Fluid product dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising: - a rigid reservoir (1, 100) forming a filling opening (14, 114), - a dispensing orifice (17) for dispensing the fluid product (P), which is in communication with the reservoir (1, 100), - an actuator (5, 500) closing off the filling opening (14, 114), said actuator (5, 500) comprising a ring (2, 200) and a deformable membrane (3, 300) making it possible to apply a pressure in order to dispense the fluid product (P) through the dispensing orifice (17), characterized in that the ring (2, 200) is rigid.

Description

Liquid product dispenser. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid product dispenser.

[0002] The fluid product is of the lotion, gel, perfume, or cream type, for example, used for cosmetic purposes or for pharmaceutical treatments. Technical background

[0003] EP1106530 describes a known fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir and a dispensing orifice communicating with the reservoir and allowing the fluid to be dispensed in droplet form. A cover seals the dispensing orifice. The reservoir has a filling opening. This opening is closed by an actuator comprising a ring and a deformable diaphragm made from a single piece of thermoplastic material. The ring has a cylindrical peripheral wall that provides grip on the reservoir. When the reservoir is full, there is an air gap between the fluid and the deformable diaphragm. When pressure is applied to the diaphragm, this air volume is compressed, causing the fluid to be dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0004] According to EP1106530, the reservoir is made of a rigid plastic material and the actuator of a flexible plastic material. Thus, the dispenser is made from two different materials, which poses a problem in terms of recyclability. Recyclability requires that the fluid dispenser comprise a single material or, failing that, two materials, with one of the two being significantly predominant by weight compared to the other. Therefore, a fluid dispenser made of a single material or, alternatively, two materials—one rigid and the other flexible—is required, with the flexible material present in a smaller quantity compared to the rigid material than in the prior art EP1106530.

[0005] On the other hand, it is required that the reservoir and the ring be able to be decorated using various techniques such as hot stamping or metallization. With a flexible ring, this is not possible, and the fluid dispenser then appears as an unsightly assembly consisting of a reservoir with a decorated side surface topped by a ring whose lack of decoration underscores its purely mechanical function.

[0006] On the other hand, the ergonomics are unpleasant in that the user is likely to feel the deformation of the ring when handling the fluid dispenser, and this detracts from the perceived value of the dispenser.

[0007] Finally, the ring is usually attached to the reservoir by a mechanical snap-fit ​​connection. The strength of this connection depends on the rigidity of the materials. Since the ring of the distributor, according to the prior art, is made of a flexible material, its attachment to the reservoir is not optimized, which can lead to the reservoir opening unintentionally and the fluid leaking out of the reservoir.

[0008] The fluid product dispenser according to the invention is characterized primarily in that it comprises a rigid reservoir forming a filling opening, a fluid product distribution orifice in communication with the reservoir, an actuator closing the filling opening and comprising a ring and a deformable diaphragm allowing pressure to be exerted to distribute the fluid product through the distribution orifice.

[0009] The invention is characterized primarily by the fact that the ring is rigid.

[0010] The term "rigid" refers to a material that is not easily deformed under pressure exerted with the fingers, that is, by manual pressure.

[0011] Because the ring is rigid, it can be decorated. Furthermore, it provides a more secure mechanical fit on the reservoir opening and cannot be accidentally detached. When handling the fluid dispenser, the user can feel the ring's rigidity between their fingers, which contributes to the dispenser's perceived value.

[0012] Since both the reservoir and the ring are rigid, they can be made of the same material. Only the diaphragm, which is significantly lighter than the ring and reservoir, may need to be made of a different material. This simplifies the recycling of the fluid dispenser compared to a dispenser with a ring made of a different material than the reservoir.

[0013] Depending on the different modes of the process, which may be considered together or separately:

[0014] - the ring and the reservoir are made of the same material.

[0015] - the material includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0016] - the ring and / or the reservoir are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0017] - the membrane comprises polyethylene (PE).

[0018] - the membrane is made of polyethylene (PE).

[0019] - the membrane is a thermoformed part.

[0020] - the membrane comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0021] - the membrane is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0022] - the membrane thickness is less than 0.5 millimeters.

[0023] - the membrane thickness is less than 0.35 millimeters.

[0024] - the thickness of the membrane equals 0.3 millimeters.

[0025] - the thickness of the membrane varies by less than 0.1 millimeter over the entire membrane.

[0026] - the membrane, the ring and the reservoir comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0027] - the membrane, the ring and the reservoir are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0028] - the membrane, the ring and the reservoir are made of the same plastic component.

[0029] - part of the membrane is sandwiched between the reservoir and the ring.

[0030] - the diaphragm and the ring are mechanically linked to form the actuator.

[0031] - the membrane and the ring are joined by snapping.

[0032] - at least part of the membrane penetrates through the opening of said reservoir.

[0033] - the membrane is in radial contact on an inner face of the reservoir.

[0034] - the membrane is overmolded onto the ring.

[0035] - the membrane comprises polyethylene (PE) and the ring comprises polypropylene (PP).

[0036] - the membrane is made of polyethylene (PE) and / or the ring is made of polypropylene (PP).

[0037] - the tank contains a fluid.

[0038] - the reservoir contains a cosmetic fluid. Brief description of the figures

[0039] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the detailed explanatory description which will follow, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

[0040] In these drawings:

[0041] represents a fluid product dispenser according to the invention.

[0042] is an enlargement at the junction of the reservoir, the ring and the membrane.

[0043] represents a fluid product dispenser according to the invention in another embodiment.

[0044] is an enlargement at the junction of the reservoir, the ring and the membrane. Detailed description of the invention

[0045] They represent a dispenser according to the invention comprising a rigid reservoir 1 of substantially cylindrical shape having at one end an opening 14 for filling with a fluid product. The reservoir 1 also includes a dispensing head 15 which can be made in one piece with the reservoir 1 at the opposite end of the reservoir 1. The dispensing head includes a circular projection 16 carrying an orifice 17 for dispensing the fluid product.

[0046] A rigid ring 2 is mechanically attached to the reservoir near its opening 14. A deformable membrane 3 is linked to the rigid ring forming an actuator 5 which closes the opening 14. Part of the membrane 3 is sandwiched between the reservoir 1 and the ring 2. More precisely, a periphery 36 of the membrane 3 is sandwiched between the rigid reservoir 1 and the rigid ring 2, as will be seen in more detail.

[0047] The reservoir 1 comprises a cylindrical wall 11 which terminates in a tapered portion 12 bearing on its outer face 12a a bead 13. The tapered portion 12 forms at its end the opening 14.

[0048] The rigid ring 2 comprises a wall 21 having a groove 22 on its inner face. The ring 2 also comprises at its end a re-entrant inner edge 23 forming a frustoconical bearing face 24 and a bottom 26. The cylindrical wall 21 comprises a rib 25 on its inner face. The re-entrant inner edge 23 and the rib 25 form a housing 27.

[0049] The outer diameter of the deformable membrane 3 includes a shoulder 35 defining the periphery 36 of the deformable membrane 3 and a frustoconical edge 34. The deformable membrane 3 is secured to the rigid ring 2 by snapping the shoulder 35 under the rib 25. The periphery 36 of the membrane 3 is then housed in the recess 27, which rests against the base 26, and is sandwiched between the wall 11 of the reservoir 1 and the ring 2. The frustoconical edge 34 makes a tight seal against the bearing edge 24 of the ring 2. Snapping the membrane 3 onto the ring 2 secures the ring 2 and the membrane 3, which together form the actuator 5 designed to close the opening 14 of the reservoir 1 and to cause the distribution of fluid product through the distribution orifice 17 by pressure on the deformable membrane 3. The membrane 3 and the ring 2 are mechanically linked to form said actuator 5.

[0050] After the reservoir 1 is filled with fluid through opening 14, the actuator 5, formed by the ring 2 and the diaphragm 3, is installed around the thinned wall 12 of the cylindrical wall 11 of the reservoir 1. The inner face 21a of the wall 21 of the ring 2 slides along the outer face 12a of the thinned portion 12 until the bead 13 enters the groove 22. The outer face 21b of the wall 21 of the ring 2 is aligned with the outer face 11a of the wall 11 of the reservoir 1 such that there is no discontinuity in diameter at the junction of the ring 2 and the reservoir 1. When the ring 2 is fixed around the thinned wall 12, the actuator 5, formed by the ring 2 and the diaphragm 3, seals the opening 14 of the reservoir 1.

[0051] The deformable membrane comprises a wall 31 which penetrates through the opening 14 into the reservoir 1. The outer wall 31a of said wall 31 bears radially on the inner face 12b of the thinned portion 12. Thus, the membrane 3 is in radial contact with an inner face 12b of the reservoir 1.

[0052] The deformable membrane 3 has a convex dome shape in its central part 37. When the user presses on this dome, the membrane deforms, causing a decrease in the reservoir's volume and resulting in the dispensing of a drop of fluid through the dispensing orifice 17 of the dispensing head 15. The deformable membrane 3 includes a concave shape 39 in its center, at the bottom of which is an injection point 38, which is a small protrusion. Thus, when the fluid dispenser is activated, the user's finger does not come into contact with this injection point, which would create an unpleasant sensation.

[0053] As previously mentioned, both reservoir 1 and ring 2 are made of rigid plastic, allowing for easy decoration of both ring 2 and reservoir 1, for example, through hot stamping or metallization. The rigid ring does not deform when handled by the user, enhancing the perceived value of the fluid dispenser.

[0054] In one embodiment, the reservoir 1 and the ring 2 are made of the same material, which facilitates recycling.

[0055] In one embodiment, the reservoir 1 and the ring 2 are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or of a material comprising polyethylene terephthalate.

[0056] As has been seen, membrane 3 is deformable. In one embodiment, membrane 3 is made of polyethylene (PE) or a material comprising polyethylene (PE).

[0057] The distributor also includes a cover 4 which seals the distribution orifice 17. The cover 4 includes a well 48 which encloses the circular projection 16 of the distribution head 15. The well 48 has a bottom 47 which contacts the end of the distribution head 15 and seals the distribution orifice 17. The cover 4 also includes on its inner face a thread 48 which cooperates with a thread 18 on the outer face of the distribution head 15.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the ring 2 and the membrane 3, as shown in Figure 1, are formed as a single piece by overmolding the membrane onto the ring. In this embodiment, the ring 2 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP) or a material containing polypropylene. This material provides the necessary rigidity while allowing for overmolding. The membrane 2 is made of polyethylene (PE) or a material containing polyethylene. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, according to this overmolding embodiment, the rib 25 and the shoulder 35 are not required. This snap-fit ​​structure is no longer necessary. The ring 2 and the membrane 3 overmolded onto the ring 2 form the actuator 5.

[0059] They represent a distributor comprising a membrane 300 manufactured using a thermoforming process. The distributor includes a reservoir 100 and a cap 400 similar to those of the distributor, which will therefore not be described further. The distributor also includes a ring 200 which, although different from the ring 2 of the distributor, is snapped onto the reservoir 100 in the same way. The attachment of the ring 200 to the reservoir 100 will not be described further.

[0060] The thermoforming process for membrane 300 allows for the production of a very thin membrane. In particular, the thickness of the membrane thus obtained is significantly less than that of a membrane produced by injection molding, in which the molten plastic material cannot penetrate very thin mold sections. Therefore, membrane 300 of the dispenser is thinner than membrane 3 of the dispenser 1. The thickness of the thermoformed membrane 300 is less than 0.5 millimeters, preferably less than 0.35 millimeters, and preferably equal to 0.3 millimeters.

[0061] The thermoforming process of membrane 300 makes it possible to obtain a membrane of substantially constant thickness. In one embodiment, the thickness of the membrane varies by less than 0.1 millimeter across the entire membrane.

[0062] Thus, for a given material, thermoforming allows for thinner and therefore more flexible membranes than injection molding. It is therefore possible to obtain membranes with the required flexibility using thermoforming, even with a material that would not allow it using injection molding. In one embodiment, the deformable membrane 300 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a material containing polyethylene terephthalate, as are the ring 200 and the reservoir 100. The fluid product dispenser is thus advantageously made of a single material and is recyclable without the need for material separation.

[0063] The ring 200 includes on an inner face a groove 205 and an inner cylinder 203 connected to said inner face by a bridge 203d. The inner cylinder 203 of the ring 200 penetrates through an opening 114 in the reservoir 100. The bridge 203d and the groove 205 form a housing 207 to receive and retain an edge 305 of the membrane 300. A first portion 306b of the membrane 300, proximal to the edge 305, is pressed against an outer wall 203b of the inner cylinder 203, and a second portion 306a of the membrane 300, proximal to the first portion 306b of the membrane 300, is pressed against an inner wall 203a of the inner cylinder 203. Thus joined, the ring 200 and the membrane 300 form an actuator 500 for closing the opening 14 of the reservoir 1. The membrane 300 and the ring 200 are mechanically linked to form said actuator 500.

[0064] Part of the membrane 300 is sandwiched between the reservoir 100 and the ring 200. In particular, the first part 306b of the membrane is radially sandwiched between an inner face 102b of a wall 102 of the reservoir 100 and the outer face 306b of the inner cylinder 306 of the deformable membrane 300. Thus, the membrane 300 is in radial contact with an inner face 102b of the reservoir 100.

[0065] Following the contour of the inner cylinder 203 of the ring 200, the deformable membrane 300 also enters the interior of the reservoir 100.

[0066] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that the membrane is blocked not only radially by the sandwiching between the inner cylinder 203 of the ring 200 and the inner face 102b of the reservoir 100, but also axially, the rim 305 of the membrane 300 being snapped under the rib 205 of the ring 200. This embodiment is made possible precisely by the thermoforming process which allows the membrane to be given any shape, whereas a plastic injection process prohibits excessively sharp curves under penalty of cracking of the part under stress.

[0067] The thermoforming process is particularly advantageous in that it eliminates the need for an injection point and consequently does not require creating a concave shape 39 on the membrane 300 as shown in.

[0068] The deformable membrane 300 made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or in a material comprising polyethylene terephthalate is substantially transparent and allows the fluid product (P) inside the tank 100 to be seen with a very aesthetic magnifying effect.

[0069] For dispensers according to each mode described, the reservoir contains a fluid, in particular a cosmetic fluid.

Claims

Fluid product dispenser (P) comprising: a rigid reservoir (1,100) forming a filling opening (14,114), a distribution orifice (17) of said fluid product (P) in communication with said reservoir (1,100), an actuator (5,500) closing the filling opening (14,114), said actuator (5,500) comprising a ring (2,200) and a deformable diaphragm (3,300) enabling pressure to be exerted to distribute said fluid product (P) through said distribution orifice (17), characterized in that said ring (2,200) is rigid. Distributor according to claim 1 characterized in that said ring (2,200) and said reservoir (1,100) are made of the same material. Dispenser according to claim 2 characterized in that said material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the membrane (3,300) comprises polyethylene (PE). Distributor according to claim 1 characterized in that the membrane (3,300) is a thermoformed part. Dispenser according to claim 5 characterized in that the membrane (3,300) comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Distributor according to claim 5 or claim 6 characterized in that the thickness of the membrane (3,300) is less than 0.5 millimeters, preferably less than 0.35 millimeters, preferably equal to 0.3 millimeters. Distributor according to any one of claims 5 to 7 characterized in that the thickness of said membrane (3,300) varies by less than 0.1 millimeter over the whole of the membrane. Dispenser according to any one of claims 5 to 8 characterized in that the membrane (3,300), the ring (2,200) and the reservoir (1,100) comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Distributor according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a part (36,306b) of the membrane (3,300) is sandwiched between the reservoir (1,100) and the ring (2,200). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that at least a part of the membrane (3,300) penetrates through said opening of said reservoir. Distributor according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the membrane (3,300) is in radial contact on an inner face (12b,102b) of the reservoir (1,100). Distributor according to claim 1 characterized in that the membrane (3,300) is overmolded on the ring (2,200). Dispenser according to claim 14 characterized in that the membrane (3,300) comprises polyethylene (PE) and the ring (2,200) comprises polypropylene (PP). Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said reservoir (1,100) contains a fluid product (P), in particular a cosmetic fluid product (P).

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