EP1154864B1 - Fluid product dispenser with flexible bag - Google Patents

Fluid product dispenser with flexible bag Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1154864B1
EP1154864B1 EP99901655A EP99901655A EP1154864B1 EP 1154864 B1 EP1154864 B1 EP 1154864B1 EP 99901655 A EP99901655 A EP 99901655A EP 99901655 A EP99901655 A EP 99901655A EP 1154864 B1 EP1154864 B1 EP 1154864B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
bag
dispenser
pump
accordance
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
EP99901655A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1154864A1 (en
Inventor
Firmin Garcia
Laurent Decottignies
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.)
AirlesSystems SAS
Original Assignee
AirlesSystems SAS
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 AirlesSystems SAS filed Critical AirlesSystems SAS
Publication of EP1154864A1 publication Critical patent/EP1154864A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1154864B1 publication Critical patent/EP1154864B1/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
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/026—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—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
    • B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
    • B05B11/1046—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container
    • B05B11/1047—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container the pump being preassembled as an independent unit before being mounted on the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5861—Spouts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid dispenser and more particularly to a set of components that can be assembled to form a dispenser of the type comprising a manual pump and a deformable flexible bag containing the fluid product.
  • the flexible bag is preferably filled under vacuum and attached to the hand pump.
  • the flexible bag is disposed in a protective shell which advantageously allows the ambient air to enter the space defined between the flexible bag and the shell. While such a pouch may generally work satisfactorily, it would be desirable to provide an improved design for such a dispenser so that it can be more easily manufactured.
  • Document EP-A-0 486 355 shows a dispenser as described in the preamble of the first claim.
  • a dispenser can be easily assembled from a set of components.
  • the filling with the product is preferably carried out under vacuum. In the preferred embodiment, this is facilitated by arranging the components into two subsets.
  • a first subassembly may be filled with the vacuum fluid, and then the second subassembly may be mounted on the first subassembly to form the complete dispenser.
  • One of the components is a deformable bag that contains the fluid product.
  • the pouch comprises a flexible material having an open end defined by a peripheral portion of the material.
  • the second component of the first subset is a carrier that is attached to the pocket.
  • the support has a connection structure received in the open end of the pocket.
  • the connection structure of the support is sealingly attached to the material of the pocket.
  • the support defines a passage communicating with the outside of the pocket.
  • the third component of the first subassembly is a hollow body or shell which receives the pocket and is fixed to the support preferably by snapping.
  • the shell is substantially rigid over most of its height and has a bottom which can serve as a base for positioning the dispenser in a substantially vertical position.
  • the base preferably includes one or more vent holes to allow ambient air to enter the shell around the pocket.
  • the second subassembly is assembled from two main components and preferably comprises one or two additional components.
  • the first component is a holding member which can be fixed to the support of the first subassembly preferably by snapping.
  • the holding member defines an opening that is aligned with the passage of the holder, and at least one attachment surface around the opening.
  • a second component of the second subassembly is a hand pump that can be mounted between the support and the attachment surface of the holding member. When the pump is correctly mounted, it extends inside the passage of the support and inside the opening of the holding element.
  • the pump has an opening for communicating with the interior of the deformable bag, and an outlet projecting beyond the holding member, the pump further comprises a flange.
  • the second subassembly preferably comprises a third component which is a separate seal designed to provide a seal between the pump and the support on which the pump is mounted and retained by the holding member.
  • the second subassembly may optionally include a fourth component in the form of a hood or cap which is adapted to be mounted on the output end of the pump and which is adapted to be removed by the user when the user wishes to use the dispenser.
  • a fourth component in the form of a hood or cap which is adapted to be mounted on the output end of the pump and which is adapted to be removed by the user when the user wishes to use the dispenser.
  • the first subassembly is assembled by sealingly fixing the deformable bag on the support and fixing the shell on the support. Then, the flexible pouch can be filled with fluid during a vacuum filling process through the carrier passage.
  • the second subassembly constituted by the pump and the holding element can be mounted on the first subassembly so that the holding element is fixed on the support. This is also accomplished under vacuum, and preferably the aforementioned seal is disposed on the pump prior to mounting the pump and the holding member on the support.
  • the cover may initially be attached to the support member above the pump prior to mounting the second subset on the first subset.
  • the dispenser comprises the features listed in claim 1.
  • the holding member is thus snapped onto the support by keeping the pump stuck together.
  • said support comprises an annular wall which defines said passage and which terminates in an upper end, said annular wall having an outer surface defining said groove in the form of an annular groove open towards the outside, said holding element comprises an annular sleeve for receiving said annular wall of said holder, and said cord is a cord extending outwardly on said sleeve.
  • connection structure comprises a first set of spaced parallel flanges and a second set of spaced parallel flanges. extending in opposite manner conferring on the connection structure a substantially diamond-shaped geometry.
  • each set of flanges comprises three flanges.
  • the opening of the pocket is welded to the outer edges of the flanges so as to form a sealing barrier at each flange.
  • the material of the flexible bag is welded to each flange so as to form a complete peripheral welding bead. The multiplication of flanges further increases the number of sealing barriers.
  • the flanges undergo partial softening or melting which ensures a perfect quality of the heat seal.
  • the diamond or eye shape allows easy adaptation of the opening of the pocket on the connection structure since the flexible bag is often made of two strips of material welded together.
  • the width of said flanges decreases away from said bore.
  • the walls each comprise an end portion extending beyond the flanges. These two end portions which are in the form of tongues at both diamond ends at which the material of the flexible bag is joined. These two end portions, when welding the pocket on the connection structure, will partially melt and become thinner so that the opening of the pocket where it leaves the connection structure can be perfectly contiguous. This avoids any risk of leakage at this level.
  • said support comprises at least one outwardly projecting rib, said body comprising at least one shoulder extending inwards, and at least one one of said support and said body being resiliently bendable to accommodate relative movement of said rib and said shoulder for engagement by providing a snap.
  • said support comprises a plurality of ribs and said body comprises a plurality of shoulders, and each of said ribs comes into latching engagement with one of said ribs.
  • the support in addition to forming the connection structure for the pocket defines means for its snap on the rigid shell.
  • said rib has an inclined cam surface.
  • said body defines a cam surface inclined above said shoulder. The two inclined cam surfaces can thus cooperate to facilitate the snapping of the support on the shell.
  • said body defines a recess above said shoulder to receive said rib.
  • said pocket material is a heat-sealable thermoplastic material, said support being molded from a heat-sealable thermoplastic material, and said connection structure of said support being heat-sealed to said pocket.
  • a distributor according to the invention is represented on the figure 1 and generally designated by reference numeral 10.
  • the dispenser is adapted to dispense a fluid, typically a liquid, a cream or paste or the like. It can therefore find an adaptation in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery and pharmacy.
  • the dispenser 10 comprises a casing on which is mounted a manual pump 14.
  • the pump 14 may be of a conventional type having a pump chamber in which is disposed a piston which can be actuated by pressing on a pusher 16 to dispense a quantity Fluid product at the dispensing orifice 18.
  • An optional cap 20 may be removably mounted on the pump 14 (cf. figures 1 and 3 ).
  • the dispenser 10 comprises a flexible deformable bag 24 which contains the fluid product.
  • the pocket 24 is made from a flexible material.
  • the material may be a thermoplastic material, preferably heat-sealable such as polyvinyl chloride film, polypropylene or the like.
  • the pocket 24 can be made from two sheets of such material which are heat-sealed on three edges, as in 26 on the figure 3 to define a pocket having a major portion closed with an open end.
  • the open end of the bag 24 is sealingly attached to a support 30 ( Fig. 3 ).
  • the support 30 comprises a connection structure 32 ( Fig. 3 ) which is received in the open end of the pocket 24.
  • the connection structure 30 comprises a hollow structure 36 which projects downwards and which defines a generally cylindrical bore 38 which communicates with the interior of the deformable bag 24.
  • connection structure 32 comprises two coplanar walls 41 and 42 which extend radially outwardly from the hollow structure 36.
  • the wall 41 comprises a distal end portion of reduced thickness 56.
  • the wall 42 has a distal end portion of reduced thickness 58.
  • a first set of spaced parallel ribs or flanges 46 extends laterally outwards on one side from the walls 41 and 42 and from the hollow structure 36.
  • a second set of spaced parallel flanges 52 extends laterally in the opposite direction from the other side of the walls 41 and 42 and from the hollow structure 36, so that the Connection structure 32 has a substantially diamond-shaped or eye-shaped configuration.
  • connection structure 32 has a configuration that is somewhat similar to that of an open human eye in which the bore 38 acts as a pupil and the surrounding structure acts as eye white.
  • the deformable pouch 24 is preferably heat-sealed or otherwise sealingly affixed to the elongated peripheral edges of the flanges of the connection structure 46 and 52.
  • the deformable pouch 24 is heat-sealed to the distal end portions of reduced thickness 56 and 58 of the walls 41 and 42 respectively.
  • the open end of the pocket 24 is sealingly secured around its periphery to the connection structure 32 of the support, but remains in communication with the interior of the flexible pouch 24 through the bore 35 in the structure
  • the support 30 comprises a plate 60 disposed above and parallel to the flanges 46 and 42. The plate 60 extends along the central walls 41 and 42 connected thereto and the thinned end portions 56. and 58.
  • a pair of stiffening ribs 62 and a pair of shorter stiffening ribs 64 project upwardly from plate 60.
  • the outside of the surface of the annular wall 68 defines an annular groove 74 open to the outside.
  • the annular wall 68 defines a bore 70 which extends coaxially from the bore 38 into the lower hollow structure 38.
  • the bore 38 and the bore 70 together define a passage 72 (FIG. Fig. 2 , 4 and 5 ) through the support 30 communicates with the interior of the pocket 24.
  • the passage 72 is wide enough to receive the lower end of the pump 14.
  • the support plate 60 comprises means or structure for connecting the support 30 to a hollow body or shell 80 which surrounds and protects the deformable pocket 24.
  • the hollow body 80 has an open top end for receiving the support plate 60 and has a closed bottom end defining a generally flat base 84 adapted to maintain the dispenser in a vertical position.
  • the base 84 preferably includes one or more vent holes 86 to allow ambient air to enter the space defined between the shell or the flexible bag 24.
  • the hull 80 defines four spaced recesses 90 adjacent to the shoulder 88.
  • the bottom of each recess 90 is defined by the shoulder 90.
  • the top of each recess 90 is defined by an overhanging shoulder 94 ( Fig. 7 ).
  • the upper edge of the shell 80 above each shoulder 94 is inclined or chamfered to define a cam surface 98 ( Fig. 7 ).
  • the support 30 comprises four connecting elements or ribs 102 intended to be received individually in one of the recesses 90 of the shell.
  • Each rib 102 projects laterally from the side of the support plate 60.
  • Each rib 102 includes an upwardly facing shoulder 106 and an inwardly inclined cam surface 112 (FIG. Fig. 7 ).
  • the support 30 or the shell 80, or both, are able to deform resiliently, at least in the area of the cover ribs 102 and / or in the zone of the shoulders 94 of the shell, so as to adapt relative movements of the cover ribs 102 and shell shoulders 94 to engage each other so as to provide a detent. This is facilitated by the cam surfaces 98 of the shell that initially engage with the cam surfaces 112 of the tray ribs. When sufficiently large opposing axial forces are applied to the support 30 and the shell 80, there is a temporary deformation of one or both components radially so that the plateau ribs 102 can move beyond the ends. internal of the upper shoulders 94 of the hull. The ribs 102 are housed between the upper shoulders 94 and the inner shoulder 88 as shown in FIG. figure 7 to establish the snap.
  • the resulting assembly may be referred to as a lower subset or first subassembly. together that can be provided to a fluid product manufacturer to fill the deformable pouch 24 with a fluid product. Then, the additional components of the dispenser, comprising an upper subset or a second subset as described below, are installed on the first subset filled.
  • the second subassembly or upper subassembly to be mounted on the lower subassembly comprises at least two components.
  • One of the components of the upper subassembly is the pump 14, and the other component is a holding member 130 ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the pusher 16 can be considered as part of the pump 14. Additional components are preferably also included in the upper subset, such as a gasket 134 ( Fig. 2 ) and the cap 20 ( Fig. 2 and 3 ).
  • the pump 14 is initially mounted inside the holding member 130, with the seal 134 if the seal is used.
  • the pump 14 has a mounting flange 140 extending radially ( Fig. 2 and 3 ) for positioning on or above the upper end 69 of the annular wall 68 of the support 30.
  • the seal 134 is disposed between the pump flange 140 and the end
  • the seal 134 may be omitted.
  • the seal 134 may be an integral part of the pump flange 140 or the upper end 69 of the support 30.
  • the pump 14 may be a pump without any air intake and comprises an internal chamber (not visible) in which is disposed a piston (not visible).
  • the piston is mounted on a hollow actuating rod 146 which extends beyond the upper end of the body of the pump 14.
  • the pusher 16 is mounted on the rod 146. By pressing on the pusher, the piston is lowered into the inner chamber, so that the fluid in the chamber is forced through the hollow actuating rod 146 and through the dispensing orifice 18.
  • the holding member 130 comprises a convex hood 160 conferring a pleasant external configuration.
  • the lower end of the hood 160 has a flange 162 which protrudes laterally.
  • Each of the protuberances 166 is adapted to establish a latching with a protuberance or cord 170 extending radially inwards down the cap 20.
  • the cap 20 and / or the lower part of the cap 160 of the holding element are deformable resiliently to accommodate relative movements between the cap 20 and the hood 160 when the cap 20 is installed on the dispenser.
  • the cap and / or the hood can be deformed sufficiently to allow the bead of the cap 170 to be positioned below the protuberances 166 of the cover 160. This establishes a snap.
  • An annular sleeve 190 projects downwardly from the cover 160 into the holding member 130 ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the sleeve 190 defines a bore or passage or opening 192 which fits the annular wall 68 of the support 30 and the portion of the pump 14 which protrudes upwards ( Fig. 3 ).
  • annular flange 196 extends radially inwardly from the annular sleeve 190 of the holding member to engage the upper surface of the pump flange 140 (FIG. Fig. 6 ).
  • the sleeve 190 also includes an inwardly extending bead 202 that is adapted to be received in the annular groove 74 defined in the annular wall 68 of the carrier.
  • the annular support wall 68 or the sleeve of the holding member 90, or both, are resiliently deformable at least in the region of the cord 202 and / or the groove 74, so as to accommodate the displacements. relative to the cord 202 and the groove 74 to engage snapped.
  • the holding element may comprise locking means on its outer periphery adapted to cooperate with the body 80 so as to hold the support 30 by wedging them.
  • the holding element is for example provided with a snap-on flange and that the shell is formed with an edge provided with a detent groove.
  • the holding member no longer needs to cooperate by snapping with the support, as is the case in the embodiment above, in which the cord 202 snaps into the groove 74
  • the combination of the two snaps is conceivable.
  • the characteristics making it possible to fix the support to the body can be implemented independently of the characteristics relating to the connection structure of the support.
  • the technique of fixing the pocket on the support and the technique of holding the support on the shell are independent.
  • the pump 14 is initially disposed in the holding member 130.
  • the cap 20 may also be initially mounted by snapping onto the holding member 130 above the pump 14. This upper subassembly is then ready to be mounted on the support 30 of the lower subassembly.
  • the flange The pump 140 is wedged between the flange 196 of the holding member and the upper end 69 of the annular wall 68 of the support.
  • the seal 134 is preferably disposed between the pump flange 140 and the upper end 69 of the support wall to ensure a perfect seal.
  • the lower subassembly Before assembling the two subassemblies, the lower subassembly is filled with a fluid product. Preferably, the filling operation is carried out under vacuum. Then, still under vacuum, the upper subassembly is placed in position on the support 30 of the lower subassembly so as to establish a snap between the support 30 and the holding element 130.
  • the set of components according to the The invention can be easily manufactured from relatively low cost thermoplastic materials.
  • the dispensers made from this set of this component can be disposable dispensers.
  • All of the components can be easily assembled to make a dispenser that can be easily used. Except for the removable cover 20, the components are not easily separable, and the complete dispenser protects the fluid from any oxidation or external contamination.
  • connection structure 32 of the support 30 which defines a set of parallel spaced flanges, it allows easy welding of the opening of the deformable pocket by ensuring a perfect seal, because the flange edges and the parts end 58 and 56 partially melt at the time of the welding step. Each rib edge thus melted forms a perfect sealing barrier.
  • the end portions 56 and 58 which partially melt during welding provide a perfect transition element at which the two sheets of material of the pocket meet.

Abstract

The invention concerns a fluid product dispenser comprising: a deformable flexible bag (24) containing said fluid product and including a flexible material with an open end defined by a peripheral part of said material; a support (30) fixed to said bag, said support having a connecting structure (32) received in said open end of the bag and sealingly fixed to said bag material, said support defining a passage (72) communicating with said bag inside; a hollow body (80) capable of receiving said bag, and of being fixed to said support; a manual pump (14) capable of being mounted on said support (30) to extend inside said passage (72), said pump having an inlet for communicating with said bag inside and an outlet. The invention is characterised in that said connecting structure (32) of said support (30) comprises a plurality of spaced parallel flanges (46, 52) whereon the bag material is heat sealed.

Description

La présente invention concerne un distributeur de produit fluide et plus particulièrement un ensemble de composants qui peuvent être assemblés pour former un distributeur du type comprenant une pompe manuelle et une poche souple déformable contenant le produit fluide.The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser and more particularly to a set of components that can be assembled to form a dispenser of the type comprising a manual pump and a deformable flexible bag containing the fluid product.

La poche flexible est de préférence remplie sous vide et fixée à la pompe manuelle. La poche souple est disposée dans une coque de protection qui permet avantageusement à l'air ambiant de rentrer dans l'espace défini entre la poche souple et la coque. Alors qu'une telle poche peut généralement fonctionnée de manière satisfaisante, il serait souhaitable de fournir une conception améliorée pour un tel distributeur de telle sorte qu'il puisse être plus facilement fabriqué.The flexible bag is preferably filled under vacuum and attached to the hand pump. The flexible bag is disposed in a protective shell which advantageously allows the ambient air to enter the space defined between the flexible bag and the shell. While such a pouch may generally work satisfactorily, it would be desirable to provide an improved design for such a dispenser so that it can be more easily manufactured.

En particulier, il serait avantageux de fournir une conception améliorée qui pourrait incorporer une pompe manuelle conventionnelle. Une telle conception améliorée faciliterait la fixation de la poche souple, son remplissage avec le produit fluide, la fixation de la pompe, et l'assemblage d'autres composants avec un nombre minimum d'étapes de fabrication ou d'opérations spéciales de fabrication.In particular, it would be advantageous to provide an improved design that could incorporate a conventional manual pump. Such an improved design would facilitate the attachment of the flexible pouch, its filling with the fluid, the attachment of the pump, and the assembly of other components with a minimum number of manufacturing steps or special manufacturing operations.

De plus, il serait bénéfique de produire un tel distributeur amélioré qui ne comprennent qu'un nombre limité de composants, qui peuvent être assemblée relativement rapidement à faible coût et sans nécessité des tolérances de fabrication et d'assemblage particulièrement faibles.In addition, it would be beneficial to produce such an improved dispenser which includes only a limited number of components, which can be assembled relatively quickly at low cost and without the need for particularly low manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

Il serait également avantageux que les diverses parties des composants du distributeur puissent être modifiées relativement facilement de manière à conférer diverses configurations externes qui peuvent être souhaitées dans des buts utilitaires ou esthétiques. Document EP-A-0 486 355 montre un distributeur tel que décrit dans le préambule de la première revendication.It would also be advantageous for the various parts of the dispenser components to be relatively easily modifiable to provide a variety of external configurations that may be desired for utilitarian or aesthetic purposes. Document EP-A-0 486 355 shows a dispenser as described in the preamble of the first claim.

Selon l'invention, un distributeur peut être facilement assemblé à partir d'un jeu de composants. Le remplissage avec le produit est de préférence effectué sous vide. Dans le mode de réalisation préféré, ceci est facilité en arrangeant les composants en deux sous-ensembles. Un premier sous-ensemble peut être rempli avec le produit fluide sous vide, et ensuite le second sous-ensemble peut être monté sur le premier sous-ensemble pour former le distributeur complet.According to the invention, a dispenser can be easily assembled from a set of components. The filling with the product is preferably carried out under vacuum. In the preferred embodiment, this is facilitated by arranging the components into two subsets. A first subassembly may be filled with the vacuum fluid, and then the second subassembly may be mounted on the first subassembly to form the complete dispenser.

Trois composants peuvent être connectés ensemble pour former le premier sous-ensemble. Un des composants est une poche déformable qui contient le produit fluide. La poche comprend un matériau flexible ayant une extrémité ouverte définie par une partie périphérique du matériau.Three components can be connected together to form the first subset. One of the components is a deformable bag that contains the fluid product. The pouch comprises a flexible material having an open end defined by a peripheral portion of the material.

Le second composant du premier sous-ensemble est un support qui est fixé à la poche. Le support a une structure de connexion reçue dans l'extrémité ouverte de la poche. La structure de connexion du support est fixée de manière étanche au matériau de la poche. Le support définit un passage communiquant avec l'extérieur de la poche.The second component of the first subset is a carrier that is attached to the pocket. The support has a connection structure received in the open end of the pocket. The connection structure of the support is sealingly attached to the material of the pocket. The support defines a passage communicating with the outside of the pocket.

Le troisième composant du premier sous-ensemble est un corps creux ou coque qui reçoit la poche et est fixé au support de préférence par encliquetage. Dans la forme de réalisation préférée, la coque est sensiblement rigide sur la plupart de sa hauteur et a un fond qui peut servir de base pour positionner le distributeur dans une position sensiblement verticale. La base comprend de préférence un ou plusieurs trous d'évent pour permettre à l'air ambiant de pénétrer dans la coque autour de la poche.The third component of the first subassembly is a hollow body or shell which receives the pocket and is fixed to the support preferably by snapping. In the preferred embodiment, the shell is substantially rigid over most of its height and has a bottom which can serve as a base for positioning the dispenser in a substantially vertical position. The base preferably includes one or more vent holes to allow ambient air to enter the shell around the pocket.

Le second sous-ensemble est assemblé à partir de deux composants principaux et comprend de préférence un ou deux composants additionnels. Le premier composant est un élément de maintien qui peut être fixé au support du premier sous-ensemble de préférence par encliquetage. L'élément de maintien définit une ouverture qui est située de manière alignée au passage du support, et au moins une surface de fixation autour de l'ouverture. Un second composant du second sous-ensemble est une pompe manuelle qui peut être montée entre le support et la surface de fixation de l'élément de maintien. Lorsque la pompe est correctement montée, elle s'étend à l'intérieur du passage du support et à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de l'élément de maintien. La pompe a une ouverture pour communiquer avec l'intérieur de la poche déformable, et une sortie qui fait saillie au-delà de l'élément de maintien, la pompe comprend de plus une bride.The second subassembly is assembled from two main components and preferably comprises one or two additional components. The first component is a holding member which can be fixed to the support of the first subassembly preferably by snapping. The holding member defines an opening that is aligned with the passage of the holder, and at least one attachment surface around the opening. A second component of the second subassembly is a hand pump that can be mounted between the support and the attachment surface of the holding member. When the pump is correctly mounted, it extends inside the passage of the support and inside the opening of the holding element. The pump has an opening for communicating with the interior of the deformable bag, and an outlet projecting beyond the holding member, the pump further comprises a flange.

Le second sous-ensemble comprend de préférence un troisième composant qui est un joint séparé conçu pour assurer une étanchéité entre la pompe et le support sur laquelle la pompe est montée et retenue par l'élément de maintien.The second subassembly preferably comprises a third component which is a separate seal designed to provide a seal between the pump and the support on which the pump is mounted and retained by the holding member.

En outre, le second sous-ensemble peut comprendre optionnellement un quatrième composant sous la forme d'un capot ou capuchon qui est adapté à être monté sur l'extrémité de sortie de la pompe et qui est adapté à être retiré par l'utilisateur lorsque l'utilisateur souhaite utiliser le distributeur.In addition, the second subassembly may optionally include a fourth component in the form of a hood or cap which is adapted to be mounted on the output end of the pump and which is adapted to be removed by the user when the user wishes to use the dispenser.

Typiquement, le premier sous-ensemble est assemblé en fixant de manière étanche la poche déformable sur le support et en fixant la coque sur le support. Ensuite, la poche souple peut être remplie avec du produit fluide au cours d'un procédé de remplissage sous vide à travers le passage du support.Typically, the first subassembly is assembled by sealingly fixing the deformable bag on the support and fixing the shell on the support. Then, the flexible pouch can be filled with fluid during a vacuum filling process through the carrier passage.

Ensuite, le second sous-ensemble constitué par la pompe et l'élément de maintien peut être monté sur le premier sous-ensemble de telle sorte que l'élément de maintien est fixé sur le support. Ceci est aussi accompli sous vide, et de préférence le joint susmentionné est disposé sur la pompe avant le montage de la pompe et de l'élément de maintien sur le support.Then, the second subassembly constituted by the pump and the holding element can be mounted on the first subassembly so that the holding element is fixed on the support. This is also accomplished under vacuum, and preferably the aforementioned seal is disposed on the pump prior to mounting the pump and the holding member on the support.

Si le distributeur comprend un capot, alors le capot peut être initialement fixé à l'élément de support au-dessus de la pompe avant le montage du second sous-ensemble sur le premier sous-ensemble.If the dispenser includes a cover, then the cover may initially be attached to the support member above the pump prior to mounting the second subset on the first subset.

Selon l'invention, le distributeur comprend les caractéristiques enumérées dans la revendication 1. L'élément de maintien est ainsi encliqueté sur le support en maintenant la pompe coincée entre eux. Avantageusement, ledit support comprend une paroi annulaire qui définit ledit passage et qui se termine en une extrémité supérieure, ladite paroi annulaire ayant une surface extérieure définissant ladite rainure sous la forme d'une rainure annulaire ouverte vers l'extérieur, ledit élément de maintien comprend un manchon annulaire pour recevoir ladite paroi annulaire dudit support, et ledit cordon est un cordon s'étendant vers l'extérieur sur ledit manchon.According to the invention, the dispenser comprises the features listed in claim 1. The holding member is thus snapped onto the support by keeping the pump stuck together. Advantageously, said support comprises an annular wall which defines said passage and which terminates in an upper end, said annular wall having an outer surface defining said groove in the form of an annular groove open towards the outside, said holding element comprises an annular sleeve for receiving said annular wall of said holder, and said cord is a cord extending outwardly on said sleeve.

Avantageusement, la structure de connexion comprend un premier jeu de brides parallèles espacées et un second jeu de brides parallèles espacées s'étendant de manière opposée conférant à la structure de connexion une géométrie sensiblement en forme de losange. De préférence, chaque jeu de brides comprend trois brides. L'ouverture de la poche est donc soudée sur les bords extérieurs des brides de manière à former une barrière d'étanchéité au niveau de chaque bride. En effet, le matériau de la poche souple est soudé sur chaque bride de manière à former un cordon de soudage périphérique complet. La multiplication des brides augmente d'autant le nombre de barrières d'étanchéité. Du fait que le soudage ne s'effectue que sur les bords extérieurs des brides, et non sur une surface plane continue, les brides subissent un ramollissement ou une fusion partielle ce qui assure une qualité parfaite du joint thermosoudé. En outre, la forme en losange ou en oeil permet une adaptation aisée de l'ouverture de la poche sur la structure de connexion étant donné que la poche souple est souvent constituée de deux feuillards de matériau soudés ensemble.Advantageously, the connection structure comprises a first set of spaced parallel flanges and a second set of spaced parallel flanges. extending in opposite manner conferring on the connection structure a substantially diamond-shaped geometry. Preferably, each set of flanges comprises three flanges. The opening of the pocket is welded to the outer edges of the flanges so as to form a sealing barrier at each flange. Indeed, the material of the flexible bag is welded to each flange so as to form a complete peripheral welding bead. The multiplication of flanges further increases the number of sealing barriers. Since the welding occurs only on the outer edges of the flanges, and not on a continuous flat surface, the flanges undergo partial softening or melting which ensures a perfect quality of the heat seal. In addition, the diamond or eye shape allows easy adaptation of the opening of the pocket on the connection structure since the flexible bag is often made of two strips of material welded together.

Avantageusement, ladite structure de connexion comprend une structure creuse faisant saillie vers le bas et qui présente un alésage cylindrique définissant une partie dudit passage,

  • deux parois coplanaires s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur à partir de ladite structure creuse, et
  • chacune desdites brides desdits premier et second jeux de brides s'étend à partir de ladite structure creuse et à partir desdites parois dans une direction généralement perpendiculaire auxdites parois.
Advantageously, said connection structure comprises a hollow structure projecting downwards and having a cylindrical bore defining a portion of said passage,
  • two coplanar walls extending radially outwardly from said hollow structure, and
  • each of said flanges of said first and second sets of flanges extends from said hollow structure and from said walls in a direction generally perpendicular to said walls.

De préférence, la largeur desdites brides décroît en s'éloignant dudit alésage.Preferably, the width of said flanges decreases away from said bore.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les parois comprenent chacune une partie d'extrémité s'étendant au-delà des brides. Ces deux parties d'extrémité qui se présentent sous la forme de languettes aux deux extrémités en losange au niveau desquelles le matériau de la poche souple se rejoint. Ces deux parties d'extrémités, lors du soudage de la poche sur la structure de connexion, vont partiellement fondre et devenir plus fines de sorte que l'ouverture de la poche au niveau où elle quitte la structure de connexion peut être parfaitement jointive. On évite ainsi tout risque de fuite à ce niveau.According to another characteristic, the walls each comprise an end portion extending beyond the flanges. These two end portions which are in the form of tongues at both diamond ends at which the material of the flexible bag is joined. These two end portions, when welding the pocket on the connection structure, will partially melt and become thinner so that the opening of the pocket where it leaves the connection structure can be perfectly contiguous. This avoids any risk of leakage at this level.

Selon une autre caractéristique intéressante de l'invention, ledit support comprend au moins une nervure saillante vers l'extérieur, ledit corps comprenant au moins un épaulement s'étendant vers l'intérieur, et au moins un parmi ledit support et ledit corps étant apte à fléchir de manière résiliente pour s'adapter au déplacement relatif de ladite nervure et dudit épaulement pour venir en prise en établissant un encliquetage. Avantageusement, ledit support comprend une pluralité de nervures et ledit corps comprend une pluralité d'épaulements, et chacune desdites nervures vient en prise d'encliquetage avec une desdites nervures. Le support en plus de former la structure de connexion pour la poche définit des moyens permettant son encliquetage sur la coque rigide. Ainsi, ces trois éléments, support, poche et coque, peuvent être préalablement montés de manière à former le premier sous-ensemble susmentionné. Il ne reste plus qu'à remplir la poche souple et à monter la pompe sur le support pour obtenir un distributeur complet.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, said support comprises at least one outwardly projecting rib, said body comprising at least one shoulder extending inwards, and at least one one of said support and said body being resiliently bendable to accommodate relative movement of said rib and said shoulder for engagement by providing a snap. Advantageously, said support comprises a plurality of ribs and said body comprises a plurality of shoulders, and each of said ribs comes into latching engagement with one of said ribs. The support in addition to forming the connection structure for the pocket defines means for its snap on the rigid shell. Thus, these three elements, support, pocket and shell, can be previously mounted to form the first subset mentioned above. All that remains is to fill the flexible bag and mount the pump on the support to obtain a complete dispenser.

Avantageusement, ladite nervure a une surface de came inclinée. En outre, ledit corps définit une surface de came inclinée au-dessus dudit épaulement. Les deux surfaces de came inclinées peuvent ainsi coopérer pour faciliter l'encliquetage du support sur la coque.Advantageously, said rib has an inclined cam surface. In addition, said body defines a cam surface inclined above said shoulder. The two inclined cam surfaces can thus cooperate to facilitate the snapping of the support on the shell.

Selon un aspect de l'invention, ledit corps définit un évidement en-dessus dudit épaulement pour recevoir ladite nervure.According to one aspect of the invention, said body defines a recess above said shoulder to receive said rib.

De préférence, ledit matériau de la poche est un matériau thermoplastique thermosoudable, ledit support étant moulé à partir d'un matériau thermoplastique thermosoudable, et ladite structure de connexion dudit support étant thermosoudée à ladite poche.Preferably, said pocket material is a heat-sealable thermoplastic material, said support being molded from a heat-sealable thermoplastic material, and said connection structure of said support being heat-sealed to said pocket.

L'invention sera maintenant décrite en référence aux dessins joints donnant à titre d'exemple non limitatif un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the present invention.

Sur les dessins :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation préféré d'un distributeur complet assemblé à partir des composants selon une forme de réalisation de l'invention.
  • la figure 2 est une vue en section transversale agrandie explosée de certains composants du distributeur.
  • la figure 3 est une vue en section transversale agrandie du distributeur représenté sur la figure 1 avec le capot en place,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en plan de dessus du support pris le long de la ligne de coupe 4-4 de la figure 2,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en plan de dessous du support,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en section transversale fragmentaire prise le long de la ligne 6-6 de la figure 3,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en section transversale fragmentaire agrandie prise le long de la ligne 7-7 de la figure 3.
  • la figure 8 est une vue en section transversale agrandie prise le long de la ligne de coupe 8-8 de la figure 3, et
  • la figure 9 est une vue en perspective fragmentaire explosée de la coque et du support de poche.
On the drawings:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a complete dispenser assembled from the components according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the figure 2 is an exploded enlarged cross sectional view of some components of the dispenser.
  • the figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. figure 1 with the hood in place,
  • the figure 4 is a top plan view of the support taken along section line 4-4 of the figure 2 ,
  • the figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the support,
  • the figure 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the figure 3 ,
  • the figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of the figure 3 .
  • the figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of the figure 3 , and
  • the figure 9 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the shell and the pocket support.

Un distributeur selon l'invention est représenté sur la figure 1 et désigné dans son ensemble par la référence numérique 10. Le distributeur est adapté à distribuer un produit fluide, typiquement un liquide, une crème ou pâte ou similaire. Il peut donc trouver une adaptation dans les domaines de la cosmétique, de la parfumerie et de la pharmacie.A distributor according to the invention is represented on the figure 1 and generally designated by reference numeral 10. The dispenser is adapted to dispense a fluid, typically a liquid, a cream or paste or the like. It can therefore find an adaptation in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery and pharmacy.

Le distributeur 10 comprend un boîtier sur lequel est montée une pompe manuelle 14. La pompe 14 peut être d'un type conventionnel ayant une chambre de pompe dans laquelle est disposé un piston qui peut être actionné en pressant sur un poussoir 16 pour distribuer une quantité de produit fluide au niveau de l'orifice de distribution 18. Un capuchon optionnel 20 peut être monté de manière amovible sur la pompe 14 (cf. figures 1 et 3).The dispenser 10 comprises a casing on which is mounted a manual pump 14. The pump 14 may be of a conventional type having a pump chamber in which is disposed a piston which can be actuated by pressing on a pusher 16 to dispense a quantity Fluid product at the dispensing orifice 18. An optional cap 20 may be removably mounted on the pump 14 (cf. figures 1 and 3 ).

Le distributeur 10 comprend une poche souple déformable 24 qui contient le produit fluide. La poche 24 est réalisée à partir d'un matériau flexible. Le matériau peut être un matériau thermoplastique, de préférence thermosoudable tel qu'un film de polychlorure de vinyl, de polypropylène ou similaire. La poche 24 peut être fabriquée à partir de deux feuilles d'un tel matériau qui sont thermosoudées sur trois bords, comme en 26 sur la figure 3 pour définir une poche ayant une majeure partie fermée avec une extrémité ouverte.The dispenser 10 comprises a flexible deformable bag 24 which contains the fluid product. The pocket 24 is made from a flexible material. The material may be a thermoplastic material, preferably heat-sealable such as polyvinyl chloride film, polypropylene or the like. The pocket 24 can be made from two sheets of such material which are heat-sealed on three edges, as in 26 on the figure 3 to define a pocket having a major portion closed with an open end.

L'extrémité ouverte de la poche 24 est fixée de manière étanche à un support 30 (fig. 3). le support 30 comprend une structure de connexion 32 (fig. 3) qui est reçue dans l'extrémité ouverte de la poche 24. La structure de connexion 30 comprend une structure creuse 36 qui fait saillie vers le bas et qui définit un alésage généralement cylindrique 38 qui communique avec l'intérieur de la poche déformable 24.The open end of the bag 24 is sealingly attached to a support 30 ( Fig. 3 ). the support 30 comprises a connection structure 32 ( Fig. 3 ) which is received in the open end of the pocket 24. The connection structure 30 comprises a hollow structure 36 which projects downwards and which defines a generally cylindrical bore 38 which communicates with the interior of the deformable bag 24.

Comme représenté sur la figure 3, la structure de connexion 32 comprend deux parois coplanaires 41 et 42 qui s'étendent radialement vers l'extérieur à partir de la structure creuse 36. Comme représenté sur la figure 5, dans le mode de réalisation préféré, la paroi 41 comprend une partie d'extrémité distale d'épaisseur réduite 56. De manière similaire, la paroi 42 a une partie d'extrémité distale d'épaisseur réduite 58.As shown on the figure 3 the connection structure 32 comprises two coplanar walls 41 and 42 which extend radially outwardly from the hollow structure 36. As shown in FIG. figure 5 in the preferred embodiment, the wall 41 comprises a distal end portion of reduced thickness 56. Similarly, the wall 42 has a distal end portion of reduced thickness 58.

Un premier jeu de nervures ou brides parallèles espacées 46, par exemple au nombre de trois, s'étend latéralement vers l'extérieur sur un côté à partir des parois 41 et 42 et à partir de la structure creuse 36.A first set of spaced parallel ribs or flanges 46, for example three in number, extends laterally outwards on one side from the walls 41 and 42 and from the hollow structure 36.

Comme représenté sur la figure 8, un second jeu de brides parallèles espacées 52, par exemple au nombre de trois, s'étend latéralement dans la direction opposée à partir de l'autre côté des parois 41 et 42 et à partir de la structure creuse 36, de sorte que la structure de connexion 32 présente une configuration sensiblement en forme de losange ou d'oeil.As shown on the figure 8 a second set of spaced parallel flanges 52, for example three in number, extends laterally in the opposite direction from the other side of the walls 41 and 42 and from the hollow structure 36, so that the Connection structure 32 has a substantially diamond-shaped or eye-shaped configuration.

De préférence, les brides deviennent plus étroites à mesure qu'elles s'éloignent de l'alésage 38. c'est-à-dire que la largeur des brides décroît à mesure que la distance à partir de l'alésage 38 augmente. Comme représenté sur la figure 5, la structure de connexion 32 a une configuration qui est quelque peu similaire à celle d'un oeil humain ouvert dans lequel l'alésage 38 fait fonction de pupille et la structure entourante fait fonction de blanc d'oeil.Preferably, the flanges become narrower as they move away from the bore 38, i.e., the width of the flanges decreases as the distance from the bore 38 increases. As shown on the figure 5 , the connection structure 32 has a configuration that is somewhat similar to that of an open human eye in which the bore 38 acts as a pupil and the surrounding structure acts as eye white.

Comme représenté sur les figures 6 et 7, la poche déformable 24 est de préférence thermosoudée ou fixée d'une autre manière étanche sur les bords périphériques allongés des brides de la structure de connexion 46 et 52. En outre, la poche déformable 24 est thermosoudée aux parties d'extrémités distales d'épaisseur réduite 56 et 58 des parois 41 et 42 respectivement. Ainsi, l'extrémité ouverte de la poche 24 est fixée de manière étanche autour de sa périphérie à la structure de connexion 32 du support, mais reste en communication avec l'intérieur de la poche souple 24 à travers l'alésage 35 dans la structure creuse 36. Le support 30 comprend un plateau 60 disposé au-dessus et parallèlement aux brides 46 et 42. Le plateau 60 s'étend le long de parois centrales 41 et 42 en y étant connecté ainsi qu'aux parties d'extrémité amincies 56 et 58.As shown on Figures 6 and 7 the deformable pouch 24 is preferably heat-sealed or otherwise sealingly affixed to the elongated peripheral edges of the flanges of the connection structure 46 and 52. In addition, the deformable pouch 24 is heat-sealed to the distal end portions of reduced thickness 56 and 58 of the walls 41 and 42 respectively. Thus, the open end of the pocket 24 is sealingly secured around its periphery to the connection structure 32 of the support, but remains in communication with the interior of the flexible pouch 24 through the bore 35 in the structure The support 30 comprises a plate 60 disposed above and parallel to the flanges 46 and 42. The plate 60 extends along the central walls 41 and 42 connected thereto and the thinned end portions 56. and 58.

Une paire de nervures de rigidification 62 et une paire de nervures de rigidification plus courtes 64 font saillie vers le haut à partir du plateau 60. Une paroi annulaire 68 qui a une extrémité supérieure 69 (fig. 2) fait également saillie vers le haut à partir du plateau 60. L'extérieur de la surface de la paroi annulaire 68 définit une rainure annulaire 74 ouverte vers l'extérieur.A pair of stiffening ribs 62 and a pair of shorter stiffening ribs 64 project upwardly from plate 60. An annular wall 68 having an upper end 69 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) also protrudes upwards from the plate 60. The outside of the surface of the annular wall 68 defines an annular groove 74 open to the outside.

La paroi annulaire 68 définit un alésage 70 qui s'étend coaxialement à partir de l'alésage 38 dans la structure creuse inférieure 38. L'alésage 38 et l'alésage 70 définissent ensemble un passage 72 (fig. 2, 4 et 5) à travers le support 30 communique avec l'intérieur de la poche 24. Le passage 72 est suffisamment large pour recevoir l'extrémité inférieure de la pompe 14.The annular wall 68 defines a bore 70 which extends coaxially from the bore 38 into the lower hollow structure 38. The bore 38 and the bore 70 together define a passage 72 (FIG. Fig. 2 , 4 and 5 ) through the support 30 communicates with the interior of the pocket 24. The passage 72 is wide enough to receive the lower end of the pump 14.

Le plateau de support 60 comprend des moyens ou structure pour connecter le support 30 à un corps creux ou coque 80 qui entoure et protège la poche déformable 24. Le corps creux 80 a une extrémité supérieure ouverte pour recevoir le plateau de support 60 et a une extrémité de fond fermée définissant une base généralement plate 84 apte à maintenir le distributeur en position verticale. La base 84 comprend de préférence un ou plusieurs trous d'évent 86 pour permettre à l'air ambiant de pénétrer à l'intérieur de l'espace défini entre la coque ou la poche souple 24.The support plate 60 comprises means or structure for connecting the support 30 to a hollow body or shell 80 which surrounds and protects the deformable pocket 24. The hollow body 80 has an open top end for receiving the support plate 60 and has a closed bottom end defining a generally flat base 84 adapted to maintain the dispenser in a vertical position. The base 84 preferably includes one or more vent holes 86 to allow ambient air to enter the space defined between the shell or the flexible bag 24.

A l'extrémité supérieure ouverte de la coque 80, celle-ci définit un épaulement périphérique intérieur (fig. 9). La coque 80 définit quatre évidements espacés 90 adjacents à l'épaulement 88. Le fond de chaque évidement 90 est défini par l'épaulement 90. Le haut de chaque évidement 90 est défini par un épaulement surplombant 94 (fig. 7). Le bord supérieur de la coque 80 au-dessus de chaque épaulement 94 est incliné ou chanfreiné pour définir une surface de came 98 (fig. 7).At the open upper end of shell 80, it defines an inner peripheral shoulder ( Fig. 9 ). The hull 80 defines four spaced recesses 90 adjacent to the shoulder 88. The bottom of each recess 90 is defined by the shoulder 90. The top of each recess 90 is defined by an overhanging shoulder 94 ( Fig. 7 ). The upper edge of the shell 80 above each shoulder 94 is inclined or chamfered to define a cam surface 98 ( Fig. 7 ).

Le support 30 comprend quatre éléments de connexion ou nervures 102 destinés à être reçus individuellement dans un des évidements 90 de la coque. Chaque nervure 102 fait saillie latéralement à partir du côté du plateau de support 60. Chaque nervure 102 comprend un épaulement tourné vers le haut 106 et une surface de came inclinée vers l'intérieur 112 (fig. 7).The support 30 comprises four connecting elements or ribs 102 intended to be received individually in one of the recesses 90 of the shell. Each rib 102 projects laterally from the side of the support plate 60. Each rib 102 includes an upwardly facing shoulder 106 and an inwardly inclined cam surface 112 (FIG. Fig. 7 ).

Le support 30 ou la coque 80, ou les deux, sont aptes à se déformer de manière résiliente, au moins dans la zone des nervures de couvercle 102 et/ou dans la zone des épaulements 94 de la coque, de manière à s'adapter aux déplacements relatifs des nervures de couvercle 102 et d'épaulements de coque 94 pour venir en prise mutuelle de manière à établir un encliquetage. Ceci est facilité par les surfaces de came 98 de la coque qui viennent initialement en prise avec les surface de came 112 des nervures de plateau. Lorsque des forces axiales opposées suffisamment importantes sont appliquées au support 30 et à la coque 80, il y a une déformation temporaire d'un ou des deux composants en direction radiale de sorte que les nervures de plateau 102 peuvent se déplacer au-delà des extrémités internes des épaulements supérieurs 94 de la coque. Les nervures 102 se logent entre les épaulements supérieurs 94 et l'épaulement interne 88 comme représenté sur la figure 7 pour établir l'encliquetage.The support 30 or the shell 80, or both, are able to deform resiliently, at least in the area of the cover ribs 102 and / or in the zone of the shoulders 94 of the shell, so as to adapt relative movements of the cover ribs 102 and shell shoulders 94 to engage each other so as to provide a detent. This is facilitated by the cam surfaces 98 of the shell that initially engage with the cam surfaces 112 of the tray ribs. When sufficiently large opposing axial forces are applied to the support 30 and the shell 80, there is a temporary deformation of one or both components radially so that the plateau ribs 102 can move beyond the ends. internal of the upper shoulders 94 of the hull. The ribs 102 are housed between the upper shoulders 94 and the inner shoulder 88 as shown in FIG. figure 7 to establish the snap.

Après que la poche déformable 24 est fixée de manière étanche au support 30 et après que le support 30 est fixé au corps creux ou coque 80 comme décrit ci-dessus, l'ensemble résultant peut être qualifié de sous-ensemble inférieur ou premier sous-ensemble qui peut être fourni à un fabricant de produit fluide pour remplir la poche déformable 24 avec un produit fluide. Ensuite, les composants additionnels du distributeur, comprenant un sous-ensemble supérieur ou second sous-ensemble tel que décrit ci-dessous, sont installés sur le premier sous-ensemble rempli.After the deformable pouch 24 is sealingly attached to the carrier 30 and after the carrier 30 is attached to the hollow body or shell 80 as described above, the resulting assembly may be referred to as a lower subset or first subassembly. together that can be provided to a fluid product manufacturer to fill the deformable pouch 24 with a fluid product. Then, the additional components of the dispenser, comprising an upper subset or a second subset as described below, are installed on the first subset filled.

Le second sous-ensemble ou sous-ensemble supérieur à monter sur le sous-ensemble inférieur comprend au moins deux composants. Un des composants du sous-ensemble supérieur est la pompe 14, et l'autre composant est un élément de maintien 130 (fig. 2). Le poussoir 16 peut être considéré comme une partie de la pompe 14. Des composants additionnels sont de préférence également compris dans le sous-ensemble supérieur, tel qu'un joint 134 (fig. 2) et le capuchon 20 (fig. 2 et 3). La pompe 14 est initialement montée à l'intérieur de l'élément de maintien 130, avec le joint 134 si le joint est utilisé.The second subassembly or upper subassembly to be mounted on the lower subassembly comprises at least two components. One of the components of the upper subassembly is the pump 14, and the other component is a holding member 130 ( Fig. 2 ). The pusher 16 can be considered as part of the pump 14. Additional components are preferably also included in the upper subset, such as a gasket 134 ( Fig. 2 ) and the cap 20 ( Fig. 2 and 3 ). The pump 14 is initially mounted inside the holding member 130, with the seal 134 if the seal is used.

La pompe 14 a une bride de montage 140 s'étendant radialement (fig. 2 et 3) pour se positionner sur ou au-dessus de l'extrémité supérieure 69 de la paroi annulaire 68 du support 30. De préférence, afin d'assurer une parfaite étanchéité, le joint 134 est disposé entre la bride de pompe 140 et l'extrémité supérieure 69 du support 30. Toutefois, en fonction des matériaux utilisés pour la pompe 14 et/ou le support 30, le joint 134 peut être omis. En variante, le joint 134 peut faire partie intégrante de la bride de pompe 140 ou de l'extrémité supérieure 69 du support 30.The pump 14 has a mounting flange 140 extending radially ( Fig. 2 and 3 ) for positioning on or above the upper end 69 of the annular wall 68 of the support 30. Preferably, in order to ensure a perfect seal, the seal 134 is disposed between the pump flange 140 and the end However, depending on the materials used for the pump 14 and / or the support 30, the seal 134 may be omitted. Alternatively, the seal 134 may be an integral part of the pump flange 140 or the upper end 69 of the support 30.

La pompe 14 peut être une pompe sans reprise d'air quelconque et comprend une chambre interne (non visible) dans laquelle est disposé un piston (non visible). Le piston est monté sur une tige d'actionnement creuse 146 qui s'étend au-delà de l'extrémité supérieure du corps de la pompe 14. le poussoir 16 est monté sur la tige 146. Par appui sur le poussoir, le piston est abaissé dans la chambre interne, de sorte que le produit fluide dans la chambre est refoulé à travers la tige d'actionnement creuse 146 et à travers l'orifice de distribution 18.The pump 14 may be a pump without any air intake and comprises an internal chamber (not visible) in which is disposed a piston (not visible). The piston is mounted on a hollow actuating rod 146 which extends beyond the upper end of the body of the pump 14. The pusher 16 is mounted on the rod 146. By pressing on the pusher, the piston is lowered into the inner chamber, so that the fluid in the chamber is forced through the hollow actuating rod 146 and through the dispensing orifice 18.

L'élément de maintien 130 comprend un capot convexe 160 conférant une configuration externe plaisante. L'extrémité inférieure du capot 160 a une bride 162 qui fait saillie latéralement. En quatre points autour du capot 160, au-dessus de la bride 162, il y a de petites protubérances 166 qui font saillie vers l'extérieur (fig. 1 et 7). Chacune des protubérances 166 est adaptée à établir un encliquetage avec une protubérance ou cordon 170 s'étendant radialement vers l'intérieur en bas du capuchon 20. Le capuchon 20 et/ou la partie inférieure du capot 160 de l'élément de maintien sont déformables de manière résiliente de manière à s'adapter aux déplacements relatifs entre le capuchon 20 et le capot 160 lorsque le capuchon 20 est installé sur le distributeur. Le capuchon et/ou le capot peuvent se déformer suffisamment pour permettre au cordon du capuchon 170 de venir se positionner en dessous des protubérances 166 du capot 160. Ceci établit un encliquetage.The holding member 130 comprises a convex hood 160 conferring a pleasant external configuration. The lower end of the hood 160 has a flange 162 which protrudes laterally. At four points around the hood 160, above the flange 162, there are small protuberances 166 which protrude outwards ( Fig. 1 and 7 ). Each of the protuberances 166 is adapted to establish a latching with a protuberance or cord 170 extending radially inwards down the cap 20. The cap 20 and / or the lower part of the cap 160 of the holding element are deformable resiliently to accommodate relative movements between the cap 20 and the hood 160 when the cap 20 is installed on the dispenser. The cap and / or the hood can be deformed sufficiently to allow the bead of the cap 170 to be positioned below the protuberances 166 of the cover 160. This establishes a snap.

Un manchon annulaire 190 fait saillie vers le bas à partir du capot 160 dans l'élément de maintien 130 (fig. 2). Le manchon 190 définit un alésage ou passage ou ouverture 192 qui s'adapte à la paroi annulaire 68 du support 30 et à la partie de la pompe 14 qui fait saillie vers le haut (fig. 3).An annular sleeve 190 projects downwardly from the cover 160 into the holding member 130 ( Fig. 2 ). The sleeve 190 defines a bore or passage or opening 192 which fits the annular wall 68 of the support 30 and the portion of the pump 14 which protrudes upwards ( Fig. 3 ).

Une bride annulaire 196 s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur à partir du manchon annulaire 190 de l'élément de maintien pour venir en prise avec la surface supérieure de la bride 140 de la pompe (fig. 6). Le manchon 190 comprend également un cordon 202 qui s'étend vers l'intérieur qui est adapté à être reçu dans la rainure annulaire 74 définie dans la paroi annulaire 68 du support. La paroi annulaire de support 68 ou le manchon de l'élément de maintien 90, ou les deux, sont déformables de manière résiliente au moins dans la zone du cordon 202 et/ou de la rainure 74, de manière à s'adapter aux déplacements relatifs du cordon 202 et de la rainure 74 pour venir en prise encliquetée.An annular flange 196 extends radially inwardly from the annular sleeve 190 of the holding member to engage the upper surface of the pump flange 140 (FIG. Fig. 6 ). The sleeve 190 also includes an inwardly extending bead 202 that is adapted to be received in the annular groove 74 defined in the annular wall 68 of the carrier. The annular support wall 68 or the sleeve of the holding member 90, or both, are resiliently deformable at least in the region of the cord 202 and / or the groove 74, so as to accommodate the displacements. relative to the cord 202 and the groove 74 to engage snapped.

En variante préférentielle, l'élément de maintien peut comprendre des moyens d'encliquetage sur sa périphérie externe apte à coopérer avec le corps 80 de manière à maintenir le support 30 par coincement entre eux. Il suffit pour cela que l'élément de maintien soit par exemple pourvu d'un rebord d'encliquetage et que la coque soit formée avec un bord doté d'une rainure d'encliquetage. Dans ce cas, l'élément de maintien n'a plus besoin de coopérer par encliquetage avec le support, comme c'est le cas dans le mode de réalisation ci-dessus, dans lequel le cordon 202 vient s'encliqueter dans la rainure 74. Cependant, la combinaison des deux encliquetages est envisageable.In a preferred variant, the holding element may comprise locking means on its outer periphery adapted to cooperate with the body 80 so as to hold the support 30 by wedging them. It suffices for this purpose that the holding element is for example provided with a snap-on flange and that the shell is formed with an edge provided with a detent groove. In this case, the holding member no longer needs to cooperate by snapping with the support, as is the case in the embodiment above, in which the cord 202 snaps into the groove 74 However, the combination of the two snaps is conceivable.

Il est à noter que les caractéristiques permettant de fixer le support au corps peuvent être mises en oeuvre indépendamment des caractéristiques relatives à la structure de connexion du support. En d'autres termes, la technique de fixation de la poche sur le support et la technique de maintien du support sur la coque sont indépendantes.It should be noted that the characteristics making it possible to fix the support to the body can be implemented independently of the characteristics relating to the connection structure of the support. In other words, the technique of fixing the pocket on the support and the technique of holding the support on the shell are independent.

Typiquement, la pompe 14 est initialement disposée dans l'élément de maintien 130. Si désiré, le capuchon 20 peut également être monté initialement par encliquetage sur l'élément de maintien 130 au-dessus de la pompe 14. Ce sous-ensemble supérieur est alors prêt à être monté sur le support 30 du sous-ensemble inférieur. Lorsque les deux sous-ensembles sont correctement assemblés comme représenté sur les figures 3 et 6, la bride de pompe 140 est coincée entre la bride 196 de l'élément de maintien et l'extrémité supérieure 69 de la paroi annulaire 68 du support. Le joint 134 est de préférence disposé entre la bride de pompe 140 et l'extrémité supérieure 69 de la paroi de support pour assurer un parfaite étanchéité.Typically, the pump 14 is initially disposed in the holding member 130. If desired, the cap 20 may also be initially mounted by snapping onto the holding member 130 above the pump 14. This upper subassembly is then ready to be mounted on the support 30 of the lower subassembly. When the two subassemblies are correctly assembled as shown on the figures 3 and 6 , the flange The pump 140 is wedged between the flange 196 of the holding member and the upper end 69 of the annular wall 68 of the support. The seal 134 is preferably disposed between the pump flange 140 and the upper end 69 of the support wall to ensure a perfect seal.

Avant d'assembler les deux sous-ensembles, le sous-ensemble inférieur est rempli avec un produit fluide. De préférence, l'opération de remplissage s'effectue sous vide. Ensuite, toujours sous vide, le sous-ensemble supérieur est mis en position sur le support 30 du sous-ensemble inférieur de manière à établir un encliquetage entre le support 30 et l'élément de maintien 130. L'ensemble des composants selon l'invention peut être facilement fabriqué à partir de matériaux thermoplastiques d'un coût relativement faible. Ainsi, les distributeurs réalisés à partir de cet ensemble de ce composant peuvent être des distributeurs jetables.Before assembling the two subassemblies, the lower subassembly is filled with a fluid product. Preferably, the filling operation is carried out under vacuum. Then, still under vacuum, the upper subassembly is placed in position on the support 30 of the lower subassembly so as to establish a snap between the support 30 and the holding element 130. The set of components according to the The invention can be easily manufactured from relatively low cost thermoplastic materials. Thus, the dispensers made from this set of this component can be disposable dispensers.

L'ensemble des composants peut être facilement assemblé pour réaliser un distributeur qui peut être facilement utilisé. Excepté pour le capot retirable 20, les composants ne sont pas facilement séparables, et le distributeur complet protège le produit fluide de toute oxydation ou contamination externe.All of the components can be easily assembled to make a dispenser that can be easily used. Except for the removable cover 20, the components are not easily separable, and the complete dispenser protects the fluid from any oxidation or external contamination.

Quant à la structure de connexion 32 du support 30, qui définit un ensemble de brides parallèles espacées, elle permet un soudage aisé de l'ouverture de la poche déformable en assurant une parfaite étanchéité, du fait que les bords de brides ainsi que les parties d'extrémité 58 et 56 fondent partiellement au moment de l'étape de soudage. Chaque bord de nervure ainsi fondu forme une parfaite barrière d'étanchéité. De plus, les parties d'extrémité 56 et 58 qui fondent partiellement lors du soudage fournissent un parfait élément de transition au niveau où les deux feuilles de matériau de la poche se rejoignent.As for the connection structure 32 of the support 30, which defines a set of parallel spaced flanges, it allows easy welding of the opening of the deformable pocket by ensuring a perfect seal, because the flange edges and the parts end 58 and 56 partially melt at the time of the welding step. Each rib edge thus melted forms a perfect sealing barrier. In addition, the end portions 56 and 58 which partially melt during welding provide a perfect transition element at which the two sheets of material of the pocket meet.

Claims (9)

  1. A fluid product dispenser comprising:
    a collapsible bag (24) for containing said fluid product and comprising a flexible material having an open end defined by a peripheral portion of said material;
    a support (30)attached to said bag, said support having an engaging structure (32)received in said bag open end and sealingly secured to said bag material, the engaging structure (32) of said support (30) comprising a plurality of spaced parallel flanges (46,52) on which the bag material is heat-sealed, said support defining a passage (72) communicating with the interior of said bag;
    a hollow body (80) receiving said bag and attached to said support;
    a finger-operable pump (14) which can be mounted on said support (30) for extending within said support passage (72), said pump having an inlet for communicating with the interior of said bag and having an outlet, the pump comprising a radially extending mounting flange (140),
    a retention member attached to said support for maintaining the pump there between and defining an opening (192) aligned with said support passage (72) and at least one clamping surface around said opening, said support or said retention member defining a bead (202), the other one defining a groove (74) for receiving said bead, said support and/or said retention member being resiliently deflectable to accommodate relative movement of said bead and groove into snap-fit engagement,
    characterized in that the flange (140) of the pump (14) is maintained by clamping between the support (30) and the retention member (130).
  2. A dispenser in accordance with claim 1, in which said support includes an annular wall (68) which defines said passage (72) and which terminates in an upper end, said annular wall having an exterior surface defining said groove (74) as an outwardly open, annular groove, said retention member has an annular sleeve (190) for receiving said annular wall of said support, and said bead (202) is an inwardly extending bead on said sleeve.
  3. A dispenser in accordance with claims 1 or 2, in which a retaining member (130) is snap-fitted on the body (80), retaining the support (30) between them.
  4. A dispenser in accordance with any one of claims 1 à 3, in which the retaining member (130) comprises receiving means (196) for the pump.
  5. A dispenser in accordance with any preceding claim, in which said support (30) includes at least one outwardly projecting rib (102), said body (80) including at least one inwardly extending ledge (94), and at least one of said support and said body being resiliently deflectable to accommodate relative movement of said rib and ledge into confronting relationship establishing a snap-fit engagement.
  6. A dispenser in accordance with claim 5, in which said support (30) includes a plurality of said ribs and said body (80) includes a plurality of said ledges, and each said ledge confronts one of said ribs in a snap-fit engagement.
  7. A dispenser in accordance with claims 5 or 6, in which said body defines a recess (90) below said ledge for receiving said rib.
  8. A dispenser in accordance with any preceding claims, in which said connecting structure (32) comprises a first set of spaced parallel flanges (46) and a second set of spaced parallel flanges (52) extending in an opposed manner, said structure having substantially the shape of a lozenge.
  9. A dispenser in accordance with claim 8, in which said bag material being a heat-sealable thermoplastic material, said support being molded from a heat-sealable thermoplastic material, and said engaging structure of said support being heat-sealed to said bag.
EP99901655A 1999-01-29 1999-01-29 Fluid product dispenser with flexible bag Expired - Lifetime EP1154864B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FR1999/000180 WO2000044505A1 (en) 1999-01-29 1999-01-29 Fluid product dispenser with flexible bag

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1154864A1 EP1154864A1 (en) 2001-11-21
EP1154864B1 true EP1154864B1 (en) 2009-05-06

Family

ID=9540740

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99901655A Expired - Lifetime EP1154864B1 (en) 1999-01-29 1999-01-29 Fluid product dispenser with flexible bag

Country Status (5)

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EP (1) EP1154864B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4169932B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69940855D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2325342T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2000044505A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8059719B2 (en) 2005-09-16 2011-11-15 Sony Corporation Adaptive area of influence filter
DE102006012302A1 (en) 2006-03-15 2007-09-27 Seaquist Perfect Dispensing Gmbh dispenser
DE102007049614B4 (en) 2007-03-15 2015-03-05 Aptar Dortmund Gmbh dispenser
DE102007051980A1 (en) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-05 Seaquist Perfect Dispensing Gmbh dispenser

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2669244A1 (en) * 1990-11-16 1992-05-22 Oreal PRODUCT DISPENSER, PASTA LIQUID, AND BASE FOR SUCH A DISPENSER.
US5606844A (en) * 1993-12-27 1997-03-04 Sumitomo Bakelite Company, Limited Process for producing a self-supporting package having an outlet stopper and an apparatus for producing said package
US5803312A (en) * 1994-06-08 1998-09-08 The Coca-Cola Company Manually operable postmix juice dispenser and disposable concentrate package therefor
US5873491A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-02-23 Valois S.A. Set of components for assembly as a dispensing package of the non-vented type having an internal, collapsible bag

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2000044505A1 (en) 2000-08-03
EP1154864A1 (en) 2001-11-21
JP2003502218A (en) 2003-01-21
DE69940855D1 (en) 2009-06-18
ES2325342T3 (en) 2009-09-01
JP4169932B2 (en) 2008-10-22

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