EP0634223B1 - Improved liquid suction and exhaust device and apparatus for dispersing liquid comprising such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

This is a device (9) for pumping a fluid, comprising a piston (206) which can move in a metering chamber (208), this piston being driven by a motor, via coupling means which include a rotary head (236) provided with a guide path (238) at least locally oblique with respect to the axis of the device, as well as a driving component (240) which is connected to the piston and which moves along the guide path, causing the reciprocating movement of the piston. The invention also relates to an apparatus for spraying a liquid, comprising the said gas-distributing device. Application to the spraying of an air-freshening fragrance. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates first of all to a improved device, of the pump or compressor type, for suction and delivery of a fluid.

Such devices are known and usually have a connecting rod system to the engine for training, following a movement alternative, of a means forming a piston in a chamber pumping. These rod systems appear in particular bulky and impose a form overall (generally "L" shaped) relatively bulky of the device.

• un corps extérieur au moins en partie creux,
• un piston mobile dans ce corps suivant un mouvement axial alternatif, en étant retenu contre une rotation par rapport au corps,
• une membrane étanche déformable fixée de façon centrale au piston pour définir, avec un capuchon disposé à une extrémité du corps, une chambre de pompage de volume variable pour l'aspiration ou le refoulement du fluide,
• une entrée et une sortie de fluide comprenant des soupapes, et
• des moyens d'accouplement du piston à un moteur, ces moyens d'accouplement comprenant :
  • une tête présentant sur sa surface extérieure périphérique au moins un chemin de guidage continu, fermé sur lui-même et au moins localement angulairement incliné par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire audit axe du dispositif , cette tête étant associée au moteur pour être animée d'un mouvement de rotation autour de cet axe, et
  • au moins une pièce d'entraínement liée au piston et propre à se déplacer le long dudit chemin de guidage de la tête, en provoquant le mouvement axial alternatif du piston.

In US-A-3,094,076, a device for the suction or the delivery of a fluid is described, having an axis and comprising:

• an external body at least partially hollow,
• a piston movable in this body in an alternating axial movement, being retained against rotation relative to the body,
• a deformable waterproof membrane fixed centrally to the piston to define, with a cap arranged at one end of the body, a pumping chamber of variable volume for the suction or the delivery of the fluid,
• a fluid inlet and outlet comprising valves, and
• means for coupling the piston to an engine, these coupling means comprising:
  • a head having on its peripheral external surface at least one continuous guide path, closed on itself and at least locally angularly inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to said axis of the device, this head being associated with the motor to be driven by a rotational movement around this axis, and
  • at least one drive part linked to the piston and able to move along said guide path of the head, causing the reciprocating axial movement of the piston.

One of the problems in this case is to make a fluid distributor device which has a minimum footprint, to be easily integrated into a fluid-supplied device (without having to increase the dimensions of the latter).

This size requirement should not be at the expense of performance, the inventors have worked reliability and efficiency. From other difficulties to overcome, it also required take into account the fluid flow rates to be observed for a correct supply of the devices to be supplied, and this for a power consumption of the device also reduced as possible.

• le capuchon comprend une jupe qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe du dispositif et entoure localement le corps extérieur, et
• la périphérie de la membrane est disposée sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe du dispositif et est serrée entre la jupe et le corps qui s'emboítent l'un dans l'autre.

Faced with this, the invention proposes to improve a device of the type presented above as described in US-A-3,094,076, so that this device is characterized in that:

• the cap comprises a skirt which extends substantially parallel to the axis of the device and locally surrounds the external body, and
• the periphery of the membrane is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of the device and is clamped between the skirt and the body which fit into one another.

It will be noted that, advantageously, the means piston / engine coupling will be movable in a relatively small displacement volume, centered on the axis of the device, thus promoting mounting substantially coaxial with the main organs of the distributor, and therefore the overall compactness.

The invention also relates to a apparatus for dispersing or diffusing a liquid thanks to to the fluid (gas) supplied by the device therein integrated. Use of the device as room fragrance diffuser is particularly aimed.

• un appareil fiable et efficace qui diffuse rapidement le liquide, si nécessaire en quantité variable en fonction des caractéristiques de ce liquide et du volume de l'endroit de diffusion ;
• un appareil peu onéreux, simple d'emploi et permettant, si nécessaire, de diffuser successivement des liquides différents en évitant toute obligation de rinçage ;
• une modulation assez facile du rythme de diffusion tout en vaporisant de préférence un "nuage" léger et quasi-invisible à l'oeil.

In this context, the invention has made it possible to define:

• a reliable and efficient device which rapidly diffuses the liquid, if necessary in a variable quantity depending on the characteristics of this liquid and the volume of the diffusion location;
• an inexpensive device, simple to use and allowing, if necessary, to successively diffuse different liquids while avoiding any obligation to rinse;
• fairly easy modulation of the diffusion rate while preferably spraying a light "cloud" almost invisible to the eye.

• un corps-support,
• une cartouche-recharge définissant un réservoir pour le liquide à disperser et étant adaptée pour être liée de façon amovible au corps-support,
• des moyens de diffusion dudit liquide, portés par la cartouche et comprenant un conduit de soufflage de gaz qui communique, d'un côté, avec un passage de sortie de la cartouche vers l'air libre et des moyens d'amenée, sur le chemin du gaz soufflé, de faibles quantités de liquide, et
• un dispositif de distribution du gaz, disposé dans le corps-support et communiquant avec ledit conduit de soufflage du gaz, ce dispositif étant du type présenté ci-avant.

To this end, the invention provides an apparatus comprising:

• a support body,
• a refill cartridge defining a reservoir for the liquid to be dispersed and being adapted to be removably linked to the support body,
• means for diffusing said liquid, carried by the cartridge and comprising a gas blowing duct which communicates, on one side, with an outlet passage from the cartridge to the open air and supply means, on the way blown gas, small amounts of liquid, and
• a gas distribution device, arranged in the support body and communicating with said gas blowing duct, this device being of the type presented above.

To promote this distribution of the liquid, an additional feature of the invention provides that the cartridge outlet passage which can extend the tank on one side, will present preferably a form of convergent / divergent, the conduit blowing gas and liquid supply means then advantageously interrupting in the tank, at a level where the passage in question will converge.

Another feature provides, always for this diffusion efficiency, that the device has a blown secondary gas duct (in particular air) traveling in the support body of the device to lead around the outlet passage of the cartridge.

The apparatus of the invention having been designed so that we can easily adjust the amount of liquid to disperse, another feature provides integration of a programmable electronic card for control the operation of the dispensing device gas, by triggering and interrupting sequentially supplying gas to the means of diffusion of liquid.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique intérieure de l'appareil selon l'invention, avec ses éléments constitutifs essentiels, dont le dispositif distributeur de fluide,
• la figure 2 est une vue intérieure d'une cartouche adaptable sur l'appareil de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue simplifiée du schéma électrique de la carte programmable qui peut être prévue sur l'appareil de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique éclatée en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une autre vue schématique éclatée des principaux organes du distributeur de la figure 4,
• et, la figure 6 montre une vue partielle et agrandie, en partie en coupe, du distributeur des figures 4 et 5.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings given solely by way of nonlimiting examples, and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic interior view of the apparatus according to the invention, with its essential constituent elements, including the fluid distributor device,
• FIG. 2 is an interior view of a cartridge adaptable to the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a simplified view of the electrical diagram of the programmable card which can be provided on the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5 is another exploded schematic view of the main organs of the dispenser of FIG. 4,
• and, FIG. 6 shows a partial and enlarged view, partly in section, of the dispenser of FIGS. 4 and 5.

From Figures 4 to 6, we see that the fluid distributor device or means, referenced 9, advantageously consists of a pump or compressor generally elongated shape (and essentially not angular) along an axis 200 for pumping fluids various, liquid or gaseous, in particular air. This compressor 9 comprises an electric motor 204, a means forming piston 206, 252 driven by the engine, according to an axial reciprocating movement, inside a body 202 (of axis 200) essentially hollow to delimit, with this body, a pumping chamber 208. This chamber communicates, via an inlet 212, with a fluid source 25 and with a discharge port or exhaust duct 21. Closing means selective passages 212, 21 are also associated with this room 208.

The general operating principle of the pump 9 is such that an axial displacement (without rotation) in the direction of arrow 216 of the piston means causes an increase in volume of the chamber 208, while the selective closure means maintain the fluid inlet passage 212 open and the passage of delivery 21 closed. In a translational movement reverse (arrow 218), the piston means exerts a pressure on the fluid contained in the chamber 208, while the closing means uncover the duct 21, for the delivery of the fluid, and keep closed orifice 212.

In the illustrated version, the body 202 of the device, here in rigid plastic material, comprises several essentially hollow and coaxial parts 224, 226, 228, cooperating with one another by defining a cavity 250. In particular, the end piece 224 covers the end of the motor leaving its terminals accessible electrical 232, 234 for supply from a source preferably autonomous stabilized, for example at 6, 9 or 12 volts, such as a battery 27.

Motor / medium coupling means forming piston include in this case a head metallic 236 provided with a guide path 238 formed on its peripheral external surface and angularly moved away, at least in places, from a plane normal to the axis 200, as well as a drive member 240 suitable for move along path 238.

Head 236, mounted on the shaft 242 motor, here the form general of a cylinder (preferably straight) to director circular and is rotated (in a given direction) around axis 200.

The guide path is continuous, closed on itself and basically follows an oblique line through relative to axis 200. It advantageously consists of a groove or groove 238 formed on the tubular face of the head and here having the general shape of a ring basically part of a plan that forms with the right 200 an acute angle α greater than about 70 ° and less than 90 °.

As for the training part 240, it may consist of a metal pin provided with a nipple 240a suitable for entering with little play in recess 238, while being able to rotate in a room 206 to which it is linked.

It should be noted that advantageously the means mechanically balance themselves, which is certainly favorable to the efficiency and reliability of the device and obtaining flow rates of high fluid for low consumption.

The piston means here comprises the part sliding 206, of circular cylindrical shape, which is hollowed out, in 246, from one of its ends 206a, the open clearance 246 having a shape adapted so that the Exhibit 206 is mounted, relatively tightly, on the head 236 with possibility of sliding. This piece sliding also includes, formed in its wall, an opening 248 for housing the pin 240, substantially normal to axis 200.

As illustrated, this piston 206 moves tightly essentially in tubular element 226 of the body 202. This element 226 which is linked to each of its ends to elements 224 and 228, has a essentially cylindrical inner wall which goes in widening towards the end 226b of nesting element 226 in element 228, following a surface concavity curve facing the cavity 250.

As for the pumping chamber 208, it is here defined essentially by the means forming the piston, the terminal portion with a flared inner wall of the part 226, and by element 228. This element 228 has a general cap shape with a part transverse end. 225 extended by a skirt tubular 227 substantially cylindrical generator parallel to the axis 200, the part 225 having a face curved interior 225a, concavity facing the room 208. For the sealing of this room 208, from the side of the piston means, the latter comprises a fluid-tight membrane 252 which participates in pumping fluid. This membrane is kept pressed in its central part (substantially perpendicular to the axis 200) against the transverse end face 254 of the piston 206 with which it moves, by a disc of blocking 264, screwed.

This flexible and deformable membrane is advantageously present in a natural state not constrained, like a disc, plane or curved, of diameter greater than the piston cross section and here also greater than the internal diameter of parts 226 and 228, to advantageously ensure sealing at the nesting area of these parts 226 and 228.

Preferably, this membrane will be chosen thin, with a thickness for example between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few millimeters (advantageously less than 2 mm) to reduce the resistant torque of this membrane and allow apparently to get a large fluid flow for low engine consumption. Preferably, we will realize the membrane by cutting a disc in a sheet, or tube, of elastic material rubbery, such as an elastomer.

To create the seal, the membrane is fixed to block 206, once the latter has been placed in element 226, then is stretched properly over the circular end 226b and is held there by a clamping ring 262. The circumference of the membrane extends against the external nesting face of the element 226 and then allows a tight connection with the element 228. As a variant, the peripheral edge of the membrane could be directly maintained linked to the body 202 in being clamped and locked between the external and internal faces of fitting elements 226 and 228.

Note that this membrane, which is fixed relative to the body at its periphery, in this case constitutes the means of locking in rotation relative to the body of the piston means. In variant, one could provide at least one projection longitudinal and a complementary axial groove, formed on part 206 and element 226.

With regard to passages 212 and 21 of circulation of the fluid, they are in this case arranged in the wall of a terminal piece 230, here essentially solid, of body 202 and in the wall of part 225 of element 228, these parts 228 and 230 being fixedly linked by any known fixing means, with interposition between them means of selective closure of holes 212 and 21, tightly sandwiched. These selective closure means include in this case two one-way valves constituted by the tabs 220 and 222 (for example made of waterproof rubber fluid).

When the distributor 9 is placed in the device 1 described below (figure 1), it will be practical that it blows air towards a channel 23 of the device, it it will then be advantageous to connect it to the atmosphere by its passage 212 communicating with the air intake outdoor 25.

Pump 9 in Figures 4 to 6 operates as follows: the sliding part 206 is in a position moved back towards the engine, chamber 208 being assumed full (maximum fluid volume). Since the room sliding is kept fixed in rotation, rotation of the head 236 (driven by the engine) causes the displacement along its guide path 238 from organ 240 (which is going to be animated by a movement of translation along the axis 200), which then causes the part 206 in an axial movement in the direction of the arrow 218. The fluid contained in the chamber 208 is then forced inward of passage 21 to finally lead to the inner chamber 19 of the device 1 described below (Figure 1). At the end of the race of room 206 (minimum volume of room 208) and since the head continues to rotate, block 206 is brought back by the drive, following the arrow 216, towards the engine. It creates depression in room 208 and allows it to be filled.

Note that given the shape annular retained here from the guide path, the means forming the piston performs a round trip per revolution of the head 206. Alternatively, one could design a path guidance with a wavy path.

The inventors found that it was possible to obtain high fluid flow rates, particular gas, for low pressures and this with low engine consumption. So it was possible gas flows of 1.8 liter / minute (on average between around 1.5 and 2 liters / minute) for a pressure of around 200 to 400 millibar, the motor supply (turning for tests between 5000 and 6000 revolutions / minute) being lower at 250 milliamps (around 200 milliamps) in 6 Volts.

The device 9 can be used for the pumping liquids or gases and can advantageously be integrated into the diffusion device 1 shown Figure 1. Still within the scope of the invention and for obtain high fluid pressures (greater than 1 bar), we can use a thick membrane greater than 2 mm (for example up to 4 mm).

The apparatus 1 is used to disperse a liquid, such as for example an eau de toilette 3, contained in a refill cartridge 5 (Figure 2).

The apparatus 1, or sprayer, comprises essentially a plastic support body 7, containing, in the lower part, the distributor 9 (here gas, especially air) and, at the top, a distribution barrel 17 internally defining a housing 11 for a removable cartridge 5, such so that its discharge opening 13 (Figure 2) either, once the cartridge in place in its housing, extended by an outlet passage 15 defined by the interior conformation of bole 17, an interior chamber 19 ensuring in particular the communication between the output 21 of device 9 and input channel 23 of the cartridge 5.

In FIG. 1, it will be noted that in order to improve the diffusion of the liquid under the effect of the gas flow generated by the compressor 9, the outlet passage 15 will advantageously present a form of convergent / diverging, with successively a converging 15 ₁ , constant section area 15 ₂ and a divergent outlet 15 ₃ .

To further promote the sprayed dispersion of the liquid, the location 11 for the cartridge 5 and the discharge passage 15 which extends it, may be surrounded by a channel 29 connected upstream, via a calibrated tube 31, to the chamber 19 and opening downstream around the diverging portion 15 ₃ , in such a way that a secondary gas (air) circulates in this passage 29 promoting the dispersion of the main gas (air) flow carrying the liquid to be "vaporized".

For the installation of the cartridge 5, the collar 15 ₃ will be removable and the barrel 17 will have a fixed base 17 ₁ , in which the housing will be hollowed out, for example a parallelepipedal open on its upper face and having an orifice 11 ₁ in its opposite underside for the passage of the nozzle 23, the upper part 17 ₂ of the barrel being removable and can for example be made in two half-shells.

As for the plastic cartridge-refill 5 of FIG. 2, it can consist of a tank base 33 containing the liquid 3 and surmounted by an outlet neck 35 having a converging part, then an end part of reduced section neck constant 35 ₁ corresponding substantially to the reduced section s of passage 15.

Preferably, the cartridge 5 contains in in addition to the diffusion means 37 which therefore allow advantageously to disperse the liquid into a very fine fog this all the more easily as this liquid is volatile. In the present case, the pleas 37 include a single plastic part attached at the bottom to the base 33 of the cartridge it crosses to present the aforementioned connection end piece 23.

Internally, the part 37 has a gas blowing duct 39, which opens in the upper part, above the level L of the liquid, as well as a second duct 41, of reduced section compared to the first, communicating in the lower part with the liquid and opening, in the upper part, facing the first conduit 39, these conduits 39, 41 being calibrated.

In the illustration, the capillary duct 41 could for example have an internal diameter of about 0.4 mm, for an upper section of the channel 39 which may be between 0.65 and 1.2 mm approximately.

Advantageously, the channel 39 will be interrupted, in the tank, at a level near the far end narrower of the converging part of the neck 35, for blow the gas flow received substantially in the axis vertical center 43 of the cartridge.

To optimize the operation of it has also been envisaged to add, to inside the body 7, an electronic card programmable 45 for controlling the distribution means gas 9.

In Figure 3, a possible is shown electrical diagram of this card which could be a programmable card for controlling the operation of the means 9 by triggering and sequentially interrupting the distribution of gas to means of dissemination 37. In other words, the card 45 will be essentially constituted on the basis of a electronic timer, which we will consider firstly outputs 1 and 5 of the eight switches 47.

When the card is powered up via the source 49 (6 volts), as long as capacity 51 is not loaded, the output 53 of the inverter 55 is level logic 1. This initialization (reset) when switching on voltage is then applied to the two flip-flops 57, 59, as well as at pulse counter 61 (in this case "4040"). The counter and the two scales 57, 59 are therefore at logic level 0. Terminals 63 and 65 counters 57 and 59 respectively are at level 1: the light-emitting diode (for example red) 67 is then on and the gas distributor means 9, connected at connector 69, does not work, no spraying of fluid then not existing.

Furthermore, the capacity 71 is discharged. We therefore apply a logic level 0 to input 73 of the second inverter or trigger 75 whose output 77 is then at level 1. This pin 77 then being at 9 volts, load the capacitor 71 by the resistor 79 in series with a potentiometer 81. When the voltage of the capacitor 71 becomes greater than the voltage of tilting of the inverter 75, the latter switches and its output 77 goes to 0 volts. The capacitor 71 discharges in resistor 79 and potentiometer 81. Once its sufficiently low voltage, the inverter 75 switches to again, and so on. The inverter 75 is therefore a clock.

Initially, all counter outputs 61 are at 0. At the first clock stroke applied to input 83 of the counter, it will count: its first exit 85 will therefore go to level 1. The pin 87 of flip-flop 57 is then 0, said flip-flop being so ready to memorize. We therefore apply the rising edge from exit 85 to entry 89 of scale 57. The flip-flop saves and its output 91 goes to 1, while its output 63 goes to 0. The light-emitting diode 67 goes out, while the other diode (for example green) 93 lights up. So we apply 9 volts at the input of resistance 95 and transistor 97 turns on, the means gas distributor 9 then entering into operation.

Output 1 of switch series 47 is assumed to be busy; after 16 pulses on the clock input of counter 61, its output 99 goes to 1. A rising edge is applied to the clock input 101 of flip-flop 59, its output 103 passing to 1, while that its exit 65 is no longer busy. The distributor 9 then no longer powered, the lighting changes from green to red (LED 67).

Counter 83 still counts. The pulses sent on the input 89 of flip-flop 57 do not are not taken into account because pin 87 (reset) is always at 1. Switch 5 of the series of switches 47 is closed. After the 256th pulse on the clock input of counter 61, its output 105 pass to 1. We therefore send 9 volts at the input of the resistor 107, and transistor 109 turns on, from so that the input pin 111 of the trigger 113 goes to 0, the time delay provided by the resistance circuit 115 - capacity 117. The output 116 of the trigger goes to 1. We then initialize the flip-flop 59, as well as the counter 61 whose output 103 passes therefore 0. We therefore apply a logical level 1 or 0 at pin 87, removing the forced initialization from this switch which can therefore take into account the pulses of the counter 83 coming from its pin 85.

In this way, the counter 83 is initialized by pin 119 of flip-flop 57, its outputs being at 0. At the first clock pulse, its output 85 goes to 1, flip-flop 57 taking into account the rising forehead ... and the cycle begins again.

To set the time for the pulse durations, just select one of outputs 99, 121, 123, 125 of counter 61 using switches 47 and, for adjust the time between two pulses, you can select one of outputs 105, 127, 129, 131 of this same counter, also using switches 47. On note that the presence of OR logic gates 133, 135 and 137, the outputs of which are respectively connected to the terminal 87, to terminal 139 of the meter and to terminal 141 of the second flip-flop 59, allow to reset (reset) the scales and the counter in the event of activation voltage or at the end of the cycle, the presence of the eight diodes output 143 of the meter also allowing avoid short circuits in case two switches would be passers-by at the same time. As for diode 143, it avoids the destruction of integrated circuits in the event of a reversal of direction when connecting the battery. The reverse voltage is limited to about 0.7 volts.

Claims (5)

1. Apparatus (9) for the intake or delivery of a fluid, having an axis (200) and comprising:

   an outer body (202) which is at least partly hollow,

   a piston (206) which is movable within this body in a reciprocating axial movement and secured to prevent it rotating relative to the body (202),

   a deformable leaktight membrane (252) which is centrally fixed to the piston so as to define, with a cap (228) located at one end of the body, a pumping chamber (208) of variable volume for the intake or delivery of the fluid,

   a fluid inlet (212) and outlet (21) comprising valves (220, 222), and

   means for coupling the piston to a motor (204), these coupling means comprising:

   a head (236) having, on its peripheral outer surface, at least one continuous guide path (238) closed on itself and at least locally angularly inclined relative to a plane which is perpendicular to the said axis of the apparatus, this head being associated with the motor in order to be enabled to rotate about this axis, and

   at least one drive member (240) connected to the piston and adapted to move along the guide path of the head, thereby causing the reciprocating axial movement of the piston,
   characterised in that:

   the cap (228) comprises a flange (227) which extends substantially parallel to the axis (200) of the apparatus and locally surrounds the outer body (202), and

   the periphery of the membrane (252) is located substantially parallel to the axis (200) of the apparatus and is clamped between the flange (227) and the body (202) which fit one into the other.
2. Apparatus for dispersing a liquid, comprising:

   a support body (7, 17),

   a refill cartridge (5) defining a reservoir for the liquid (3) which is to be dispersed, said cartridge being adapted to be removably attached to the support body,

   means (15, 23, 37) for diffusing said liquid, which are carried by the cartridge and comprise a gas blowing pipe (39) which communicates at one end with an outlet passage (13, 15) from the cartridge into the open air and intake means (41) for taking small amounts of liquid into the path of the blown gas, and

   the apparatus (9) according to claim 1, for the intake or delivery of gas, this apparatus being arranged in said support body and communicating with the gas blowing pipe.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the outlet passage (13, 15) for the cartridge (5), which extends the reservoir (33) on one side, merges into a convergent/divergent channel (15₁, 15₂, 15₃) provided in the support body of the apparatus, the gas blowing pipe (39) and the liquid intake means (41) being interrupted, in the reservoir (33), at a point where said outlet passage (13) is convergent.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that it has a pipe for blown secondary air which communicates at one end with said pump (9) and passes through the support body (17) of the apparatus, to come out around the outlet passage (15) of the exit to the open air of the cartridge (5).
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that it further comprises a programmable electronic card (45) for controlling the operation of said pump (9), by activating and sequentially measuring the distribution of gas to said diffusion means (37) over a predetermined period of time.

Images