EP0888823B1 - Dispenser for liquid or pasty material comprising pumping means - Google Patents

Dispenser for liquid or pasty material comprising pumping means Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0888823B1
EP0888823B1 EP98401483A EP98401483A EP0888823B1 EP 0888823 B1 EP0888823 B1 EP 0888823B1 EP 98401483 A EP98401483 A EP 98401483A EP 98401483 A EP98401483 A EP 98401483A EP 0888823 B1 EP0888823 B1 EP 0888823B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
piston
dispensing head
membrane
rigid
head according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98401483A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0888823A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Louis H. Gueret
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LOreal SA
Original Assignee
LOreal SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0888823A1 publication Critical patent/EP0888823A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0888823B1 publication Critical patent/EP0888823B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0072—A valve member forming part of an outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
    • B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
    • B05B11/00446—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means the means being located at the bottom of the container or of an enclosure surrounding the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1004—Piston pumps comprising a movable cylinder and a stationary piston
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1066—Pump inlet valves
    • B05B11/1067—Pump inlet valves actuated by pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/026—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/028—Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dispensing head, as well as to a distributor equipped with this dispensing head for a liquid product or pasty comprising a reservoir for the product to be dispensed, means for pumping being provided actuable by a pusher, in order to cause the distribution of a dose of product.
  • the distributor targeted by the invention is of the type with a variable volume reservoir, this reservoir being constituted, for example, by a flexible pocket or by a rigid cylindrical tank fitted with a follower piston.
  • This dispenser is intended, more particularly, to distribute and apply a cosmetic, dermatological or food product, such as for example a lotion, cream, shampoo or liquid foundation, gel, but it it is possible to distribute any kind of liquid or pasty product.
  • a cosmetic, dermatological or food product such as for example a lotion, cream, shampoo or liquid foundation, gel
  • Such dispenser advantageously comes in a compact form, with a small capacity tank, ranging, for example, from ten ml up to a few hundred ml.
  • a distributor of the kind described above comprising a reservoir retractable, connected by a first valve to a variable volume chamber under the action of a pusher.
  • This variable volume chamber is itself connected to the outside by a second valve.
  • the pusher has a body which constitutes, with a piston integral with the reservoir, the variable volume chamber.
  • the piston is provided with a central passage, its free end, on the side of the chamber being capped by an elastomer part which fills, at the same time, the function of a sealing lip and a one-way valve flap, this valve being able to open towards the variable volume chamber, in response to a depression prevailing in the room.
  • a distributor comprising a variable volume compression chamber, in communication with a piston, the piston comprising a central passage of product closed by a one-way valve.
  • the piston is inserted inside a supply chimney, in communication with a tank containing the product.
  • the valve is made in the form of an elastic membrane annular, the central orifice of which is closed by a pin carried by the piston.
  • the membrane connects to a cylindrical sleeve threaded into a groove annular which is provided with the upper end of the piston.
  • the sleeve with the valve is made in a single piece of elastomer.
  • Such an embodiment has several drawbacks, either from the point of view manufacturing, either from an operational point of view: in fact, when mounting the piston, it is necessary to ensure a first seal between the piston and the sleeve, while ensuring the correct axial positioning of the membrane relative to with picot. In the absence of precise positioning of the membrane, the pump has leaks, or at least a non-constant flow.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the art and ensure smooth and reliable operation during use.
  • the dispenser according to the invention also has a rapid response when actuation of the pusher, unlike distributors which have a ball valve.
  • the invention relates, in particular, to the use of a valve piston, which are easy to manufacture and assemble, at a cost advantageous, and also exhibiting great precision.
  • the present invention relates to a dispensing head of a product of liquid to pasty consistency contained in a reservoir, comprising a push button movable axially, said push button having a body whose internal walls define a variable volume pumping chamber, having an inlet for the product, closed by an intake valve carried by a piston, the piston having at least one sealing lip in contact with which the internal walls move between a high axial position and a low axial position, the passage from the low axial position to the high axial position causing the product to be sucked into the pumping chamber via the inlet valve, and the passage from the high position to the low position causing the product to be drawn out through a distribution valve closing an outlet orifice of said chamber, elastic return means being provided to return the push button ir in the high position, the intake valve and the piston being mounted on a hoop surmounting said reservoir, said hoop comprising a seat for the intake valve so as to prevent any return of product to the reservoir, the piston comprising a central part made in the form
  • This dispensing head is characterized in that the piston is formed from a annular part made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, different from the material of the central part, the central part forming a single piece with the part annular.
  • the present invention also relates to a dispenser equipped with the head described above.
  • said annular part is shaped to ensure the mounting of the piston on a supply channel carrying said seat, this annular part being positioned outside said channel feed. In this way, the inlet channel does not present any restriction, and pressure losses are avoided during actuation of the pump.
  • the membrane is mounted on the seat so as to close the opening in a leaktight manner , at least when there is an overpressure inside the chamber , which is particularly suitable for the distribution of relatively viscous products.
  • the membrane is mounted on the seat so as to close the opening in a sealed manner in the absence of vacuum inside the chamber , which is particularly suitable for dispensing relatively fluid products.
  • the annular part of the piston may advantageously include a portion forming a stop so as to ensure precise positioning along the axis longitudinal of the pump, from the central part of the piston to the seat.
  • the elastically deformable membrane is fixed to the end part of the piston during the manufacture of the latter.
  • the inlet valve and the annular part can be produced by bi-injection or overmolding of two compatible materials.
  • an elastomeric material is used, in particular thermoplastic, and more particularly a material having a hardness Shore A between 15 and 90.
  • the material resiliently deformable must be able to create, with the rigid or semi-rigid material, a solid bond during the manufacture of the piston.
  • thermofusion by injecting into a suitable mold, for example, first rigid or semi-rigid material for form the piston, and then over-injecting the elastomeric material of the membrane, we create this connection, by thermofusion, between the two materials. It is also possible to operate in the opposite direction. In some cases, it is also possible to overmold two incompatible materials together, condition to provide anchoring profiles.
  • the elastomeric material is chosen, in the group of thermoplastic elastomers, such as the group of propylene / ethylene copolymers; polyether blockamides; polyvinyls ; terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); of the styrene-butadiene block polymers (SBS); polymers of block styrene-ethylene-butadiene (SEBS-SIS); polyurethanes thermoplastics; mixtures of polypropylene with one of the elastomers following: block styrene-ethylene-butadiene polymers (SEBS-SIS); terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); polymers of block styrene-butadiene (SBS).
  • silicone elastomers rubbers butyl or nitrile, latex or fluorinated elastomers.
  • the membrane can be made from natural rubber or synthetic like vulcanizable elastomers, nitrile rubbers or polybutadienes etc ...; in this case, the membrane can be glued or slammed on the piston or fixed by any other appropriate means.
  • the rigid or semi-rigid material is chosen from polypropylenes, high and low density polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyacetals, ethylene vinyl acetates and mixtures thereof, etc.
  • the piston has a generally cylindrical shape, each end of the cylinder comprising an annular part in the form of a lip sealing. To ensure good contact of these sealing lips with the inner wall of the pumping chamber, these lips, seen in section, can have a decreasing thickness towards their free end, which gives them greater flexibility.
  • the membrane is pierced in its center of an orifice of section smaller than the section of the seat, this seat being centered at the top of a feed channel formed by the hoop and crossing the piston.
  • the membrane is in a form circular, similar to a flat washer.
  • the piston hollow is provided with a central pin acting as a seat, arranged so as to come into contact with the edges of the orifice of the membrane. This provision constitutes a unidirectional valve allowing the admission of product in the pumping chamber.
  • the membrane, and in particular the edges of the orifice is (are) in sealed support on the seat, while a depression in said chamber causes the edges of the orifice of the membrane of its seat to take off, allowing the aspiration of the product.
  • the edge of the orifice may be provided with one or more slots radial, or in the form of circular fractions.
  • the pin has a concave surface, forming thus a thin peripheral edge which, in a state of rest, rests on the membrane so as to ensure a perfect seal.
  • the membrane has a plurality orifices, in the form of concentric slots.
  • the seat is consisting of an annular part at the top of a supply channel formed by the fret.
  • this annular part may include an edge annular, intended to rest on the membrane, in the rest position.
  • the slots are arranged discontinuously, according to a circular line.
  • the hollow piston is provided with an edge enlarged end, forming a seat, arranged so as to come into contact with the membrane at the level of the slots.
  • this arrangement constitutes the product intake valve in the pumping chamber.
  • the membrane area or the surrounding regions, which are in contact with the seat, may have a smaller thickness than the rest of the membrane.
  • the hoop comprising the inlet channel is centered on the longitudinal axis which is provided with the distributor, and opens straight onto the intake valve of the head distribution, this supply channel being surrounded by an annular portion forming a cavity all around the inlet channel, said cavity being bounded, opposite the inlet channel, by an outer annular skirt carrying hooking means on the dispenser, for example a groove or an annular rib.
  • the cavity has a transverse wall, between the inlet channel and the outer annular skirt, the return means elastics being positioned between a shoulder formed by the button pusher and this transverse wall.
  • the recall means are made up, for example, by a metal coil spring, arranged around the pumping chamber and the piston in said cavity.
  • the spring can be obtained directly by molding of material rigid or semi-rigid plastic, together with the bottom of the push button with which it is integral.
  • the reservoir consists of a soft and flexible pocket, having an open end secured to the hoop and in communication with said supply channel formed in the piston.
  • the open end of the pocket is closed by the hoop which has the attachment means cooperating with an end edge of an enclosure rigid or semi-rigid outer surrounding said pocket.
  • the reservoir consists of a rigid or semi-rigid enclosure, in communication with the inlet channel, the attachment means cooperating with an end edge of said enclosure rigid or semi-rigid external, a follower piston being disposed in the bottom of the tank.
  • This follower piston is able to advance automatically as and when measurement of product withdrawal along the longitudinal axis of the distributor in response to the vacuum prevailing in the pumping.
  • the push button comprising the distribution valve
  • the distribution valve is provided with a distribution channel whose a first end opens into the pumping chamber, the second end being closed by said distribution valve.
  • this valve distribution is made of elastomeric material and elastic support watertight against a seat formed around said second end of the channel dispensing, capable of opening when a product push is exerted, and apply against the seat when a vacuum occurs inside the variable volume chamber and distribution channel.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view in axial section of a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows an axial view of the piston according to the distributor of figure 1.
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the piston according to dispenser of figure 1.
  • FIG. 4 represents a schematic view in axial section of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of the piston according to dispenser of figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piston of figure 3.
  • FIG. 1 a distributor designated as a whole by the reference 1 comprising a flexible tank 2, provided with a hoop 4, the periphery 6 clicks, by a groove 6a / bead 6b system on the part upper side of a rigid external enclosure 8 which surrounds the flexible tank 2.
  • the hoop 4 forms a cup 5 having a cylindrical side wall external 5a and a transverse bottom 5b.
  • the flexible tank is formed by a cylindrical sheath, made for example into a flexible multi-layer polyethylene / aluminum / polyethylene sheet.
  • the upper part 2a of the flexible tank 2 is welded or glued to the wall side 5a of the bowl 5. After filling the tank by its end lower in product P to be dispensed, this end is closed by welding, the welding line forming a bottom 3.
  • the reservoir 2 thus formed, forms a flexible pocket, having the advantage to be able to deform as the product P is distributed.
  • the rigid enclosure 8 surrounding the flexible tank 2 is provided with an orifice vent 8a intended to balance the internal pressure prevailing in the volume defined between pocket 2 and enclosure 8.
  • the center of the bowl 5 is open and extended upwards by a central chimney 10 constituting the base of a piston 12.
  • the chimney central 10 defines a product suction channel 11 of which a first end is in communication with the tank, the second end carrying the piston 12.
  • the piston 12 is hollow and is provided with a central orifice 14 formed in an elastic membrane 16 which has been deposited, by bi-injection a suitable elastomeric thermoplastic material, for example example of Santoprene® (EPDM, sold by the company MONSANTO) on the upper end of the piston 12.
  • EPDM Santoprene®
  • the piston 12 has a general shape cylindrical, each end of the cylinder being provided with a lip circular sealing 12a and 12b (see Figure 3) of small thickness, shaped tapered at its free edge.
  • the piston is made in one semi-rigid material, such as low density polyethylene, capable of imparting to the sealing lips 12a and 12b a certain flexibility.
  • a central pin 18 is provided to close the orifice 14 in the rest state. Picot 18 is held in place by radial lugs 20 integral with the end upper 10a of the central chimney 10. The upper end 10a is in support against an annular stop 12c made inside the piston 12, allowing precise positioning of the membrane 16 relative to the pin 18.
  • the membrane 16 and the pin form a valve intended for the admission of the product P in a variable volume pumping chamber 22.
  • This chamber 22 is defined by the internal volume of a cylindrical tube 24 which makes part of a push button 26.
  • the tube 24 has an internal diameter sufficient to allow sealed sliding of the piston 12 and extends halfway up the side wall 5a in the bowl 5.
  • the tube 24 comprises a circular plate 28 extending radially towards the outside, the periphery of which is folded square and thus forms a skirt cylindrical 30 able to slide axially in the bowl 5.
  • a helical metal spring 32 elastically compressible, a double stop system being provided on the skirt 30 and on the upper part of the side wall 5a intended to maintain the push button 26 in place in the bowl 5, this push button then being axially movable against the return force of the spring 32.
  • the tube 24 is closed at its upper end by a transverse face 34 oblique which has a concave shape and on which the user places his finger for dispensing product P.
  • the upper end of the button pusher 26 further comprises a dispensing orifice 36 communicating with the chamber 22 by a distribution channel 38.
  • the distribution orifice 36 is closed by an elastic distribution valve 40 capable of preventing air from enter the pumping chamber 22, but capable of opening under the push of product P coming from the pumping chamber.
  • the push button 26 provided with the distribution valve 40, and the hoop 4 provided of the piston 12 constitute a dispensing head 7.
  • the chamber 22 When the chamber 22 is initially empty, it only takes a few presses successive on the pusher 26 to fill with product P the chamber 22 and the distribution channel 38. The aspirated product is then expelled to the outside by pushing back the distribution valve 40. When expelling the product, the overpressure prevailing inside the chamber 22 keeps the valve closed 16, 18, by pressing the membrane 16 on the pin 18.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the distributor 101 according to FIG. 4 differs from that shown in the Figure 1 by the absence of the pocket, and it includes an intake valve different construction.
  • the parts identical to those of the Figure 1 have the same reference numbers, their description will not recovery only succinctly; different pieces but playing a role similar to those in figure 1 are marked with reference numbers of 100.
  • a product tank is delimited by a rigid external enclosure 8 of cylindrical section at the bottom of which is disposed a follower piston 102a.
  • this piston 102a is able to move axially along the X axis in the direction of the button pusher 26 under the action of a depression created by the volume chamber variable 22.
  • the cylindrical enclosure 8 has an attached bottom 108b provided a vent port 108a.
  • the dispenser 101 of FIG. 4 comprises a dispensing head 107 consisting of a hoop 4 covering the rigid enclosure 8, this hoop being shaped like a bowl 5.
  • the center of the bowl 5 is crossed by a product suction channel 11 and extended upwards by a central chimney 10, the top of which carries a piston 112.
  • the piston 112 is provided with three slots 114a-114c discontinuous, arranged on a circular line, formed in a elastically deformable membrane 116 which has been deposited, by gluing, breakdown or by bi-injection of an appropriate elastomeric material on the upper end of the piston 112.
  • the piston 112 has a shape general cylindrical, each end of the cylinder being provided with a lip circular sealing 112a and 112b (see Figure 5).
  • the piston 112 is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as low density polyethylene, ensuring, however, by a thickness relatively weak lips 112a and 112b, tight and smooth sliding in the cylindrical part 24 of the push button 26.
  • other parts of the distributor 101, such as the push button 26, the hoop 4 and the rigid enclosure 8 are made of a rigid thermoplastic material such than polypropylene.
  • the central chimney 10 has an upper end provided with a annular edge 118 forming a seat, the diameter of which is chosen so that the edge 118 completely blocks the slots 114a-114c, in the undeformed position of the membrane.
  • the membrane 116 and the annular edge 118 form a valve intended to the admission of product P into the variable volume chamber 22.
  • a overpressure is present in the variable volume chamber 22
  • the product contained in the chamber 22 cannot descend into the reservoir 102, because the edges of the slots 114a-114c of the membrane are applied, tightly against seat 118.
  • a vacuum is created in chamber 22, the edges of the slots 114a-114c are detached from seat 118, and product P is sucked up.
  • FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the piston of Figure 3.
  • the piston 212 of FIG. 6 has two annular sealing lips 212a, 212b which are arranged on each end of the piston. The thickness of these lips is degressive so that the extreme area intended to come to the contact with the internal wall of the chamber, has only a thickness of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
  • On the upper part of the piston is disposed, by bi-injection or by over-molding, a membrane 216 in elastomer provided with a central opening 214. In the membrane are made several radial slots 214a extending from the opening 214 up to the proximity of the periphery of the membrane.
  • the piston of Figure 6 is designed for a more important product and more flexible operation.
  • a pump comprising a piston whose diameter is between 4 mm and 15 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm approximately. This allows the realization of a shape distributor particularly compact, low height. With this in mind, it is possible, in particular, to realize the dimension distribution head particularly reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, it is possible to make distributors at a particularly advantageous cost price.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte une tête de distribution, ainsi qu'à un distributeur équipé de cette tête de distribution pour un produit liquide ou pâteux comportant un réservoir pour le produit à distribuer, des moyens de pompage étant prévus actionnables par un poussoir, en vue de provoquer la distribution d'une dose de produit.The present invention relates to a dispensing head, as well as to a distributor equipped with this dispensing head for a liquid product or pasty comprising a reservoir for the product to be dispensed, means for pumping being provided actuable by a pusher, in order to cause the distribution of a dose of product.

Le distributeur visé par l'invention est du genre à réservoir à volume variable, ce réservoir étant constitué, par exemple, par une poche souple ou par un réservoir cylindrique rigide muni d'un piston-suiveur.The distributor targeted by the invention is of the type with a variable volume reservoir, this reservoir being constituted, for example, by a flexible pocket or by a rigid cylindrical tank fitted with a follower piston.

Ce distributeur est destiné, plus particulièrement, à distribuer et appliquer un produit cosmétique, dermatologique ou alimentaire, tel que par exemple une lotion, une crème, un shampooing ou un fond de teint liquide, un gel, mais il est envisageable de distribuer toute sorte de produit liquide ou pâteux. Un tel distributeur se présente avantageusement sous une forme compacte, avec un réservoir de faible contenance, allant, par exemple, d'une dizaine de ml jusqu'à quelques centaines de ml.This dispenser is intended, more particularly, to distribute and apply a cosmetic, dermatological or food product, such as for example a lotion, cream, shampoo or liquid foundation, gel, but it it is possible to distribute any kind of liquid or pasty product. Such dispenser advantageously comes in a compact form, with a small capacity tank, ranging, for example, from ten ml up to a few hundred ml.

On connaít, par exemple par le document EP-A-0 733 559, au nom de la demanderesse, un distributeur du genre prédécrit, comportant un réservoir rétractable, relié par une première valve à une chambre à volume variable sous l'action d'un poussoir. Cette chambre à volume variable est elle-même reliée à l'extérieur par une seconde valve. Le poussoir comporte un corps qui constitue, avec un piston solidaire du réservoir, la chambre à volume variable. Le piston est pourvu d'un passage central, son extrémité libre, du côté de la chambre étant coiffée par une pièce en élastomère qui remplit, à la fois, la fonction d'une lèvre d'étanchéité et d'un clapet de valve unidirectionnelle, ce clapet étant apte à s'ouvrir vers la chambre à volume variable, en réponse à une dépression régnant dans la chambre.We know, for example from document EP-A-0 733 559, in the name of plaintiff, a distributor of the kind described above, comprising a reservoir retractable, connected by a first valve to a variable volume chamber under the action of a pusher. This variable volume chamber is itself connected to the outside by a second valve. The pusher has a body which constitutes, with a piston integral with the reservoir, the variable volume chamber. The piston is provided with a central passage, its free end, on the side of the chamber being capped by an elastomer part which fills, at the same time, the function of a sealing lip and a one-way valve flap, this valve being able to open towards the variable volume chamber, in response to a depression prevailing in the room.

Les essais effectués par la demanderesse ont montré que la valve selon EP-A-0 733 559 présente deux inconvénients :

  • l'ajustement d'une lèvre d'étanchéité coulissante en matériau élastomérique entre deux parois rigides est difficile à réaliser, notamment lorsqu'on réalise un piston dont le diamètre ne présente que quelques mm ;
  • la mobilité du piston est difficile à assurer, car selon leur composition chimique, certains produits ont tendance à gonfler le matériau élastomérique constituant le piston, ce dernier subissant alors une expansion, ce qui provoque son blocage dans la chambre, et/ ou la déformation du clapet.
The tests carried out by the applicant have shown that the valve according to EP-A-0 733 559 has two drawbacks:
  • the adjustment of a sliding sealing lip made of elastomeric material between two rigid walls is difficult to achieve, in particular when a piston is produced whose diameter is only a few mm;
  • the mobility of the piston is difficult to ensure, because according to their chemical composition, certain products tend to swell the elastomeric material constituting the piston, the latter then undergoing expansion, which causes it to be blocked in the chamber, and / or the deformation of the valve.

Par ailleurs, par le document DE-U-94 19268, on connaít un distributeur comportant une chambre de compression à volume variable, en communication avec un piston, le piston comportant un passage central de produit obturé par un clapet unidirectionnel. Le piston est inséré à l'intérieur d'une cheminée d'alimentation, en communication avec un réservoir contenant le produit. Le clapet est réalisé sous forme de membrane élastique annulaire, dont l'orifice central est obturé par un picot porté par le piston. La membrane se raccorde à un manchon cylindrique enfilé dans une gorge annulaire dont est pourvue l'extrémité supérieure du piston. Le manchon avec le clapet est réalisé en une seule pièce en élastomère.Furthermore, by document DE-U-94 19268, we know a distributor comprising a variable volume compression chamber, in communication with a piston, the piston comprising a central passage of product closed by a one-way valve. The piston is inserted inside a supply chimney, in communication with a tank containing the product. The valve is made in the form of an elastic membrane annular, the central orifice of which is closed by a pin carried by the piston. The membrane connects to a cylindrical sleeve threaded into a groove annular which is provided with the upper end of the piston. The sleeve with the valve is made in a single piece of elastomer.

Une telle réalisation présente plusieurs inconvénients, soit du point de vue fabrication, soit du point de vue fonctionnement : en effet, lors du montage du piston, il faut assurer une première étanchéité entre le piston et le manchon, tout en assurant le positionnement axial correct de la membrane par rapport au picot. A défaut de positionnement précis de la membrane, la pompe présente des fuites, ou tout au moins un débit non constant.Such an embodiment has several drawbacks, either from the point of view manufacturing, either from an operational point of view: in fact, when mounting the piston, it is necessary to ensure a first seal between the piston and the sleeve, while ensuring the correct axial positioning of the membrane relative to with picot. In the absence of precise positioning of the membrane, the pump has leaks, or at least a non-constant flow.

En outre, une seconde étanchéité est à assurer entre la cheminée d'alimentation et le piston. De plus, de par le montage du piston à l'intérieur de la cheminée d'alimentation, on limite la section de passage du produit, ce qui conduit à une perte de charges, entraínant un fonctionnement dur de la pompe. Si cette section de passage est augmentée, on obtient une pompe volumineuse ne pouvant pas être associée à une tête de distribution destinée à coiffer des réservoirs de faible contenance. Au total, deux étapes sont nécessaires pour le montage du piston dans la pompe. A défaut de montage étanche des différentes pièces ci-dessus, la fiabilité de fonctionnement de la pompe est compromise.In addition, a second seal must be provided between the chimney and the piston. In addition, by mounting the piston inside of the supply chimney, the passage section of the product is limited, this which leads to a pressure drop, causing a hard operation of the pump. If this passage section is increased, a pump is obtained bulky that cannot be combined with a distribution head intended styling of small capacity tanks. In total, two stages are necessary for mounting the piston in the pump. Failing assembly waterproof of the above parts, the operating reliability of the pump is compromised.

Aussi, la présente invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur, et assurer un fonctionnement doux et fiable lors de l'utilisation. Le distributeur selon l'invention présente, en outre une réponse rapide lors de l'actionnement du poussoir, contrairement aux distributeurs qui comportent un clapet à bille. L'invention vise, notamment, l'utilisation d'un piston à clapet, dont la fabrication et le montage sont simples à réaliser, à des frais avantageux, et présentant, en outre, une grande précision.Also, the present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the art and ensure smooth and reliable operation during use. The dispenser according to the invention also has a rapid response when actuation of the pusher, unlike distributors which have a ball valve. The invention relates, in particular, to the use of a valve piston, which are easy to manufacture and assemble, at a cost advantageous, and also exhibiting great precision.

La présente invention se rapporte à une tête de distribution d'un produit de consistance liquide à pâteuse contenu dans un réservoir, comprenant un bouton poussoir mobile axialement, ledit bouton poussoir ayant un corps dont les parois internes définissent une chambre de pompage à volume variable, présentant une entrée pour le produit, obturée par un clapet d'admission porté par un piston, le piston présentant au moins une lèvre d'étanchéité en contact de laquelle les parois internes se déplacent entre une position axiale haute et une position axiale basse, le passage de la position axiale basse à la position axiale haute provoquant l'aspiration de produit dans la chambre de pompage via le clapet d'admission, et le passage de la position haute à la position basse provoquant la sortie du produit aspiré au travers d'un clapet de distribution obturant un orifice de sortie de ladite chambre, des moyens de rappel élastiques étant prévus pour rappeler le bouton poussoir en position haute, le clapet d'admission ainsi que le piston étant montés sur une frette surmontant ledit réservoir, ladite frette comportant un siège pour le clapet d'admission de manière à empêcher tout retour de produit vers le réservoir, le piston comportant une partie centrale réalisée sous forme d'une membrane en un matériau élastiquement déformable, et dans laquelle est ménagée au moins une ouverture de manière à former ledit clapet d'admission, correspondant au préambule de la revendication 1. The present invention relates to a dispensing head of a product of liquid to pasty consistency contained in a reservoir, comprising a push button movable axially, said push button having a body whose internal walls define a variable volume pumping chamber, having an inlet for the product, closed by an intake valve carried by a piston, the piston having at least one sealing lip in contact with which the internal walls move between a high axial position and a low axial position, the passage from the low axial position to the high axial position causing the product to be sucked into the pumping chamber via the inlet valve, and the passage from the high position to the low position causing the product to be drawn out through a distribution valve closing an outlet orifice of said chamber, elastic return means being provided to return the push button ir in the high position, the intake valve and the piston being mounted on a hoop surmounting said reservoir, said hoop comprising a seat for the intake valve so as to prevent any return of product to the reservoir, the piston comprising a central part made in the form of a membrane of an elastically deformable material, and in which is formed at least one opening so as to form said intake valve, corresponding to the preamble of claim 1.

Cette tête de distribution se caractérise en ce que le piston est formé d'une partie annulaire réalisée en un matériau rigide ou semi-rigide, différent du matériau de la partie centrale, la partie centrale formant une seule pièce avec la partie annulaire.This dispensing head is characterized in that the piston is formed from a annular part made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, different from the material of the central part, the central part forming a single piece with the part annular.

La présente invention se rapporte également à un distributeur équipé de la tête décrite précédemment.The present invention also relates to a dispenser equipped with the head described above.

Selon un aspect intéressant de l'invention, ladite partie annulaire est conformée pour assurer le montage du piston sur un canal d'amenée portant ledit siège, cette partie annulaire étant positionnée à l'extérieur dudit canal d'amenée. De cette manière, le canal d'amenée ne présente pas de restriction, et on évite des pertes de charges lors de l'actionnement de la pompe.According to an interesting aspect of the invention, said annular part is shaped to ensure the mounting of the piston on a supply channel carrying said seat, this annular part being positioned outside said channel feed. In this way, the inlet channel does not present any restriction, and pressure losses are avoided during actuation of the pump.

Avantageusement, la membrane est montée sur le siège de manière à fermer l'ouverture de façon étanche, au moins lorsqu'il y a une surpression à l'intérieur de la chambre, ce qui convient notamment à la distribution de produits relativement visqueux.Advantageously, the membrane is mounted on the seat so as to close the opening in a leaktight manner , at least when there is an overpressure inside the chamber , which is particularly suitable for the distribution of relatively viscous products.

En particulier, la membrane est montée sur le siège de manière à fermer l'ouverture de façon étanche en l'absence de dépression à l'intérieur de la chambre, ce qui convient notamment à la distribution de produits relativement fluides.In particular, the membrane is mounted on the seat so as to close the opening in a sealed manner in the absence of vacuum inside the chamber , which is particularly suitable for dispensing relatively fluid products.

Afin d'augmenter la fiabilité de fonctionnement de cette tête de distribution, la partie annulaire du piston peut comporter, avantageusement, une portion formant butée, de manière à assurer le positionnement précis, selon l'axe longitudinal de la pompe, de la partie centrale du piston sur le siège.In order to increase the operating reliability of this dispensing head, the the annular part of the piston may advantageously include a portion forming a stop so as to ensure precise positioning along the axis longitudinal of the pump, from the central part of the piston to the seat.

Avantageusement, la membrane élastiquement déformable est fixée sur la partie terminale du piston lors de la fabrication de ce dernier. A cet effet, le clapet d'admission et la partie annulaire peuvent être réalisés par bi-injection ou surmoulage de deux matériaux compatibles. Pour l'injection de la membrane, on utilise, de préférence un matériau élastomérique, notamment thermoplastique, et plus particulièrement un matériau présentant une dureté Shore A comprise entre 15 et 90. Généralement, le matériau élastiquement déformable doit être capable de créer, avec le matériau rigide ou semi-rigide, une liaison solide lors de la fabrication du piston. Ainsi, en injectant dans un moule approprié, par exemple, d'abord le matériau rigide ou semi-rigide pour former le piston, et en sur-injectant ensuite le matériau élastomérique de la membrane, on crée cette liaison, par thermofusion, entre les deux matériaux. Il est possible, également, d'opérer dans le sens inverse. Dans certains cas, il est possible aussi de surmouler deux matériaux incompatibles entre eux, condition de prévoir des profiles d'ancrage.Advantageously, the elastically deformable membrane is fixed to the end part of the piston during the manufacture of the latter. To this end, the inlet valve and the annular part can be produced by bi-injection or overmolding of two compatible materials. For the injection of membrane, preferably an elastomeric material is used, in particular thermoplastic, and more particularly a material having a hardness Shore A between 15 and 90. Generally, the material resiliently deformable must be able to create, with the rigid or semi-rigid material, a solid bond during the manufacture of the piston. So, by injecting into a suitable mold, for example, first rigid or semi-rigid material for form the piston, and then over-injecting the elastomeric material of the membrane, we create this connection, by thermofusion, between the two materials. It is also possible to operate in the opposite direction. In some cases, it is also possible to overmold two incompatible materials together, condition to provide anchoring profiles.

Cependant, avantageusement, le matériau élastomérique est choisi, dans le groupe des élastomères thermoplastiques, comme le groupe des copolymères propylène/éthylène ; des polyéther blocamides ; des polyvinyles ; des terpolymères d'éthylène, de propylène et d'un diène (EPDM) ; des polymères de styrène-butadiène séquencés (SBS) ; des polymères de styrène-éthylène-butadiène séquencés (SEBS-SIS) ; des polyuréthanes thermoplastiques ; des mélanges de polypropylène avec l'un des élastomères suivants : polymères de styrène-éthylène-butadiène séquencés (SEBS-SIS) ; terpolymères d'éthylène, de propylène et d'un diène (EPDM) ; polymères de styrène-butadiène séquencés (SBS). Il est envisageable, également d'utiliser, comme matériau souple, les élastomères de silicone, les caoutchoucs de butyle ou de nitrile, les latex ou les élastomères fluorés.However, advantageously, the elastomeric material is chosen, in the group of thermoplastic elastomers, such as the group of propylene / ethylene copolymers; polyether blockamides; polyvinyls ; terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); of the styrene-butadiene block polymers (SBS); polymers of block styrene-ethylene-butadiene (SEBS-SIS); polyurethanes thermoplastics; mixtures of polypropylene with one of the elastomers following: block styrene-ethylene-butadiene polymers (SEBS-SIS); terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); polymers of block styrene-butadiene (SBS). It is also possible to use, as flexible material, silicone elastomers, rubbers butyl or nitrile, latex or fluorinated elastomers.

Il est possible, également de réaliser la membrane en caoutchouc naturel ou synthétique comme les élastomères vulcanisables, les caoutchoucs nitrile ou les polybutadiènes etc...; dans ce cas, la membrane peut être collée ou claquée sur le piston ou fixée par tout autre moyen approprié.It is also possible to make the membrane from natural rubber or synthetic like vulcanizable elastomers, nitrile rubbers or polybutadienes etc ...; in this case, the membrane can be glued or slammed on the piston or fixed by any other appropriate means.

Quant à la réalisation du piston lui-même, de manière avantageuse, le matériau rigide ou semi-rigide est choisi parmi les polypropylènes, polyéthylènes haute et basse densité, les chlorures de polyvinyle (PVC), les polyacétales, les éthylène vinyl acétates et leurs mélanges, etc.. Avantageusement, le piston présente une forme générale cylindrique, chaque extrémité du cylindre comportant une partie annulaire sous forme d'une lèvre d'étanchéité. Pour assurer un bon contact de ces lèvres d'étanchéité avec la paroi interne de la chambre de pompage, ces lèvres, vues en coupe, peuvent présenter une épaisseur dégressive en direction de leur extrémité libre, ce qui leur confère une plus grande souplesse.As for the realization of the piston itself, advantageously, the rigid or semi-rigid material is chosen from polypropylenes, high and low density polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyacetals, ethylene vinyl acetates and mixtures thereof, etc. Advantageously, the piston has a generally cylindrical shape, each end of the cylinder comprising an annular part in the form of a lip sealing. To ensure good contact of these sealing lips with the inner wall of the pumping chamber, these lips, seen in section, can have a decreasing thickness towards their free end, which gives them greater flexibility.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, la membrane est percée en son centre d'un orifice de section inférieure à la section du siège, ce siège étant centré au sommet d'un canal d'amenée formé par la frette et traversant le piston. Avantageusement, la membrane se présente sous une forme circulaire, semblable à une rondelle plate. Dans cette configuration, le piston creux est pourvu d'un picot central faisant fonction de siège, disposé de manière à venir au contact des bords de l'orifice de la membrane. Cette disposition constitue une valve unidirectionnelle permettant l'admission du produit dans la chambre de pompage. Lorsqu'une surpression règne dans cette chambre, la membrane, et notamment les bords de l'orifice, est (sont) en appui étanche sur le siège, tandis qu'une dépression dans ladite chambre provoque le décollage des bords de l'orifice de la membrane de son siège, permettant l'aspiration du produit. Pour conférer plus de souplesse à cette membrane, le bord de l'orifice peut être pourvu d'une ou plusieurs fentes radiales, ou sous forme de fractions circulaires.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the membrane is pierced in its center of an orifice of section smaller than the section of the seat, this seat being centered at the top of a feed channel formed by the hoop and crossing the piston. Advantageously, the membrane is in a form circular, similar to a flat washer. In this configuration, the piston hollow is provided with a central pin acting as a seat, arranged so as to come into contact with the edges of the orifice of the membrane. This provision constitutes a unidirectional valve allowing the admission of product in the pumping chamber. When an overpressure reigns in this chamber, the membrane, and in particular the edges of the orifice, is (are) in sealed support on the seat, while a depression in said chamber causes the edges of the orifice of the membrane of its seat to take off, allowing the aspiration of the product. To give more flexibility to this membrane, the edge of the orifice may be provided with one or more slots radial, or in the form of circular fractions.

De manière avantageuse, le picot présente une surface concave, formant ainsi un bord périphérique mince qui, en état de repos, s'appuie sur la membrane de manière à assurer une étanchéité parfaite.Advantageously, the pin has a concave surface, forming thus a thin peripheral edge which, in a state of rest, rests on the membrane so as to ensure a perfect seal.

Selon un second mode de réalisation, la membrane présente une pluralité d'orifices, sous forme de fentes concentriques. Dans ce cas, le siège est constitué d'une partie annulaire au sommet d'un canal d'amenée formé par la frette. Avantageusement, cette partie annulaire peut comporter une arête annulaire, destinée à s'appuyer sur la membrane, en position de repos. De préférence, les fentes sont disposées, de manière discontinue, suivant une ligne circulaire. Dans cette configuration, le piston creux est pourvu d'un bord d'extrémité élargi, formant un siège, disposé de manière à venir au contact de la membrane au niveau des fentes. Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, cette disposition constitue le clapet d'admission du produit dans la chambre de pompage. Lorsqu'une surpression règne dans cette chambre, la membrane, et notamment les bords des fentes, est (sont) en appui étanche sur le siège, tandis qu'une dépression provoque le décollage de la membrane de son siège permettant l'aspiration du produit.According to a second embodiment, the membrane has a plurality orifices, in the form of concentric slots. In this case, the seat is consisting of an annular part at the top of a supply channel formed by the fret. Advantageously, this annular part may include an edge annular, intended to rest on the membrane, in the rest position. Of preferably, the slots are arranged discontinuously, according to a circular line. In this configuration, the hollow piston is provided with an edge enlarged end, forming a seat, arranged so as to come into contact with the membrane at the level of the slots. As in the first mode of realization, this arrangement constitutes the product intake valve in the pumping chamber. When there is overpressure in this room, the membrane, and in particular the edges of the slots, is (are) in leaktight support on the seat, while a depression causes the membrane to take off of its seat allowing the aspiration of the product.

Pour augmenter encore la flexibilité de la membrane, son épaisseur peut être variable. Ainsi, la zone de la membrane, ou les régions avoisinantes, qui sont en contact du siège, peuvent présenter une épaisseur plus faible que le reste de la membrane.To further increase the flexibility of the membrane, its thickness can be variable. So the membrane area, or the surrounding regions, which are in contact with the seat, may have a smaller thickness than the rest of the membrane.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré du distributeur de l'invention, la frette comprenant le canal d'amenée est centré sur l'axe longitudinal dont est pourvu le distributeur, et débouche droit sur le clapet d'admission de la tête de distribution, ce canal d'amenée étant entouré par une portion annulaire formant une cavité tout autour du canal d'amenée, ladite cavité étant délimitée, à l'opposé du canal d'amenée, par une jupe annulaire extérieure portant des moyens d'accrochage sur le distributeur, par exemple une gorge ou une nervure annulaires.According to a preferred embodiment of the dispenser of the invention, the hoop comprising the inlet channel is centered on the longitudinal axis which is provided with the distributor, and opens straight onto the intake valve of the head distribution, this supply channel being surrounded by an annular portion forming a cavity all around the inlet channel, said cavity being bounded, opposite the inlet channel, by an outer annular skirt carrying hooking means on the dispenser, for example a groove or an annular rib.

De façon avantageuse, la cavité présente une paroi transversale, entre le canal d'amenée et la jupe annulaire extérieure, les moyens de rappel élastiques étant positionnés entre un épaulement formé par le bouton poussoir et cette paroi transversale. Les moyens de rappel sont constitués, par exemple, par un ressort hélicoïdal en métal, disposé autour de la chambre de pompage et le piston dans ladite cavité. Dans une variante de réalisation, le ressort peut être obtenu directement par moulage de matière plastique rigide ou semi-rigide, en même temps que la partie inférieure du bouton poussoir avec laquelle il fait corps.Advantageously, the cavity has a transverse wall, between the inlet channel and the outer annular skirt, the return means elastics being positioned between a shoulder formed by the button pusher and this transverse wall. The recall means are made up, for example, by a metal coil spring, arranged around the pumping chamber and the piston in said cavity. In a variant of embodiment, the spring can be obtained directly by molding of material rigid or semi-rigid plastic, together with the bottom of the push button with which it is integral.

Selon une première possibilité de réalisation, le réservoir est constitué d'une poche souple et flexible, ayant une extrémité ouverte solidaire de la frette et en communication avec ledit canal d'amenée ménagé dans le piston. Dans ce cas, l'extrémité ouverte de la poche est fermée par la frette qui comporte les moyens d'accrochage coopérant avec un bord d'extrémité d'une enceinte externe rigide ou semi-rigide entourant ladite poche.According to a first possible embodiment, the reservoir consists of a soft and flexible pocket, having an open end secured to the hoop and in communication with said supply channel formed in the piston. In in this case, the open end of the pocket is closed by the hoop which has the attachment means cooperating with an end edge of an enclosure rigid or semi-rigid outer surrounding said pocket.

Selon une seconde possibilité de réalisation, le réservoir est constitué d'une enceinte rigide ou semi-rigide, en communication avec le canal d'amenée, les moyens d'accrochage coopérant avec un bord d'extrémité de ladite enceinte externe rigide ou semi-rigide, un piston suiveur étant disposé dans le fond du réservoir. Ce piston suiveur est apte à avancer automatiquement au fur et à la mesure du prélèvement du produit suivant l'axe longitudinale du distributeur en réponse à la dépression régnant dans la chambre de pompage.According to a second possible embodiment, the reservoir consists of a rigid or semi-rigid enclosure, in communication with the inlet channel, the attachment means cooperating with an end edge of said enclosure rigid or semi-rigid external, a follower piston being disposed in the bottom of the tank. This follower piston is able to advance automatically as and when measurement of product withdrawal along the longitudinal axis of the distributor in response to the vacuum prevailing in the pumping.

Selon une autre aspect intéressant de l'invention, le bouton poussoir comportant le clapet de distribution, est pourvu d'un canal de distribution dont une première extrémité débouche dans la chambre de pompage, la seconde extrémité étant fermée par ledit clapet de distribution. A cet effet, ce clapet de distribution est réalisé en matériau élastomérique et en appui élastique étanche contre un siège formé autour de ladite seconde extrémité du canal de distribution, apte à s'ouvrir lorsqu'une poussée de produit est exercée, et s'appliquer contre le siège lorsqu'une dépression se produit à l'intérieur de la chambre à volume variable et du canal de distribution.According to another interesting aspect of the invention, the push button comprising the distribution valve, is provided with a distribution channel whose a first end opens into the pumping chamber, the second end being closed by said distribution valve. For this purpose, this valve distribution is made of elastomeric material and elastic support watertight against a seat formed around said second end of the channel dispensing, capable of opening when a product push is exerted, and apply against the seat when a vacuum occurs inside the variable volume chamber and distribution channel.

Pour mieux faire comprendre la présente invention, on va en décrire maintenant, à titre d'exemples purement illustratifs et nullement limitatifs, deux modes de réalisation de distributeurs conforme à l'invention, représentés sur les dessins annexés.To better understand the present invention, we will describe now, by way of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples, two embodiments of dispensers according to the invention, shown in the accompanying drawings.

La figure 1 représente une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un distributeur selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.Figure 1 shows a schematic view in axial section of a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention.

La figure 2 représente une vue axiale sur le piston conforme au distributeur de la figure 1.Figure 2 shows an axial view of the piston according to the distributor of figure 1.

La figure 3 représente une vue en perspective du piston conforme au distributeur de la figure 1.Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the piston according to dispenser of figure 1.

La figure 4 représente une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un distributeur selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.FIG. 4 represents a schematic view in axial section of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention.

La figure 5 représente une vue en perspective du piston conforme au distributeur de la figure 4.FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of the piston according to dispenser of figure 4.

La figure 6 représente une vue en perspective d'une variante de réalisation du piston de la figure 3.Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piston of figure 3.

On voit sur la figure 1 un distributeur désigné dans son ensemble par la référence 1 comportant un réservoir souple 2, muni d'une frette 4 dont la périphérie 6 se clique , par un système gorge 6a/bourrelet 6b sur la partie supérieure d'une enceinte externe rigide 8 qui entoure le réservoir souple 2. La frette 4 forme une cuvette 5 présentant une paroi latérale cylindrique externe 5a et un fond transversal 5b.We see in Figure 1 a distributor designated as a whole by the reference 1 comprising a flexible tank 2, provided with a hoop 4, the periphery 6 clicks, by a groove 6a / bead 6b system on the part upper side of a rigid external enclosure 8 which surrounds the flexible tank 2. The hoop 4 forms a cup 5 having a cylindrical side wall external 5a and a transverse bottom 5b.

Le réservoir souple est formé par une gaine cylindrique, réalisée par exemple en une feuille multicouche flexible en polyéthylène/aluminium/polyéthylène. La partie haute 2a du réservoir souple 2 est soudée ou collée sur la paroi latérale 5a de la cuvette 5. Après avoir rempli le réservoir par son extrémité inférieure en produit P à distribuer, cette extrémité est fermée par soudage, la ligne de soudage formant un fond 3.The flexible tank is formed by a cylindrical sheath, made for example into a flexible multi-layer polyethylene / aluminum / polyethylene sheet. The upper part 2a of the flexible tank 2 is welded or glued to the wall side 5a of the bowl 5. After filling the tank by its end lower in product P to be dispensed, this end is closed by welding, the welding line forming a bottom 3.

Le réservoir 2 ainsi constitué, forme une poche souple, présentant l'avantage de pouvoir se déformer au fur et à mesure de la distribution du produit P. L'enceinte rigide 8 entourant le réservoir souple 2 est pourvue d'un orifice d'évent 8a destiné à équilibrer la pression interne régnant dans le volume défini entre la poche 2 et l'enceinte 8.The reservoir 2 thus formed, forms a flexible pocket, having the advantage to be able to deform as the product P is distributed. The rigid enclosure 8 surrounding the flexible tank 2 is provided with an orifice vent 8a intended to balance the internal pressure prevailing in the volume defined between pocket 2 and enclosure 8.

Le centre de la cuvette 5 est ouvert et prolongé, vers le haut, par une cheminée centrale 10 constituant la base d'un piston 12. La cheminée centrale 10 définit un canal d'aspiration 11 de produit dont une première extrémité est en communication avec le réservoir, la seconde extrémité portant le piston 12. Le piston 12 est creux et est pourvu d'un orifice central 14 pratiqué dans une membrane élastique 16 qui a été déposé, par bi-injection d'un matériau thermoplastique élastomérique approprié, par exemple du Santoprène® (EPDM, vendu par la société MONSANTO) sur l'extrémité supérieure du piston 12. Le piston 12 présente une forme générale cylindrique, chaque extrémité du cylindre étant pourvu d'une lèvre d'étanchéité circulaire 12a et 12b (voir figure 3) de faible épaisseur, de forme effilée à son bord libre. Avantageusement, le piston est réalisé en un matériau semi-rigide, comme le polyéthylène basse densité, apte à conférer aux lèvres d'étanchéité 12a et 12b une certaine souplesse. Un picot central 18 est prévu pour obturer l'orifice 14 à l'état de repos. Le picot 18 est maintenu en place par des pattes radiales 20 solidaires de l'extrémité supérieure 10a de la cheminée centrale 10. L'extrémité supérieure 10a est en appui contre une butée annulaire 12c pratiquée à l'intérieur du piston 12, permettant un positionnement précis de la membrane 16 par rapport au picot 18.The center of the bowl 5 is open and extended upwards by a central chimney 10 constituting the base of a piston 12. The chimney central 10 defines a product suction channel 11 of which a first end is in communication with the tank, the second end carrying the piston 12. The piston 12 is hollow and is provided with a central orifice 14 formed in an elastic membrane 16 which has been deposited, by bi-injection a suitable elastomeric thermoplastic material, for example example of Santoprene® (EPDM, sold by the company MONSANTO) on the upper end of the piston 12. The piston 12 has a general shape cylindrical, each end of the cylinder being provided with a lip circular sealing 12a and 12b (see Figure 3) of small thickness, shaped tapered at its free edge. Advantageously, the piston is made in one semi-rigid material, such as low density polyethylene, capable of imparting to the sealing lips 12a and 12b a certain flexibility. A central pin 18 is provided to close the orifice 14 in the rest state. Picot 18 is held in place by radial lugs 20 integral with the end upper 10a of the central chimney 10. The upper end 10a is in support against an annular stop 12c made inside the piston 12, allowing precise positioning of the membrane 16 relative to the pin 18.

La membrane 16 et le picot forment une valve destinée à l'admission du produit P dans une chambre de pompage 22 à volume variable. Cette chambre 22 est définie par le volume interne d'un tube cylindrique 24 qui fait partie d'un bouton poussoir 26. Le tube 24 présente un diamètre interne suffisant pour permettre un coulissement étanche du piston 12 et s'étend jusqu'à mi-hauteur de la paroi latérale 5a dans la cuvette 5.The membrane 16 and the pin form a valve intended for the admission of the product P in a variable volume pumping chamber 22. This chamber 22 is defined by the internal volume of a cylindrical tube 24 which makes part of a push button 26. The tube 24 has an internal diameter sufficient to allow sealed sliding of the piston 12 and extends halfway up the side wall 5a in the bowl 5.

Le tube 24 comporte un plateau circulaire 28 s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur, dont la périphérie est repliée d'équerre et forme ainsi une jupe cylindrique 30 apte à coulisser axialement dans la cuvette 5. Entre le fond de la cuvette 5 et le plateau 28 est disposé un ressort métallique hélicoïdal 32, élastiquement compressible, un système à double butée étant prévu sur la jupe 30 et sur la partie haute de la paroi latérale 5a destiné à maintenir le bouton poussoir 26 en place dans la cuvette 5, ce bouton poussoir étant alors axialement mobile à l'encontre de la force de rappel du ressort 32.The tube 24 comprises a circular plate 28 extending radially towards the outside, the periphery of which is folded square and thus forms a skirt cylindrical 30 able to slide axially in the bowl 5. Between the bottom of the bowl 5 and the plate 28 is arranged a helical metal spring 32, elastically compressible, a double stop system being provided on the skirt 30 and on the upper part of the side wall 5a intended to maintain the push button 26 in place in the bowl 5, this push button then being axially movable against the return force of the spring 32.

Le tube 24 est fermé à son extrémité supérieure par une face transversale 34 oblique qui présente une forme concave et sur laquelle l'utilisateur place son doigt en vue de la distribution du produit P. L'extrémité supérieure du bouton poussoir 26 comporte, en outre, un orifice de distribution 36 communiquant avec la chambre 22 par un canal de distribution 38. L'orifice de distribution 36 est fermé par un clapet élastique 40 de distribution apte à empêcher l'air de rentrer dans la chambre de pompage 22, mais apte à s'ouvrir sous la poussée du produit P provenant de la chambre de pompage.The tube 24 is closed at its upper end by a transverse face 34 oblique which has a concave shape and on which the user places his finger for dispensing product P. The upper end of the button pusher 26 further comprises a dispensing orifice 36 communicating with the chamber 22 by a distribution channel 38. The distribution orifice 36 is closed by an elastic distribution valve 40 capable of preventing air from enter the pumping chamber 22, but capable of opening under the push of product P coming from the pumping chamber.

Le bouton poussoir 26 muni du clapet de distribution 40, et la frette 4 munie du piston 12 constituent une tête de distribution 7.The push button 26 provided with the distribution valve 40, and the hoop 4 provided of the piston 12 constitute a dispensing head 7.

Pour distribuer une dose de produit P, il suffit d'appuyer axialement sur la face 34 du poussoir 26 dans le sens de la flèche F (voir figure 1) pour faire descendre le tube 24 dans la cuvette 5 et réduire ainsi le volume de la chambre de pompage 22, en comprimant le ressort 32. Lors de cette réduction de volume, un volume d'air déterminé est poussé hors de la chambre 22, au travers l'orifice de distribution 36 en repoussant le clapet élastique 40.To dispense a dose of product P, simply press axially on the face 34 of pusher 26 in the direction of arrow F (see FIG. 1) to make lower the tube 24 into the bowl 5 and thus reduce the volume of the pumping chamber 22, compressing the spring 32. During this volume reduction, a determined volume of air is pushed out of the chamber 22, through the dispensing orifice 36 by pushing back the valve elastic 40.

En relâchant l'effort sur le poussoir, la force de rappel du ressort ramène ce dernier dans la position initiale, ce qui provoque la création d'une dépression dans la chambre 22. Cette dépression est suffisante pour décoller la membrane 16 du picot central 18 et pour aspirer une dose de produit P se trouvant dans la poche 2.By releasing the force on the pusher, the return force of the spring brings this last in the initial position, which creates a depression in room 22. This depression is sufficient to take off the membrane 16 of the central pin 18 and to aspirate a dose of product P found in pocket 2.

Lorsque la chambre 22 est initialement vide, il suffit de quelques pressions successives sur le poussoir 26 pour remplir de produit P la chambre 22 et le canal de distribution 38. Le produit aspiré est ensuite expulsé vers l'extérieur en repoussant le clapet de distribution 40. Lors de l'expulsion du produit, la surpression régnant à l'intérieur de la chambre 22 maintient fermée la valve d'admission 16, 18, en plaquant la membrane 16 sur le picot 18.When the chamber 22 is initially empty, it only takes a few presses successive on the pusher 26 to fill with product P the chamber 22 and the distribution channel 38. The aspirated product is then expelled to the outside by pushing back the distribution valve 40. When expelling the product, the overpressure prevailing inside the chamber 22 keeps the valve closed 16, 18, by pressing the membrane 16 on the pin 18.

Les figures 4 et 5 représentent un second mode de réalisation de l'invention. Le distributeur 101 selon la figure 4 se distingue de celui représenté à la figure 1 par l'absence de la poche, et il comporte une valve d'admission de construction différente. Sur la figure 4, les parties identiques à celles de la figure 1 portent les mêmes numéros de référence, leur description ne sera reprise que succinctement ; les pièces différentes, mais jouant un rôle semblable à celles de la figure 1 portent des numéros de référence majorés de 100.Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the invention. The distributor 101 according to FIG. 4 differs from that shown in the Figure 1 by the absence of the pocket, and it includes an intake valve different construction. In FIG. 4, the parts identical to those of the Figure 1 have the same reference numbers, their description will not recovery only succinctly; different pieces but playing a role similar to those in figure 1 are marked with reference numbers of 100.

Comme visible sur la figure 4, un réservoir de produit est délimité par une enceinte externe rigide 8 de section cylindrique au fond de laquelle est disposé un piston suiveur 102a. Lors de la distribution du produit P, ce piston 102a est apte à se déplacer axialement selon l'axe X en direction du bouton poussoir 26 sous l'action d'une dépression créée par la chambre à volume variable 22. L'enceinte cylindrique 8 comporte un fond rapporté 108b pourvu d'un orifice d'évent 108a. As seen in Figure 4, a product tank is delimited by a rigid external enclosure 8 of cylindrical section at the bottom of which is disposed a follower piston 102a. When dispensing product P, this piston 102a is able to move axially along the X axis in the direction of the button pusher 26 under the action of a depression created by the volume chamber variable 22. The cylindrical enclosure 8 has an attached bottom 108b provided a vent port 108a.

De manière analogue au mode de réalisation de la figure 1, le distributeur 101 de la figure 4 comporte une tête de distribution 107 constituée d'une frette 4 coiffant l'enceinte rigide 8, cette frette étant conformée en cuvette 5.Analogously to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the dispenser 101 of FIG. 4 comprises a dispensing head 107 consisting of a hoop 4 covering the rigid enclosure 8, this hoop being shaped like a bowl 5.

Le centre de la cuvette 5 est traversé par un canal d'aspiration 11 de produit et prolongée, vers le haut, par une cheminée centrale 10 dont le sommet porte un piston 112. Le piston 112 est pourvu de trois fentes 114a-114c discontinues, disposées sur une ligne circulaire, pratiquées dans une membrane élastiquement déformable 116 qui a été déposée, par collage, claquage ou par bi-injection d'un matériau élastomérique approprié sur l'extrémité supérieure du piston 112. Le piston 112 présente une forme générale cylindrique, chaque extrémité du cylindre étant pourvu d'une lèvre d'étanchéité circulaire 112a et 112b (voir figure 5). A part la membrane 116, le piston 112 est réalisé en un matériau rigide ou semi-rigide comme le polyéthylène basse densité, en assurant toutefois, par une épaisseur relativement faible des lèvres 112a et 112b, un coulissement étanche et doux dans la partie cylindrique 24 du bouton poussoir 26. Avantageusement, d'autres parties du distributeur 101, comme le bouton poussoir 26, la frette 4 et l'enceinte rigide 8 sont réalisés en un matériau thermoplastique rigide tel que le polypropylène.The center of the bowl 5 is crossed by a product suction channel 11 and extended upwards by a central chimney 10, the top of which carries a piston 112. The piston 112 is provided with three slots 114a-114c discontinuous, arranged on a circular line, formed in a elastically deformable membrane 116 which has been deposited, by gluing, breakdown or by bi-injection of an appropriate elastomeric material on the upper end of the piston 112. The piston 112 has a shape general cylindrical, each end of the cylinder being provided with a lip circular sealing 112a and 112b (see Figure 5). Apart from the membrane 116, the piston 112 is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as low density polyethylene, ensuring, however, by a thickness relatively weak lips 112a and 112b, tight and smooth sliding in the cylindrical part 24 of the push button 26. Advantageously, other parts of the distributor 101, such as the push button 26, the hoop 4 and the rigid enclosure 8 are made of a rigid thermoplastic material such than polypropylene.

La cheminée centrale 10 présente une extrémité supérieure pourvue d'un bord annulaire 118 formant siège, dont le diamètre est choisi de sorte que le bord 118 obture entièrement les fentes 114a-114c, en position non déformée de la membrane.The central chimney 10 has an upper end provided with a annular edge 118 forming a seat, the diameter of which is chosen so that the edge 118 completely blocks the slots 114a-114c, in the undeformed position of the membrane.

La membrane 116 et le bord annulaire 118 forment une valve destinée à l'admission du produit P dans la chambre à volume variable 22. Lorsqu'une surpression est présente dans la chambre à volume variable 22, le produit contenu dans la chambre 22 ne peut pas descendre dans le réservoir 102, car les bords des fentes 114a-114c de la membrane sont appliqués, de manière étanche, contre le siège 118. Lorsque, après la distribution d'une dose de produit, une dépression se crée dans la chambre 22, les bords des fentes 114a-114c sont décollés du siège 118, et du produit P est aspiré.The membrane 116 and the annular edge 118 form a valve intended to the admission of product P into the variable volume chamber 22. When a overpressure is present in the variable volume chamber 22, the product contained in the chamber 22 cannot descend into the reservoir 102, because the edges of the slots 114a-114c of the membrane are applied, tightly against seat 118. When, after dispensing a dose of product, a vacuum is created in chamber 22, the edges of the slots 114a-114c are detached from seat 118, and product P is sucked up.

La figure 6 montre une variante de réalisation du piston de la figure 3. Le piston 212 de la figure 6 comporte deux lèvres d'étanchéité annulaires 212a, 212b qui sont disposées sur chaque extrémité du piston. L'épaisseur de ces lèvres est dégressive de sorte que la zone extrême destinée à venir au contact avec la paroi interne de la chambre, ne présente qu'une épaisseur de quelques centièmes de millimètre. Sur la partie supérieure du piston est disposée, par bi-injection ou par sur-moulage, une membrane 216 en élastomère pourvue d'une ouverture centrale 214. Dans la membrane sont pratiquées plusieurs fentes radiales 214a s'étendant depuis l'ouverture 214 jusqu'à la proximité de la périphérie de la membrane. Par rapport à la réalisation de la figure 3, le piston de la figure 6 est conçu pour un débit plus important de produit et un fonctionnement plus souple. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the piston of Figure 3. The piston 212 of FIG. 6 has two annular sealing lips 212a, 212b which are arranged on each end of the piston. The thickness of these lips is degressive so that the extreme area intended to come to the contact with the internal wall of the chamber, has only a thickness of a few hundredths of a millimeter. On the upper part of the piston is disposed, by bi-injection or by over-molding, a membrane 216 in elastomer provided with a central opening 214. In the membrane are made several radial slots 214a extending from the opening 214 up to the proximity of the periphery of the membrane. Compared to the embodiment of Figure 3, the piston of Figure 6 is designed for a more important product and more flexible operation.

Par ailleurs, le système de pompage ne doit occuper qu'un volume faible, pour permettre son intégration dans un distributeur. Ainsi, selon l'invention, on utilise avantageusement une pompe comportant un piston dont le diamètre est compris entre 4 mm et 15 mm, et de préférence entre 5 mm et 10 mm environ. Ceci permet la réalisation d'un distributeur de forme particulièrement compacte, de faible hauteur. Dans cette optique, il est possible, notamment, de réaliser la tête de distribution de dimension particulièrement réduite. Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, il est possible de réaliser des distributeurs à un prix de revient particulièrement avantageux.Furthermore, the pumping system must occupy only a small volume, to allow its integration into a distributor. Thus, according to the invention, a pump is advantageously used comprising a piston whose diameter is between 4 mm and 15 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm approximately. This allows the realization of a shape distributor particularly compact, low height. With this in mind, it is possible, in particular, to realize the dimension distribution head particularly reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, it is possible to make distributors at a particularly advantageous cost price.

Claims (21)

  1. Dispensing head (7, 107) for dispensing a product (P) of liquid to pasty consistency contained in a reservoir (2, 102), comprising a pushbutton (26) which can be moved axially, the said pushbutton having a body, the internal walls of which define a variable volume pumping chamber (22), having an inlet for the product, closed off by an intake valve (16, 116, 216) borne by a piston (12, 112, 212), the piston having at least one sealing lip (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b; 212a, 212b) in contact with which the internal walls move between a high axial position and a low axial position, passage from the low axial position to the high axial position causing suction of product (P) in the pumping chamber (22) via the intake valve, and passage from the high position to the low position causing the outputting of the product sucked through a dispensing valve (40) closing off an outlet orifice (36) of the said chamber (22), elastic return means (32) being provided to return the pushbutton (26) to the high position, the intake valve (16, 116, 216) and the piston (12, 112, 212) being mounted on a band (4) surmounting the said reservoir (2, 102), the said band comprising a seat (18, 118) for the intake valve (16, 116, 216) so as to prevent any return of product (P) to the reservoir (2, 102), the piston comprising a central part (16, 116, 216) made in the form of a membrane made of an elastically deformable material and in which at least one opening (14, 114, 214) is made so as to form the said intake valve, characterized in that the piston (12, 112, 212) is formed from an annular part made from a rigid or semi-rigid material different from the material of the central part (16, 116, 216), the central part (16, 116, 216) forming a single piece with the annular part.
  2. Dispensing head according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said annular part (12, 112, 212) provides the mounting for the piston on a supply channel (11) bearing the said seat (18, 118), the said annular part being positioned outside the said supply channel.
  3. Dispensing head according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the membrane (16, 116, 216) is mounted on the seat (18, 118) so as to close the opening (14, 114, 214) in a sealed manner, at least when there is an overpressure inside the chamber.
  4. Dispensing head according to Claim 3, characterized in that the membrane (16, 116, 216) is mounted on the seat (18, 118) so as to close the opening (14, 114, 214) in a sealed manner in the absence of a vacuum inside the chamber.
  5. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular part (12, 112, 212) of the piston comprises a portion (12c) forming a stop, so as to ensure the accurate positioning of the central part of the piston on the seat.
  6. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intake valve (16, 116, 216) and the annular part (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b; 212a, 212b) are produced by twin-shot injection moulding or overmoulding of two compatible or incompatible materials.
  7. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular part (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b; 212a, 212b) has a graduated thickness in the direction of its free end.
  8. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intake valve (16, 116, 216) consists of a membrane, the said membrane having a variable thickness.
  9. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastically deformable material is an elastomeric material.
  10. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said elastically deformable material is chosen from the elastomers comprising: propylene/ethylene copolymers; polyether block amides; polyvinyls; ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers (EPDM); styrene-butadiene block polymers (SBS); styrene-ethylene-butadiene block polymers (SEBS-SIS); thermoplastic polyurethanes; blends of polypropylene with one of the following elastomers: styrene-ethylene-butadiene block polymers (SEBS-SIS); ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers (EPDM); styrene-butadiene block polymers (SBS); elastomers of silicone, butyl or nitrile rubbers, latexes or fluorinated elastomers.
  11. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastically deformable material has a Shore A hardness between 15 and 90.
  12. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rigid or semi-rigid material is chosen from high- and low-density polyethylenes polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyacetals and ethylene vinyl acetates.
  13. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the membrane (16, 216) is pierced at its centre with an orifice (14, 214) with a cross section less than the cross section of the said seat (18, 118), the said seat being centred at the apex of a supply channel (11) formed by the said band (4).
  14. Dispensing head according to Claim 13, characterized in that a region of the membrane (216) surrounding the orifice (214) comprises a plurality of radial slots (214a).
  15. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the membrane (116) has a plurality of concentric slots (114a-114c), the said seat consisting of an annular part at the apex of a supply channel (11) formed by the said band (4).
  16. Dispenser (1, 101) for product (P) of liquid to pasty consistency equipped with a dispensing head (7, 107) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  17. Dispenser according to Claim 16, characterized in that the band (4) comprises a supply channel (11), centred on the longitudinal axis (X) of the dispenser, and opening out onto the intake valve (16, 116, 216) of the dispensing head (7, 107), the said supply channel being surrounded by an annular portion forming a cavity (5) all around the supply channel (11), the said cavity being delimited, away from the supply channel, by an outer annular skirt (6) bearing catching means (6a) on the dispenser.
  18. Dispenser according to Claim 17, characterized in that the said cavity (5) has a transverse wall (5b) between the supply channel (11) and the outer annular skirt (6), the said elastic return means (32) being positioned between a shoulder (28) formed by the pushbutton (26) and the said transverse wall.
  19. Dispenser (1) according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the reservoir (2) consists of a flexible pouch having an open end (2a) secured to the band (4) and in communication with the said supply channel (11), the catching means (6a) cooperating with one end edge (6b) of a rigid or semi-rigid outer vessel (8) containing the said pouch.
  20. Dispenser (101) according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the reservoir (102) consists of a rigid or semi-rigid vessel (8) in communication with the supply channel (11), the catching means cooperating with an end edge of the said rigid or semi-rigid outer vessel, a follower piston (102a) being placed in the bottom of the reservoir.
  21. Dispenser according to any one of Claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the product (P) is a cream, a gel or a liquid foundation.
EP98401483A 1997-07-02 1998-06-17 Dispenser for liquid or pasty material comprising pumping means Expired - Lifetime EP0888823B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9708468A FR2765560B1 (en) 1997-07-02 1997-07-02 DISPENSER FOR A LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT COMPRISING IMPROVED PUMPING MEANS
FR9708468 1997-07-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0888823A1 EP0888823A1 (en) 1999-01-07
EP0888823B1 true EP0888823B1 (en) 2002-11-06

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98401483A Expired - Lifetime EP0888823B1 (en) 1997-07-02 1998-06-17 Dispenser for liquid or pasty material comprising pumping means

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US6070763A (en)
EP (1) EP0888823B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3392755B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1081589C (en)
AR (1) AR015922A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2241341C (en)
DE (1) DE69809135T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2186982T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2765560B1 (en)

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FR2765560B1 (en) 1999-08-13
JP3392755B2 (en) 2003-03-31
FR2765560A1 (en) 1999-01-08
CN1208711A (en) 1999-02-24
JPH1176883A (en) 1999-03-23
DE69809135D1 (en) 2002-12-12
CN1081589C (en) 2002-03-27
US6070763A (en) 2000-06-06
EP0888823A1 (en) 1999-01-07
DE69809135T2 (en) 2003-03-20
AR015922A1 (en) 2001-05-30
CA2241341C (en) 2003-11-04
CA2241341A1 (en) 1999-01-02
ES2186982T3 (en) 2003-05-16

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