Simplified airless pocket pump motor

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for conditioning and dispensing a cosmetic product with a longitudinal axis (X), comprising an airless pump motor having a pump body (3) for mounting on the neck (50) of the container (2) and a tray (11) equipped with a connection nozzle (14) and a bottom non-return suction valve (8), an external assembly (1) comprising a base portion (12) extended by a push button (18), the tray (11) delimiting a dose chamber (31) for storing the product before dispensing, and the container (2) having an air vent (5) and comprising a flexible pouch (20) containing the product. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Simplified airless pocket pump motor

[0001] The present invention relates to a simplified pump motor. It also relates to a cosmetic device comprising this pump motor and a cosmetic method implementing 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 operating principle of metering pumps for dispensing fluid, liquid, or paste-like products is well known. They are mounted on a bottle containing the product to be dispensed and consist of a metering chamber with a determined volume, a piston that moves within the chamber under the action of a plunger, and at least two valves. The lower valve, or inlet valve, located at the chamber's inlet and controlling communication with the inside of the bottle, is closed when the plunger is pressed while the upper valve, at the chamber's outlet, is open, allowing the product expelled from the chamber by the piston's movement to pass through. Then, when the plunger is released, the piston rises in the chamber under the action of a spring system, the upper valve closes while the lower valve opens, allowing the chamber to be refilled for the next dispensing of a dose of product.

[0004] Various types of pumps have already been proposed as in documents KR101475631, KR102375017, FR2910885, CN214567479U, DE3420678, FR2671330, US5377880, WO200191913, FR2907034, WO2009141510, WO201089599, WO201427041.

[0005] Simplified design pumps have already been proposed.

[0006] Document WO2006046802 discloses a device, particularly usable for an "airless" system (without air intake in the container containing the product), comprising a container part for containing a liquid; a first valve installed on an opening of the container part, the first valve being designed to allow the liquid to flow into the container part and prevent the liquid from exiting the container part; a pressure part for forming a pressure space on an outside side of the first valve, the pressure part being made of a flexible material; and a second valve installed on the pressure part, the second valve allowing the liquid to flow into the pressure part and preventing the liquid from entering the pressure part.

[0007] According to this document, the pump motor comprises between four and six parts. For four parts, the valves are made in one piece with the other adjacent components, and for six parts, each valve constitutes a separate part.

[0008] Further efforts are being made to improve pump motors, in particular by:

[0009] Reducing the number of component parts thereof,

[0010] Removing the non-recyclable metal spring part,

[0011] Reducing the production costs of the parts and their assembly,

[0012] Improving their recyclability,

[0013] Reducing the number of constituent materials, ideally to move towards single-material pumps.

[0014] The development of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, whose design and development take environmental issues into account, is becoming a major concern in order to help meet global challenges. It is therefore essential to design products that reduce the amount of materials used and / or replace them with more environmentally friendly materials and / or use recyclable materials in order to decrease the product's carbon footprint.

[0015] In this context, it is important to offer recyclable products containing, in particular, detachable components and / or made of a minimum of materials and / or free from materials that are difficult to recycle in order to facilitate their end-of-life. Thus, it is necessary to develop products made of environmentally friendly recyclable materials to enable the recovery of products at the end of their life and prevent pollution of recycling streams.

[0016] In this context, it becomes important to replace certain materials with alternatives that have a better environmental footprint.

[0017] In this context, it is important to develop products that generate less waste, particularly those optimized for the quantity of products transported, notably by redesigning and / or resizing them to reduce the volume and weight of packaging. The objective is to offer eco-responsible products made with a minimum number of parts.

[0018] The French patent application filed by the Applicant on December 5, 2022, under number 2212765, relates to a pump motor with a longitudinal axis X intended to be fixed to a neck defining an opening of a container containing a cosmetic product, the neck being provided with an air intake orifice separate from the opening, the pump motor comprising:

[0019] a pump body equipped with a fixed part forming a plate mounted on the opening of the container,

[0020] an external assembly movable relative to the plate between an actuation position and a rest position, and defining with the plate a pumping chamber of variable volume, the external assembly comprising a first valve for the distribution of the product and a base part for fixing the pump motor to the neck of the container,

[0021] a second valve arranged on the pump body allowing the pumping chamber to communicate with the inside of the container,

[0022] The pump body includes a third valve designed to (i) open the air return port when the user releases the external assembly from its actuation position and to (ii) close the air return port when the external assembly is in its rest position.

[0023] The aim of this invention is to provide a simplified airless pump with fewer parts for improved cost-effectiveness and durability (recyclability), as well as ease of use and adaptability to different types of products. The pump can also be easy to clean and therefore reusable. The pump is particularly advantageous when contact with air could impact product quality.

[0024] We are also looking for a design that is more controllable during manufacturing.

[0025] To achieve this goal, the invention proposes a simplified airless pump motor, in particular with 4 or 6 injection-molded parts, with rigid sections for assembly and robustness and more flexible sections for operation and comfort. In the case of the injection-molded parts, variations in thickness, structure, or hardness of certain parts of the component may occur, depending on its function, such as having rigid sections for assembly and robustness and flexible sections for operation and comfort.

[0026] The pump motor can be used on different neck sizes, for different types of products and dosages. It is very advantageous from the point of view of its construction and dimensions. Definition of the invention

[0027] The invention relates to a device for conditioning and dispensing a cosmetic product with longitudinal axis X, comprising an airless pump motor with longitudinal axis X intended to be fixed to the neck of a container holding a reservoir of cosmetic product to be dispensed, the pump motor comprising:

[0028] a pump body intended to be mounted on the neck of the container and comprising a plate equipped with a connection nozzle and a low non-return suction valve,

[0029] an external assembly comprising a base part made of rigid material intended to be attached to the neck of the container, this base part being extended by a push button made of flexible material actuated by a user, the push button being movable relative to the plate between a depressed position and a position of rest and the external assembly defines with the plate a variable volume pumping chamber, the push button is equipped with a high non-return discharge valve for product distribution, the plate delimits a dose chamber to store the product before its distribution and the container has an air return hole and includes a flexible pouch containing the product and coupled to the connection nozzle and, after priming the pump motor, the flexible pouch contracts when the user releases the push button from the depressed position, due to a vacuum generated by a reduction in the volume of the product reserve, which causes the dose chamber to be filled with a dose of product, the air return hole being designed to allow air to enter the container and re-equalize the pressure between the outside and outside of the container after a contraction of the pouch.

[0030] The airless pump motor according to the invention can group the functions that exist in different components of current pumps into fewer parts, in particular into only four parts, in order to reduce their quantity and obtain a distribution system that is still efficient.

[0031] The lower valve according to the invention allows the product to enter the dosing chamber. The upper valve according to the invention allows the product to be dispensed.

[0032] Thanks to the particular structure of the pump motor according to the invention, its parts can be formed into a lightweight mono-material suitable for paper bottle packaging for recyclability, for example.

[0033] Advantageously, the upper flap is not a functional part of the external assembly, but an isolated part which is assembled inside the product conduit present on the spout of the external assembly.

[0034] The invention also relates to a cosmetic product refill intended to be assembled into a container, and the refill comprises a pouch assembled into a pump motor as defined above, in particular into a part of the pump motor (the plate). The consumer could purchase only the lower part and reuse the upper part of the pump and also the container (for example, a bottle).

[0035] The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the implementation of a device as described above or a refill as described above.

[0036] Preferably, the pump motor is primed by pressing the push button to expel the air present in the dose chamber until the dose chamber fills with product.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a device as defined above, comprising the operations of: (i) manufacturing the pump body by injection molding, (ii) manufacturing the external assembly by injection molding, (iv) attaching the bag to the pump body, (v) inserting the bag into the container, (vi) assemble the external assembly and the container, (vii) provide an air intake hole in the container.

[0038] Preferably, the manufacturing process includes the operations of (viii) assembling the upper non-return discharge valve into the push button of the external assembly, (ix) optionally, assembling the lower non-return suction valve into the connecting nozzle.

[0039] Preferred embodiments

[0040] Preferably, the pump motor according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

[0041] The bottom non-return suction valve is formed as a single piece with the pump body. This provides technical and potentially economic advantages, as it reduces assembly steps and potential defects associated with them.

[0042] The lower suction non-return valve forms a detachable part of the pump body. This provides a technical advantage of simplifying the design, allowing for the use of simpler manufacturing processes.

[0043] The base part includes a mounting skirt. The base part can contribute to the sealing of the system.

[0044] The external assembly includes a flexible central portion forming the push button, which the user can press to dispense the product. Several functions are combined into a single piece, which is the advantage compared to conventional pumps with separate, isolated parts for each function.

[0045] The lower valve forms a projection in the opposite direction to the container, the projection having a slot adapted to open and close elastically. It is possible to modify the valve configuration according to the type of formula / product to adapt it by changing the format of the outlet end as well as the slots, in particular a single or two slots in a cross shape.

[0046] The pump body is formed in one piece and the external assembly is formed in one piece. This embodiment leads to a simplification of the pump's operation, a reduction in costs and assembly time, and complete recyclability of the motor.

[0047] The upper valve is inserted inside the external assembly within a discharge duct. The upper valve also functions as an extreme sealing system, preventing the product from remaining in contact with the air. It is possible to manufacture the entire assembly in one piece using other technologies, such as plastic injection molding with a soluble mold.

[0048] The pump motor is removably mounted on the container. This improves the environmental impact because it can be reused.

[0049] The opening is provided in the base of the container or on the neck of the container. In this way, the aesthetics of the bottle are not affected and it is less visible

[0050] The pouch is filled without air for good preservation of the product.

[0051] The motor is made of a single material. The motor could also have components made of different materials, but all of which would be recyclable (PE / PP / PET). Description of the figures

[0052] 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:

[0053] [Fig.1]

[0054] Figure [1] shows a longitudinal section of an example of a device according to the invention during the priming phase,

[0055] [Fig.2]

[0056] Fig. 2 represents a longitudinal section of the device of Fig. 1 after priming.

[0057] The conditioning and distribution / dosing device with longitudinal axis X shown in figures 1 and 2 includes a pump motor 10 mounted on a neck 50 defining an opening of a cylindrical container 2, containing a product to be distributed.

[0058] In the example shown, the pump motor 10 is formed in three parts. This motor construction constitutes a major advantage of the invention, allowing for savings in labor and manufacturing costs.

[0059] The pump motor 10 comprises a pump body 3 equipped with a plate 11 mounted on the opening of the container 2 and an external assembly 1 formed by a base 12 made of rigid material screwed onto the neck 50 of the container, surmounted by a dome-shaped push button 18 made of flexible material which the user can press to dispense the product. The push button 18 could also be of another shape.

[0060] The tray 11 is formed by a rigid or semi-rigid circular piece in which is provided a central cylindrical connection nozzle 14 with longitudinal axis X oriented towards the container 2, to which a flexible pouch containing the product can be attached. The tray 11 extends towards the push button 18 by means of a lower flap 8 coaxial with the nozzle 14. The tray 11 is sandwiched, at its outer periphery 45, between the upper edge of the container 2 and the external assembly 1. The tray 11 is provided with a central lower flap 8 with longitudinal axis X, the circular inlet cross-section of which is smaller than the circular inlet cross-section of the nozzle 14, the cross-sections being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0061] An air intake hole 5 is provided on the wall of the container 2, in particular in the bottom 24.

[0062] The rigid base portion 12 is formed by an internally threaded mounting skirt 21, intended to be screwed onto the neck 50 of the container 2. The base portion 12 could be attached to the neck 50 of the container 2 by other means without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example by snap-fitting, gluing, welding, or crimping.

[0063] The external assembly 1 includes an upper distribution valve 6, inserted into a tubular discharge conduit 17, while the pump body 3 includes the lower valve 8. The product in the bag 20 will pass through the lower valve, causing the bag to constrict. It is this reduction in the size of the bag 20 that creates a vacuum inside the container 2, thus allowing air to enter the container 2. This creates a pressure equilibrium that prevents potential deformation of the container 2.

[0064] The two valves 6 (top) and 8 (bottom) are the two fluid control valves inside the dosing chamber 31. Advantageously, the external assembly 1 and the pump body are made of materials allowing for variable flexibility / rigidity, such as elastomers, high-density and low-density polyethylene, for example. According to the invention, the levels of rigidity / flexibility are varied in order to adapt these parameters to the characteristics of the product being processed. For example, for a thick juice, an external assembly with sufficient shape memory to return to its starting position will be chosen; the rigid part for assembly to the neck of the bottle will also be adapted according to the material of the bottle.

[0065] The external assembly 1 also includes a central flexible portion or dome-shaped push button 18 which the user can press to dispense a dose of product. This flexible portion forms an actuation zone and acts as both the spring and the pumping chamber. The external assembly 1 could have a completely different shape than the one shown.

[0066] The pouch 20 forms a compression chamber. It can be attached to the nozzle 14 in a removable manner or be permanently attached to the nozzle 14. It can be formed by at least one of the following elements: normally these are rather PE / PP base pouches or even aluminum but which depend on the material and manufacturing technology of the container.

[0067] The plate 11 defines with the external assembly 1 a pumping chamber 13, of variable volume.

[0068] The mounting skirt 21 is extended upwards by a central portion, the lower flap 8 preferably being provided in the central portion. The tray 11 is held between the upper end of the neck 50 of the container 2 and the lower end of the internal projection 17 of the push button 18. In other words, the central portion defines with the neck 50 of the container 2 an open annular space extending perpendicularly to the X axis towards the interior of the device and in which the tray 11 is engaged.

[0069] The lower face of the radially outer portion of the tray 11 normally comes into contact with the edge of the neck 50 of the container 2, creating a tight seal. In the airless version, the product is in the bag and therefore will not spill. However, the tray provides an airtight seal, so that there is only one point of air passage, which is the air intake. Similarly, the upper face of the radially outer portion of the tray 11 normally comes into contact with the outer assembly, creating a tight seal, to prevent the product contained in the pumping chamber 13 from flowing outwards between the outer assembly 1 and the neck 50 of the container 2.

[0070] It follows that the tray 11 acts as a sealing gasket between the container 2 and the external assembly.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the pump body 3 includes a lower valve 8, located in the example considered in the center of the plate 11, and allowing the pumping chamber 13 to be put in communication with the inside of the bag, which will then have an impact on the volume of air present inside the container, when the external assembly 1 is released after actuation, the volume of the pumping chamber 13 then being filled.

[0072] Here, in the example shown, the lower valve 8 forms a dome projecting outwards from the container 2 and is formed with at least one slot. The lower valve 8 could, for example, also form a cone or a pyramid or an ogive, like the upper valve.

[0073] In such a situation, at least the dome is formed of a flexible material so that the slot opens and closes elastically. In particular, this can be the case for both flaps (upper flap 6, lower flap 8).

[0074] The slot opens to allow the product to flow into the pumping chamber 13 when the pressure in the pumping chamber 13 is less than the pressure inside the container 2, and the slot is closed to prevent the return of the liquid into the container 2 when the pressure inside the pumping chamber 13 is greater than or equal to the pressure inside the container 2.

[0075] In addition, a plurality of slots can also be arranged radially on the projection.

[0076] The external assembly includes a top valve 6 for the output of the product in the form of a dose of product.

[0077] The external assembly 1 may include an evacuation conduit 17 allowing the product to reach the upper valve 6.

[0078] The lower valve 8 forms a dome of flexible material converging towards the bottom of the pumping chamber 13. In the example shown, the lower valve 8 is located above from the opening 19 of the container 2 and below the upper valve 6, relative to the longitudinal axis X. The lower valve 8 could be positioned differently relative to the upper valve 6. For example, in another configuration, the spout could be at the level of the tray. Depending on the final aesthetics of the pump, the discharge pipe 17, the push button 18, and the mounting skirt 21 can be aesthetically modified, as they also serve an aesthetic function.

[0079] When a depression exists inside the container 2 due to the release of the external assembly after its actuation, air can be drawn into the container 2 through the air intake hole 5, due to the compression of the bag and its reduction in volume.

[0080] Figure 1 shows the device according to the invention in the priming phase. The dose chamber 31 is still empty until the pump motor 10 is primed.

[0081] Figure 2 shows the device according to the invention after priming. The pump motor 10 will distribute the equivalent of a full dose at this time. To do this, the flexible bag 20 will contract with the vacuum created within it and draw the equivalent of the new dose up into the dose chamber 31.

[0082] Container 2 will not have a “squeezing” effect, i.e., it will not deform, thanks to the air intake hole 5 present either in the bottom 24 (as shown in the figures) or at the neck 50, which allows air to enter container 2 and equalize the pressure inside container 2 after distribution of a dose of product.

[0083] During the priming phase, the user presses down on the dome, which expels air from the dose chamber 31, until the dose chamber 31 is filled with product. Simultaneously, as product is pumped into the dose chamber 31, a vacuum is created inside the container 2, causing air to enter through the air intake hole 5.

[0084] Once the dose chamber 31 is filled with product, each actuation will provide a dose of product.

[0085] The operation of the device is as follows.

[0086] It is assumed that the device is used while initially in its rest position.

[0087] To dispense the product, the user applies downward pressure to the area actuation of the external assembly 1, which moves relative to the plate 11, so that the pressure contained in the pumping chamber 13 increases.

[0088] When the actuation zone is sufficiently depressed, the pressure exerted on the second valve 8 keeps it closed, and on the first valve 6 causes it to open, thus allowing priming or dose distribution once the dose chamber is filled with product.

[0089] When the user releases pressure on the external assembly 1, the product is drawn into the pumping chamber 13 by the vacuum created within it. Air can be drawn back in along the path indicated by arrows in Figures 1 and 2 from the air intake port 5, to compensate for the volume of product drawn from the container 2 by the pump motor 10, which reduces the volume of the flexible pouch 20.

[0090] When the pump motor 10 returns to its rest position, some product may remain inside the pumping chamber 13 because the upper valve 6 and the lower valve 8 remain closed.

[0091] All valves are one-way:

[0092] Upper valve 6: prevents air from entering the dose chamber 31,

[0093] Bottom flap 8: prevents the product from falling back into pocket 20.

[0094] Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation example just described.

[0095] The pump body 3 may in particular include valves having a completely different structure.

Claims

1.

2. Demands A cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device with a longitudinal axis (X) comprising a container (2) having an air vent (5) and having a flexible pouch (20) containing the product and coupled to the connection nozzle (14), an airless pump motor (10) with a longitudinal axis (X) intended to be fixed to a neck (50) of the container (2) containing a reservoir of cosmetic product to be dispensed, the pump motor (10) comprising: a pump body (3) intended to be mounted on the neck (50) of the container (2) and comprising a plate (11) having a connection nozzle (14) and a bottom non-return suction valve (8), an external assembly (1) comprising a base part (12) of rigid material intended to be attached to the neck (50) of the container (2), this base part (12) being extended by a push button (18) of flexible material actuated by a user,The push button (18) is movable relative to the plate (11) between a depressed position and a rest position, and the external assembly (1) defines with the plate (11) a pumping chamber (13) of variable volume. The push button (18) is equipped with a high non-return discharge valve (6) for product distribution, characterized in that the plate (11) delimits a dose chamber (31) for storing the product before its distribution and, after priming of the pump motor (10), the flexible pouch (20) contracts when the user releases the push button (18) from the depressed position, due to a vacuum generated by a reduction in the volume of the product reservoir, which causes the dose chamber (31) to be filled with a dose of product.The air intake hole (5) being designed to allow air to enter the container (2) and re-equalize pressure between the outside and outside of the container (2) after contraction of the bag (20), the lower non-return suction valve (8) is formed as a single piece with the pump body (3). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower non-return suction valve (8) forms a detachable part of the pump body (3).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part (12) includes a mounting skirt (21).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external assembly (1) comprises a flexible central portion forming the push button (18) and on which the user can press to release the product.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower flap (8) forms a projection in the opposite direction to the container (2), the projection having a slot capable of opening and closing elastically.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump body (3) is formed in one piece and the external assembly (1) is formed in one piece.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper flap (6) is inserted inside the external assembly (1) in an evacuation conduit (17).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump motor (10) is removably assembled on the container (2).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orifice (5) is provided in a bottom of the container (2) or on the neck of the container (2).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouch (20) is filled without air for good preservation of the product.

11. Cosmetic product refill intended to be assembled to a container (2), characterized in that it comprises a pouch (20) assembled to a pump motor (10) of a device as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

12. A cosmetic process comprising the implementation of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a refill according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) applying downward pressure to an actuation zone of the external assembly (1) of the device, causing the displacement of said actuation zone relative to the tray (11) and the increase in pressure in the pumping chamber (13); b) when the actuation zone is sufficiently pushed in, keep the second valve (8) closed and cause the first valve (6) to open, thus allowing priming or dose distribution once the dose chamber is filled with product; c) cease to exert pressure on the external assembly (1) of the device, causing the product to be drawn into the pumping chamber (13) under the effect of a created vacuum, and air to be drawn in through the air return port (5) to compensate for the volume of product drawn in and reduce the volume of the flexible bag (20).

13. Cosmetic process according to claim 12, characterized in that the pump motor is primed by pressing the push button (18) to expel the air present in the dose chamber (31) until the dose chamber is filled with product.

14. A method for manufacturing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: (i) manufacturing the pump body (3) by injection molding, (ii) manufacturing the external assembly (1) by injection molding, (iv) attaching the bag (21) to the pump body (3), (v) introducing the bag (21) into the container (2), (vi) assembling the external assembly (1) and the container (2), (vii) providing an air intake hole in the container (2).

15. Method of manufacturing a pump motor (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises the operations of (viii) assembling the upper non-return discharge valve (6) in the push button (18) of the external assembly (1), (ix) optionally, assembling the lower non-return suction valve (8) in the connecting nozzle (14).

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