SPRAYER WITH PRE-COMPRESSION CHAMBER

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) with a longitudinal axis (X) for conditioning and dispensing a product, comprising a container (4) having at least one deformable zone (11), a deformable dispensing valve (3) comprising a valve body (2) and a transverse wall (21), and a lid (6) assembled between the valve (3) and the container (4) and comprising a transverse wall (111). The valve body (2) has a first deformable upper sealing lip (71) that applies against the lateral wall (87) above the air intake hole (8), and a second deformable lower sealing lip (72) that applies against the lateral wall (87) of the lid (6) below the air intake hole (8). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: SPRAYER WITH PRE-COMPRESSION CHAMBER

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic product dispensing device equipped with a pre-compression chamber and a compressible reservoir. It also relates to a method for manufacturing such a device.

[0002] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products. Technological background

[0003] The technique of distributors operating by tank compression is extremely developed.

[0004] US patent 3176883 discloses a dispenser comprising an elastically deformable reservoir having a dispensing head through which a dip tube equipped with a check valve extends to a dispensing port. The dispenser also includes a valve arrangement to permit unidirectional air flow from the interior of the reservoir upwards to and over the mouth of the dip tube so that this air mixes with the liquid from the container and flows through the dispensing port. An air return passage equipped with a valve allows air to return to the reservoir after a dispensing cycle. When the reservoir is compressed, the air in the space above the liquid contained in the reservoir is compressed.When sufficient pressure is reached, the liquid flows past the check valve and upwards into the dip tube, and the air flow control valve opens. Compressed air flows past the valve to the dip tube inlet and atomizes the liquid flowing through the dip tube as it escapes out through the dispensing port.

[0005] US patent 10919063 discloses a sprayer for dispensing a product A fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir and a distribution system. The distribution system includes a cap that defines a chamber for receiving air and fluid and also defines an outlet. A valve assembled within the cap and a dip tube received by the cap are also included in the distribution system. The dip tube is constructed and arranged to supply air to the chamber, and compression of the reservoir forces the air and fluid into the chamber and then to the outlet for distribution as a spray or mist. This device does not include a pre-compression chamber or a sealing system. is of the capsule service type.

[0006] Document WO2014177554A1 discloses a device for packaging and dispensing a liquid product, comprising a reservoir with deformable walls, a dip tube, and a dispensing head in which: in a first position of the device, deformation of the packaging results in the dispensing of the product to be dispensed in the form of a spray, and in a second position of the device, deformation of the packaging results in the dispensing of the product to be dispensed in the form of drops, the dispensing head being provided with a single dispensing orifice. This device does not include a pre-compression chamber, and the sealing system is of the dispensing cap type.

[0007] US patent 7780041 discloses a device for spraying a fluid product that includes a reservoir containing the product and air, the reservoir having a wall with at least one deformable area. A dip tube communicates selectively or continuously with a spray opening to spray the product when pressure is applied to the deformable area. In a preferred example, the dip tube has at least one air passage to allow at least some of the air in the reservoir to mix with the product carried by the dip tube. The air passage is located between the two ends of the dip tube. Furthermore, before the device is first used and in a position with at least a partial deformation of the deformable area, the at least one air passage is not immersed in the product, regardless of the reservoir's position.This device does not include a pre-compression chamber, and the sealing system is provided by the cap.

[0008] US patent 6860404 discloses a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a reservoir configured to hold a fluid product and air, a spray orifice associated with the reservoir, and a dip tube. The reservoir may include at least one deformable zone having a predetermined threshold of resistance to deformation. The deformable zone may be configured to deform in response to pressure applied to it, causing the product to be sprayed out of the orifice. When the pressure applied to the deformable zone is less than a threshold pressure Ps sufficient to overcome the predetermined threshold of resistance to deformation of the deformable zone, the internal volume of the reservoir is not substantially reduced. This device does not include a pre-compression chamber or top and bottom valves for sealing; air is drawn back in through the outlet path.

[0009] US patent 4102476 discloses a distribution device comprising, around the exterior of a valve body, a space that communicates with the interior of a reservoir and opens into the conical interface between the exterior surface of the body The valve and the inner surface of the central part of a cap are separated when this part moves away from the body due to the pressure increase when the reservoir is compressed. Air then flows through this interface and shears the liquid jet arriving from the dip tube, resulting in perfect atomization and a tight seal of the orifice when the device is not in use. This document discloses a hinge-type seal.

[0010] There is a need to provide a device, in particular rechargeable and / or recyclable, providing a quality spray. Definition of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a device with a longitudinal axis X for conditioning and dispensing a product, comprising a container, a lid assembled on the container and defining with the container a reservoir open by an air intake hole and a valve assembled on the lid for the pressurized distribution of a product contained in the container, the valve comprising a valve body made of deformable material, having an inlet passage and an outlet passage and a sealing element disposed inside the inlet passage, a portion of which emerges outside the valve body and is fixed to the lid, the sealing element being traversed by an inlet channel having a first end opening outside the valve body, and a second end opening inside the valve body, the container comprising a wall at least partially compressible,the lid being interposed between the container and the valve and forming with the valve a pre-compression chamber of variable volume, and ,

[0012] In response to pressure on the compressible wall of the container, the inlet passage is brought into fluidic communication with the outlet passage by a deformation of the valve body from a rest position of the valve, to allow the product to exit through a distribution orifice,

[0013] the valve body returning to its rest position in the absence of pressure on the compressible area, to close the fluidic communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage and stop the distribution of the product.

[0014] Thanks to the structure of the device according to the invention, a pre-compression chamber is created, generating a high-quality spray. The pre-compression is easily adjustable by varying the flexibility of the materials chosen, the shape of the parts, and their thickness.

[0015] According to the invention, the pre-compression chamber pressurizes the product before it can be directed towards the spray orifice, in particular towards the nozzle. The result is to retain maximum energy and fluid velocity in order to obtain a spray composed of fine particles, advantageously droplets with a diameter of less than 100 µm, more advantageously less than 80 µm, even more advantageously less than 60pm, even more advantageously less than 40pm.

[0016] In addition, the device has fewer parts than a conventional pump, which promotes its recycling, while reducing its production cost.

[0017] Similarly, the ratio of the weight of the packaging to the weight of the formula is more favorable than the same ratio for known products of this type, which is favorable for the environment, insofar as the intensity of the packaging is reduced.

[0018] Finally, the device can also accommodate any type of nozzle, and this for a diffusion of the composition in the axis of the device, for a new deodorant-type gesture.

[0019] The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the implementation of a device as described above. In particular, the process includes replacing a used container with a new one and optionally unscrewing the used container and screwing on the new one.

[0020] The invention finally relates to a cosmetic refill forming a container intended to be implemented in accordance with the process described above. Preferred modes of implementation

[0021] Preferably, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

[0022] At least one opening is provided in the lid, so as to form at least one additional gas inlet.

[0023] The deformable material forming the valve body has a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 70.

[0024] The valve body is at least partially placed in a sleeve with longitudinal axis X formed in the cover.

[0025] The valve body includes a first deformable upper sealing lip which applies against a side wall of the cover above the air return hole, in the rest position of the device.

[0026] The valve body includes a second lower deformable sealing lip which applies against the side wall of the cover below the air return hole.

[0027] In response to a release of pressure on the deformable area, the first upper sealing lip deforms by moving away from the side wall, to allow air to enter the container via the air return hole and stop the fluidic communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

[0028] The shutter element is stationary.

[0029] It is not waterproof.

[0030] It includes an air inlet passage located on the cover or between the valve and the cover.

[0031] The lid ends with a nozzle on which a dip tube is fixed.

[0032] A product outlet nozzle is connected to a hollow control rod.

[0033] The valve body includes a third intermediate deformable sealing lip which applies against a side wall of the cover, in particular between the air intake hole and the additional gas intake hole.

[0034] The sealing element is integral with the lid.

[0035] The sealing element has a lower end in the shape of a harpoon assembled fixed in a complementary relief of the lid.

[0036] The sealing element has an annular lip adapted to apply radially in a watertight manner against the valve body in the absence of pressure on the deformable area of ​​the container.

[0037] The container forms a removable refill. Description of the figures

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and from examination of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0039] [Fig.1]

[0040] Figure [1] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a distribution device according to the invention when pressure is first applied to the deformable area,

[0041] [Fig.2]

[0042] Figure [Fig. 2] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure [Fig. 1] when pressure continues to be applied to the deformable area,

[0043] [Fig.3]

[0044] Fig. 3 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 1 when pressure is no longer applied to the deformable area.

[0045] [Fig.4]

[0046] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 1.

[0047] [Fig.5]

[0048] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the bottle shown in Fig. 1.

[0049] [Fig.6]

[0050] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the dip tube shown in Fig. 1.

[0051] [Fig.7]

[0052] Fig. 7 is an inclined perspective view of the top of the lid shown in Fig. 1.

[0053] [Fig.8]

[0054] Fig. 8 is an inclined perspective view of the underside of the lid shown in Fig. 1.

[0055] [Fig.9]

[0056] Figure 9 is a left-leaning inclined perspective front view of the element of closure shown in [Fig. 1].

[0057] [Fig. 10]

[0058] The [Fig. 10] is a right-angled perspective front view of the shutter element shown in the [Fig. 1].

[0059] [Fig. 11]

[0060] Fig. 11 is an inclined perspective view of the top of the valve shown in Fig. 1.

[0061] [Fig. 12]

[0062] Fig. 12 is an inclined perspective view of the underside of the valve shown in Fig. 1.

[0063] [Fig. 13]

[0064] [Fig. 13] is an inclined perspective view of the top of the nozzle shown in [Fig. 1],

[0065] [Fig. 14]

[0066] Fig. 14 is an inclined perspective view of the underside of the nozzle shown in Fig. 1.

[0067] [Fig. 15]

[0068] Fig. 15 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1, without representation of the circulation of the composition.

[0069] By referring to [Fig.1], we can see a first embodiment of a conditioning device according to the invention, having a longitudinal axis X and comprising a container 4 with a deformable cylindrical wall 11, a dispensing valve 3 and a lid 6 assembled between the dispensing valve 3 and the container 4, the product being able to be dispensed through the dispensing orifice 106.

[0070] The valve 3 shown in [Fig.1] comprises a body 2 having a generally cylindrical shape with axis of revolution X and an upper wall 21, and a fixed obturation element 100 of generally cylindrical shape and longitudinal axis X being inserted in the body 2.

[0071] According to the invention, the valve body 2 is made of an elastically deformable material, for example a nitrile rubber elastomer, whose Shore A hardness is in the range between 30 and 70. The valve body 2 defines an inlet passage 5 and an outlet passage 10 for the product.

[0072] Inside the valve body 2 is an internal chamber 40 delimited by a cylindrical lateral wall 41 into which is inserted a stationary obturation element 100 having an annular enlargement 53 having superiorly an upper cylindrical lip 50 capable of abutting against a narrowing 42 of the valve body 2, and inferiorly a lower cylindrical lip 51 capable of abutting against the lateral wall 41. The cylindrical lip upper 50 has a shape complementary to that of a groove 44 defined by the lower wall 47 of the annular enlargement 53 and forming a seat for this upper cylindrical lip 50.

[0073] The stationary sealing element 100 has a central bore 17 defining an intake channel 102 for the product, the holding of the stationary sealing element 100 in the cover 6 is ensured by the presence of a hooking harpoon 55 able to fit into an annular space 65 provided at the bottom of the cover 6.

[0074] The cover 6 delimits an axial conduit 82 extending between a lower end 83 and an upper end 84 and has a side wall 87 extending from the upper end 84 to a lower constriction forming a shoulder 86, the side wall 87 of the cover 6 having an air intake orifice, and the cover 6 forms with the distribution valve 3 an internal space 81 open by an air passage 8. A portion of the valve body 2 is inserted into the axial conduit 82 of the cover 6 and has three deformable external sealing lips 71, 72, 73.

[0075] The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows, starting from the deformation position of [Fig.1] to the deformation stop position of [Fig.3],

[0076] As shown in [Fig. 1], the user presses the wall 11 of the container against the transverse wall 21 and the product rises in the dip tube 14 and in the central bore 17 then exits the sealing element to move towards the outlet channel 10 by entering the intermediate conduit 105 located between the sealing element 100 and the valve body 2. When the deformation pressure of the valve 3 is reached, it moves upwards in the opposite direction to the container and frees up a space for the passage of the product towards the outlet passage 10 through the nozzle 12.

[0077] While the obturation element 100 remains stationary, the valve 3 rises and the narrowing 42 of the valve body 2 moves away from the upper cylindrical lip 50. The product can then pass through the diametral hole in the blind bore 17, and then lift the annular enlargement 53 to create a space between the obturation element 100 and its seat 19 formed by the groove 44, in order to reach the outlet channel.

[0078] As shown in [Fig.2], the user continues to press on the wall 21 and the pressure continues to rise in the intermediate conduit 105, causing the upper cylindrical lip 50 to reposition itself in its seat 19, blocking the passage of the product to the outlet passage 10.

[0079] As shown in [Fig. 3], the user stops pressing on the wall 21 and creates a vacuum in the container, causing the first sealing lip 71 to deform under the effect of the air pressure entering the device through the opening 88. The air enters the device, passes between the first sealing lip 71 and the wall 87 in the axial channel 82 of the lid, and then reaches the return hole. air 8 to reach container 4.

[0080] Thus, as long as the first sealing lip 71 is moving, the compensation of the distributed composition volume by air in the container 4 is ensured. At the end of its movement, the first sealing lip 71 returns to a butt against the side wall 87 above the air intake hole 8, to ensure a sort of seal and prevent air from being drawn back into the container 4.

[0081] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in Figure 1, illustrating the assembly of the valve 3, the lid 6, and the container 4. The container 4 can be molded from plastic and has a cylindrical side wall extending axially between a bottom 63 and an upper wall in which the neck 5 is formed. The container 4 contains the dip tube 14, which is positioned along the axis of the neck 5. The lid 6, which has an axial channel 82 in which the dip tube 14 is mounted, is assembled in the neck 5 and extends towards the bottom of the container 4.

[0082] The valve 3 is mounted in the cover 6, and the sealing element 100 is fixed to the lower part of the valve body, in the axial conduit 82, and an axial nozzle 12 is fixed to the upper part of the valve body, for the discharge of the composition. The actuation head includes the transverse actuation surface 21.

[0083] Figure 5 shows the container 4 defined by a fully deformable cylindrical wall 60. In other words, the deformable area 11 extends over the entire cylindrical wall 60 in the example shown. The container 4 has a neck 5 at its upper part in which the lid 6 is mounted, by simple positioning between the inner skirt 93 and the outer skirt 94 in the example shown.

[0084] Fig. 6 shows the dip tube 14, the end 142 of which is fixed to the nozzle 47 and the end 141 is directed towards the bottom of the container 4.

[0085] Figures 7 and 8 show the lid 6, the central part of which forms a sleeve 82 comprising a cylindrical portion 107 and a nozzle 47 of decreasing diameter. The central part is formed in one piece with the transverse wall 111, which has an inner face 66 and is shaped to be assembled with the container, for example by mounting between the inner skirt 93 and the outer skirt 94.

[0086] The cylindrical part 107 defines the chamber and ensures the guidance of the valve body, by presenting in its bottom an opening for the admission of the composition into the chamber 9. In this embodiment, the dip tube 14 is fixed inside the tip 47 located below the sealing element 100.

[0087] Figures 9 and 10 show the sealing element 100 intended to be mounted in the complementaryly shaped portion of the valve body. The sealing element 100 has an inner annular ring 52 and a double lip 107 comprising lips 50, 51 and capable of sealing the diametral hole in the valve body, in the absence of deformation of the valve 3.

[0088] Figures 11 and 12 show the valve 3 comprising a valve body 2 with three external lips 71, 72, 73 adapted to cooperate with the side wall 87 of the cover to secure the dispensing valve 3 in the axial conduit 82 forming a sleeve. Furthermore, it can be seen that the valve 3 used forms a valve with an additional gas intake, the propellant gas being admitted into the valve body through the orifice 8 of the cover and mixed with the product to be dispensed, in particular to form a spray.

[0089] The valve 3 has an upper wall 21 whose periphery is provided with mounting means 211 on the cover 6. In the example shown, the mounting means includes a peripheral skirt 211 provided with a means for attaching to the cover 6, in particular a return forming a radial projection 210, in order to ensure a partial seal between the valve and the cover 6, by engaging with the cover, below the radial bead 213 extending radially outwards, the upper peripheral portion 212 of the cover 6.

[0090] Figures 13 and 14 show the nozzle 12 which, in the example shown, is a swirl nozzle 10 having product supply channels 40, 41 opening into a swirl chamber 36 communicating with a product outlet channel 122 opening to the outside through the spray orifice 106. This nozzle 12 has at the front a front wall 130, extended towards the rear at its periphery by a tubular skirt 121, with axis X.

[0091] Each channel 40, 41 is laterally delimited, along the front wall 130, on one side by a flat surface 410, tangent to the cylindrical surface 37 and perpendicular to the plane of the rear face and on the other side, by a flat surface 412, perpendicular to the plane of the rear face and forming an angle with the surface 410, so that the width of each channel 40 is reduced towards the vortex chamber 36.

[0092] Figure 15 shows the device of Figure 1 in its resting state, i.e., ready for use. In this state, the valve 3 is not deformed and its upper wall 21 is close to the cover 6. The sealing element 100 seals the valve body 2 by means of a double lip 107.

[0093] In addition, the air intake hole 8 and the additional gas intake hole 13 are both sealed, so that air does not enter the container 14 and the composition does not enter the valve body. The composition contained in the container is protected against contamination.

[0094] Preferred materials for the lid, valve, container and sealing element

[0095] Lid: PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or other recyclable material,

[0096] Valve: PE, PP, recyclable TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), recyclable TPO (thermoplastic olefin), or other recyclable material. Preferably, the valve body is made of polyolefin material, such as PP or PE.

[0097] Container: PP, PE or other recyclable material (plastic mixture with cardboard)

[0098] Sealing element: PP or PE or other recyclable material.

[0099] Preferred manufacturing processes for the lid, valve, container and sealing element

[0100] Lid, valve and sealing element: injection molded

[0101] Container: extrusion blow molded

[0102] Notable advantages of the device according to the invention

[0103] Recyclable: possibility of manufacturing from a single material

[0104] Rechargeable

[0105] Limited number of parts: less than the number of parts in a current spray pump

[0106] Spray performance equivalent to or even better than a pump

[0107] Dose adjustable by the consumer

[0108] New gestures

[0109] Improved intensity: the pack weight to formula ratio is lower than that of a current pump bottle

[0110] System that can accommodate any type of nozzle

[0111] The invention is not limited to the embodiment specifically shown. For example, the device could be equipped with another type of valve or a cover having a completely different structure.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) with a longitudinal axis (X) for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising a container (4), a lid (6) assembled on the container (4) and defining with the container a reservoir opened by an air intake hole (8) and a valve (3) assembled on the lid for the dispensing under pressure of a product contained in the container, the valve (3) comprising a valve body (2) made of deformable material, having an inlet passage (5) and an outlet passage (10) and a closure element (100) arranged inside the inlet passage (5), a portion (109) of which emerges outside the valve body (2) and is fixed to the lid (6), the closure element (100) being crossed by an inlet channel (102) of which a first end opens out of the valve body (2), and a second end of which opens inside the valve body (2), the container (4) comprises an at least partially compressible wall (11),the cover (6) being interposed between the container and the valve and forming with the valve (3) a pre-compression chamber of variable volume, and in response to pressure on the compressible wall (11) of the container (4), the inlet passage (5) is placed in fluid communication with the outlet passage (10) by a deformation of the valve body (2) from a rest position of the valve (3), to allow the product to exit through a dispensing orifice (106), the valve body (2) returning to its rest position in the absence of pressure on the compressible zone (11), to close the fluid communication between the inlet passage (5) and the outlet passage (10) and stop the dispensing of the product, characterized in that the valve body (2) comprises a first deformable upper sealing lip (71) which is applied against a side wall (87) of the cover above the air intake hole (8),in the rest position of the device and when a deformation pressure of the valve (3) is reached, it moves upwards in the direction opposite to the container and releases a space for the passage of the product towards the outlet passage (10) through a nozzle (12).,

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one orifice is provided in the cover (6), so as to form at least one additional gas intake (13).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, ca- characterized in that the valve body (2) is at least partially placed in a sheath (82) of longitudinal axis (X) formed in the cover.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in response to a release of pressure on the deformable zone (11), the first upper sealing lip (71) deforms by moving away from the side wall (87), to allow air to enter the container via the air intake hole (8) and stop the fluid communication between the inlet passage (5) and the outlet passage (10).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element (100) is stationary.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an air inlet passage (88) located on the cover (6) or between the valve (3) and the cover (6).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (6) ends with a tip (47) on which a dip tube (14) is fixed.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element (100) is integral with the cover (6).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (4) forms a removable refill.

10. Cosmetic method comprising the implementation of a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising replacing a consumed container with a new container and optionally, unscrewing the consumed container and screwing the new container.

12. Cosmetic refill forming a container intended to be implemented in accordance with the method according to claim 11.

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