen in their structure.
- the case 1 comprises an outer envelope 11 which may have any geometric shape, such as for example circular cylindrical, as is the case in the figures.
- the case 1 also comprises a re-entrant shoulder 12 at its upper end and a profile interior hooking 18 at its lower end.
- the outer casing 11 is normally visible from the outside and intended to be entered by the user so as to be able to press the push button B using his index finger.
- the insert 2 comprises an annular plate 21 which projects radially outwards. It can be seen that this plate 21 is disposed just below the re-entrant shoulder 12 of the case 11 on the figure 1 .
- a neck 22 extends upwards from the plate 21: it preferably has a hooking profile capable of cooperating with the fixing ring F of the dispensing head T.
- the insert 2 also forms the plunger tube 23 stretching down.
- This dip tube 23 comprises an upper section 24 and a lower section 25 of reduced diameter.
- the outer wall of the top section 24 is preferably circular cylindrical. At its free lower end, the lower section 25 forms several snap teeth 26, the function of which will be given below.
- the outer wall of the lower section 25 may be perfectly circular cylindrical, or else formed with vertical ribs, defining between them hollow grooves.
- At the junction between the upper section 24 and the lower section 25 is formed a downward facing shoulder.
- the sliding member 3 is a movable part relative to the case 1 and to the insert 2.
- This sliding member 3 comprises a movable barrel 31 of cylindrical shape, preferably circular.
- the sliding member 3 comprises a radial flange 34 which ends internally with a movable piston 35 which comes into sealing sliding contact with the outer wall of the dip tube 23, at its upper section 24.
- the movable barrel 31 internally forms a profile hooking whose function will be given below.
- the sliding member 31 is preferably made in one piece with one or more different plastic material (s).
- the movable piston 35 is made of a softer material than the movable barrel 31.
- the fixed sleeve 4 is fixedly engaged around the lower section 25 of the dip tube 23. More precisely, this fixed sleeve 4 comprises a sheath 41 which is frictionally engaged around the lower section 25.
- the internal wall of this sheath 41 can be perfectly cylindrical, or else formed with radial ribs defining between them hollow grooves.
- one or more channels 43 are formed between the sheath 41 and the lower section 25: these channels 43 extend over the entire height of the sheath 41 so as to open on either side.
- the fixed sleeve 4 also forms a crown 44 which extends radially outwards to form on its outer periphery a fixed piston 45 which is in sealed sliding contact with the movable shaft 31 of the sliding member 3. To guarantee the fixing.
- the latching heads 26 can engage below the ribs formed inside the sheath 41. It can also be noted that the free end of the sheath 41 forms a sealing lip 42, the function of which will be given below.
- a reservoir R is thus formed inside the container. More precisely, this reservoir R is delimited axially between the flange 34 (with its movable piston 35) and the ring 44 (with its fixed piston 45) and radially between the movable barrel 31 and the outer wall of the upper section 24 of the dip tube. 23. It is easily understood that the volume of the reservoir is variable, given that the sliding member 3 can move inside the case 1 with its movable piston 35 in sealed sliding contact around the dip tube 23. Simultaneously , the movable barrel 31 moves relative to the fixed piston 45 of the sleeve 4.
- the valve support 6 comprises a fixing sleeve 61 which is forcibly engaged and in a sealed manner inside the movable shaft 31 of the sliding member 3. This sleeve 61 cooperates with the hooking profile 33 to ensure that it stays in place.
- the valve support 6 also forms a receiving housing 62 for the filling valve 7 which can be of quite conventional design. It may be a mechanical opening valve or a hydraulic opening valve. Its slim design is not critical to the present invention.
- the valve support 6 also forms a movable pipe 63 which is engaged around the sheath 41 which at its lower end forms the sealing lip 42. Thus, an intermediate chamber I is formed inside the movable pipe 63 at its lower end. - below the inlet of the dip tube 23.
- an air pump 30 is also formed inside the container. More precisely, this air pump 30 is delimited axially by the fixed piston 45 (which also delimits the reservoir R) and by the valve support 6 and radially by the sliding barrel 31 and by the sheath 41 and the movable pipe 63. The air pump 30 is therefore arranged axially below the reservoir R and together share the fixed piston 45.
- the volume of the air pump 30 increases when the volume of the reservoir R decreases, and vice versa. We can say that these two volumes vary inversely.
- the air in the air pump 30 therefore undergoes pressure variations, thus creating a pneumatic brake which opposes the variations in volume of the reservoir R.
- the pressure variations in the air pump 30 are attenuated or limited by a leakage of the air pump 30, which may be in the form of a calibrated vent hole 36 formed for example at the level of the sliding barrel 31.
- This leakage also allows the pump to air 30 to return to atmospheric pressure in a very short time, of the order of 1 to 5 seconds, after the end of the variation in volume. This relaxation time depends on the size of the vent hole 36, which must therefore be accurately calibrated.
- the reservoir R is full and therefore has a maximum volume.
- the flange 34 is in abutment against the plate 21.
- the air pump 30 and the intermediate chamber I have a minimum volume, given that the sealing lip 42 comes almost into abutment against the bottom of the pipe. mobile 63.
- the reservoir R communicates with the intermediate chamber I through the channels 43.
- the dip tube 23 communicates directly with the intermediate chamber I, so that the inlet E of the fluid pump D is in fluid communication with the reservoir R.
- the actuation of the push button B has the effect of dispensing fluid from the reservoir R.
- the fluid from the reservoir R travels through the channels 43, the intermediate chamber I and the plunger tube 23 up to the inlet E of the fluid pump D.
- the fluid can be distributed through a dispensing orifice formed at the level of the push button B.
- the intermediate chamber I has increased in volume, since the valve support 6, which is integral with the sliding member 3, has moved downwards, while the fixed sleeve 4 has remained in place on the dip tube. It can thus be said that the volume of the reservoir R decreases as the volumes of the air pump 30, of the intermediate chamber I and of the dead space M increase. However, it should be noted that the section of the intermediate chamber I is much smaller than that of the reservoir R, so that the volume of the intermediate chamber I increases less quickly than the volume of the reservoir decreases, and vice versa. Since the sliding member 3 moves downwards, its lower end comes out more and more from the case 1, thus revealing the indication marking 32. The figure 3 has been shown without the cover 8, but it can very well remain in place, since its height allows the displacement of the sliding member 3 and the indication marking 32 is visible through the reading window 82.
- the fluid product continues to be dispensed until the reservoir R is completely empty.
- the volume of the reservoir R is practically zero, while the volumes of the intermediate chamber I and of the dead space M are at the maximum.
- the sliding member 3 is then in its extended position in which the movable piston 35 is furthest from the fluid pump D. It can even be noted that the movable piston 35 is practically at the same axial height as the fixed piston 45.
- the sealing lip 42 is positioned at the level of the upper end of the movable tube 63.
- This source bottle S comprises, in a completely conventional manner, a pump or a valve provided with a valve stem S1 which is reciprocally movable against an internal spring to open an outlet valve. It is therefore necessary to press on the valve stem S1 with sufficient axial force to push it in and thus open the outlet valve. The user must therefore support the refillable dispenser on the valve stem S1 with sufficient axial force, so that the fluid product from the source bottle S rises in the intermediate chamber I, then through the channels 43 into the reservoir R of which the volume increases.
- the distributor is shown with the reservoir R half full.
- the pressure increases sharply and massively in the air pump 30, when the user strongly presses the refillable dispenser on the valve stem S1.
- the overpressure thus created acts as a momentary dynamic brake which opposes the variation in volume of the reservoir R, but which is added to the depression which increases in the reservoir R, to exert together a sufficient force to depress the valve stem S1.
- this overpressure participates in the thrust force on the valve stem S1 which is thus almost immediately depressed.
- the overpressure is limited, but above all it will disappear quickly when the volume of the air pump 30 no longer varies, that is to say when the tank is full. Indeed, the pressurized air in the air pump 30 can escape through the vent hole 36, but with a limited flow, ensuring a limited momentary overpressure and a subsequent rapid relaxation to atmospheric pressure.
- the valve stem S1 thus is applied to the inlet of the filling valve 7 which communicates directly downstream with the intermediate chamber I.
- the axial force F exerted downwards by the user towards the source bottle S makes it possible to depress the valve stem S1, open the filling valve 7 and push the sliding member 3 inside the case 1 in the direction of the fluid pump D.
- This has the effect of increasing the volume of the reservoir R in which a vacuum is generated which has the effect of sucking the fluid product from the valve stem S1 through the open filling valve 7, the intermediate chamber I, the volume of which increases, and the channels 43 which connect the intermediate chamber I to the reservoir R.
- the user can press the refillable dispenser on the source bottle S until the reservoir R is filled again, as shown in the figure figure 1 .
- a cover (not shown) can be replaced.
- the movable piston 35 slides here directly in sealed contact against the outer wall of the plunger tube 23, but one can envisage an embodiment in which the movable piston 35 slides against a part which surrounds the plunger tube, which would for example be connected directly to the plunger tube.
- inlet E of fluid pump D is a part which surrounds the plunger tube, which would for example be connected directly to the plunger tube.
- the case 1 almost completely masks the sliding member 3 when the reservoir R is full: however, one can imagine an embodiment in which the case 1 only very partially masks the sliding member 3. Likewise, the case 1 has a circular cylindrical shape, but any geometric shape or not is possible.
- the present invention there is a refillable dispenser whose reservoir filling is effected very simply by pushing or pressing the refillable dispenser on the valve stem of a source bottle.
- the reservoir is filled when the refillable dispenser can no longer be moved relative to the source bottle.
- the air pump 30, which is advantageously leaky, makes it possible to immediately push in the valve stem S1 of the source bottle S and to prevent the reservoir R from being constantly subjected to pressure from the air pump 30.
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- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Description
La présente invention concerne un distributeur de produit fluide rechargeable comprenant une tête de distribution comprenant une pompe à produit fluide, un réservoir de volume variable et un clapet de remplissage connecté au réservoir. Le domaine d'application privilégié de la présente invention est celui de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique ou encore de la pharmacie. Ce type de distributeur rechargeable est souvent désigné sous le terme de distributeur « nomade ». Il présente en général un réservoir de faible contenance de l'ordre de 10 ml au plus.The present invention relates to a refillable fluid product dispenser comprising a dispensing head comprising a fluid product pump, a variable volume reservoir and a filling valve connected to the reservoir. The preferred field of application of the present invention is that of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. This type of refillable dispenser is often referred to as a “nomadic” dispenser. It generally has a low capacity reservoir of the order of 10 ml at most.
Dans l'art antérieur, on connaît le document
La présente invention a pour but de définir un distributeur rechargeable dont la gestuelle pour le rechargement est plus simple, plus intuitive ou plus évidente pour un utilisateur non averti. Un autre but de la présente invention est pouvoir recharger le distributeur rechargeable à l'aide d'un flacon source standard équipé d'une tige de soupape classique. Encore un autre but de la présente invention est de rechercher une architecture de réservoir à volume variable qui engendre ou impose une gestuelle de manipulation différente. Un autre but est garantir l'ouverture du flacon source sans exercer une pression constante sur le produit fluide stocké dans le réservoir. Plus particulièrement, l'ouverture du flacon source doit se produire dès que l'on appui le clapet de remplissage contre le flacon source.The object of the present invention is to define a refillable dispenser whose refill gesture is simpler, more intuitive or more obvious to an uninformed user. Another object of the present invention is to be able to refill the refillable dispenser using a standard source bottle equipped with a conventional valve stem. Yet another object of the present invention is to seek a variable volume reservoir architecture which generates or imposes a different handling gesture. Another object is to guarantee the opening of the source bottle without exerting a constant pressure on the fluid product stored in the reservoir. More particularly, the opening of the source bottle must occur as soon as the filling valve is pressed against the source bottle.
Pour ce faire, la présente invention propose un distributeur de produit fluide rechargeable comprenant une tête de distribution comprenant une pompe à produit fluide, un réservoir de volume variable et un clapet de remplissage connecté au réservoir,To do this, the present invention provides a refillable fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing head comprising a fluid pump, a variable volume reservoir and a filling valve connected to the reservoir,
la pompe à produit fluide étant pourvue d'un tube plongeur qui traverse le réservoir, un organe coulissant comprenant un piston mobile coulissant en contact étanche autour du tube plongeur de manière à faire varier le volume du réservoir, l'organe coulissant étant déplaçable entre une position enfoncée dans laquelle l'organe coulissant est situé à proximité de la pompe et une position étendue dans laquelle l'organe coulissant est éloigné de la pompe à produit fluide, le réservoir définissant un volume maximum en position enfoncé et un volume minimum en position étendue, de sorte que le volume du réservoir croît lorsque l'organe coulissant est enfoncé autour du tube plongeur vers la pompe à produit fluide, le tube plongeur étant pourvu d'un piston fixe qui coulisse en contact étanche dans un fût mobile formé par l'organe coulissant, le piston mobile coulissant autour du tube plongeur entre la pompe à produit fluide et le piston fixe, le réservoir étant délimité axialement entre le piston mobile et le piston fixe et radialement entre le tube plongeur et le fût mobile.the fluid pump being provided with a dip tube which passes through the reservoir, a sliding member comprising a movable piston sliding in sealed contact around the dip tube so as to vary the volume of the reservoir, the sliding member being movable between a depressed position in which the sliding member is located near the pump and an extended position in which the sliding member is remote from the fluid pump, the reservoir defining a maximum volume in the depressed position and a minimum volume in the extended position , so that the volume of the reservoir increases when the sliding member is pushed around the dip tube towards the fluid pump, the dip tube being provided with a fixed piston which slides in sealed contact in a movable barrel formed by the sliding member, the movable piston sliding around the dip tube between the fluid pump and the fixed piston, the reservoir being delimited axially between the pisto n mobile and the piston fixed and radially between the dip tube and the mobile barrel.
Le distributeur comprenant en outre une pompe à air de volume variable dont le volume varie à l'inverse de celui du réservoir, de manière à créer une résistance à la variation de volume du réservoir. C'est précisément cette résistance à la variation de volume qui est utilisée pour exercer une force suffisante sur la tige de soupape du flacon source et ainsi ouvrir son clapet de sortie. A la place de l'expression « pompe à air », on peut également utiliser les expressions « chambre à air » ou « vérin pneumatique » ou encore « frein pneumatique ». De manière très générale, la pompe à air a pour fonction de mettre de l'air momentanément sous pression/dépression.The distributor further comprising an air pump of variable volume, the volume of which varies inversely with that of the reservoir, so as to create resistance to the variation in volume of the reservoir. It is precisely this resistance to the variation in volume which is used to exert sufficient force on the valve stem of the source bottle and thus open its outlet valve. Instead of the expression “air pump”, the expressions “air chamber” or “pneumatic cylinder” or even “pneumatic brake” can also be used. Very generally, the function of the air pump is to temporarily put air under pressure / depression.
Avantageusement, la pompe à air n'est pas étanche, communiquant ainsi avec l'extérieur, de sorte que l'air dans la pompe à air est mis momentanément sous pression lors d'une variation de volume et revient ensuite à la pression atmosphérique un court instant après la fin de la variation de volume. Selon un mode de réalisation, la pompe à air peut comprendre un trou d'évent par lequel l'air entre et sort de la pompe à air, permettant ainsi à l'air de revenir à la pression atmosphérique après chaque variation de volume. Le défaut d'étanchéité de la pompe à air est de préférence calibré afin qu'une variation brutale et massive, comme lors du remplissage, génère une surpression momentanée dans la pompe à air et qu'une variation lente et/ou faible, comme lors de la distribution de produit fluide, ne génère qu'une dépression momentanée très faible dans la pompe à air. Ainsi, lorsque l'utilisateur appuie fortement le clapet de remplissage contre la tige de soupape du flacon source, le volume de la pompe à air varie brutalement et massivement, met l'air qu'elle contient sous pression de manière à créer une résistance pneumatique suffisante pour enfoncer la tige de soupape du flacon source et ouvrir son clapet de sortie. La pression dans la pompe à air va perdurer le temps que l'utilisateur fait varier son volume et celui du réservoir sans pour autant augmenter exponentiellement, étant donné que de l'air sous pression s'échappe de pompe à air à travers le défaut d'étanchéité. Dès que le réservoir est rempli, le volume de la pompe à air a atteint son minimum, mais l'air sous pression qu'elle contient continue à s'échapper jusqu'à revenir à la pression d'atmosphérique. En revanche, lors des phases de distribution de produit fluide, le volume de la pompe à air varie certes, mais très faiblement, ce qui lui permet de rester presque constamment à la pression d'atmosphérique. En somme, la pompe à air agit tel un frein dynamique à la variation de volume du réservoir qui n'est vraiment actif que lors des phases de remplissage et presque totalement inactif en-dehors de ces phases de remplissage. De plus, la mise en oeuvre d'une telle pompe à air est très simple et évite l'utilisation d'un ressort.Advantageously, the air pump is not sealed, thus communicating with the outside, so that the air in the air pump is momentarily pressurized during a change in volume and then returns to atmospheric pressure a shortly after the end of the volume variation. According to one embodiment, the air pump may include a vent hole through which air enters and leaves the air pump, thereby allowing air to return to atmospheric pressure after each. volume variation. The leakage of the air pump is preferably calibrated so that a sudden and massive variation, as during filling, generates a momentary overpressure in the air pump and that a slow and / or weak variation, as during dispensing fluid, generates only a momentary very low vacuum in the air pump. Thus, when the user strongly presses the filling valve against the valve stem of the source bottle, the volume of the air pump varies suddenly and massively, puts the air it contains under pressure so as to create a pneumatic resistance. sufficient to depress the valve stem of the source bottle and open its outlet valve. The pressure in the air pump will last as long as the user varies its volume and that of the tank without increasing exponentially, since pressurized air escapes from the air pump through the fault d. sealing. As soon as the reservoir is full, the volume of the air pump has reached its minimum, but the pressurized air it contains continues to escape until it returns to atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, during the fluid product distribution phases, the volume of the air pump certainly varies, but very slightly, which allows it to remain almost constantly at atmospheric pressure. In short, the air pump acts as a dynamic brake on the variation in volume of the reservoir which is only really active during the filling phases and almost completely inactive outside these filling phases. In addition, the implementation of such an air pump is very simple and avoids the use of a spring.
De plus, le remplissage du réservoir s'effectue en appuyant le distributeur contre le flacon source, et non pas en tirant sur le distributeur. Cela répond à une gestuelle tout à fait classique et intuitive qui veut que l'on appuie sur le flacon source pour remplir ou recharger le réservoir. Grâce à la pompe à air, l'ouverture du clapet de sortie du flacon source est assurée.In addition, the reservoir is filled by pressing the dispenser against the source bottle, and not by pulling on the dispenser. This responds to a completely classic and intuitive gesture that requires you to press the source bottle to fill or reload the reservoir. Thanks to the air pump, the opening of the outlet valve of the source bottle is ensured.
Ainsi, le réservoir est vide ou pratiquement vide lorsque les deux pistons sont rapprochés au maximum et plein ou pratiquement plein lorsqu'ils sont éloignés au maximum. On peut aussi dire que le réservoir est plein ou pratiquement plein, lorsque le piston mobile est le plus près possible de la pompe. On peut également dire que le réservoir est vide lorsque l'organe coulissant est étendu au maximum. A l'inverse, on peut dire que la pompe à air est à son volume maximal, lorsque l'organe coulissant est étendu au maximum et à son volume minimal, lorsque le piston mobile est le plus près possible de la pompe. Il suffit alors à l'utilisateur de positionner le clapet de remplissage sur la tige de soupape d'un flacon source et d'appuyer dessus jusqu'à ce que l'organe coulissant arrive en butée en position enfoncée proche de la pompe. Il n'a pas à se soucier de l'enfoncement de la tige de soupape du flacon source qui est garanti par la mise sous pression de la pompe à air, qui intervient simultanément à l'augmentation de volume du réservoir. Ainsi, l'ouverture du clapet de sortie est réalisée dès que l'on appuie suffisamment le clapet de remplissage sur la tige de soupape d'un flacon source.Thus, the reservoir is empty or practically empty when the two pistons are brought together as close as possible and full or practically full when they are moved apart as far as possible. We can also say that the tank is full or practically full, when the movable piston is as close as possible to the pump. It can also be said that the reservoir is empty when the sliding member is extended to the maximum. Conversely, we can say that the air pump is at its maximum volume, when the sliding member is extended to the maximum and at its minimum volume, when the movable piston is as close as possible to the pump. All the user then has to do is position the filling valve on the valve stem of a source bottle and press on it until the sliding member comes to a stop in the depressed position close to the pump. He does not have to worry about the depression of the valve stem of the source bottle which is guaranteed by the pressurization of the air pump, which occurs simultaneously with the increase in volume of the reservoir. Thus, the opening of the outlet valve is carried out as soon as the filling valve is sufficiently pressed on the valve stem of a source bottle.
Avantageusement, la pompe à air est délimitée axialement entre le piston fixe et le clapet de remplissage et disposée axialement en-dessous du réservoir. Le piston fixe est donc commun au réservoir de produit fluide et à la pompe à air.Advantageously, the air pump is delimited axially between the fixed piston and the filling valve and disposed axially below the reservoir. The fixed piston is therefore common to the fluid reservoir and to the air pump.
Selon un mode de réalisation pratique, un manchon fixe est engagé autour du tube plongeur, ce manchon fixe définissant une extrémité inférieure libre formant une lèvre d'étanchéité qui est engagée à coulissement étanche dans une tubulure mobile solidaire de l'organe coulissant, la pompe à air étant délimitée radialement entre d'une part le manchon fixe et la tubulure mobile et d'autre part le fût mobile. De préférence, le fût mobile comprend un trou d'évent.According to a practical embodiment, a fixed sleeve is engaged around the dip tube, this fixed sleeve defining a free lower end forming a sealing lip which is slidably engaged in a movable tube integral with the sliding member, the pump. air being delimited radially between on the one hand the fixed sleeve and the movable pipe and on the other hand the movable barrel. Preferably, the movable barrel includes a vent hole.
Selon une caractéristique intéressante, le tube plongeur est en permanence solidaire de la pompe et le clapet de remplissage est en permanence solidaire de l'organe coulissant.According to an interesting feature, the dip tube is permanently secured to the pump and the filling valve is permanently secured to the sliding member.
Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse, le clapet de remplissage communique avec le réservoir à travers une chambre intermédiaire de volume variable inversement à celui du réservoir. Autrement dit, le réservoir de distribution se remplit lorsque la chambre intermédiaire se vide. De préférence, le volume du réservoir de distribution est plus grand que celui de la chambre intermédiaire. D'autre part, la chambre intermédiaire peut communiquer avec le réservoir à travers au moins un canal fixe qui est solidaire du tube plongeur. Selon un mode de réalisation pratique, un manchon fixe est engagé autour du tube plongeur de manière à définir entre eux ledit au moins un canal fixe, ce manchon fixe définissant une extrémité inférieure libre formant une lèvre d'étanchéité qui est engagée à coulissement étanche dans une tubulure mobile solidaire de l'organe coulissant, définissant ainsi la chambre intermédiaire, le piston fixe étant avantageusement formé par le manchon fixe.According to another advantageous characteristic, the filling valve communicates with the reservoir through an intermediate chamber of variable volume inversely to that of the reservoir. In other words, the distribution tank fills up when the intermediate chamber empties. Preferably, the volume of the dispensing tank is greater than that of the intermediate chamber. On the other hand, the intermediate chamber can communicate with the reservoir through at least one fixed channel which is integral with the dip tube. According to a practical embodiment, a fixed sleeve is engaged around the dip tube so as to define said at least one fixed channel between them, this fixed sleeve defining a free lower end forming a sealing lip which is engaged to slide tightly in a movable tube integral with the sliding member, thus defining the intermediate chamber, the fixed piston being advantageously formed by the fixed sleeve.
Selon un autre aspect avantageux de l'invention, le piston mobile est formé à une extrémité du fût mobile et le clapet de remplissage est monté à l'autre extrémité du fût mobile.According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the movable piston is formed at one end of the movable barrel and the filling valve is mounted at the other end of the movable barrel.
Selon un mode de réalisation pratique, le clapet de remplissage comprend un support de clapet engagé dans le fût mobile et formant une tubulure mobile dans laquelle est engagée une lèvre d'étanchéité, définissant ainsi ensemble un réservoir intermédiaire à travers lequel le clapet de remplissage communique avec le réservoir.According to a practical embodiment, the filling valve comprises a valve support engaged in the movable barrel and forming a movable pipe in which is engaged a sealing lip, thus defining together an intermediate reservoir through which the filling valve communicates. with the tank.
Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le distributeur comprend en outre un étui solidaire du tube plongeur et dans lequel l'organe coulissant est déplaçable par coulissement étanche autour du tube plongeur.According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the dispenser further comprises a case integral with the dip tube and in which the sliding member can be moved by sealed sliding around the dip tube.
L'esprit de la présente invention réside dans le fait d'utiliser la variation de volume d'une pompe à air couplée au réservoir de produit fluide pour créer une résistance dynamique momentanée qui va permettre d'appuyer suffisamment sur la tige de soupape d'un flacon source pour ouvrir son clapet de sortie. Le défaut d'étanchéité de la pompe à air permet de diminuer son volume (alors que le volume du réservoir de produit fluide augmente) tout en limitant la surpression dans la pompe à air. Une fois que le réservoir est plein, la pompe à air atteint son volume minimum, et après un court instant (de l'ordre de 2 à 5 secondes), l'air dans la pompe à air est à nouveau à la pression atmosphérique, de sorte que le réservoir de produit fluide n'est soumis à aucune pression de la part de la pompe à air.The spirit of the present invention lies in the fact of using the variation in volume of an air pump coupled to the fluid reservoir to create a momentary dynamic resistance which will allow sufficient pressure on the valve stem. a source bottle to open its outlet valve. The leakage of the air pump makes it possible to reduce its volume (while the volume of the fluid reservoir increases) while limiting the overpressure in the air pump. Once the tank is full, the air pump reaches its minimum volume, and after a short time (around 2 to 5 seconds) the air in the air pump is again at atmospheric pressure, so that the fluid reservoir is not subjected to any pressure from the air pump.
Les avantages de cette pompe à air sont les suivants :
- La surpression dans la pompe à air n'a lieu que pendant les phases de remplissage,
- Le réservoir de produit fluide n'est pas sous pression au repos,
- Il n'y a pas de risque de fuite de produit fluide hors du réservoir, étant donné qu'il n'est pas sous pression,
- Il n'y a aucune influence sur la distribution de produit fluide à travers la pompe, étant donné que le réservoir n'est pas sous pression,
- La pompe à air est très facile à réaliser sans pièce supplémentaire en se servant du piston fixe, qui est commun avec le réservoir de produit fluide,
- Le défaut d'étanchéité sous la forme d'un trou d'évent calibré est très simple à réaliser au niveau du fût mobile.
- Overpressure in the air pump only occurs during the filling phases,
- The fluid reservoir is not under pressure at rest,
- There is no risk of fluid product leaking out of the tank, since it is not under pressure,
- There is no influence on the distribution of fluid through the pump, since the reservoir is not under pressure,
- The air pump is very easy to make without additional part by using the fixed piston, which is common with the fluid reservoir,
- The sealing defect in the form of a calibrated vent hole is very simple to achieve at the level of the mobile barrel.
L'invention sera maintenant plus amplement décrite, en référence aux dessins joints, donnant à titre d'exemple non limitatif, un mode de réalisation de l'invention.The invention will now be described more fully, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.
Sur les figures :
- La
figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale verticale à travers un distributeur rechargeable selon l'invention avec son réservoir plein, - La
figure 2 est une vue similaire à lafigure 1 avec le réservoir à moitié vide, - La
figure 3 est une vue similaire à lafigure 1 avec le réservoir à l'état vide, et - La
figure 4 est une vue similaire à lafigure 1 avec le distributeur raccordé à un flacon source qui a déjà rempli le réservoir à moitié.
- The
figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a refillable dispenser according to the invention with its reservoir full, - The
figure 2 is a view similar tofigure 1 with the tank half empty, - The
figure 3 is a view similar tofigure 1 with the tank empty, and - The
figure 4 is a view similar tofigure 1 with the dispenser connected to a source bottle which has already filled the reservoir halfway.
On se référera tout d'abord à la
Le récipient sur lequel la tête de distribution T est montée présente une forme particulière qui ne doit pas être considérée comme limitative dans sa structure. Le terme « récipient » doit être considéré comme le sous ensemble bas complet qui coopère avec le sous ensemble haut formé par la tête de distribution T. Le récipient intègre un réservoir de produit fluide R et d'autres organes fonctionnels, comme on le verra ci-après. Dans cette forme de réalisation particulière non limitative, le récipient forme un tube plongeur 23 auquel se raccorde l'entrée E de la pompe à produit fluide D de la tête de distribution T. Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, il est tout à fait possible d'intégrer le tube plongeur 23 à la tête de distribution T et non pas au récipient.The container on which the dispensing head T is mounted has a particular shape which should not be considered as limiting in its structure. The term “container” should be considered as the complete lower sub-assembly which cooperates with the upper sub-assembly formed by the dispensing head T. The container incorporates a reservoir of fluid R and other functional members, as will be seen below. -after. In this particular non-limiting embodiment, the container forms a
Le récipient comprend plusieurs pièces constitutives, à savoir un étui 1, un insert 2, un organe coulissant 3, un manchon fixe 4, un support de clapet 6, un clapet de remplissage 7. Toutes ces pièces ne doivent pas être considérées comme essentielles et figées dans leur structure.The container comprises several constituent parts, namely a
L'étui 1 comprend une enveloppe externe 11 qui peut présenter n'importe quelle forme géométrique, comme par exemple cylindrique circulaire, comme c'est le cas sur les figures. L'étui 1 comprend également un épaulement rentrant 12 à son extrémité supérieure et un profil d'accrochage intérieur 18 à son extrémité inférieure. L'enveloppe externe 11 est normalement visible de l'extérieur et destinée à être saisie par l'utilisateur de manière à pouvoir appuyer sur le bouton poussoir B à l'aide de son index.The
L'insert 2 comprend un plateau annulaire 21 qui fait saillie radialement vers l'extérieur. On peut voir que ce plateau 21 est disposé juste en dessous de l'épaulement rentrant 12 de l'étui 11 sur la
Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, il est tout à fait possible de réaliser le col 22 et le plateau 21 de manière monobloc avec l'étui 11 et de connecter directement le tube plongeur 23 à l'entrée E de la pompe à produit fluide D. Selon une autre variante, il est également possible de faire passer un tube plongeur raccordé à l'entrée E à travers l'insert 2 pourvu d'un tube, non plus plongeur, mais capable d'accueillir à l'intérieur le tube plongeur de la pompe à produit fluide D.Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is quite possible to produce the neck 22 and the
L'organe coulissant 3 est une pièce mobile par rapport à l'étui 1 et à l'insert 2. Cet organe coulissant 3 comprend un fût mobile 31 de forme cylindrique, de préférence circulaire. A son extrémité supérieure, l'organe coulissant 3 comprend une bride radiale 34 qui se termine intérieurement par un piston mobile 35 qui vient en contact de coulissement étanche avec la paroi externe du tube plongeur 23, au niveau de sa section supérieure 24. A son extrémité inférieure, le fût mobile 31 forme intérieurement un profil d'accrochage dont la fonction sera donnée ci-après. L'organe coulissant 31 est de préférence réalisé de manière monobloc avec une ou plusieurs matière(s) plastique(s) différente(s). On peut par exemple imaginer que le piston mobile 35 soit réalisé en un matériau plus souple que le fût mobile 31.The sliding
Le manchon fixe 4 est engagé fixement autour de la section inférieure 25 du tube plongeur 23. Plus précisément, ce manchon fixe 4 comprend une gaine 41 qui est engagé à frottement autour de la section inférieure 25. La paroi interne de cette gaine 41 peut être parfaitement cylindrique, ou encore formée avec des nervures radiales définissant entre elles des saignées en creux. Quoiqu'il en soit, un ou plusieurs canaux 43 sont formés entre la gaine 41 et la section inférieure 25 : ces canaux 43 s'étendent sur toute la hauteur de la gaine 41 de manière à déboucher de part et d'autre. Le manchon fixe 4 forme également une couronne 44 qui s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur pour former sur sa périphérie externe un piston fixe 45 qui est en contact coulissant étanche avec le fût mobile 31 de l'organe coulissant 3. Pour garantir la fixation du manchon 4 autour de la partie inférieure 25 du tube plongeur 23, les têtes d'encliquetage 26 peuvent venir en prise en dessous des nervures formées à l'intérieur de la gaine 41. On peut également remarquer que l'extrémité libre de la gaine 41 forme une lèvre d'étanchéité 42 dont la fonction sera donnée ci-après.The fixed
Un réservoir R est ainsi formé à l'intérieur du récipient. Plus précisément, ce réservoir R est délimité axialement entre la bride 34 (avec son piston mobile 35) et la couronne 44 (avec son piston fixe 45) et radialement entre le fût mobile 31 et la paroi externe de la section supérieure 24 du tube plongeur 23. On comprend aisément que le volume du réservoir est variable, étant donné que l'organe coulissant 3 peut se déplacer à l'intérieur de l'étui 1 avec son piston mobile 35 en contact de coulissement étanche autour du tube plongeur 23. Simultanément, le fût mobile 31 se déplace par rapport au piston fixe 45 du manchon 4.A reservoir R is thus formed inside the container. More precisely, this reservoir R is delimited axially between the flange 34 (with its movable piston 35) and the ring 44 (with its fixed piston 45) and radially between the
Le support de clapet 6 comprend une douille de fixation 61 qui est engagée à force et de manière étanche à l'intérieur du fût mobile 31 de l'organe coulissant 3. Cette douille 61 coopère avec le profil d'accrochage 33 pour garantir son maintien en place. Le support de clapet 6 forme également un logement de réception 62 pour le clapet de remplissage 7 qui peut être de conception tout à fait classique. Il peut s'agir d'un clapet à ouverture mécanique ou encore un clapet à ouverture hydraulique. Sa conception fine n'est pas critique pour la présente invention. Le support de clapet 6 forme également une tubulure mobile 63 qui est engagée autour de la gaine 41 qui forme à son extrémité inférieure la lèvre d'étanchéité 42. Ainsi, une chambre intermédiaire I est formée à l'intérieur de la tubulure mobile 63 au-dessous de l'entrée du tube plongeur 23.The
Selon l'invention, une pompe à air 30 est également formée à l'intérieur du récipient. Plus précisément, cette pompe à air 30 est délimitée axialement par le piston fixe 45 (qui délimite aussi le réservoir R) et par le support de clapet 6 et radialement par le fût de coulissement 31 et par la gaine 41 et la tubulure mobile 63. La pompe à air 30 est donc disposée axialement en-dessous du réservoir R et partagent ensemble le piston fixe 45. Le volume de la pompe à air 30 augmente lorsque le volume du réservoir R diminue, et vice-versa. On peut dire que ces deux volumes varient inversement. L'air dans la pompe à air 30 subit donc des variations de pression, créant ainsi un frein pneumatique qui s'oppose aux variations de volume du réservoir R. Avantageusement, les variations de pression dans la pompe à air 30 sont atténuées ou limitées par un défaut d'étanchéité de la pompe à air 30, qui peut se présenter sous la forme d'un trou d'évent calibré 36 formé par exemple au niveau du fût de coulissement 31. Ce défaut d'étanchéité permet également à la pompe à air 30 de revenir à la pression atmosphérique dans un temps très court, de l'ordre de 1 à 5 secondes, après la fin de la variation de volume. Ce temps de relaxation dépend de la taille du trou d'évent 36, qui doit donc être calibré avec précision.According to the invention, an
En se référant à nouveau à la
A mesure que du produit fluide du réservoir R est distribué, l'organe mobile 3 se déplace vers le bas en éloignement de la pompe à produit fluide D. Il se crée ainsi entre le plateau 21 et la bride 34 un espace mort M qui communique avec l'extérieur entre l'étui 1 et le fût mobile 31. Cet état du distributeur est représenté sur la
La distribution de produit fluide se poursuit jusqu'à ce que le réservoir R soit complètement vide. On se trouve alors dans la configuration représentée sur la
Afin de remplir à nouveau le réservoir R, l'utilisateur peut disposer le clapet de remplissage 7 sur un flacon source S, comme représenté sur la figure 5. Ce flacon source S comprend de manière tout à fait conventionnelle une pompe ou une valve pourvue d'une tige de soupape S1 qui est déplaçable en va-et-vient à l'encontre d'un ressort interne pour ouvrir un clapet de sortie. Il faut donc appuyer sur la tige de soupape S1 avec une force axiale suffisante pour l'enfoncer et ainsi ouvrier le clapet de sortie. L'utilisateur doit donc appuyer le distributeur rechargeable sur la tige de soupape S1 avec une force axiale suffisante, afin que du produit fluide issu du flacon source S remonte dans la chambre intermédiaire I, puis à travers les canaux 43 jusque dans le réservoir R dont le volume augmente. Sur la
En l'absence de pompe à air 30, l'enfoncement de la tige de soupape S1, et donc l'ouverture du clapet de sortie, ne se produirait que lorsque l'organe coulissant 3 aurait effectué une grande partie de sa course vers la pompe à produit fluide D. En effet, presque rien, hormis la dépression qui croît dans le réservoir R, ne retiendrait l'organe coulissant 3 qui se déplacerait sans enfoncer la tige de soupape S1. Ce ne serait en fin de course que la tige de soupape S1 serait enfoncée, lorsque la dépression dans le réservoir atteindrait une valeur supérieure à la force nécessaire pour enfoncer la tige de soupape S1.In the absence of an
Avec la pompe à air 30 de l'invention, la pression augmente brusquement et massivement dans la pompe à air 30, lorsque l'utilisateur appuie fortement le distributeur rechargeable sur la tige de soupape S1. La surpression ainsi créée agit comme un frein dynamique momentané qui s'oppose à la variation de volume du réservoir R, mais qui s'ajoute à la dépression qui croît dans le réservoir R, pour exercer ensemble une force suffisante pour enfoncer la tige de soupape S1. Ainsi, cette surpression participe à l'effort de poussée sur la tige de soupape S1 qui est ainsi presque tout de suite enfoncée. Grâce au défaut d'étanchéité de la pompe à air 30, la surpression est limitée, mais surtout elle va disparaître rapidement dès lors que le volume de la pompe à air 30 ne varie plus, c'est-à-dire lorsque le réservoir est plein. En effet, l'air sous pression dans la pompe à air 30 peut s'échapper à travers le trou d'évent 36, mais avec un débit limité, assurant une surpression momentanée limitée et une relaxation ultérieure rapide vers la pression atmosphérique.With the
La tige de soupape S1 ainsi est appliquée à l'entrée du clapet de remplissage 7 qui communique directement en aval avec la chambre intermédiaire I. La force axiale F exercée vers le bas par l'utilisateur vers le flacon source S permet d'enfoncer la tige de soupape S1, d'ouvrir le clapet de remplissage 7 et d'enfoncer l'organe coulissant 3 à l'intérieur de l'étui 1 en direction de la pompe à produit fluide D. Ceci a pour effet d'augmenter le volume du réservoir R dans lequel est générée une dépression qui a pour effet d'aspirer le produit fluide issu de la tige de soupape S1 à travers le clapet de remplissage ouvert 7, la chambre intermédiaire I dont le volume croît, et les canaux 43 qui relient la chambre intermédiaire I au réservoir R. L'utilisateur peut appuyer le distributeur rechargeable sur le flacon source S jusqu'à ce que le réservoir R soit à nouveau rempli, comme représenté sur la
Il est possible d'optimiser le taux de restitution du distributeur en réduisant la section de la chambre intermédiaire I par rapport à celle du réservoir R.It is possible to optimize the release rate of the distributor by reducing the section of the intermediate chamber I with respect to that of the reservoir R.
Le piston mobile 35 coulisse ici directement en contact étanche contre la paroi externe du tube plongeur 23, mais on peut envisager un mode de réalisation dans lequel le piston mobile 35 coulisse contre une pièce qui entoure le tube plongeur, qui serait par exemple reliée directement à l'entrée E de la pompe à produit fluide D.The
L'étui 1 masque presque totalement l'organe coulissant 3 lorsque le réservoir R est rempli : cependant, on peut imaginer une forme de réalisation dans lequel l'étui 1 ne masque que très partiellement l'organe coulissant 3. De même, l'étui 1 présente une forme cylindrique circulaire, mais n'importe quelle forme géométrique ou non est possible.The
Grâce à la présente invention, on dispose d'un distributeur rechargeable dont le remplissage de réservoir s'effectue très simplement en poussant ou pressant le distributeur rechargeable sur la tige de soupape d'un flacon source. Le réservoir est rempli lorsque le distributeur rechargeable ne peut plus être déplacé par rapport au flacon source. La pompe à air 30, avantageusement fuyante, permet d'enfoncer tout de suite la tige de soupape S1 du flacon source S et d'éviter que le réservoir R soit constamment soumis à une pression de la part de la pompe à air 30.Thanks to the present invention, there is a refillable dispenser whose reservoir filling is effected very simply by pushing or pressing the refillable dispenser on the valve stem of a source bottle. The reservoir is filled when the refillable dispenser can no longer be moved relative to the source bottle. The
Claims (9)
- A refillable fluid dispenser comprising: a dispenser head (T) including a fluid pump (D), a reservoir (R) of variable volume and a filling valve (7) that is connected to the reservoir (R),
the fluid pump (D) being provided with a dip tube (23) that passes through the reservoir, a slidable member (3) including a movable piston (35) that slides in sealing contact around the dip tube (23) so as to cause the volume of the reservoir (R) to vary, the slidable member (3) being movable between a pushed-in position in which the slidable member (3) is situated in the proximity of the fluid pump (D) and an extended position in which the slidable member (3) is spaced apart from the fluid pump (D), the reservoir (R) defining a maximum volume in its pushed-in position and a minimum volume in its extended position, such that the volume of the reservoir (R) increases when the slidable member (3) is pushed in around the dip tube (23) towards the fluid pump (D), the dip tube (23) being provided with a stationary piston (45) that slides in sealing contact in a movable cylinder (31) that is formed by the slidable member (3), the movable piston (35) sliding around the dip tube (23) between the fluid pump (D) and the stationary piston (45), the reservoir (R) being defined axially between the movable piston (35) and the stationary piston (45) and radially between the dip tube (23) and the movable cylinder (31),
the dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises an air pump (30) of variable volume, having a volume that varies inversely with the volume of the reservoir (R), so as to create resistance to the variation in volume of the reservoir (R). - A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the air pump (30) is not sealed, thereby communicating with the outside, such that the air in the air pump (30) is put under pressure momentarily during a variation in volume and then returns to atmospheric pressure a short time after the end of the variation in volume.
- A dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air pump (30) includes a vent hole (36) via which air enters and leaves the air pump (30) thereby enabling the air to return to atmospheric pressure after each variation in volume.
- A dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the air pump (30) is defined axially between the stationary piston (45) and the filling valve (7) and is arranged axially below the reservoir (R).
- A dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein a stationary sleeve (4) is engaged around the dip tube (23), the stationary sleeve (4) defining a free bottom end that forms a sealing lip (42) that is engaged to slide in sealed manner in a movable tube (63) that is secured to the slidable member (3), the air pump (30) being defined radially between firstly the stationary sleeve (4) and the movable tube (63) and secondly the movable cylinder (31).
- A dispenser according to any claim 1, 2, 4 or 5, wherein the movable cylinder (31) includes a vent hole (36).
- A dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the dip tube (23) is permanently secured to the pump (D) and the filling valve (7) is permanently secured to the slidable member (3).
- A dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the filling valve (7) communicates with the reservoir (R) through an intermediate chamber (I) of volume that varies inversely with the volume of the reservoir (R), the intermediate chamber (I) communicating with the reservoir (R) through at least one stationary channel (43) that is secured to the dip tube (23).
- A dispenser according to any preceding claim, further comprising a case (1) that is secured to the dip tube (23) and in which the slidable member (3) is movable by sliding in sealed manner around the dip tube (23).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1753169A FR3064927B1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2017-04-11 | REFILLABLE FLUID DISPENSER. |
PCT/FR2018/050877 WO2018189466A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-04-09 | Refillable fluid product dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3609623A1 EP3609623A1 (en) | 2020-02-19 |
EP3609623B1 true EP3609623B1 (en) | 2021-06-09 |
Family
ID=58993114
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18732137.7A Active EP3609623B1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-04-09 | Refillable fluid product dispenser |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10850292B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3609623B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2880298T3 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3064927B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018189466A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3103362B1 (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2024-08-02 | Lvmh Rech | Device for dispensing liquid or pasty product |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4750532A (en) * | 1986-12-11 | 1988-06-14 | Gisela Grothoff | Device for extracting liquids contained therein and arrangement for filling the device |
GB9519346D0 (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1995-11-22 | English Glass Company The Limi | Dispensing systems |
FR2868050B1 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2006-06-02 | Oreal | PRODUCT PACKAGING AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY |
US7665635B2 (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2010-02-23 | L'oreal | Assembly for packaging and dispensing liquid, a refillable unit and method of dispensing liquid |
CN201329329Y (en) * | 2008-12-26 | 2009-10-21 | 东莞怡信磁碟有限公司 | Improved portable rechargeable liquid spraying bottle |
US8448677B2 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2013-05-28 | Surface Technologies Ip Ag | Apparatus and method for refilling a refillable container |
DE102010048085A1 (en) * | 2010-10-04 | 2012-04-05 | Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh | discharge |
FR2971774B1 (en) * | 2011-02-23 | 2014-06-06 | Valois Sas | FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER |
RU2613598C2 (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2017-03-17 | Бьюти Юнион Глобал Лимитед | Portable refillable cream dispenser |
CN102259714B (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2012-08-22 | 东莞怡信磁碟有限公司 | Portable emulsifiable paste charging bottle |
US8695896B2 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2014-04-15 | Zhejiang Jm Industry Co., Ltd. | Perfume atomizer |
CN202321216U (en) * | 2011-12-14 | 2012-07-11 | 东莞怡信磁碟有限公司 | Refillable spraying bottle |
CN202999725U (en) * | 2012-11-08 | 2013-06-19 | 东莞怡信磁碟有限公司 | Bottle body structure of perfume bottle |
US9365408B2 (en) * | 2012-11-16 | 2016-06-14 | Zhejiang Jm Industry Co., Ltd. | Auto refill perfume atomizer |
US10279362B2 (en) * | 2012-11-16 | 2019-05-07 | Zhejiang JM Industry Co., Ltd | Auto refill perfume atomizer apparatus |
FR3024056B1 (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2016-08-19 | Aptar France Sas | RECHARGEABLE FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER. |
-
2017
- 2017-04-11 FR FR1753169A patent/FR3064927B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2018
- 2018-04-09 ES ES18732137T patent/ES2880298T3/en active Active
- 2018-04-09 US US16/604,294 patent/US10850292B2/en active Active
- 2018-04-09 WO PCT/FR2018/050877 patent/WO2018189466A1/en unknown
- 2018-04-09 EP EP18732137.7A patent/EP3609623B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10850292B2 (en) | 2020-12-01 |
ES2880298T3 (en) | 2021-11-24 |
FR3064927B1 (en) | 2021-11-12 |
WO2018189466A1 (en) | 2018-10-18 |
US20200038893A1 (en) | 2020-02-06 |
EP3609623A1 (en) | 2020-02-19 |
FR3064927A1 (en) | 2018-10-12 |
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