DISPENSERS FOR LIQUID PRODUCTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid product dispenser frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy to distribute various liquid products such as perfume, creams, lotions, etc.

[0002] In prior art, dispensers are already known in which the fluid reservoir is in the form of a refill or cartridge that is removably connected to an assembly including a dispensing element, such as a pump or valve. Thus, once empty, the reservoir can be replaced with a full one. To allow for connecting and disconnecting the reservoir, snap-on or screw-type connections are frequently used. This requires that the reservoir can be gripped firmly enough to unscrew or unclip it. For this to work, at least a significant portion of the reservoir must remain accessible, and therefore visible, which can detract from the overall aesthetics of the dispenser.

[0003] Document EP2916964 addresses this drawback with a removable, pen-like connection system with a retractable tip. This system allows for connection and disconnection simply by pressing on the bottom of the reservoir. A first press followed by a release brings the reservoir into a sealed, assembled position, and a second press followed by a release ejects the reservoir, allowing for its complete removal. A cam system combined with a spring enables these successive operations through a simple axial press on the reservoir.

[0004] The reservoir of the invention can serve as a refill in such a dispenser, but also as a non-replaceable reservoir. US patent 10835014B2 discloses a liquid dispenser according to the prior art.

[0005] In prior art, it is known to seal tanks to prevent any loss of fluid product and to protect their contents from the external environment. This is particularly important for cosmetic products, which degrade upon contact with air. The seal often consists of a flat cap that is glued, fixed, or welded to the upper annular rim of the tank neck. This cap can be removed before the tank is assembled or can be pierced by a drilling tool on the assembly.

[0006] The drawback of piercing the cappings is that the pump or valve is used to transmit the thrust force needed to pierce the capping. This can lead to damage to the pump or valve.

[0007] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a fluid product dispenser comprising: a fluid product reservoir comprising a neck defining an opening and an upper annular edge, the reservoir being provided with a sealing member which seals the opening of the neck, the sealing member comprising a perforable membrane, the perforable membrane being disposed inside the neck at an axial distance from the upper annular edge, and an assembly comprising a distribution member, such as a pump or a valve, received in the reservoir's sealing member, the assembly comprising drilling means for perforating the perforable membrane, the drilling means comprising a drilling needle formed at the lower end of a sheath in which the distribution member is received, characterized in that the obturation device comprises a sleeve extending into the neck from the upper annular edge, the pierceable membrane being connected to a lower end of the sleeve.

[0008] Thus, the pushing force can be exerted directly on the sheath, which transmits it to the needle, and not on the pump or the valve, which can remain unstressed.

[0009] The pierceable membrane could be directly fixed in the neck, but according to the invention the obturation member comprises a sleeve which extends into the neck from the upper annular edge, the pierceable membrane then being connected to a lower end of the sleeve.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the collar can project from a shoulder, the perforable membrane then being positioned substantially at the level of this shoulder, with the sleeve extending substantially over the entire height of the collar.

[0011] Advantageously, the perforable membrane can have a conical shape oriented towards the inside of the tank. It could also be flat, concave or convex.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the sealing element may comprise an annular collar resting on the upper annular edge, the sleeve then being connected to the annular collar. The sealing element is preferably made in one piece from a flexible plastic material, such as an elastomer or a polyolefin.

[0013] According to an interesting feature of the invention, the reservoir may further include a ring mounted around the neck that engages with the annular collar to press it against the upper annular edge. The ring is preferably fixedly and permanently mounted on the neck.

[0014] Such a reservoir ensures minimal air trapped within the reservoir and increased protection for the punctureable membrane. It is easily installed in and on the neck, much like a hollow plug.

[0015] Advantageously, the sleeve can make a sealed radial annular contact with the sealing element. This ensures a seal between the tank and the assembly. The sleeve can form an annular sealing rib on its inner wall, with the sleeve then making a sealed radial annular contact with this rib. Alternatively, one could say that the annular collar forms an internal annular sealing rib on its inner wall, with the sleeve making a sealed radial annular contact with this rib.

[0016] According to a practical embodiment, the sheath can be formed by a housing which includes receiving means for the distribution unit and a connection system for the reservoir.

[0017] Preferably, the casing may be provided with a sleeve having an insertion / extraction opening and defining an insertion / extraction axis. The fluid reservoir is engaged in the sleeve through the insertion / extraction opening and removably connected to the connection system. The reservoir includes connection means and a base accessible at the insertion / extraction opening to exert axial pressure on the reservoir, thereby enabling the connection means to cooperate with the connection system. Preferably, the connection is removable by simply applying further pressure to the base of the reservoir, which is then ejected. The removable connection may employ a cam track of the type used in retractable pens with axial button press operation.

[0018] The spirit of the invention lies in implementing a sheath equipped with a needle to pierce the membrane without exerting harmful stress on the distribution element.

[0019] The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In the figures: There figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the reservoir of a fluid product dispenser according to the invention, The figure 2 is a front view of the reservoir of the figure 1 , There figure 3 is an enlarged view of a detail of the figure 1 , There figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the entire assembly of a fluid product dispenser according to the invention, intended to be associated with the reservoir of the figure 1 , There figure 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of the figure 4 , There figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the fluid product dispenser resulting from the association of the reservoir and the assembly according to the invention, The figure 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of the figure 6 There figure 8 is a view similar to that of the figure 4 for a second embodiment of the invention, The figure 9 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 for a second embodiment of the invention, and The figure 10 is a view similar to that of the figure 6 for a second embodiment of the invention.

[0021] The dispenser of the invention comprises an assembly E integrating a dispensing element P and a reservoir R containing a fluid product. The reservoir R is connected to the assembly E in a removable or permanent manner.

[0022] We will now refer to figures 1 à 3 To describe in detail the fluid product reservoir R, it comprises a receptacle R0 for holding the fluid product, which can be a cream, gel, lotion, serum, perfume, etc. This receptacle R0 includes a cylindrical barrel R1, in which a follower piston F slides. A flexible pouch can also be used instead of the follower piston F. The lower end of the barrel R1 is advantageously sealed by a base L. At its opposite end, the barrel R1 connects to a shoulder R2, which itself extends into a neck R3 that projects upwards. This neck R3 forms an upper annular rim R4 and internally defines an opening R5, which connects the receptacle R0 to the outside. This is a classic design for a fluid product reservoir.

[0023] According to the invention, the reservoir R is further provided with a sealing element 1 that hermetically seals the opening R5. This sealing element 1 comprises a perforated membrane 11, which may be provided with thinner tear lines 111. This membrane 11 is conical in shape here, with the point oriented downwards, i.e., towards the follower piston F. The membrane 11 may have another shape, in particular a flat one. It can be noted that the membrane extends at the shoulder R2, at the lower end of the neck R3, and therefore axially away from the upper annular edge R4.

[0024] The sealing member 1 also includes a sleeve 12, which may be cylindrical. This sleeve 12 extends over at least part of the height of the neck R3 and preferably almost over its entire height. The sleeve 12 can make a tight contact with the inner wall of the neck R3, which defines the opening R5. The perforated membrane 11 connects to the sleeve at its lower annular edge. It can be noted that the sleeve 12 has a wall thickness greater than that of the perforated membrane 11. The sleeve 12 can be said to serve as a support for the membrane 11, positioning it at the shoulder R2, so as to together form the roof of the receptacle R0, opposite the follower piston F.

[0025] The obturator element 1 also includes an annular collar 13 which rests on the upper annular edge R4. This collar 13 projects radially outwards from the upper end of the sleeve 12. It can be noted on the figure 3 An annular sealing rib 121 is formed on the inner wall of the sleeve 12 at the flange 13. Alternatively, the flange 13 can be said to internally form the annular sealing rib 121. Its function will be explained below. This rib 121 could be located elsewhere along the height of the sleeve 12.

[0026] Optionally, the sealing member 1 may be provided with a operculum 15 fixed on the collar 13 or on the upper end of the sleeve 12. This operculum 15 is removable or pierceable.

[0027] This sealing element 1 allows the reservoir R to be sealed inside the neck R3, so that there is little to no air in the reservoir. The reservoir can be filled with fluid approximately up to the level of its shoulder R2 or slightly below. The sealing element 1 is then inserted into the neck R3, allowing the air to escape. Its perforated membrane then comes into close proximity to, or even contact with, the fluid, leaving little to no air in the reservoir R. Furthermore, thanks to its recessed positioning, the membrane 11 is protected against accidental perforation.

[0028] The reservoir also includes a ring 2, which is mounted on the neck R3 so as to surround it. The ring 2 can be attached to the neck R3 by any means, such as snap-fitting, press-fitting, screwing, gluing, welding, etc. The attachment can be removable or permanent. The ring can come into contact with the shoulder. The ring includes a support flange 21 that projects radially inwards. This flange 21 comes into contact with the collar 13 of the sealing element 1, so as to compress it against the upper annular edge R4 of the neck R3. It can be said that the ring 2 locks the sealing element 1 onto the neck R3.

[0029] According to the invention, the ring 2 externally forms connection means for cooperating with the assembly E to connect the reservoir R to the assembly E. Advantageously, these are removable connection means, allowing the reservoir R to be removed from the assembly E. These connection means may include at least one cam track 22. On the figure 3 It can be understood that there are three cam tracks 22 on the ring 2. Each cam track 22 includes a locking housing 223, a first lower stop 222, a second lower stop 225 on either side of the locking housing 223, a first cam surface 221 and a second cam surface 224. The path of a lug through this cam track is as follows: first cam surface 221, first lower stop 222, locking housing 223, second cam surface 224, second lower stop 225, then the exit of the cam track 22.

[0030] In order to bring the lug into a cam track from any angular orientation, the ring 2 advantageously forms ramps 23 which converge towards the cam tracks 22.

[0031] It should be noted that a reservoir with a sealing element 1, but without a cam track 22 is conceivable, as is a reservoir with a cam track 22 but without a sealing element 1. Preferably, the reservoir R includes both a sealing element and at least one cam track 22.

[0032] We will now refer to figures 4 et 5 to describe set E in detail.

[0033] The dispensing element P of assembly E can be a pump or a valve, which is equipped with a push button B for actuating it and thus dispensing the fluid product. The dispensing element P is not critical to the invention and will therefore not be described in detail. When it is a pump, it conventionally comprises a pump body with a fluid product inlet. A piston slides in a sealed manner within the pump body to pressurize a dose of the fluid product. The piston is mounted on an actuating rod that moves back and forth against a return spring. The pressurized dose of fluid product escapes through an outlet valve to the push button B, which includes a fluid product outlet. This design is quite conventional for a pump in the cosmetics, perfumery, or pharmaceutical industries.

[0034] The assembly E comprises a housing 3 forming an outer shell 31, which is cylindrical. The shell 31 forms internally a retaining rib 31 and at its upper end an annular plate 33. A bushing 4 is received between the retaining rib 31 and the plate 33, so as to be axially locked, while being free to rotate about itself. This rotating bushing 4 forms at least one cam lug 41, and preferably three, on its inner wall. These cam lugs 41 are located near the lower edge of the bushing 4. The housing 3 also forms an anchoring profile 34 for a spring 5 that extends freely downwards inside the bushing 4. The housing also includes receiving means 35 for the distribution element P.

[0035] Advantageously, the housing 3 further includes a sleeve 36 which extends freely downwards inside the shell 31, the bushing 4, and the spring 5. This sleeve 36 forms at its lower end a piercing point 37, adapted for piercing the diaphragm 11 of the reservoir R, as will be seen below. The piercing point 37 includes at least one opening 371, visible on the figure 5 which communicates directly with the inlet of the distribution element P. The needle 37 may have a conical shape. The sheath may form a lower section 361 of small diameter and an upper section 362 of larger diameter. Most of the distribution element P is housed within the sheath 36 and occupies almost the entire volume of the sheath. The outer wall of the distribution element P may optionally come into contact with the inner wall of the sheath 36.

[0036] Assembly E also includes a case 6 which is connected to the lower end of the shell 31. The case 6 could be made as a single piece with the shell 31. This case 6 defines an insertion / extraction opening 61 and an insertion / extraction axis X.

[0037] According to the invention, the reservoir R is connected to the assembly E in the following manner. The reservoir R is inserted into the case 6 through its opening 61 with the neck R3 at the top. The axial insertion continues until the drilling needle 37 abuts against the perforable membrane 11. The operculum 15 has been previously removed or pierced by the needle 37. Sufficient axial pressure allows the needle 37 to rupture the membrane 11, preferably at its tear lines 111. The axial insertion can then continue until the cam lugs 41 come into contact with the ring 2. This axial insertion occurs against the spring 5. In most cases, the lugs 41 will come into contact with the ramps 23. From this point, axial pressure on the reservoir R will cause the bushing 4 to rotate within the housing 31. The lugs 41 will slide along the ramps 23 to reach the entrances of the cam tracks 22.From this point, each lug 41 follows the following path. The lug 41 slides under the action of an axial force against the spring 5 on the first cam surface 221, which leads it to the first lower stop 222. A release of the axial pressure then brings the lug 41 into the locking recess 223 under the action of the spring 5. The reservoir is then connected to the assembly E. The seal between the reservoir R and the housing 3 is ensured by the annular radial contact of the upper section 362 of the sheath against the sealing rib 121 of the shut-off member 1. The user can then operate the dispenser by actuating the pusher B with a finger. Fluid product from the reservoir R is then dispensed by the dispensing member P.

[0038] When reservoir R is empty, axial pressure on reservoir R disengages the lug 41 from the locking housing 123 and causes it to slide along the second cam surface 224 until it reaches the second lower stop 225. Releasing the pressure then causes the lug 41 to disengage from the cam track 22 under the action of the spring 5. Reservoir R can then be freely removed from the case 6. A new reservoir R can then be installed in assembly E in the manner described above.

[0039] It should be noted that the rotating socket 4 allows the reservoir R to be connected to the assembly E without rotating it, since it is the socket that rotates on its own axis. This provides a more pleasant feel and completely conceals the operation of the connection.

[0040] It can also be noted that an assembly E with a needle valve 37, but without a connecting system (sleeve 4 and spring 5), can be associated with a reservoir R with a sealing element 1, but without a cam track 22. Similarly, an assembly E with a connecting system (sleeve 4 and spring 5), but without a needle valve 37, can be associated with a reservoir R with cam tracks 22, but without a sealing element 1. Furthermore, an assembly E with a connecting system (sleeve 4 and spring 5), but without a needle valve 37, can be associated with a reservoir R with cam tracks 22 and a sealing element 1. And again, an assembly E with a needle valve 37, but without a connecting system (sleeve 4 and spring 5), can be associated with a reservoir R with a sealing element 1, but without a cam track 22: the connection between the reservoir and the assembly is then made by any known means of connection, such as for example the snap-fit, the screw-fit, the bayonet fitting, etc.

[0041] By referring to figures 8 à 10 , we see a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first in that the cam tracks of this second embodiment are formed by a rotating element, whereas they are fixed in the first embodiment, where the lugs are formed by a rotating element, namely the rotating sleeve 4.

[0042] On the figure 8 The assembly E' comprises a housing 3' having an outer shell 31' to which the holster 6 is attached. The outer shell 31' forms three internal lugs 311, which are therefore fixed. Optionally, the shell 31' has a side window 312. The sheath 36 with its needle 37 is formed as a single piece with the shell 31'. The assembly E' also includes a spring 5'.

[0043] On the figure 9 The neck R3 of the reservoir R' is surrounded by an external skirt 16, which is advantageously formed as a single unit with the sleeve 12 and the diaphragm 11 of the sealing element 1'. This external skirt 16 is therefore fixedly mounted on the neck R3. It is surrounded by a ring 2', which is rotatably mounted on the skirt 16. The ring 2' can thus rotate freely about itself around the skirt 16, which is fixedly mounted around the neck R3. The rotating ring 2' externally forms three cam tracks 22', which are identical or similar to those of the first embodiment. The ring 2' can also form ramps, identical or similar to the ramps 23.

[0044] On the figure 10The reservoir R' is in place inside the assembly E'. The needle 37 has pierced the diaphragm 11 and the lugs 311 are engaged with the cam tracks 22', in the same way as in the first embodiment. During connection, the ring 2' rotates around the skirt 16, so that the barrel R1 can remain statically fixed during rotation.

[0045] This second embodiment therefore consists of moving the rotating element of assembly E onto the reservoir R', while maintaining the lugs on the assembly and the cam tracks on the reservoir. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also possible to form the lugs on the reservoir and the cam tracks on the assembly. Consequently, there are four possible embodiments: Rotating lugs formed by the assembly (1st embodiment), Rotating cam tracks formed by the reservoir (2nd embodiment), Rotating lugs formed by the reservoir, and Rotating cam tracks formed by the assembly.

Claims

1. Fluid product dispenser comprising: - a fluid product reservoir (R; R') comprising a neck (R3) defining an opening (R5) and an upper annular edge (R4), the reservoir (R; R') being provided with a blocking member (1; 1') which seals the opening (R5) of the neck (R3), the blocking member (1; 1') comprising a pierceable membrane (11), the pierceable membrane (11) is disposed inside the neck (R3) axially away from the upper annular edge (R4), and - an assembly (E; E') comprising a dispensing member (P), such as a pump or a valve, received in the blocking member (1; 1') of the reservoir (R; R'), the assembly (E; E') comprising piercing means (36, 37) for piercing the pierceable membrane (11), the piercing means comprising a piercing tip (37) formed at the lower end of a sheath (36) in which the dispensing member (P) is received, characterized in that the blocking member (1; 1') comprises a sleeve (12) which extends into the neck (R3) from the upper annular edge (R4), the pierceable membrane (11) being connected to a lower end of the sleeve (12).

2. Fluid product dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sheath (36) comes into sealed annular radial contact with the blocking member (1; 1').

3. Fluid product dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the neck (R3) projects from a shoulder (R2), the pierceable membrane (11) being positioned substantially at this shoulder (R2), with the sleeve (12) extending substantially over the entire height of the neck (R3).

4. Fluid product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (12) forms an annular sealing rib (121) on its internal wall, the sheath (36) coming into sealed annular radial contact with this annular sealing rib (121).

5. Fluid product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pierceable membrane (11) has a conical shape facing the inside of the reservoir (R).

6. Fluid product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking member (1) comprises an annular collar (13) that rests on the upper annular edge (R4), the sleeve (12) being connected to the annular collar (13).

7. Fluid product dispenser according to claim 6, further comprising a ring (2) mounted around the neck (R3) and which comes into engagement with the annular collar (13) to press it against the upper annular edge (R4).

8. Fluid product dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the annular collar (13) internally forms an annular sealing rib (121) on its internal wall, the sheath (36) coming into sealed annular radial contact with this annular sealing rib (121).

9. Fluid product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheath (36) is formed by a housing (3) that comprises receiving means (35) for the dispensing member (P) and a connection system (4, 5; 311, 2') for the reservoir (R; R').

10. Fluid product dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the casing (3; 3') is provided with a case (6) provided with an insertion / extraction opening (61) and defining an insertion / extraction axis X, the fluid product reservoir (R; R') being engaged in the case (6) through the insertion / extraction opening (61) and removably connected to the connection system (4, 5 ; 311, 2'), the reservoir (R; R') comprising connection means (22) and a bottom (L) accessible at the insertion / extraction opening (61) to exert an axial thrust on the reservoir (R; R) in order to cause the connection means to cooperate (22; 22') with the connection system (4, 5 ; 311, 2').