Liquid product dispenser

Abstract

A refillable fluid dispenser comprising: - a fluid reservoir (R) defining a neck (R2), - a dispensing member (P) mounted on the neck (R2) and comprising an inlet (P2), - a fastening member (2, 3) for fixing the dispensing member (P) to the neck (R2), - a dip tube (D) connected to the inlet (P2) of the dispensing member (P) and extending into the reservoir (R), characterized in that the dip tube (D) is integral with the fluid reservoir (R) by means of a support (1) which forms at least one filling window (15) communicating directly with the interior of the fluid reservoir (R), the fastening member (2, 3) allowing the dispensing member (P) to be withdrawn so as to access the support (1) to fill the fluid reservoir (R) through said at least one filling window (15). "Figure 2"

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a refillable fluid product dispenser comprising a fluid product reservoir defining a neck, a dispensing member, such as a pump, mounted on the neck of the fluid product reservoir to draw fluid product, a fixing member for fixing the dispensing member on the neck of the fluid product reservoir, and a dip tube connected to the inlet of the dispensing member and extending into the fluid product reservoir.

[0002] The preferred field of application of the present invention is that of perfumery, not forgetting cosmetics or even pharmaceuticals.

[0003] In the prior art, numerous refillable dispensers, often referred to as "portable dispensers," are already known. They comprise a small-volume reservoir, on the order of 5 to 20 ml, and are refillable using a fluid source capable of injecting the fluid under pressure through a filling valve. The source generally includes a valve stem that is pressed against the outer edge of the filling orifice. Each time the valve stem is pushed against the filling orifice, a dose of the fluid is injected.

[0004] At the end of the filling operation, the valve stem is moved away from the filling valve, but a small amount of fluid remains. Occasionally, a small drop may be released. This residual fluid can then contaminate an object brought into contact with the filling orifice or onto which the small drop falls.

[0005] There is therefore a hygiene problem at the filling opening with these portable dispensers. This is, in fact, one of the main reasons why they are not more widespread commercially. Users do not want to spread their perfume all over their belongings, and in particular those in their handbags, since portable dispensers are often carried in handbags.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an alternative type of refillable dispenser that does not include a filling flap. The filling operation must be intuitive, quick, and without risk of contamination.

[0007] To this end, the present invention proposes that the dip tube be attached to the fluid reservoir by means of a support that forms at least one filling window which communicates directly with the interior of the fluid reservoir. As for the fastening element, it allows the dispensing element to be removed, so as to access the support for filling the fluid reservoir through said at least one filling window.

[0008] Since the dip tube remains in place in the reservoir, there is no risk of contamination. Indeed, it is primarily the dip tube that is likely to leak product. The fluid is removed from the reservoir. It is immersed in the fluid and filled with fluid. Once removed, the pump can easily be placed on a surface without soiling it: it can be placed upside down on the plunger, if possible. Filling is not done through the dip tube, but through the filling port(s), which preferably have a larger cross-section to prevent expansion and subsequent overflow.

[0009] Advantageously, the support can form at least one vent window to allow air to escape from the fluid reservoir during its filling with fluid. Thus, the fluid and air flows intersect within the support. Different configurations for the filling and vent windows can dictate the nature of the flow passing through them. In general, the fluid preferentially flows through the window offering the least pressure drop, and the air is then forced to escape through the other window, which presents a greater pressure drop.

[0010] Advantageously, the support can form a sealed connection fitting into which the inlet of the distribution element is engaged, the dip tube being in fluid communication with this sealed connection fitting. The sealed connection fitting can be moved between an extended rest position and a retracted engagement position, elastic means applying stress to the sealed connection fitting in the extended rest position, such that the sealed connection fitting, in the retracted engagement position, is elastically forced against the inlet of the distribution element. This elasticity also allows for the mounting of pumps of different sizes (lengths). This elasticity can also be used to vary the size of the filling and venting ports. Their cross-sectional area can be maximized in the retracted engagement position and minimized in the extended rest position.In a practical embodiment, the support may include a peripheral body in which the watertight connecting tip slides against elastic means. In the retracted engagement position, the watertight connecting tip may or may not seal the filling and venting windows. A filling source can thus be provided and introduced into the support so as to push the watertight connecting tip back into the retracted engagement position.

[0011] Advantageously, the support may include an upper annular sealing surface that makes tight contact with the dispensing member. Alternatively, the support may include a lower annular sealing surface that makes tight contact with the fluid reservoir. Thus, the support can provide three seals: with the inlet of the dispensing member, with the reservoir, and with the flange of the dispensing member. These seals may be radial or axial.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the fastening member may comprise a part A fixed part integral with the fluid reservoir and a movable part integral with the dispensing mechanism, the support being integrated into the fixed part. Advantageously, the fixed part includes a retaining ring that cooperates with the neck of the fluid reservoir to secure the support to the neck. Advantageously, the fixed part includes first removable retaining means that cooperate with second removable retaining means formed by the movable part.

[0013] According to a practical embodiment, the support may include an annular support plate, a peripheral body, a transition section, a sealing connection tip and a connecting sleeve, the annular support flange comprising an upper annular sealing surface making a sealing contact with a collar of the distribution element and a lower annular sealing surface making a sealing contact with the neck of the fluid product reservoir, the peripheral body and / or the transition section forming the filling window and the venting window, the sealing connection tip receiving the inlet of the distribution element and the connecting sleeve receiving the dip tube, the sealing connection tip being advantageously movable relative to the connecting sleeve by masking / unmasking the filling and venting windows.

[0014] The spirit of the invention lies in separating the dip tube from the pump or valve and leaving it in the tank, thus reducing the risk of contamination from the pump or valve alone. Filling is done by gravity or injection through one or more filling ports, and not through the dip tube. A movable, leak-proof connection tip offers several advantages in terms of sealing, modularity, and cleanliness.

[0015] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings giving, by way of non-limiting examples, several embodiments of the invention.

[0016] In the figures:

[0017] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective and transparent view of a distributor according to a first embodiment of the invention in the disassembled state,

[0018] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of the distributor of Fig.1.

[0019] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a cross-sectional view of the distributor shown in Figures 1 and 2. And

[0020] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2] of the distributor in the state mounted,

[0021] [Fig.5] Fig.5 is a highly enlarged view of the distributor of Fig.4.

[0022] [Fig. 6a] Figures 6a and 6b are views illustrating two alternative embodiments,

[0023] [Fig.6b] cf [Fig.6a]

[0024] [Fig. 7a] Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional view through a distributor according to a second embodiment of the invention in the assembled state,

[0025] [Fig.7b] [Fig.7b] is a view similar to [Fig.7a] in the disassembled state, and

[0026] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.7a] with a filling source at the location of the distribution head.

[0027] The dispenser of the invention comprises two separable subassemblies, namely a first subassembly comprising a fluid product reservoir R and a fixed part F mounted on the reservoir R, and a second subassembly consisting of a dispensing head T comprising a dispensing element P, a pusher B, and a movable part M for removably mounting the dispensing element P onto the fixed part F of the first subassembly. In other words, the dispensing head T can be removed from the first subassembly with a simple and quick action, thereby separating the movable part M from the fixed part F. The removable connection between these two parts can be achieved by any suitable means, such as screwing / unscrewing, magnetism, snap-fitting, bayonet fitting, etc.

[0028] The fluid product reservoir R is not critical to the invention. It can be made of any suitable material and have any shape. It is sufficient that it forms a neck R2 defining an opening. The neck R2 may project from a shoulder RL. The neck R2 may include an external annular reinforcement R3 which can serve for attachment.

[0029] The fixed part F essentially comprises a support 1 supporting a dip tube D and a fixing ring 2 which fulfills a dual function, namely the retention of the support 1 on or in the collar R2 and the removable connection with the removable part M.

[0030] The support 1 is an essential part of the invention. It serves firstly to suspend the dip tube D inside the reservoir R, as can be seen in [Fig. 2]. It also serves to fill the reservoir with the fluid product, since the fluid product is poured into the support 1. It can be made by injection / molding of plastic material.

[0031] The support 1 is preferably made in one piece. It comprises a cylindrical peripheral body 11, internally defining a receiving housing for the distribution element P, as will be seen below. This body 11 extends at its upper end into an annular support plate 12 which extends radially outwards. This plate 12 is positioned above the annular upper edge of the neck R2, with a neck seal 122 optionally compressed between them. The plate 12 thus defines a lower annular sealing surface which makes tight contact with the fluid reservoir. This plate 12 may also be provided on its upper face with a pump seal 121. The plate 12 thus defines an upper annular sealing surface which makes tight contact with the distribution head T, as will be seen below.

[0032] The plate 12 extends on its outer periphery by a hooking skirt 13 which engages around the collar R2. The skirt 13 can be split vertically or at The opposite continues. The skirt 13 can form internal protruding profiles 131 which fit under the reinforcement R3 of the collar R2.

[0033] The body 11 extends at its lower end into a transition section 14, here of frustoconical shape. It is pierced by several windows 15, 16, of which at least one is a filling window 15 and at least one other is a ventilation window 16. The windows 15 and 16 may be identical or different in cross-section and / or length.

[0034] The transition section 14 connects downwards to a connecting sleeve 17 and upwards to a watertight connecting fitting 18. The connecting sleeve 17 and the watertight connecting fitting 18 are aligned and communicate with each other. The dip tube D is press-fitted into the connecting sleeve 17. The watertight connecting fitting 18 is adapted to receive the inlet P2 of the distribution element P, as will be seen below.

[0035] The support 1 defines an internal housing 10 mainly formed by the body 11. This internal housing 10 is largely open at the top and partially closed at the bottom by the transition section 14 and the watertight connection tip 18.

[0036] The retaining ring 2 comprises the sleeve 21, which is internally cylindrical so as to engage around the skirt 13 of the support 1. The sleeve 21 is lowered around the skirt so as to lock its projecting profiles 131 under the reinforcement R3 and to compress the neck seal 122 between the plate 13 and the upper edge of the neck R2. Externally, the sleeve 21 forms first removable retaining means 22, which may be in the form of screw threads or cam tracks. At its upper end, the retaining ring 2 includes a retractable flap 23 that engages with the pump seal 121. Thus, the support 1 is mounted in a fixed and leak-proof manner on and within the neck R2.

[0037] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the skirt 13 of the support 1 may be omitted. In this case, the casing 21 of the ring 2 could form internal profiles suitable for engaging under the reinforcement R3. Furthermore, the body 11, instead of being solid, could be perforated along all or part of its height, thus forming filling and ventilation windows in place of, or in addition to, those of the transition section 14. Moreover, the dip tube D may be a single piece with the connecting sleeve 17. The seals 121 and 122 could also be omitted. In this case, the plate 12 would directly form the lower and upper annular sealing surfaces, for example with deformable sealing beads or strips.

[0038] The distribution element P of the distribution head T can be a pump or a conventional valve. It comprises a basic body PI which forms an inlet P2 at its lower end and a mounting flange P3 at its upper end. The distribution element P also comprises an actuating rod P4, which moves in a- and comes into the base body PI. This rod P4 is capped by a push button B, which the user can press to actuate the distribution member P. This is a completely classic design for a pump or valve in the fields of perfumery or cosmetics.

[0039] The movable part M includes a capsule 3 forming a receiving housing 30 for the base body PI of the distribution member P. This housing 30 includes an annular snap-on flange 31 which engages around and below the fixing collar P3 of the distribution member P. The capsule 3 also includes a connecting sleeve 32 which forms second removable fixing means 33, for example in the form of one or more pins which project inwards.

[0040] Optionally, the capsule 3 can be masked with a trim ring 4, which serves only an aesthetic function.

[0041] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the distribution head T can be mounted on the sub-assembly formed by the reservoir R and the fixed part F. It can first be noted that the basic body PI of the distribution element P is positioned in the internal housing 10 of the support 1. Its inlet P2 is engaged in the sealed connection fitting 18. It can also be noted that the capsule 3 surrounds the ring 2, with the pins 33 engaging the threads or cam tracks 22: a rotation, preferably dextrorotatory, causes the capsule 3 to slide down around the ring 2. This results in the neck seal 122 being compressed between the neck R2 and the plate 12, and the pump seal 121 being compressed between the plate 12 and the flange 31.

[0042] Three seals are thus achieved simultaneously. A first seal is achieved at the point where the inlet P2 engages with the sealed connection fitting 18: this ensures that the distribution element P is supplied only through the dip tube D. This seal can be radial, as illustrated in [Fig. 6a], or axial, as illustrated in [Fig. 6b], where the sealed connection fitting 18a is provided with a small O-ring 18b. A second seal is achieved at the neck seal 122: this ensures that the fluid stored in the reservoir R cannot leak between the neck R2 and the support 1. A third seal is achieved at the pump seal 121: this ensures that the fluid stored in the reservoir R cannot leak between the support 1 and the base body PI of the distribution element P.The internal housing 10 communicates with the tank R through the dip tube D, but also through the filling windows 15 and venting windows 16.

[0043] Of course, the dispensing head T can be removed or separated from the first subassembly by unscrewing the capsule 3, for example by rotating the fret 4 counterclockwise. Once the head T is removed, the internal housing 10 is wide open to the outside: a user can then fill the reservoir R by pouring in fluid product in the internal housing 10, which communicates with the reservoir through the filling windows 15. Simultaneously, the air contained in the reservoir R escapes through the vent windows 16. The user can easily control the filling operation by observing the level of fluid product inside the housing 10. Once filling is complete, the head T can be put back in place by screwing it on.

[0044] Figures 7a, 7b and 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, which differs only in its support 1', which comprises two separate parts, movable relative to each other. This support 1' forms part, together with the ring 2, of a fixed part F'.

[0045] This support 1' comprises a first part formed by a peripheral body 11', a plate 12, a skirt 13, a transition section 14', and a connecting sleeve 17'. The plate 12 and the skirt 13 are identical to those of the first embodiment. The body 11' is pierced with several windows 15', 16', while the transition section 14' is not. The sleeve 17' extends inside the body 11': the plunger tube D is engaged in the sleeve 17'.

[0046] This support 1' comprises a second part 180 which forms a watertight connecting tip 18', a piston 181, and a spring 182. The watertight connecting tip 18' is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment. However, it is axially movable within the body 11' against the spring 182, which extends around the sleeve 17' and bears against the bottom of the transition section 14'. The piston extends around the watertight connecting tip 18' and makes contact, either watertight or not, with the inner wall of the body 11'. The watertight connecting tip 18' and the piston 181 can thus slide within the body 11' between a retracted engagement position shown in [Fig. 7a] and an extended rest position shown in [Fig. 7b]. It should be noted that the piston 181 is located axially below windows 15, 16 on [Fig.7a] and above windows 15, 16 on [Fig.7b].Communication between the tank and the outside through windows 15, 16 is cut off in the extended rest position. This greatly reduces the risk of spillage of the fluid contained in the tank, as communication then only occurs through the dip tube D. Part 180 therefore acts as a seal when the head T is removed. Furthermore, the spring 182 presses the sealed connection fitting 18' against the inlet P2 of the dispensing element P, thus improving the seal between them. The sliding mechanism of the sealed connection fitting 18' can also be used to mount dispensing elements P of different sizes or heights.

[0047] In [Fig. 8], a filling source S has been mounted on the first subassembly in place of the head T. This source S comprises a source reservoir SI, a mounting ring S2, and a nozzle S3. The mounting ring S2 can be screwed onto the The retaining ring 2 replaces the capsule 3. Once the screwing is complete, the nozzle S3 moves the sealed connection tip 18' into the retracted engagement position, as shown in [Fig. 7a]. The windows 15' and 16' are open, and the fluid product from the source reservoir S2 can flow by gravity into the reservoir R through one of the windows 15' or 16'. To control the flow, the nozzle S3 includes a short fluid product duct S4 and a long air duct S5, which extends into the source reservoir S2 via a chimney S6. The descending fluid product will use the short duct S4, while the ascending air will use the long duct S5.

[0048] Without departing from the scope of the invention, a one-piece support can be provided, the body and / or the transition section of which is elastically deformable by elongation. The body could, for example, be bellows-shaped with or without windows. In the rest position, the bellows could at least partially obstruct the windows. Alternatively, the reservoir and the fixed part can be made as a single unit: the transition section would be connected to the inner wall of the reservoir neck, while the threads or cam tracks would be formed directly by the outer wall of the neck. The reservoir would then have to include a separate base. The screw / screw connection can be replaced by any other removable connection, for example, magnets, snap-fit, etc.

Claims

Claims

1. Refillable fluid dispenser comprising: - a fluid reservoir (R) defining a neck (R2), - a dispensing member (P), such as a pump, mounted on the neck (R2) of the fluid reservoir (R) to draw fluid, the dispensing member (P) comprising an inlet (P2), - a fixing member (2, 3) for fixing the dispensing member (P) to the neck (R2) of the fluid reservoir (R), - a dip tube (D) connected to the inlet (P2) of the dispensing member (P) and which extends into the fluid reservoir (R), the dip tube (D) being secured to the fluid reservoir (R) by means of a support (1; 1') which forms at least one filling window (15; 15') which communicates directly with the interior of the fluid reservoir (R), the fixing member (2, 3) allowing removal of the member distribution (P), so as to access the support (1;1') for filling the fluid product reservoir (R) through said at least one filling window (15; 15'), characterized in that the support (1; 1') is integrated into a fixed part (F; F') mounted on the fluid product reservoir (R) and the dispensing member (P) is integral with a movable part (M) removably mounted on the fixed part (F; F').;

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, in which the fixed part (F; F') comprises a fixing ring (2) forming first removable fixing means (22) which cooperate with second removable fixing means (33) formed by the movable part (M), the fixing ring (2) holding a pump seal (121) on the support (1; 1').

3. Dispenser according to claim 2, in which the support (1; 1') forms a hooking skirt (13) engaged around the neck (R2), the fixing ring (2) locking the hooking skirt (13) around the neck (R2).

4. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the support (1; 1') comprises an annular support plate (12) extending above the neck (R2) and supporting a pump seal (121).

5. A dispenser according to claim 4, wherein a neck seal (122) is compressed between the annular support plate (12) and the neck (R2).

6. A dispenser according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the pump seal (121) is held in place on the annular support plate (12) by a fixing ring (2) which extends around the neck (R2), the fixing ring (2) advantageously comprising a retracting flap (23) which engages with the outer periphery of the pump seal (121).

7. Dispenser according to claim 6, in which the fixing ring (2) forms first removable fixing means (22) which cooperate with second removable fixing means (33) formed by the movable part (M).

8. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (1; 1') forms at least one vent window (16; 16') to allow air to escape from the fluid product reservoir (R), when it is filled with fluid product, said at least one filling window (15; 15') and said at least one vent window (16; 16') being located at the same axial height.

9. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (1; 1') forms a sealed connection end piece (18; 18a; 18') in which the inlet (P2) of the dispensing member (P) is engaged, the plunger tube (D) being in fluid communication with this sealed connection end piece (18; 18a; 18').

10. Dispenser according to claim 9, in which the sealed connection end piece (18') is movable between an extended rest position and a retracted engagement position, elastic means (182) biasing the sealed connection end piece (18') in the extended rest position, so that the sealed connection end piece (18'), in the retracted engagement position, is elastically biased against the inlet (P2) of the dispensing member (P), the filling window (15') and / or the venting window (16') having a passage section which is maximum in the retracted engagement position and minimum in the extended rest position.

11. Dispenser according to claim 10, in which the support (1') comprises a peripheral body (11') in which the sealed connection end piece (18') slides against the elastic means (182).

12. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (1; 1') comprises a peripheral body (11; 11'), a transition section (14; 14'), a sealed connection end piece (18; 18a; 18') and a connection sleeve (17; 17'), the peripheral body (11; 11') and / or the transition section (14; 14') forming the filling window (15; 15') and the venting window (16; 16'), the sealed connection end piece (18; 18a; 18') receiving the inlet (P2) of the distribution member (P) and the connection sleeve (17; 17') receiving the dip tube (D). * * *

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