EP1070670B1 - Diaphragm pump and container incorporating the same - Google Patents

Diaphragm pump and container incorporating the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1070670B1
EP1070670B1 EP00401998A EP00401998A EP1070670B1 EP 1070670 B1 EP1070670 B1 EP 1070670B1 EP 00401998 A EP00401998 A EP 00401998A EP 00401998 A EP00401998 A EP 00401998A EP 1070670 B1 EP1070670 B1 EP 1070670B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pump
fact
diaphragm
pump according
central duct
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
EP00401998A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1070670A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Bonningue
Alain Behar
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
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LOreal SA filed Critical LOreal SA
Publication of EP1070670A1 publication Critical patent/EP1070670A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1070670B1 publication Critical patent/EP1070670B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B05B11/01—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
    • B05B11/1061—Pump priming means
    • 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
    • B05B11/1064—Pump inlet and outlet valve elements integrally formed of a deformable material
    • 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
    • B05B11/1073—Springs
    • B05B11/1076—Traction springs, e.g. stretchable sleeve
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pump and a container containing a liquid, for example a cosmetic cream, equipped with such a pump, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • French patent FR-B-2,728,809 discloses a pump comprising a push button mounted for displacement on a support subject to the container containing the product to be dispensed, the push button comprising a central cylindrical duct of revolution, provided with radial openings at its lower end, the support defining around this duct an annular pumping chamber, of variable volume.
  • a membrane made of an elastomer is mounted on the support. This membrane has a symmetrical central part of revolution, in the form of a sleeve open at its upper end and closed at its lower end.
  • the central conduit of the push button is inserted into the membrane until it presses against the bottom of the sleeve.
  • the membrane constitutes an elastic return member making it possible to return the push button to its initial position after dispensing a dose of product.
  • the membrane is pressed onto the central duct and isolates the pumping chamber from the radial openings in the central duct in order to avoid re-entry of air into the pumping chamber.
  • Such a pump has the advantage of having only a small number of parts and therefore of being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
  • the present invention aims to improve the reliability of the operation of a pump of the type defined above, namely comprising a movable member mounted to move relative to a support, the movable member comprising a central duct into which the product to be dispensed penetrates. thanks to at least one opening, the support defining with the movable member, around said central duct, a pumping chamber of variable volume, this pump further comprising a membrane having a central portion in which said central duct is inserted , the membrane being arranged so as to isolate the pumping chamber from the or said openings of the central duct when the volume of the pumping chamber increases and that product is drawn into the latter.
  • At least one of the central duct and of the central part of the membrane has an annular boss capable of being applied sealingly, when the volume of the pumping chamber increases, on the other of the central duct and of the central part of the membrane, to isolate the pumping chamber from the opening (s) of the central duct.
  • the above-mentioned boss ensures the closure of the annular passage formed around the central duct between the pumping chamber and the opening or openings of the central duct during the suction phase.
  • the surface of the membrane which is applied to the central duct to ensure this closure is of small extent due to the presence of the boss, so that a low air pressure in the pumping chamber can be enough to break the sealing between the membrane and the central duct.
  • the invention makes it possible to reduce to a certain extent the influence of the modulus of elasticity of the material constituting the membrane on the operation of the pump, therefore to use a harder elastomer in order to reduce the prestressing of the membrane while retaining the 'desired spring effect.
  • the boss is produced on the inner surface of the central part of the membrane.
  • the boss thus produced on the central part of the membrane is applied in a sealed manner, at least when the volume of the pumping chamber increases, on the central duct to isolate the pumping chamber from the opening (s) of the central duct.
  • the boss also applies at rest in a sealed manner on the central duct.
  • the boss is produced on the external surface of the central duct.
  • one or more reliefs or recessed reliefs are advantageously produced on the central duct, distant from the boss when the movable member is in the high position and reaching the boss at the end of the race. driving the movable member, these reliefs being arranged so as to facilitate the creation at this time of a passage between the pumping chamber and the opening or openings of the central duct.
  • This or these reliefs are for example in the form of one or more ribs formed on the outer surface of the central duct.
  • the central part of the membrane has a bottom comprising an internal stud arranged to engage in the lower end of the central duct.
  • Such a pad ensures relatively stable maintenance of the lower end of the central part of the membrane on the lower end of the central duct.
  • the membrane comprises a flexible lip able, on the one hand, to isolate the pumping chamber from a source of product when the volume of said pumping chamber decreases and, on the other hand, to allow reentry of product in said pumping chamber when the volume of the latter increases.
  • this flexible lip is connected to the central part of the membrane by forming an annular groove open at the bottom, and the support has an internal skirt bearing at its upper end in the bottom of said groove to retain the membrane when the movable member is moved down to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber.
  • the aforementioned inner skirt has openings at its upper end whose height is less than that of the flexible lip, these openings allowing the product to be drawn into the pumping chamber when the volume of the latter increases and the flexible lip deviates from the internal skirt.
  • the central part of the membrane is connected at its upper end to an annular part whose width and thickness are chosen so as to improve the retention of the membrane when said central part is stretched.
  • the thickness of the abovementioned annular part, before mounting the membrane in the pump is greater than or equal to the thickness of the membrane in its central part.
  • the abovementioned annular part is, before mounting the membrane in the pump, at least 1.5 times wider than thick, and preferably 2 times wider than thick.
  • one of the flexible lip and the inner skirt has an annular boss capable of being applied to the other of the flexible lip and the inner skirt to isolate the pumping chamber from the interior of the container, when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.
  • the flexible lip has on its internal surface an annular boss capable of being applied in a sealed manner on the internal skirt to isolate the pumping chamber from the source of product at least when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.
  • This annular boss advantageously applies at rest in a sealed manner on the inner skirt.
  • the flexible lip advantageously comprises, above this annular boss, a preferential deformation zone preferably constituted by a thinned zone.
  • the inner skirt has on its outer surface an annular boss capable of being applied sealingly on the flexible lip to isolate the pumping chamber from the source of product when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.
  • the height of the aforementioned flexible lip is greater than or equal to the height of the central part of the membrane, before the latter is mounted in the pump.
  • the outer surface of the flexible lip has, in the vicinity of its upper end, a conical portion diverging in proximity to the upper end of the membrane, this conical portion connecting by a shoulder to an annular rib.
  • the inside diameter of the flexible lip is equal, to within the manufacturing tolerances, to the outside diameter of the inside skirt.
  • the clearance between the flexible lip and the inner skirt is negative or zero; thus, the flexible lip is tightened slightly on the inner skirt.
  • the length of the central part of the membrane, after mounting in the pump is greater than or equal to 1.5 times its initial length before mounting in the pump, or even greater than or equal to 2 times said initial length, or even greater than or equal to 3 times said initial length.
  • the length of the central part of the membrane is greater than or equal to 2 times the initial length of the membrane before it is mounted on the pump, or even greater than or equal to 3 times said initial length, or even greater than or equal to 4 times said initial length.
  • At least one of the membrane and of the central duct is shaped to prevent the formation, between the membrane and the central duct, of a sealed annular zone preventing the product contained in the pumping chamber from flow through the central duct when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.
  • At least one of the membrane and of the central duct is shaped to bear against the other of the membrane and of the central duct at predetermined locations on its periphery, at least during the relative displacement of the movable member and support.
  • At least one of the membrane and of the central duct has reliefs against which the other of the membrane and of the central duct bears, at least during the relative movement of the movable member and of the support.
  • said reliefs are produced on the membrane, preferably being constituted by bosses equi-distributed around the axis of the central part of the membrane at its opening, these bosses preferably extending on the face upper membrane.
  • the support comprises a double sealing lip, applying in a sealed manner on a tubular skirt of the movable member, this tubular skirt being open downwards and extending around the central duct concentrically with this last, this tubular skirt further delimiting radially outward the pumping chamber.
  • the interior skirt of the support is part of an insert on the rest of the support.
  • the central duct of the movable member is provided, at its lower end, with at least one radial opening.
  • the movable member constitutes a push button, the aforementioned central duct being produced in one piece with a dispensing nozzle.
  • the tubular skirt of the movable member slides inside a support guide skirt, providing with the interior skirt of the support an annular groove open upwards, communicating by at least one air intake orifice with the source of product, the tubular skirt of the movable member sealingly applying to said guide skirt when the movable member is at rest and the volume of the pumping chamber is maximum .
  • the membrane can be made of a nitrile elastomer or a silicone elastomer, for example, other materials which can of course be used.
  • the invention also relates to a container equipped with a pump as defined above.
  • FIG. 1 shows a container 1 comprising a body 2 forming a reservoir, of which the upper end only shows on the drawing, defining a neck 3 on which a support 4 is snapped on.
  • the support 4 sliding guide, along an axis X, a push button 5 and is used for mounting a removable protective cover 6, covering the push button 5 before first use.
  • the support 4 comprises a sealing skirt 7 which is applied in a sealed manner to the interior surface of the neck 3.
  • the sealing skirt 7 is extended radially, on the one hand towards the outside by fixing lugs 8 snapped onto an annular bead 9 of the neck 3, and on the other hand towards the inside by a stepped wall 10 defining a end piece 12 used to connect a dip tube 13, partially shown in the drawing.
  • An outer skirt 15 and a guide skirt 16 are made in one piece by plastic molding with the sealing skirt 7, the fixing lugs 8 and the stepped wall 10.
  • the outer skirt 15 extends around the neck 3 of the container and has a shoulder 17 on which the protective cover 6 is supported.
  • the upper edge 18 of the outer skirt 15 retains the push button 5 at rest, as will be explained below.
  • the support 4 comprises an inner skirt 20 constituted by an attached piece, having a shoulder-lowered end 21, force-fitted into the stepped wall 10.
  • the inner skirt 20 has a substantially tapered upper end, provided with openings 22, as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • openings 22 are in the example described in the form of slots oriented along the axis X, extended downwards by grooves 25 extending over the radially inner surface of the inner skirt 20 until a recess 26.
  • a double annular sealing lip 24 is produced in a single piece with the inner skirt 20 on the outer side of the latter by plastic molding.
  • the push button 5 has an outer skirt 30, provided at its lower end with teeth 31, the latter abutting against the upper edge 18 of the outer skirt 15 of the support 4 when the push button 5 is at rest in the high position , as shown in Figure 1.
  • the push-button 5 comprises a central duct 32, of axis X, and a concentric tubular skirt 33, delimiting around the central duct 32 an annular pumping chamber 34.
  • the outer skirt 30, the tubular skirt 33 and the central duct 32 are made in one piece by molding plastic material with a dispensing end piece 35, communicating internally with the central duct 32.
  • the latter has, at its lower end, radial openings 36.
  • the lower end of the tubular skirt 33 forms a sealing lip 37, extending slightly radially outwards, as shown more particularly in FIG. 4.
  • the guide skirt 16 of the support 4 has in the lower part a slight annular recess 41 on its radially inner surface.
  • the interior of the container is thus isolated from the ambient air, which is favorable for good preservation of the product.
  • the sealing lip 37 ceases to apply in a sealed manner on the guide skirt 16, due to the existence of the annular recess 41, which allows the groove formed between the inner skirts 20 and guide 16 to communicate with the outside.
  • An air intake orifice 42 is made in the bottom of this groove to allow air to return to the container as the latter is emptied.
  • the internal skirt 20 is used for mounting a membrane 50 having a central part 51 in the form of a sleeve, of axis X, open at its upper end and closed at its lower end by a bottom 52.
  • This central part 51 is extended radially outwards by a flexible annular lip 53, as can be seen more particularly in FIG. 5.
  • This flexible lip 53 forms, by connecting with the central part 51, an annular groove 54 in which is inserted the inner skirt 20 at its upper end, until it bears by its free edge in the bottom of said groove.
  • the flexible lip 53 is produced so as to slightly tighten the inner skirt 20.
  • the height of the flexible lip 53 is greater than that of the openings 22 and the flexible lip 53 is capable of being applied at rest in a sealed manner against the external surface of the internal skirt 20, below the openings 22, as illustrated in the figure 1.
  • the flexible lip 53 has at its lower end and on its radially inner surface an annular boss 56, of semicircular section, suitable for s 'apply by its top line on the inner skirt 20 at rest.
  • the flexible lip 53 has a thinner area 57 above the boss 56, so as to facilitate the deformation towards the outside of the lower part of the flexible lip 53 in order to allow the boss 56 to easily move away from the inner skirt 20 when the product contained in the container must reach the pumping chamber.
  • the outer surface of the flexible lip 53 has, from its lower end, a lower portion 81 substantially cylindrical of revolution around the axis X, then an upper conical portion 82 diverging upwards, this conical portion 82 being connected by a shoulder 83 to an annular rib 84.
  • the membrane 50 comprises, at the opening of its central part 51, non-symmetrical reliefs of revolution around the axis X, namely in the particular example of bosses 55 whose function will be explained below.
  • bosses 55 there are three of these bosses 55, being angularly equi-distributed around the axis X, as can be seen in FIG. 6.
  • Each of these bosses 55 protrudes from the radially inner surface of the central part 51 and extends radially outward on the upper face of the membrane 50 until substantially above the groove 54.
  • Each of the bosses 55 also has, when observed in section in a transverse cutting plane, a convex section towards the axis X, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the inner surface of the central part 51 of the membrane has an upper portion 70 slightly conical in the direction of the bottom 52.
  • the bosses 55 extend over this conical portion 70.
  • the annular part 85 which joins the flexible lip 53 to the central part 51 is relatively wide and thick, which makes it possible to immobilize the upper end of the central part 51 relatively to the internal skirt 20, when the central part 51 is stretched.
  • the annular part 85 is approximately twice as wide as it is thick, apart from the bosses 55.
  • the central part 51 of the membrane has on its inner surface an annular boss 58, of semicircular section.
  • This boss 58 is intended to be applied by a generator on the outer surface of the central duct 32 above the openings 36, when the push-button goes up, in order to close the passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the interior of the central duct 32.
  • the boss 58 has a radius of 0.25 mm, the thickness e of the wall constituting the central part 51 of the membrane being 0.55 mm.
  • the bottom 52 of the central part 51 of the membrane has a stud 59 on its upper face, intended to engage in the lower end of the central duct 32.
  • the central duct 32 is shown in broken lines in FIG. 5.
  • the outside diameter of the stud 59 corresponds to the inside diameter of the central duct 32.
  • the stud 59 keeps the bottom 52 of the membrane fixed relative to the central duct 32.
  • the length of the central part 51 of the membrane is approximately 3 times the initial length I 0 of the central part 51, that is to say that l elongation reaches 200%.
  • the length l 0 measured between the bottom of the groove 54 and the upper face of the bottom 52 is approximately 3 mm and when the membrane is in place in the pump and the button pusher at rest as shown in FIG. 1, the length of the central part 51 is approximately 9 mm.
  • the length of the central part 51 reaches an elongation of 350%.
  • the length of the central part 51 is then, for the example considered, 13.5 mm, the stroke of the push button 5 down being 4.5 mm.
  • the central duct 32 of the push button 5 is inserted into the central part 51 of the membrane 50 until it bears, by its lower end, against the bottom 52 of the membrane 50 around the stud 59, as illustrated in figure 1.
  • bosses 55 are then applied against the cylindrical surface of revolution of the central duct 32. However, it is not generally necessary for the bosses 55 to apply to the central duct 32 when the push button is resting.
  • the double sealing lip 24 is applied in a sealed manner on the radially inner surface of the tubular skirt 33, whatever the upward or downward movement of the push button 5.
  • the boss 58 is applied by its apex to the central duct 32, which closes the passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the radial openings 36.
  • the flexible lip 53 comes, at rest, to bear by the annular boss 56 on the inner skirt 20, which closes the passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the interior of the container.
  • the central duct 32 advantageously comprises, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, ribs 60 parallel to the axis X, the lower ends 61 of which are distant from the annular boss 58, when the push button is in the high position, from a distance corresponding to the push-in stroke.
  • ribs 60 are optional, but facilitate priming of the pump as explained below.
  • the lower ends 61 of the ribs 60 are located above the annular boss 58, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the ribs 60 come into contact with the annular boss 58 at the end of the push-button insertion stroke in order to ensure that the annular boss 58 departs well from the central duct 58, as illustrated in FIG. 12.
  • the support 4, the push button 5 and the membrane 50 constitute a pump, the operation of which is as follows.
  • the central duct 32 drives down the bottom 52 of the membrane 50, which deforms elastically by stretching to accompany the movement of lowering of the central duct 32.
  • the pump is here assumed to be primed, that is to say that the pumping chamber 34 is filled with product.
  • the product contained in the pumping chamber 34 is expelled between the central duct 32 and the central part 51 of the membrane and reaches the radial openings 36 of the central duct 32, then the dispensing nozzle 35.
  • the flexible lip 53 is applied in a sealed manner by the annular boss 56 on the inner skirt 20 during the downward movement of the push button 5.
  • the sealing lip 37 of the tubular skirt 33 of the push button 5 ceases, when it reaches the annular withdrawal 41 after a certain pushing stroke of the push button 5, to apply in a sealed manner on the skirt of guide 16, allowing communication between the inside of the container and the outside, via the air intake orifice 42 and the clearance existing between the guide skirt 16 and the tubular skirt 33.
  • the bosses 55 provide passageways between them for the product and prevent the formation of a sealed annular zone between the central duct 32 and the central part 51 of the membrane 50 which cannot be overcome by the pressure of the product, so that the product can flow to the radial openings 36, the annular boss 58 may slightly deviate from the central duct 32 under the effect of the pressure of the product.
  • the contact surface between the membrane 50 and the central duct 32 above the radial openings 36 is due to the presence of the relatively limited annular boss 58, which facilitates the creation of a passage towards the radial openings 36.
  • the bosses 55 tend to keep the central duct 32 coaxial with the inner skirt 20 and to guarantee the attachment of the membrane to the inner skirt 20.
  • the annular boss 58 closes the passage between the radial openings 36 and the pumping chamber 34, and the vacuum which is created in the latter causes the flexible lip 53 to separate from the inner skirt 20 and an arrival of product from the container.
  • the product reaches the pumping chamber 34 by flowing through the grooves 25 of the inner skirt 20 along the central part 51 of the membrane 50, crossing the inner skirt 20 through the openings 22, then bypassing the flexible lip 53 and going up outside of the latter, as illustrated in FIG. 10.
  • bosses 55 can be replaced by the reliefs made on the central duct.
  • the annular boss 58 can be eliminated and replaced as a variant by an annular boss 58 'produced on the external surface of the central duct 32, above the radial openings 36, as illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • annular boss 56 can be eliminated as illustrated in FIG. 14 and replaced by an annular boss 56 ′ produced on the internal skirt 20, just below the openings 22, as shown in FIG. 15.

Abstract

The pump comprises a push button (5), movable relative to a support (4), having a central conduit (32) into which the product penetrates through an opening before being distributed. The support defines with the push button, around the central conduit, a variable volume pumping chamber (34). The pump also comprises a membrane (50) having a central part (51) into which the central conduit is inserted. The membrane is arranged so as to isolate the pumping chamber from the central conduit openings (36) when the pumping chamber volume increases and the product is sucked into it. An Independent claim is also included for the recipient equipped with pump.

Description

La présente invention concerne une pompe et un récipient contenant un liquide, par exemple une crème cosmétique, équipé d'une telle pompe, selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The present invention relates to a pump and a container containing a liquid, for example a cosmetic cream, equipped with such a pump, according to the preamble of claim 1.

On connaît par le brevet français FR-B-2.728.809 une pompe comportant un bouton-poussoir monté à déplacement sur un support assujetti au récipient contenant le produit à distribuer, le bouton-poussoir comprenant un conduit central cylindrique de révolution, pourvu d'ouvertures radiales à son extrémité inférieure, le support définissant autour de ce conduit une chambre de pompage annulaire, de volume variable. Une membrane réalisée dans un élastomère est montée sur le support. Cette membrane comporte une partie centrale symétrique de révolution, en forme de manchon ouvert à son extrémité supérieure et fermé à son extrémité inférieure. Le conduit central du bouton-poussoir est inséré dans la membrane jusqu'à prendre appui contre le fond du manchon. La membrane constitue un organe de rappel élastique permettant de ramener le bouton-poussoir dans sa position initiale après la distribution d'une dose de produit.French patent FR-B-2,728,809 discloses a pump comprising a push button mounted for displacement on a support subject to the container containing the product to be dispensed, the push button comprising a central cylindrical duct of revolution, provided with radial openings at its lower end, the support defining around this duct an annular pumping chamber, of variable volume. A membrane made of an elastomer is mounted on the support. This membrane has a symmetrical central part of revolution, in the form of a sleeve open at its upper end and closed at its lower end. The central conduit of the push button is inserted into the membrane until it presses against the bottom of the sleeve. The membrane constitutes an elastic return member making it possible to return the push button to its initial position after dispensing a dose of product.

Au cours du mouvement de retour du bouton-poussoir, la membrane se plaque sur le conduit central et isole la chambre de pompage des ouvertures radiales du conduit central afin d'éviter une rentrée d'air dans la chambre de pompage.During the return movement of the push button, the membrane is pressed onto the central duct and isolates the pumping chamber from the radial openings in the central duct in order to avoid re-entry of air into the pumping chamber.

Une telle pompe présente l'avantage de ne comporter qu'un faible nombre de pièces et donc d'être relativement peu coûteuse à fabriquer.Such a pump has the advantage of having only a small number of parts and therefore of being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Toutefois, cette pompe connue n'offre pas entière satisfaction, la société déposante ayant constaté notamment des difficultés d'amorçage.However, this known pump is not entirely satisfactory, the applicant company having noted in particular priming difficulties.

La présente invention vise à améliorer la fiabilité du fonctionnement d'une pompe du type défini plus haut, à savoir comportant un organe mobile monté à déplacement relativement à un support, l'organe mobile comportant un conduit central dans lequel le produit devant être distribué pénètre à la faveur d'au moins une ouverture, le support définissant avec l'organe mobile, autour dudit conduit central, une chambre de pompage de volume variable, cette pompe comportant en outre une membrane ayant une partie centrale dans laquelle est inséré ledit conduit central, la membrane étant agencée de manière à isoler la chambre de pompage de la ou desdites ouvertures du conduit central quand le volume de la chambre de pompage augmente et que du produit est aspiré dans cette dernière.The present invention aims to improve the reliability of the operation of a pump of the type defined above, namely comprising a movable member mounted to move relative to a support, the movable member comprising a central duct into which the product to be dispensed penetrates. thanks to at least one opening, the support defining with the movable member, around said central duct, a pumping chamber of variable volume, this pump further comprising a membrane having a central portion in which said central duct is inserted , the membrane being arranged so as to isolate the pumping chamber from the or said openings of the central duct when the volume of the pumping chamber increases and that product is drawn into the latter.

Elle y parvient par le fait que l'un au moins du conduit central et de la partie centrale de la membrane comporte un bossage annulaire apte à s'appliquer de manière étanche, lorsque le volume de la chambre de pompage augmente, sur l'autre du conduit central et de la partie centrale de la membrane, pour isoler la chambre de pompage de la ou des ouvertures du conduit central.It achieves this by the fact that at least one of the central duct and of the central part of the membrane has an annular boss capable of being applied sealingly, when the volume of the pumping chamber increases, on the other of the central duct and of the central part of the membrane, to isolate the pumping chamber from the opening (s) of the central duct.

Autrement dit, le bossage précité assure une fermeture du passage annulaire formé autour du conduit central entre la chambre de pompage et la ou les ouvertures du conduit central en phase d'aspiration.In other words, the above-mentioned boss ensures the closure of the annular passage formed around the central duct between the pumping chamber and the opening or openings of the central duct during the suction phase.

La surface de la membrane qui s'applique sur le conduit central pour assurer cette fermeture est de faible étendue du fait de la présence du bossage, de sorte qu'une faible pression d'air dans la chambre de pompage peut suffire à rompre l'étanchéité entre la membrane et le conduit central.The surface of the membrane which is applied to the central duct to ensure this closure is of small extent due to the presence of the boss, so that a low air pressure in the pumping chamber can be enough to break the sealing between the membrane and the central duct.

L'amorçage de la pompe s'en trouve facilité.Priming of the pump is thereby facilitated.

Par ailleurs, il est d'une manière générale souhaitable d'utiliser pour réaliser la membrane un élastomère relativement dur, permettant d'obtenir une force de rappel relativement importante sans avoir à précontraindre outre mesure la membrane, l'inconvénient de trop précontraindre la membrane étant de risquer une rupture de la membrane à long terme.Furthermore, it is generally desirable to use a relatively hard elastomer for producing the membrane, making it possible to obtain a relatively large restoring force without having to excessively prestress the membrane, the disadvantage of excessively prestressing the membrane. being to risk a rupture of the membrane in the long term.

Toutefois, l'utilisation d'un élastomère plus dur tend à accroître les difficultés d'amorçage, car la membrane se déforme moins facilement.However, the use of a harder elastomer tends to increase the difficulty of priming, because the membrane deforms less easily.

L'invention permet de réduire dans une certaine mesure l'influence du module d'élasticité du matériau constituant la membrane sur le fonctionnement de la pompe, donc d'utiliser un élastomère plus dur afin de réduire la précontrainte de la membrane tout en conservant l'effet ressort voulu.The invention makes it possible to reduce to a certain extent the influence of the modulus of elasticity of the material constituting the membrane on the operation of the pump, therefore to use a harder elastomer in order to reduce the prestressing of the membrane while retaining the 'desired spring effect.

De préférence, pour permettre une fabrication aisée par moulage de matière plastique, le bossage est réalisé sur la surface intérieure de la partie centrale de la membrane.Preferably, to allow easy manufacture by plastic molding, the boss is produced on the inner surface of the central part of the membrane.

Le bossage ainsi réalisé sur la partie centrale de la membrane s'applique de manière étanche, au moins lorsque le volume de la chambre de pompage augmente, sur le conduit central pour isoler la chambre de pompage de la ou des ouvertures du conduit central.The boss thus produced on the central part of the membrane is applied in a sealed manner, at least when the volume of the pumping chamber increases, on the central duct to isolate the pumping chamber from the opening (s) of the central duct.

Avantageusement, le bossage s'applique également au repos de manière étanche sur le conduit central.Advantageously, the boss also applies at rest in a sealed manner on the central duct.

En variante, le bossage est réalisé sur la surface extérieure du conduit central.As a variant, the boss is produced on the external surface of the central duct.

Lorsque le bossage est réalisé sur la surface intérieure de la membrane, on réalise avantageusement sur le conduit central un ou plusieurs reliefs en creux ou en saillie, éloignés du bossage lorsque l'organe mobile est en position haute et atteignant le bossage en fin de course d'enfoncement de l'organe mobile, ces reliefs étant agencés de manière à faciliter la création à ce moment d'un passage entre la chambre de pompage et la ou les ouvertures du conduit central.When the boss is produced on the inner surface of the membrane, one or more reliefs or recessed reliefs are advantageously produced on the central duct, distant from the boss when the movable member is in the high position and reaching the boss at the end of the race. driving the movable member, these reliefs being arranged so as to facilitate the creation at this time of a passage between the pumping chamber and the opening or openings of the central duct.

Ce ou ces reliefs se présentent par exemple sous la forme d'une ou plusieurs nervures réalisées sur la surface extérieure du conduit central.This or these reliefs are for example in the form of one or more ribs formed on the outer surface of the central duct.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la partie centrale de la membrane comporte un fond comprenant un plot intérieur agencé pour s'engager dans l'extrémité inférieure du conduit central.In a particular embodiment, the central part of the membrane has a bottom comprising an internal stud arranged to engage in the lower end of the central duct.

Un tel plot permet d'assurer un maintien relativement stable de l'extrémité inférieure de la partie centrale de la membrane sur l'extrémité inférieure du conduit central.Such a pad ensures relatively stable maintenance of the lower end of the central part of the membrane on the lower end of the central duct.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la membrane comporte une lèvre flexible apte, d'une part, à isoler la chambre de pompage d'une source de produit quand le volume de ladite chambre de pompage diminue et, d'autre part, à permettre une rentrée de produit dans ladite chambre de pompage lorsque le volume de cette dernière augmente.In a particular embodiment, the membrane comprises a flexible lip able, on the one hand, to isolate the pumping chamber from a source of product when the volume of said pumping chamber decreases and, on the other hand, to allow reentry of product in said pumping chamber when the volume of the latter increases.

Dans une réalisation particulière, cette lèvre flexible se raccorde à la partie centrale de la membrane en formant une gorge annulaire ouverte vers le bas, et le support comporte une jupe intérieure venant en appui à son extrémité supérieure dans le fond de ladite gorge pour retenir la membrane lorsque l'organe mobile est déplacé vers le bas pour diminuer le volume de la chambre de pompage.In a particular embodiment, this flexible lip is connected to the central part of the membrane by forming an annular groove open at the bottom, and the support has an internal skirt bearing at its upper end in the bottom of said groove to retain the membrane when the movable member is moved down to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber.

De préférence, la jupe intérieure précitée comporte des ouvertures à son extrémité supérieure dont la hauteur est inférieure à celle de la lèvre flexible, ces ouvertures permettant au produit d'être aspiré dans la chambre de pompage lorsque le volume de cette dernière augmente et que la lèvre flexible s'écarte de la jupe intérieure.Preferably, the aforementioned inner skirt has openings at its upper end whose height is less than that of the flexible lip, these openings allowing the product to be drawn into the pumping chamber when the volume of the latter increases and the flexible lip deviates from the internal skirt.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la partie centrale de la membrane se raccorde à son extrémité supérieure à une partie annulaire dont la largeur et l'épaisseur sont choisies de manière à améliorer le maintien de la membrane lorsque ladite partie centrale est étirée.In a particular embodiment, the central part of the membrane is connected at its upper end to an annular part whose width and thickness are chosen so as to improve the retention of the membrane when said central part is stretched.

De préférence, l'épaisseur de la partie annulaire précitée, avant le montage de la membrane dans la pompe, est supérieure ou égale à l'épaisseur de la membrane dans sa partie centrale.Preferably, the thickness of the abovementioned annular part, before mounting the membrane in the pump, is greater than or equal to the thickness of the membrane in its central part.

De préférence, la partie annulaire précitée est, avant le montage de la membrane dans la pompe, au moins 1,5 fois plus large qu'épaisse, et de préférence 2 fois plus large qu'épaisse.Preferably, the abovementioned annular part is, before mounting the membrane in the pump, at least 1.5 times wider than thick, and preferably 2 times wider than thick.

De préférence, l'une de la lèvre flexible et de la jupe intérieure comporte un bossage annulaire apte à s'appliquer sur l'autre de la lèvre flexible et de la jupe intérieure pour isoler la chambre de pompage de l'intérieur du récipient, lorsque le volume de la chambre de pompage diminue.Preferably, one of the flexible lip and the inner skirt has an annular boss capable of being applied to the other of the flexible lip and the inner skirt to isolate the pumping chamber from the interior of the container, when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la lèvre flexible comporte sur sa surface intérieure un bossage annulaire apte à s'appliquer de manière étanche sur la jupe intérieure pour isoler la chambre de pompage de la source de produit au moins quand le volume de la chambre de pompage diminue.In a particular embodiment, the flexible lip has on its internal surface an annular boss capable of being applied in a sealed manner on the internal skirt to isolate the pumping chamber from the source of product at least when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases. .

Ce bossage annulaire s'applique avantageusement au repos de manière étanche sur la jupe intérieure.This annular boss advantageously applies at rest in a sealed manner on the inner skirt.

La lèvre flexible comporte avantageusement, au-dessus de ce bossage annulaire, une zone de déformation préférentielle constituée de préférence par une zone amincie.The flexible lip advantageously comprises, above this annular boss, a preferential deformation zone preferably constituted by a thinned zone.

En variante, la jupe intérieure comporte sur sa surface extérieure un bossage annulaire apte à s'appliquer de manière étanche sur la lèvre flexible pour isoler la chambre de pompage de la source de produit quand le volume de la chambre de pompage diminue.As a variant, the inner skirt has on its outer surface an annular boss capable of being applied sealingly on the flexible lip to isolate the pumping chamber from the source of product when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la hauteur de la lèvre flexible précitée est supérieure ou égale à la hauteur de la partie centrale de la membrane, avant le montage de cette dernière dans la pompe.In a particular embodiment, the height of the aforementioned flexible lip is greater than or equal to the height of the central part of the membrane, before the latter is mounted in the pump.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la surface extérieure de la lèvre flexible présente, au voisinage de son extrémité supérieure, une portion conique divergeant en rapprochement de l'extrémité supérieure de la membrane, cette portion conique se raccordant par un épaulement à une nervure annulaire.In a particular embodiment, the outer surface of the flexible lip has, in the vicinity of its upper end, a conical portion diverging in proximity to the upper end of the membrane, this conical portion connecting by a shoulder to an annular rib.

De préférence, le diamètre intérieur de la lèvre flexible est égal, aux tolérances de fabrication près, au diamètre extérieur de la jupe intérieure.Preferably, the inside diameter of the flexible lip is equal, to within the manufacturing tolerances, to the outside diameter of the inside skirt.

De préférence encore, le jeu entre la lèvre flexible et la jupe intérieure est négatif ou nul ; ainsi, la lèvre flexible est serrée légèrement sur la jupe intérieure.More preferably, the clearance between the flexible lip and the inner skirt is negative or zero; thus, the flexible lip is tightened slightly on the inner skirt.

Dans une réalisation particulière, lorsque l'organe mobile est au repos, la longueur de la partie centrale de la membrane, après montage dans la pompe, est supérieure ou égale à 1,5 fois sa longueur initiale avant le montage dans la pompe, voire supérieure ou égale à 2 fois ladite longueur initiale, voire encore supérieure ou égale à 3 fois ladite longueur initiale.In a particular embodiment, when the movable member is at rest, the length of the central part of the membrane, after mounting in the pump, is greater than or equal to 1.5 times its initial length before mounting in the pump, or even greater than or equal to 2 times said initial length, or even greater than or equal to 3 times said initial length.

Dans une réalisation particulière, lorsque l'organe mobile est complètement enfoncé, la longueur de la partie centrale de la membrane est supérieure ou égale à 2 fois la longueur initiale de la membrane avant son montage sur la pompe, voire supérieure ou égale à 3 fois ladite longueur initiale, voire encore supérieure ou égale à 4 fois ladite longueur initiale.In a particular embodiment, when the movable member is fully depressed, the length of the central part of the membrane is greater than or equal to 2 times the initial length of the membrane before it is mounted on the pump, or even greater than or equal to 3 times said initial length, or even greater than or equal to 4 times said initial length.

Dans une réalisation particulière, l'un au moins de la membrane et du conduit central est conformé pour prévenir la formation, entre la membrane et le conduit central, d'une zone annulaire étanche empêchant le produit contenu dans la chambre de pompage de s'écouler par le conduit central lorsque le volume de la chambre de pompage diminue.In a particular embodiment, at least one of the membrane and of the central duct is shaped to prevent the formation, between the membrane and the central duct, of a sealed annular zone preventing the product contained in the pumping chamber from flow through the central duct when the volume of the pumping chamber decreases.

De préférence, l'un au moins de la membrane et du conduit central est conformé pour venir en appui contre l'autre de la membrane et du conduit central en des emplacements prédéterminés de sa périphérie, au moins au cours du déplacement relatif de l'organe mobile et du support.Preferably, at least one of the membrane and of the central duct is shaped to bear against the other of the membrane and of the central duct at predetermined locations on its periphery, at least during the relative displacement of the movable member and support.

De préférence, l'un au moins de la membrane et du conduit central comporte des reliefs contre lesquels vient en appui l'autre de la membrane et du conduit central, au moins au cours du déplacement relatif de l'organe mobile et du support.Preferably, at least one of the membrane and of the central duct has reliefs against which the other of the membrane and of the central duct bears, at least during the relative movement of the movable member and of the support.

On garantit ainsi un fonctionnement fiable de la pompe, sans risque de blocage de l'organe mobile lorsque le volume de la chambre de pompage varie.This guarantees reliable operation of the pump, without risk of blocking the movable member when the volume of the pumping chamber varies.

Les reliefs précités tendent en effet à empêcher tout blocage par la membrane de la circulation du produit provenant de la chambre de pompage vers la ou les ouvertures du conduit central par laquelle ou lesquelles pénètre le produit devant être distribué, lorsque le volume de la chambre de pompage diminue.The abovementioned reliefs in fact tend to prevent any blockage by the membrane of the circulation of the product coming from the pumping chamber towards the opening or openings of the central duct through which or which penetrates the product to be dispensed, when the volume of the pumping decreases.

Ces reliefs tendent également à maintenir le conduit central de l'organe mobile dans l'axe de la partie centrale de la membrane, ce qui est favorable à un fonctionnement satisfaisant de la pompe.These reliefs also tend to keep the central duct of the movable member in the axis of the central part of the membrane, which is favorable for satisfactory operation of the pump.

Dans une réalisation préférée, lesdits reliefs sont réalisés sur la membrane en étant de préférence constitués par des bossages équi-répartis autour de l'axe de la partie centrale de la membrane au niveau de son ouverture, ces bossages se prolongeant de préférence sur la face supérieure de la membrane.In a preferred embodiment, said reliefs are produced on the membrane, preferably being constituted by bosses equi-distributed around the axis of the central part of the membrane at its opening, these bosses preferably extending on the face upper membrane.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le support comporte une double lèvre d'étanchéité, s'appliquant de manière étanche sur une jupe tubulaire de l'organe mobile, cette jupe tubulaire étant ouverte vers le bas et s'étendant autour du conduit central concentriquement à ce dernier, cette jupe tubulaire délimitant en outre radialement vers l'extérieur la chambre de pompage.In a particular embodiment, the support comprises a double sealing lip, applying in a sealed manner on a tubular skirt of the movable member, this tubular skirt being open downwards and extending around the central duct concentrically with this last, this tubular skirt further delimiting radially outward the pumping chamber.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la jupe intérieure du support fait partie d'une pièce rapportée sur le reste du support.In a particular embodiment, the interior skirt of the support is part of an insert on the rest of the support.

Dans une réalisation préférée, le conduit central de l'organe mobile est pourvu, à son extrémité inférieure, d'au moins une ouverture radiale.In a preferred embodiment, the central duct of the movable member is provided, at its lower end, with at least one radial opening.

Dans une réalisation préférée, l'organe mobile constitue un bouton-poussoir, le conduit central précité étant réalisé d'un seul tenant avec un embout de distribution.In a preferred embodiment, the movable member constitutes a push button, the aforementioned central duct being produced in one piece with a dispensing nozzle.

Dans une réalisation particulière, la jupe tubulaire de l'organe mobile coulisse à l'intérieur d'une jupe de guidage du support, ménageant avec la jupe intérieure du support une gorge annulaire ouverte vers le haut, communiquant par au moins un orifice de reprise d'air avec la source de produit, la jupe tubulaire de l'organe mobile s'appliquant de manière étanche sur ladite jupe de guidage lorsque l'organe mobile est au repos et que le volume de la chambre de pompage est maximum.In a particular embodiment, the tubular skirt of the movable member slides inside a support guide skirt, providing with the interior skirt of the support an annular groove open upwards, communicating by at least one air intake orifice with the source of product, the tubular skirt of the movable member sealingly applying to said guide skirt when the movable member is at rest and the volume of the pumping chamber is maximum .

La membrane peut être, réalisée dans un élastomère de nitrile ou un élastomère de silicone, par exemple, d'autres matériaux pouvant bien entendu être utilisés.The membrane can be made of a nitrile elastomer or a silicone elastomer, for example, other materials which can of course be used.

L'invention a encore pour objet un récipient équipé d'une pompe telle que définie plus haut.The invention also relates to a container equipped with a pump as defined above.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'un exemple de réalisation non limitatif de l'invention et de variantes de mise en oeuvre, et à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique de la partie supérieure d'un récipient équipé d'une pompe conforme à l'invention,
  • les figures 2 et 3 représentent isolément la jupe intérieure du support,
  • la figure 4 représente isolément et partiellement, l'extrémité inférieure de la jupe tubulaire de l'organe mobile,
  • la figure 5 représente isolément, en coupe axiale schématique, la membrane destinée à équiper la pompe de la figure 1, avant son montage dans la pompe,
  • la figure 6 est une coupe selon le trait de coupe VI-VI de la figure 5,
  • la figure 7 représente de façon partielle et schématique le conduit central,
  • la figure 8 est une coupe transversale selon le trait de coupe VIII - XIII de la figure 7,
  • la figure 9 illustre le fonctionnement de la pompe lorsque l'on appuie sur le bouton-poussoir,
  • la figure 10 illustre le fonctionnement de la pompe lorsque l'on relâche le bouton-poussoir,
  • les figures 11 et 12 illustrent l'action d'un relief du conduit central sur le bossage de la membrane,
  • la figure 13 est une vue analogue à la figure 5, représentant une variante de réalisation de la membrane,
  • la figure 14 représente partiellement une variante de réalisation de la lèvre flexible, et
  • la figure 15 est une vue analogue à la figure 2, représentant une variante de réalisation de la jupe intérieure du support.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention and variant embodiments, and on examining the appended drawing , on which :
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the upper part of a container fitted with a pump according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 represent the inner skirt of the support in isolation,
  • FIG. 4 represents, in isolation and partially, the lower end of the tubular skirt of the movable member,
  • FIG. 5 represents in isolation, in schematic axial section, the membrane intended to equip the pump of FIG. 1, before its mounting in the pump,
  • FIG. 6 is a section along the section line VI-VI of FIG. 5,
  • FIG. 7 partially and schematically represents the central duct,
  • FIG. 8 is a cross section along the section line VIII - XIII of FIG. 7,
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of the pump when the push button is pressed,
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the pump when the push button is released,
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the action of a relief of the central duct on the boss of the membrane,
  • FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing an alternative embodiment of the membrane,
  • FIG. 14 partially represents an alternative embodiment of the flexible lip, and
  • Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing an alternative embodiment of the inner skirt of the support.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un récipient 1 comportant un corps 2 formant réservoir, dont on ne voit sur le dessin que l'extrémité supérieure, définissant un col 3 sur lequel est encliqueté un support 4.FIG. 1 shows a container 1 comprising a body 2 forming a reservoir, of which the upper end only shows on the drawing, defining a neck 3 on which a support 4 is snapped on.

Le support 4 guide en coulissement, selon un axe X, un bouton-poussoir 5 et sert au montage d'un capot de protection amovible 6, couvrant le bouton-poussoir 5 avant la première utilisation.The support 4 sliding guide, along an axis X, a push button 5 and is used for mounting a removable protective cover 6, covering the push button 5 before first use.

Le support 4 comporte une jupe d'étanchéité 7 s'appliquant de manière étanche sur la surface intérieure du col 3.The support 4 comprises a sealing skirt 7 which is applied in a sealed manner to the interior surface of the neck 3.

La jupe d'étanchéité 7 est prolongée radialement, d'une part vers l'extérieur par des pattes de fixation 8 encliquetées sur un bourrelet annulaire 9 du col 3, et d'autre part vers l'intérieur par une paroi étagée 10 définissant un embout 12 servant au raccordement d'un tube plongeur 13, partiellement représenté sur le dessin.The sealing skirt 7 is extended radially, on the one hand towards the outside by fixing lugs 8 snapped onto an annular bead 9 of the neck 3, and on the other hand towards the inside by a stepped wall 10 defining a end piece 12 used to connect a dip tube 13, partially shown in the drawing.

Une jupe extérieure 15 et une jupe de guidage 16 sont réalisées d'un seul tenant par moulage de matière plastique avec la jupe d'étanchéité 7, les pattes de fixation 8 et la paroi étagée 10.An outer skirt 15 and a guide skirt 16 are made in one piece by plastic molding with the sealing skirt 7, the fixing lugs 8 and the stepped wall 10.

La jupe extérieure 15 s'étend autour du col 3 du récipient et présente un épaulement 17 sur lequel prend appui le capot de protection 6.The outer skirt 15 extends around the neck 3 of the container and has a shoulder 17 on which the protective cover 6 is supported.

Le bord supérieur 18 de la jupe extérieure 15 retient le bouton-poussoir 5 au repos, comme cela sera précisé dans la suite.The upper edge 18 of the outer skirt 15 retains the push button 5 at rest, as will be explained below.

Le support 4 comporte une jupe intérieure 20 constituée par une pièce rapportée, ayant une extrémité inférieure 21 épaulée, engagée à force dans la paroi étagée 10.The support 4 comprises an inner skirt 20 constituted by an attached piece, having a shoulder-lowered end 21, force-fitted into the stepped wall 10.

La jupe intérieure 20 comporte une extrémité supérieure sensiblement effilée, pourvue d'ouvertures 22, comme on peut le voir plus particulièrement sur les figures 2 et 3.The inner skirt 20 has a substantially tapered upper end, provided with openings 22, as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Ces ouvertures 22 se présentent dans l'exemple décrit sous la forme de fentes orientées suivant l'axe X, prolongées vers le bas par des rainures 25 s'étendant sur la surface radialement intérieure de la jupe intérieure 20 jusqu'à un décrochement 26.These openings 22 are in the example described in the form of slots oriented along the axis X, extended downwards by grooves 25 extending over the radially inner surface of the inner skirt 20 until a recess 26.

Une double lèvre d'étanchéité annulaire 24 est réalisée d'un seul tenant avec la jupe intérieure 20 du côté extérieur de cette dernière par moulage de matière plastique.A double annular sealing lip 24 is produced in a single piece with the inner skirt 20 on the outer side of the latter by plastic molding.

Le bouton-poussoir 5 comporte une jupe extérieure 30, pourvue à son extrémité inférieure de dents 31, ces dernières venant en butée contre le bord supérieur 18 de la jupe extérieure 15 du support 4 lorsque le bouton-poussoir 5 est au repos en position haute, comme représenté sur la figure 1.The push button 5 has an outer skirt 30, provided at its lower end with teeth 31, the latter abutting against the upper edge 18 of the outer skirt 15 of the support 4 when the push button 5 is at rest in the high position , as shown in Figure 1.

Le bouton-poussoir 5 comporte un conduit central 32, d'axe X, et une jupe tubulaire 33 concentrique, délimitant autour du conduit central 32 une chambre de pompage 34 annulaire.The push-button 5 comprises a central duct 32, of axis X, and a concentric tubular skirt 33, delimiting around the central duct 32 an annular pumping chamber 34.

La jupe extérieure 30, la jupe tubulaire 33 et le conduit central 32 sont réalisés d'un seul tenant par moulage de matière plastique avec un embout de distribution 35, communiquant intérieurement avec le conduit central 32.The outer skirt 30, the tubular skirt 33 and the central duct 32 are made in one piece by molding plastic material with a dispensing end piece 35, communicating internally with the central duct 32.

Ce dernier comporte, à son extrémité inférieure, des ouvertures radiales 36.The latter has, at its lower end, radial openings 36.

L'extrémité inférieure de la jupe tubulaire 33 forme une lèvre d'étanchéité 37, s'étendant légèrement radialement vers l'extérieur, comme représenté plus particulièrement sur la figure 4.The lower end of the tubular skirt 33 forms a sealing lip 37, extending slightly radially outwards, as shown more particularly in FIG. 4.

La jupe de guidage 16 du support 4 présente en partie inférieure un léger retrait annulaire 41 sur sa surface radialement intérieure.The guide skirt 16 of the support 4 has in the lower part a slight annular recess 41 on its radially inner surface.

Lorsque le bouton-poussoir 5 est en position haute, la lèvre d'étanchéité 37 s'applique de manière étanche sur la surface cylindrique de révolution 40 de la partie supérieure de la jupe de guidage 16, comme représenté sur la figure 1.When the push-button 5 is in the high position, the sealing lip 37 is applied in a sealed manner on the cylindrical surface of revolution 40 of the upper part of the guide skirt 16, as shown in FIG. 1.

L'intérieur du récipient est ainsi isolé de l'air ambiant, ce qui est favorable à une bonne conservation du produit.The interior of the container is thus isolated from the ambient air, which is favorable for good preservation of the product.

Lorsque le bouton-poussoir 5 est enfoncé, la lèvre d'étanchéité 37 cesse de s'appliquer de façon étanche sur la jupe de guidage 16, du fait de l'existence du retrait annulaire 41, ce qui permet à la gorge formée entre les jupes intérieure 20 et de guidage 16 de communiquer avec l'extérieur.When the push button 5 is pressed, the sealing lip 37 ceases to apply in a sealed manner on the guide skirt 16, due to the existence of the annular recess 41, which allows the groove formed between the inner skirts 20 and guide 16 to communicate with the outside.

Un orifice 42 de reprise d'air est réalisé dans le fond de cette gorge pour permettre à l'air de rentrer dans le récipient au fur et à mesure du vidage de ce dernier.An air intake orifice 42 is made in the bottom of this groove to allow air to return to the container as the latter is emptied.

La jupe intérieure 20 sert au montage d'une membrane 50 ayant une partie centrale 51 en forme de manchon, d'axe X, ouvert à son extrémité supérieure et fermé à son extrémité inférieure par un fond 52.The internal skirt 20 is used for mounting a membrane 50 having a central part 51 in the form of a sleeve, of axis X, open at its upper end and closed at its lower end by a bottom 52.

Cette partie centrale 51 est prolongée radialement vers l'extérieur par une lèvre annulaire flexible 53, comme on peut le voir plus particulièrement sur la figure 5.This central part 51 is extended radially outwards by a flexible annular lip 53, as can be seen more particularly in FIG. 5.

Cette lèvre flexible 53 forme, en se raccordant avec la partie centrale 51, une gorge annulaire 54 dans laquelle est insérée la jupe intérieure 20 à son extrémité supérieure, jusqu'à prendre appui par son bord libre dans le fond de ladite gorge.This flexible lip 53 forms, by connecting with the central part 51, an annular groove 54 in which is inserted the inner skirt 20 at its upper end, until it bears by its free edge in the bottom of said groove.

La lèvre flexible 53 est réalisée de manière à serrer légèrement la jupe intérieure 20.The flexible lip 53 is produced so as to slightly tighten the inner skirt 20.

La hauteur de la lèvre flexible 53 est supérieure à celle des ouvertures 22 et la lèvre flexible 53 est apte à s'appliquer au repos de manière étanche contre la surface extérieure de la jupe intérieure 20, en deçà des ouvertures 22, comme illustré sur la figure 1.The height of the flexible lip 53 is greater than that of the openings 22 and the flexible lip 53 is capable of being applied at rest in a sealed manner against the external surface of the internal skirt 20, below the openings 22, as illustrated in the figure 1.

Plus particulièrement, dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit et comme on peut le voir sur la figure 5, la lèvre flexible 53 comporte à son extrémité inférieure et sur sa surface radialement intérieure un bossage annulaire 56, de section demi-circulaire, apte à s'appliquer par sa ligne de sommet sur la jupe intérieure 20 au repos.More particularly, in the embodiment described and as can be seen in FIG. 5, the flexible lip 53 has at its lower end and on its radially inner surface an annular boss 56, of semicircular section, suitable for s 'apply by its top line on the inner skirt 20 at rest.

La lèvre flexible 53 présente une zone 57 de plus faible épaisseur au-dessus du bossage 56, de manière à faciliter la déformation vers l'extérieur de la partie inférieure de la lèvre flexible 53 afin de permettre au bossage 56 de s'écarter facilement de la jupe intérieure 20 lorsque le produit contenu dans le récipient doit gagner la chambre de pompage.The flexible lip 53 has a thinner area 57 above the boss 56, so as to facilitate the deformation towards the outside of the lower part of the flexible lip 53 in order to allow the boss 56 to easily move away from the inner skirt 20 when the product contained in the container must reach the pumping chamber.

La surface extérieure de la lèvre flexible 53 présente, à partir de son extrémité inférieure, une portion inférieure 81 sensiblement cylindrique de révolution autour de l'axe X, puis une portion supérieure conique 82 divergeant vers le haut, cette portion conique 82 se raccordant par un épaulement 83 à une nervure annulaire 84.The outer surface of the flexible lip 53 has, from its lower end, a lower portion 81 substantially cylindrical of revolution around the axis X, then an upper conical portion 82 diverging upwards, this conical portion 82 being connected by a shoulder 83 to an annular rib 84.

La membrane 50 comporte, au niveau de l'ouverture de sa partie centrale 51, des reliefs non symétriques de révolution autour de l'axe X, à savoir dans l'exemple particulier des bossages 55 dont la fonction sera précisée plus loin.The membrane 50 comprises, at the opening of its central part 51, non-symmetrical reliefs of revolution around the axis X, namely in the particular example of bosses 55 whose function will be explained below.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, ces bossages 55 sont au nombre de trois, étant équi-répartis angulairement autour de l'axe X, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 6.In the embodiment described, there are three of these bosses 55, being angularly equi-distributed around the axis X, as can be seen in FIG. 6.

Chacun de ces bossages 55 forme saillie sur la surface radialement intérieure de la partie centrale 51 et se prolonge radialement vers l'extérieur sur la face supérieure de la membrane 50 jusque sensiblement au-dessus de la gorge 54.Each of these bosses 55 protrudes from the radially inner surface of the central part 51 and extends radially outward on the upper face of the membrane 50 until substantially above the groove 54.

Chacun des bossages 55 présente en outre, lorsque observé en section dans un plan de coupe transversal, une section convexe vers l'axe X, comme représenté sur la figure 6.Each of the bosses 55 also has, when observed in section in a transverse cutting plane, a convex section towards the axis X, as shown in FIG. 6.

La surface intérieure de la partie centrale 51 de la membrane présente une portion supérieure 70 légèrement conique en direction du fond 52.The inner surface of the central part 51 of the membrane has an upper portion 70 slightly conical in the direction of the bottom 52.

Les bossages 55 s'étendent sur cette portion conique 70.The bosses 55 extend over this conical portion 70.

La partie annulaire 85 qui réunit la lèvre flexible 53 à la partie centrale 51 est relativement large et épaisse, ce qui permet de bien immobiliser l'extrémité supérieure de la partie centrale 51 par rapport à la jupe intérieure 20, lorsque la partie centrale 51 est étirée.The annular part 85 which joins the flexible lip 53 to the central part 51 is relatively wide and thick, which makes it possible to immobilize the upper end of the central part 51 relatively to the internal skirt 20, when the central part 51 is stretched.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, la partie annulaire 85 est environ deux fois plus large qu'épaisse, en dehors des bossages 55.In the embodiment described, the annular part 85 is approximately twice as wide as it is thick, apart from the bosses 55.

La partie centrale 51 de la membrane comporte sur sa surface intérieure un bossage annulaire 58, de section demi-circulaire.The central part 51 of the membrane has on its inner surface an annular boss 58, of semicircular section.

Ce bossage 58 est destiné à s'appliquer par une génératrice sur la surface extérieure du conduit central 32 au-dessus des ouvertures 36, lorsque le bouton-poussoir remonte, afin de fermer le passage entre la chambre de pompage 34 et l'intérieur du conduit central 32.This boss 58 is intended to be applied by a generator on the outer surface of the central duct 32 above the openings 36, when the push-button goes up, in order to close the passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the interior of the central duct 32.

Dans l'exemple décrit, le bossage 58 a un rayon de 0,25 mm, l'épaisseur e de la paroi constituant la partie centrale 51 de la membrane étant de 0,55 mm.In the example described, the boss 58 has a radius of 0.25 mm, the thickness e of the wall constituting the central part 51 of the membrane being 0.55 mm.

Le fond 52 de la partie centrale 51 de la membrane comporte un plot 59 sur sa face supérieure, destiné à s'engager dans l'extrémité inférieure du conduit central 32.The bottom 52 of the central part 51 of the membrane has a stud 59 on its upper face, intended to engage in the lower end of the central duct 32.

On a représenté en trait discontinu sur la figure 5 le conduit central 32.The central duct 32 is shown in broken lines in FIG. 5.

Le diamètre extérieur du plot 59 correspond au diamètre intérieur du conduit central 32.The outside diameter of the stud 59 corresponds to the inside diameter of the central duct 32.

Le plot 59 permet de maintenir le fond 52 de ia membrane fixe par rapport au conduit central 32.The stud 59 keeps the bottom 52 of the membrane fixed relative to the central duct 32.

Lorsque le bouton poussoir 5 est au repos, comme représenté sur la figure 1, la longueur de la partie centrale 51 de la membrane vaut environ 3 fois la longueur initiale I0 de la partie centrale 51, c'est-à-dire que l'allongement atteint 200 %.When the push button 5 is at rest, as shown in FIG. 1, the length of the central part 51 of the membrane is approximately 3 times the initial length I 0 of the central part 51, that is to say that l elongation reaches 200%.

A titre d'exemple, lorsque la membrane 50 est non montée, la longueur l0 mesurée entre le fond de la gorge 54 et la face supérieure du fond 52 vaut 3 mm environ et lorsque la membrane est en place dans la pompe et le bouton poussoir au repos comme représenté sur la figure 1, la longueur de la partie centrale 51 vaut 9 mm environ.By way of example, when the membrane 50 is not mounted, the length l 0 measured between the bottom of the groove 54 and the upper face of the bottom 52 is approximately 3 mm and when the membrane is in place in the pump and the button pusher at rest as shown in FIG. 1, the length of the central part 51 is approximately 9 mm.

Dans l'exemple décrit, en fin de course d'enfoncement du bouton poussoir 5, la longueur de la partie centrale 51 atteint un allongement de 350 %.In the example described, at the end of the push-button travel 5, the length of the central part 51 reaches an elongation of 350%.

La longueur de la partie centrale 51 vaut alors, pour l'exemple considéré, 13,5 mm, la course du bouton poussoir 5 vers le bas étant de 4,5 mm.The length of the central part 51 is then, for the example considered, 13.5 mm, the stroke of the push button 5 down being 4.5 mm.

Lors du montage, le conduit central 32 du bouton-poussoir 5 est inséré dans la partie centrale 51 de la membrane 50 jusqu'à prendre appui, par son extrémité inférieure, contre le fond 52 de la membrane 50 autour du plot 59, comme illustré sur la figure 1.During assembly, the central duct 32 of the push button 5 is inserted into the central part 51 of the membrane 50 until it bears, by its lower end, against the bottom 52 of the membrane 50 around the stud 59, as illustrated in figure 1.

Les bossages 55 s'appliquent alors contre la surface cylindrique de révolution du conduit central 32. Il n'est toutefois pas nécessaire, d'une manière générale, que les bossages 55 s'appliquent sur le conduit central 32 lorsque le bouton-poussoir est au repos.The bosses 55 are then applied against the cylindrical surface of revolution of the central duct 32. However, it is not generally necessary for the bosses 55 to apply to the central duct 32 when the push button is resting.

Lorsque le bouton-poussoir 5 est au repos, la partie centrale 51 de la membrane 50 est tendue, de manière à maintenir les dents 31 en butée contre le bord supérieur 18 de la jupe extérieure 15.When the push-button 5 is at rest, the central part 51 of the membrane 50 is tensioned, so as to keep the teeth 31 in abutment against the upper edge 18 of the outer skirt 15.

La double lèvre d'étanchéité 24 s'applique de manière étanche sur la surface radialement intérieure de la jupe tubulaire 33, quel que soit le mouvement ascendant ou descendant du bouton-poussoir 5.The double sealing lip 24 is applied in a sealed manner on the radially inner surface of the tubular skirt 33, whatever the upward or downward movement of the push button 5.

Le bossage 58 s'applique par son sommet sur le conduit central 32, ce qui ferme le passage entre la chambre de pompage 34 et les ouvertures radiales 36.The boss 58 is applied by its apex to the central duct 32, which closes the passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the radial openings 36.

La lèvre flexible 53 vient, au repos, en appui par le bossage annulaire 56 sur la jupe intérieure 20, ce qui ferme le passage entre la chambre de pompage 34 et l'intérieur du récipient.The flexible lip 53 comes, at rest, to bear by the annular boss 56 on the inner skirt 20, which closes the passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the interior of the container.

Le conduit central 32 comporte avantageusement, comme représenté sur les figures 7 et 8, des nervures 60 parallèles à l'axe X, dont les extrémités inférieures 61 sont éloignées du bossage annulaire 58, lorsque le bouton-poussoir est en position haute, d'une distance correspondant à la course d'enfoncement du bouton-poussoir.The central duct 32 advantageously comprises, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, ribs 60 parallel to the axis X, the lower ends 61 of which are distant from the annular boss 58, when the push button is in the high position, from a distance corresponding to the push-in stroke.

Ces nervures 60 sont facultatives, mais facilitent l'amorçage de la pompe comme expliqué ci-après.These ribs 60 are optional, but facilitate priming of the pump as explained below.

Avant que le bouton-poussoir n'atteigne sa position basse, les extrémités inférieures 61 des nervures 60 se situent au-dessus du bossage annulaire 58, comme représenté sur la figure 11.Before the push-button reaches its low position, the lower ends 61 of the ribs 60 are located above the annular boss 58, as shown in FIG. 11.

Lorsque la pompe n'est pas amorcée, de l'air se trouve dans la chambre de pompage 34, qu'il convient d'éliminer.When the pump is not primed, air is in the pumping chamber 34, which should be eliminated.

Les nervures 60 viennent au contact du bossage annulaire 58 en fin de course d'enfoncement du bouton-poussoir afin d'assurer que le bossage annulaire 58 s'écarte bien du conduit central 58, comme illustré sur la figure 12.The ribs 60 come into contact with the annular boss 58 at the end of the push-button insertion stroke in order to ensure that the annular boss 58 departs well from the central duct 58, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

On évite ainsi le risque que la pression de l'air dans la chambre de pompage soit insuffisante pour provoquer la création d'un passage entre la chambre de pompage 34 et les ouvertures radiales 36.This avoids the risk that the air pressure in the pumping chamber is insufficient to cause the creation of a passage between the pumping chamber 34 and the radial openings 36.

Le support 4, le bouton-poussoir 5 et la membrane 50 constituent une pompe dont le fonctionnement est le suivant.The support 4, the push button 5 and the membrane 50 constitute a pump, the operation of which is as follows.

Lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur le bouton-poussoir 5, comme illustré sur la figure 9, le conduit central 32 entraîne vers le bas le fond 52 de la membrane 50, laquelle se déforme de façon élastique en s'étirant pour accompagner le mouvement de descente du conduit central 32.When the user presses the push button 5, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the central duct 32 drives down the bottom 52 of the membrane 50, which deforms elastically by stretching to accompany the movement of lowering of the central duct 32.

La pompe est ici supposée amorcée, c'est-à-dire que la chambre de pompage 34 est remplie de produit.The pump is here assumed to be primed, that is to say that the pumping chamber 34 is filled with product.

Lors du mouvement de descente du bouton-poussoir 5, le produit contenu dans la chambre de pompage 34 se trouve chassé entre le conduit central 32 et la partie centrale 51 de la membrane et gagne les ouvertures radiales 36 du conduit central 32, puis l'embout de distribution 35.During the downward movement of the push button 5, the product contained in the pumping chamber 34 is expelled between the central duct 32 and the central part 51 of the membrane and reaches the radial openings 36 of the central duct 32, then the dispensing nozzle 35.

La lèvre flexible 53 s'applique de manière étanche par le bossage annulaire 56 sur la jupe intérieure 20 durant le mouvement de descente du bouton-poussoir 5.The flexible lip 53 is applied in a sealed manner by the annular boss 56 on the inner skirt 20 during the downward movement of the push button 5.

La lèvre d'étanchéité 37 de la jupe tubulaire 33 du bouton-poussoir 5 cesse, lorsqu'elle atteint le retrait annulaire 41 après une certaine course d'enfoncement du bouton-poussoir 5, de s'appliquer de manière étanche sur la jupe de guidage 16, permettant une communication entre l'intérieur du récipient et l'extérieur, par l'intermédiaire de l'orifice de reprise d'air 42 et le jeu existant entre la jupe de guidage 16 et la jupe tubulaire 33.The sealing lip 37 of the tubular skirt 33 of the push button 5 ceases, when it reaches the annular withdrawal 41 after a certain pushing stroke of the push button 5, to apply in a sealed manner on the skirt of guide 16, allowing communication between the inside of the container and the outside, via the air intake orifice 42 and the clearance existing between the guide skirt 16 and the tubular skirt 33.

Les bossages 55 ménagent entre eux des passages pour le produit et empêchent la formation d'une zone annulaire étanche entre le conduit central 32 et la partie centrale 51 de la membrane 50 qui ne pourrait être vaincue par la pression du produit, de sorte que le produit peut circuler jusqu'aux ouvertures radiales 36, le bossage annulaire 58 pouvant s'écarter légèrement du conduit central 32 sous l'effet de la pression du produit.The bosses 55 provide passageways between them for the product and prevent the formation of a sealed annular zone between the central duct 32 and the central part 51 of the membrane 50 which cannot be overcome by the pressure of the product, so that the product can flow to the radial openings 36, the annular boss 58 may slightly deviate from the central duct 32 under the effect of the pressure of the product.

La surface de contact entre la membrane 50 et le conduit central 32 au-dessus des ouvertures radiales 36 est du fait de la présence du bossage annulaire 58, relativement limitée, ce qui facilite la création d'un passage vers les ouvertures radiales 36.The contact surface between the membrane 50 and the central duct 32 above the radial openings 36 is due to the presence of the relatively limited annular boss 58, which facilitates the creation of a passage towards the radial openings 36.

Les bossages 55 tendent à maintenir le conduit central 32 coaxial à la jupe intérieure 20 et à garantir l'accrochage de la membrane sur la jupe intérieure 20.The bosses 55 tend to keep the central duct 32 coaxial with the inner skirt 20 and to guarantee the attachment of the membrane to the inner skirt 20.

Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche le bouton-poussoir 5, celui-ci est rappelé vers le haut par la partie centrale 51 de la membrane, laquelle tend à reprendre sa forme initiale.When the user releases the push button 5, it is called up by the central part 51 of the membrane, which tends to return to its initial shape.

Lors du mouvement de retour du bouton-poussoir 5, le bossage annulaire 58 ferme le passage entre les ouvertures radiales 36 et la chambre de pompage 34, et la dépression qui se crée dans cette dernière provoque l'écartement de la lèvre flexible 53 de la jupe intérieure 20 et une arrivée de produit en provenance du récipient.During the return movement of the push button 5, the annular boss 58 closes the passage between the radial openings 36 and the pumping chamber 34, and the vacuum which is created in the latter causes the flexible lip 53 to separate from the inner skirt 20 and an arrival of product from the container.

Le déplacement du bossage annulaire 56 est facilité par l'existence de la zone amincie 57.The displacement of the annular boss 56 is facilitated by the existence of the thinned zone 57.

Le produit gagne la chambre de pompage 34 en circulant par les rainures 25 de la jupe intérieure 20 le long de la partie centrale 51 de la membrane 50, en traversant la jupe intérieure 20 à la faveur des ouvertures 22, puis en contournant la lèvre flexible 53 et en remontant à l'extérieur de cette dernière, comme illustré sur la figure 10.The product reaches the pumping chamber 34 by flowing through the grooves 25 of the inner skirt 20 along the central part 51 of the membrane 50, crossing the inner skirt 20 through the openings 22, then bypassing the flexible lip 53 and going up outside of the latter, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Alors que le bouton-poussoir 5 remonte, de l'air peut gagner le récipient par le jeu existant entre la jupe de guidage 16 et la jupe tubulaire 33 et par l'orifice de reprise d'air 42, jusqu'à ce que la lèvre d'étanchéité 37 s'applique à nouveau de manière étanche sur la jupe de guidage 16 lorsque le bouton-poussoir 5 arrive en position haute, comme expliqué plus haut.As the push-button 5 goes up, air can reach the container through the play existing between the guide skirt 16 and the tubular skirt 33 and through the air intake orifice 42, until the sealing lip 37 applies again in a sealed manner on the guide skirt 16 when the push button 5 arrives in the high position, as explained above.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à l'exemple de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described.

En particulier, les bossages 55 peuvent être remplacés par les reliefs réalisés sur le conduit central.In particular, the bosses 55 can be replaced by the reliefs made on the central duct.

On peut aussi donner aux nervures 60 une dimension leur permettant de remplir la même fonction que les bossages 55 lesquels peuvent alors être supprimés.We can also give the ribs 60 a dimension allowing them to fulfill the same function as the bosses 55 which can then be removed.

Le bossage annulaire 58 peut être supprimé et remplacé en variante par un bossage annulaire 58' réalisé sur la surface extérieure du conduit central 32, au-dessus des ouvertures radiales 36, comme illustré sur la figure 13.The annular boss 58 can be eliminated and replaced as a variant by an annular boss 58 'produced on the external surface of the central duct 32, above the radial openings 36, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

De manière similaire, le bossage annulaire 56 peut être supprimé comme illustré sur la figure 14 et remplacé par un bossage annulaire 56' réalisé sur la jupe intérieure 20, juste en dessous des ouvertures 22, comme représenté sur la figure 15.Similarly, the annular boss 56 can be eliminated as illustrated in FIG. 14 and replaced by an annular boss 56 ′ produced on the internal skirt 20, just below the openings 22, as shown in FIG. 15.

Claims (32)

  1. A pump of type comprising a moving member mounted to move relative to a support, the moving member having a central duct into which the substance to be dispensed penetrates via at least one opening, the support co-operating with the moving member to define a variable volume pump chamber around said central duct, the pump also having a diaphragm having a central portion in which - said central duct is inserted, the diaphragm being organized in such a manner as to isolate the pump chamber from the opening(s) of the central duct when the volume of the pump chamber increases and the substance is sucked into it, the pump being characterized by the fact that at least one of the central duct (32) and the central portion (51) of the diaphragm includes an annular bulge (58; 58') that is suitable, when the volume of the pump chamber (34) increases, for bearing in leakproof manner on the other of the central portion and the central duct of the diaphragm, so as to isolate the pump chamber (34) from the opening(s) of the central duct (32).
  2. A pump according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the central portion of the diaphragm (51) includes an annular bulge (58) that, at rest and when the volume of the pump chamber increases, bears in leakproof manner on the central duct (2), so as to isolate the pump chamber (34) from the opening(s) (36) of the central duct (32).
  3. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one of the diaphragm and the central duct (32) is shaped to prevent an annular zone forming between the diaphragm and the central duct that would prevent the substance contained in the pump chamber from flowing via said central duct (32) when the volume of the pump chamber decreases.
  4. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one of the diaphragm and the central duct is shaped so as to bear against the other of the central duct and the diaphragm at predetermined locations of its periphery, at least during displacement of the moving member relative to the support.
  5. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized - by the fact that at least one of the diaphragm and the central duct has portions in relief against which the other of the central duct or the diaphragm comes to bear, at least during displacement of the moving member relative to the support.
  6. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said portions in relief are made on the diaphragm, preferably being constituted by bulges (55) uniformly distributed around the axis (X) of the central portion (51) of the diaphragm at its opening, said bulges (55) extending over the top face of the diaphragm.
  7. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the diaphragm has a flexible lip (53) suitable firstly for isolating the pump chamber (34) from the source of substance when the volume of said pump chamber (34) decreases; and secondly for enabling substance to enter into said pump chamber (34) when the volume thereof increases.
  8. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said flexible lip (53) is connected to the central portion (51) of the diaphragm (50) by forming a downwardly open annular trough (54), and by the fact that the support includes an inner skirt (20) having its top end bearing against the end wall of said trough (54) to retain the diaphragm when the moving member (5) is moved downwards to decrease the volume of the pump chamber (34).
  9. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that one of the flexible lip or the inner skirt includes an annular bulge (56; 56') that is suitable for bearing on the other of the inner skirt or the flexible lip so as to isolate the pump chamber from the inside of the receptacle when the volume of the pump chamber decreases.
  10. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the flexible lip includes an annular bulge (56) on its inner surface that is suitable for bearing in sealed manner on the inner skirt so as to isolate the pump chamber from the source of substance both at rest and when the volume of the pump chamber decreases.
  11. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the flexible lip (53) includes, above its bulge (56), a preferred deformation zone that is preferably constituted by a thin zone (57).
  12. A pump according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the inner skirt (20) includes on the outer surface an annular bulge (56') that is suitable for bearing in leakproof manner on the flexible lip (53) so as to isolate the pump chamber from the source of substance when the volume of the pump chamber decreases.
  13. A pump according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by the fact that the inner skirt (20) is a portion of a piece fitted to the remainder of the support.
  14. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the support has a pair of sealing lips (24) bearing in leakproof manner on a tubular skirt (33) of the moving member, said tubular skirt (33) being downwardly open and extending around the central duct (32) concentrically thereabout, said tubular skirt (33) also defining the pump radially outer wall of the pump chamber (34).
  15. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the tubular skirt (33) of the moving member slides inside a guide skirt (16) of the support, co-operating with the inner skirt (20) of the support to define an upwardly open annular trough which communicates with the source of substance via at least one air intake orifice (42), the tubular skirt (33) of the moving member bearing in leakproof manner against said guide skirt (16) when the moving member is at rest and the volume of the pump chamber (34) is at a maximum.
  16. A pump according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized by the fact that said inner skirt (20) has openings (22) at its top end, the openings being of a height that is less than the height of the flexible lip (53), said openings (22) enabling the substance to reach the pump chamber (34) when the volume thereof increases and the flexible lip (53) moves away from the inner skirt (20) under the effect of thrust from the substance flowing towards the pump chamber (34).
  17. A pump according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized by the fact that the height of the flexible lip (53) is greater than or equal to the height of the central portion (51) of the diaphragm, prior to the diaphragm being assembled in the pump.
  18. A pump according to any one of claims 8 to 17, characterized by the fact that the flexible lip (53) is of thickness that increases going towards the top end of the diaphragm.
  19. A pump according to any one of claims 8 to 18, characterized by the fact that the inside diameter of the flexible lip (53) is equal to the outside diameter of the inner skirt (20), ignoring manufacturing tolerances.
  20. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the clearance between the flexible lip (53) and the inner skirt (20) is zero or the flexible lip is slightly crimped against the inner skirt.
  21. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the central portion (51) of the diaphragm (50) is connected at its top end to an annular portion (85) whose width and thickness are selected in such a manner as to improve retention of the diaphragm when said central portion (51) is stretched.
  22. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the thickness of said annular portion (85), prior to the diaphragm (50) being assembled in the pump, is greater than or equal to the thickness of the diaphragm in its central portion.
  23. A pump according to either one of the two preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said annular portion (85), prior to the diaphragm (50) being assembled in the pump, is at least 1.5 times wider than it is thick, and preferably twice as wide as it is thick.
  24. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that when the moving member (5) is at rest, the length of the central portion of the diaphragm after being assembled in the pump is greater than or equal to 1.5 times its initial length ( l 0) prior to assembly in the pump, or greater than or equal to twice said initial length, or even greater than or equal than 3 times said initial length.
  25. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that when the moving member is fully depressed, the length of the central portion (51) of the diaphragm is greater than or equal to twice the initial length ( l 0) of the diaphragm prior to assembly in the pump, or greater than or equal to 3 times said initial length, or even greater than or equal to 4 times said initial length.
  26. A pump according to claim 2 and optionally any of the other claims, characterized by the fact that the central duct (32) includes one or more hollow or projecting (60) portions in relief remote from said bulge (58) when the moving member is in the high position, and reaching the bulge (58) at the end of the down stroke of the moving member, the portions in relief being organized in such as manner as to facilitate the creation, at that moment, of a passage between the pump chamber (34) and the opening(s) (36) of the central duct (32).
  27. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the portion(s) in relief is/are in the form of one or more ribs (60) formed on the outer surface of the central duct (32).
  28. A pump according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the central portion of the diaphragm includes a base comprising an inner stud (59) that is organized so as to engage in the bottom end of the central duct (32).
  29. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the central duct (32) of the moving member is provided with at least one radial opening (36) at its bottom end.
  30. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the moving member constitutes a pushbutton, the central duct (32) being integrally formed with a dispenser endpiece (35).
  31. A pump according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the diaphragm is made of a nitrile elastomer or of a silicone elastomer.
  32. A receptacle fitted with a pump as defined in any preceding claim.
EP00401998A 1999-07-19 2000-07-11 Diaphragm pump and container incorporating the same Expired - Lifetime EP1070670B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9909331A FR2796672B1 (en) 1999-07-19 1999-07-19 MEMBRANE PUMP WITH ANNULAR SEALING, AND CONTAINER THUS EQUIPPED
FR9909331 1999-07-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1070670A1 EP1070670A1 (en) 2001-01-24
EP1070670B1 true EP1070670B1 (en) 2004-12-29

Family

ID=9548249

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00401998A Expired - Lifetime EP1070670B1 (en) 1999-07-19 2000-07-11 Diaphragm pump and container incorporating the same

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US6305581B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1070670B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3613329B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE285952T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2314824A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60017022T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2233307T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2796672B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2825418B1 (en) 2001-05-31 2004-07-16 Oreal MEMBRANE PUMP AND CONTAINER THUS EQUIPPED
US6779689B2 (en) * 2003-01-21 2004-08-24 Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa, Division Of Conopco, Inc. Ovaloid dispensing container
FR2852302B1 (en) * 2003-03-13 2006-07-14 Valois Sas FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING MEMBER AND FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH AN ORGAN
US7614528B2 (en) * 2005-09-05 2009-11-10 Barflex Corporation Liquid dispensing apparatus capable of regulating discharged amount of liquid
FR2989598B1 (en) * 2012-04-24 2016-01-01 Lablabo DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCTS WITH A MANUAL PUMP.

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2717447B1 (en) * 1994-03-21 1996-05-31 Labcatal Dosing device intended to deliver constant unit doses.
FR2728809B1 (en) * 1995-01-04 1997-04-04 Daniel Crosnier DOSING DEVICE ADAPTABLE TO VARIOUS CONTAINERS
FR2732950B1 (en) * 1995-04-13 1997-07-04 Sofab DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DISPENSING A LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2001107869A (en) 2001-04-17
DE60017022T2 (en) 2006-01-12
US6305581B1 (en) 2001-10-23
FR2796672B1 (en) 2001-10-12
ES2233307T3 (en) 2005-06-16
ATE285952T1 (en) 2005-01-15
DE60017022D1 (en) 2005-02-03
CA2314824A1 (en) 2001-01-19
FR2796672A1 (en) 2001-01-26
EP1070670A1 (en) 2001-01-24
JP3613329B2 (en) 2005-01-26

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