EP1441861B1 - Distributeur de produit fluide - Google Patents

Distributeur de produit fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1441861B1
EP1441861B1 EP02793193A EP02793193A EP1441861B1 EP 1441861 B1 EP1441861 B1 EP 1441861B1 EP 02793193 A EP02793193 A EP 02793193A EP 02793193 A EP02793193 A EP 02793193A EP 1441861 B1 EP1441861 B1 EP 1441861B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispenser
reservoir
outlet
dispenser according
fluid
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
EP02793193A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1441861A1 (fr
Inventor
Gérard CORNET
Firmin Garcia
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.)
Aptar France SAS
Original Assignee
Valois 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 Valois SAS filed Critical Valois SAS
Publication of EP1441861A1 publication Critical patent/EP1441861A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1441861B1 publication Critical patent/EP1441861B1/fr
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
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0638—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers spray being produced by discharging the liquid or other fluent material through a plate comprising a plurality of orifices
    • B05B17/0646—Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
    • 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
    • B05B11/0038—Inner container disposed in an outer shell or outer casing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0676—Feeding means
    • B05B17/0684—Wicks or the like
    • 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
    • B05B11/0054—Cartridges, i.e. containers specially designed for easy attachment to or easy removal from the rest of the sprayer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir, a dispensing outlet, dispensing means for dispensing fluid extracted from the reservoir through the dispensing outlet, and an actuating button for actuating the dispensing means. distribution.
  • This is a configuration of dispenser quite classic and general, as one can have in the field of cosmetics, perfume or pharmacy.
  • the fluid reservoir comprises a bottom that serves as a support surface for the dispenser to stand stably.
  • the reservoir forms a neck which defines an opening towards the interior of the tank.
  • the dispensing means for example a pump or a valve, are mounted in the neck.
  • a pusher on which it acts for example with the aid of a finger to actuate the dispensing means so as to take fluid from the reservoir.
  • the fluid thus collected is distributed through a dispensing outlet, which may for example be in the form of a nozzle.
  • the object of the present invention is to define another form or design of fluid dispenser for which the actuating button and the dispensing outlet are completely dissociated so that the user does not perceive a direct technical relationship between the button actuation and the dispensing outlet.
  • the invention proposes that the reservoir is apparent, and the dispensing outlet and the actuating button are located on either side of the reservoir, so that the reservoir extends between the dispensing outlet. and the actuation button.
  • the reservoir constitutes a distinct and apparently impassable separation between the actuating button and the dispensing outlet. This is even more striking when the reservoir is relatively elongated so that it forms a real elongated separation barrier between the actuating button and the dispensing outlet.
  • the dispenser comprises two lateral uprights which extend on either side of the reservoir, one upright receiving the dispensing outlet and the other receiving the actuating button.
  • the reservoir is made of a transparent or translucent material. Indeed, the user then literally sees through the tank and can immediately notice that there is no connection between the actuating button and the dispensing outlet. This gives the distributor a remarkable and even surprising aesthetic effect because the user does not at first understand how the actuation button can have an effect on the dispensing outlet, which confers a somewhat "magical" side To the distributor.
  • the uprights are connected together at a base.
  • the amounts are for example very elongated and are connected to the base which forms a small lower portion of the dispenser.
  • the uprights and the base are made in the form of a body.
  • the amounts form between them a deep elongated notch delimited laterally by the amounts and inferiorly by the base, the reservoir being housed in this notch.
  • the height of the uprights determines the depth of the notch, and the longer these amounts are, the greater the surprising effect.
  • the base forms a bearing surface on which the distributor stands stably with the uprights oriented substantially vertically.
  • the dispenser can then be in the form of a column of constant section or not.
  • the uprights each comprise an end connected to the base and a free end.
  • the reservoir comprises an opening disposed in the base and a bottom located substantially at the free ends of the uprights.
  • the tank is arranged upside down with its opening at the bottom.
  • the dispensing outlet defines a distribution axis and the actuating button defines a thrust axis, the distribution axis and the thrust axis being parallel and advantageously combined.
  • the dispensing outlet and the actuating button are located towards the free ends of the uprights.
  • the surprising effect is maximum since the tank separates the two uprights at their free ends and it is necessary to go to their lower ends connected to the base to reach the place where they stand. together. The user then literally feels that pressing the button generates a supply of fluid directly through the reservoir to the dispensing outlet, when in reality it is of course necessary to bypass the reservoir passing by the base.
  • the alignment of the axes contributes even more to this surprising effect, since the user immediately notices the alignment of these axes.
  • the dispensing outlet comprises a vibrating plate perforated with a plurality of outlet holes.
  • the distribution means comprise drive means for vibrating the perforated plate.
  • the dispenser comprises a capillary fluid supply system for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the perforated plate.
  • the amount receiving the dispensing outlet contains a capillary wick connecting the reservoir to the perforated plate.
  • the fluid dispenser used to illustrate the present invention is externally in the form of a column for stably maintaining substantially vertically.
  • the section of the column may be uniform, for example square as is the case of the distributor of FIG. 3.
  • the section of the column may also be non-constant, as is the case with the embodiment of FIGS. 2b.
  • the distributor reveals two constituent elements, namely a body 4 and a fluid reservoir 1.
  • the body 4 can be made in one piece, as is the case in Figures 2a and 2b, but it can also consist of several parts, as is the case for Figures 1 and 3.
  • the body 4 receives or forms an actuating button 3 and a dispensing outlet 2.
  • the button actuation 3 serves as a control member to activate distribution means housed in the body 4 and whose function is to dispense fluid product through the dispensing outlet 2. More simply, by pressing the actuating button 3, the fluid product is distributed at the dispensing outlet 2.
  • the fluid reservoir 1 extends between the actuating button 3 and the dispensing outlet 2. This is clearly visible in FIGS. 1 and 2b. With such an arrangement of the reservoir between the actuating button and the dispensing outlet, a complete visual dissociation takes place between the actuating button and the dispensing outlet since they are clearly separated by the tank 1. This confers on the distributor a surprising visual or aesthetic effect that gives the distributor a "mysterious" or “magical” side. This is all the more noticeable when the fluid reservoir is made of a transparent or translucent material such as glass or plastic. Indeed, the user realizes immediately that the actuating button and the dispensing outlet are separated by a mass of liquid that he sees through the transparent or translucent wall of the tank.
  • the body forms a base 46 and two lateral uprights 44 and 45 which extend from the base 46 to extend substantially parallel upwards.
  • the base 46 forms a bearing surface 415 on which the dispenser can be kept standing stably: this is precisely what gives the distributor this general shape of vertical column.
  • the two uprights 44 and 45 are each connected by a lower end to the base 46 and each also have a free upper end 441, 451 visible in Figure 2b.
  • the amounts 44 and 45 extend on either side of the tank 1 substantially in the same direction.
  • the reservoir 1 has a generally elongated shape with a bottom 10, side walls 11 and a neck 12 defining an opening.
  • the reservoir is advantageously arranged upside down between the two uprights 44 and 45, that is with its neck 12 located at the bottom, and disposed inside the base 46.
  • the bottom 10 of the tank 1 can then advantageously substantially in alignment with the free ends of the uprights 44 and 45 to form a kind of substantially flat upper wall.
  • the actuating button 3 and the dispensing outlet 2 are located towards the free ends 441, 451 of the uprights 44 and 45. This further increases the surprising visual effect of the dispenser since the tank 1 clearly separates the knob actuation of the dispensing outlet. Indeed, the button and the outlet are then relatively distant from the base 46 which forms the connecting element between the two uprights 44 and 45. It should also be noted that it is advantageous to make the base 46 with a minimum height to further increase the effect of substantially complete separation of the two uprights 44 and 45. In this context, it is preferable that the base does not exceed half the total height of the dispenser.
  • the actuating button and the dispensing outlet are located substantially at the same height. More specifically, the actuation button defines a thrust axis and the dispensing outlet defines a distribution axis. It is then advantageous to confuse these two axes so that the actuation of the button 3 gives the impression of generating a distribution at the outlet 2 passing directly through the tank 1, which is totally impossible.
  • the body 4 has a deep recessed indentation delimited laterally by the uprights 44 and 45 and inferiorly by the base 46.
  • the reservoir 1 is housed in this deep indentation by not revealing its opening 12. It is therefore impossible to know where the fluid from the tank comes from.
  • the reservoir is in the form of an advantageously transparent or translucent container which has no opening. This further enhances the surprising visual effect related to the positioning of the button and the output on either side of this tank.
  • the positioning of the button 3 and the output 2 near the free ends 441 and 451 should not be considered as limiting.
  • the button 3 and the outlet 2 can be placed at any place or height on the uprights 44 and 45 separated by the tank 1.
  • the outlet can be placed near the end 441 while the button 3 can be placed at near the base 46, or vice versa.
  • the button 3 and the output 2 can also be placed near the base 46.
  • the tank 1 has a circular cross section: this is more visible in Figure 2c.
  • the uprights 44 and 45 they each have an inner wall curved correspondingly to that of the tank so that the tank fits perfectly between the uprights. This is also the case of the embodiment of FIG. 3, where the reservoir has a substantially I-shaped cross section.
  • the reservoir can be removable and replaceable; for this, it is necessary that the tank can be engaged in the notch formed between the amounts.
  • the advantage with the embodiment of Figure 2c is that the tank can be fixed by screwing into the base. With the embodiment of Figure 3, the tank must be fixed by translational engagement. In addition, a tank of circular section is easier to manufacture.
  • the uprights 44 and 45 and the base 46 serve as a housing for receiving the various constituent elements for dispensing the fluid initially stored in the reservoir 1 through the dispensing outlet 2.
  • the body 4 that is to say the two uprights 44, 45 and the base 46, may for example be made in three parts, namely a central portion 41 on which are reported two side walls 42 and 43. These three elements may for example be made of injected plastic material.
  • the central portion 41 defines the deep elongated indentation within which is disposed the reservoir 1.
  • the central portion 41 forms part of the uprights 44 and 45.
  • the side walls 42 and 43 serve to complete the central portion to form the two uprights 44 and 45 as well as the base 46.
  • the Lateral walls 42 and 43 may for example be fixed to the central part by a latching system or by welding, gluing, etc.
  • the distributor shown in Figure 1 corresponds to that of Figure 3: it can be seen that the side walls 42 and 43 can be made in the form of flat plates which are then reported on the central portion 41.
  • the side wall 42 defines an opening 421 behind which the dispensing outlet 2 is arranged.
  • the detailed structure of the dispensing outlet and dispensing means will be given below with reference to FIG. 4.
  • the lateral wall 42 also comprises a bottom 422 intended to to support an electronic control circuit 7.
  • the side wall 43 As for the side wall 43, it is also formed with a bore 431 in which is engaged the actuating button 3.
  • the actuating button may be of the touch switch type.
  • the side wall 43 forms with the central portion 41 the lateral upright 45.
  • This lateral upright 45 serves as a housing for the actuating button and its associated mechanism as well as for the supply batteries 5.
  • the central portion 41 forms a duct 412 which is open at its lower end 413 and at its upper end 414.
  • This duct 41 412 is intended to contain a capillary wick 6.
  • the duct 412 communicates with a chamber 411, which itself communicates with the opening 12 of the reservoir 1.
  • a controlled shutter system can be disposed at the level of the opening 12, for example inside a sleeve 16 engaged in the opening 12.
  • the fluid 15 stored in the tank 1 can flow by gravity only selectively into the chamber 411.
  • the chamber 411 may contain a foam for retaining a certain quantity of fluid product by impregnation. Therefore, when the fluid product of the tank 1 reaches the chamber 413, it soaks the capillary wick 6 which has the effect to raise the fluid product inside the capillary wick 6 to its upper end 414.
  • the conduit 412 is open near its upper end 414 so as to communicate directly with distribution means 2 which are more visible in Figure 4.
  • the dispensing means may be similar or identical to those described in EP-0 615 470.
  • the dispensing means used in the dispenser of the present invention comprise a plate or a membrane 21 perforated with several distribution holes 22 which together constitute the dispensing outlet.
  • This membrane 21 is associated with vibration means which are here in the form of a substrate 23 to which is applied a vibrator element 25, such as a piezoelectric element. More specifically, the substrate 23 is in the form of a disk or a washer defining a central circular opening 232.
  • the vibrator element 24 is also in the form of a washer fixed on the annular substrate 23.
  • the perforated membrane 21 it covers the central opening 232 of the substrate 23. By applying a voltage to the vibrator element 24, the membrane 21 starts to vibrate which allows an expulsion of the fluid product just behind it in the form of fines droplets. All this distribution technique is clearly defined in the aforementioned prior art document.
  • the substrate 23 is mounted in a support member 25 of annular shape, or more generally of the same shape as the substrate 23. Indeed, the substrate 23 may be square or rectangular.
  • the support member 25 is made of a material providing both a liquid seal and a vibration damping generated by the vibrator element 24.
  • the dispensing outlet is an integral part of the means. of distribution.
  • the support member 25 with its substrate, its vibrator element and its perforated membrane are arranged in the upright 44 at the upper opening of the duct 412 so that the distribution holes 22 of the perforated membrane 21 face the opening 421 formed in the side wall 42 attached to the central element 41.
  • the support member 25 seals the outlet opening 414 of the conduit 412, since fluid is present and in contact with the substrate 23 and the perforated membrane 21, since brought there by the capillary wick 6.
  • the capillary wick 6 may come directly from the perforated membrane 21, or alternatively, a foam may be interposed between the vibrating membrane 21 and the capillary wick 6.
  • the support member 25 is mounted in the upright 44 by wedging between the opening 414 of the duct 412 and the inner surface of the side wall 42 around the opening 421. The element 25 is thus fixedly positioned in the dispenser, and prevents vibrations generated by the vibrator element 24 from propagating throughout the dispenser.
  • the fluid product stored in the tank 1 can be conveyed to the inner wall of the vibrating membrane 21 through the chamber 413, through the capillary wick 6 without risk of leakage.
  • the sleeve 16 engaged in the neck 12 of the reservoir seals with the central portion 21 at the bottom of the notch, and upstream, the support member 25 seals at the outlet .
  • the vibrating element 24 requires the supply of a voltage, which is why it is electrically connected to the electronic control circuit 7 by supply wires 27.
  • the contact mechanism of the actuating button 3 as well as the cells or batteries 5 are connected to the electronic control circuit 7 by power cables 47 and 57.
  • the fluid is supplied to the perforated membrane 21 which can be vibrated by applying a voltage to the vibrating element 24.
  • This supply voltage is delivered when the button is pressed.
  • actuation 3 which closes the circuit which passes through the electronic control system 7.
  • the fluid is continuously distributed in the form of fine droplets sprayed at the dispensing outlet by the network of holes 22
  • the user merely presses the actuating button 3, and as a result, a jet of sprayed product is created. level of the output 2.
  • the user simply and immediately notices the surprising effect related to the interposition of the tank 1 which is preferably transparent.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
EP02793193A 2001-10-30 2002-10-28 Distributeur de produit fluide Expired - Lifetime EP1441861B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0114067 2001-10-30
FR0114067A FR2831522B1 (fr) 2001-10-30 2001-10-30 Distributeur de produit fluide
PCT/FR2002/003698 WO2003037525A1 (fr) 2001-10-30 2002-10-28 Distributeur de produit fluide

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1441861A1 EP1441861A1 (fr) 2004-08-04
EP1441861B1 true EP1441861B1 (fr) 2006-07-19

Family

ID=8868908

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02793193A Expired - Lifetime EP1441861B1 (fr) 2001-10-30 2002-10-28 Distributeur de produit fluide

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1441861B1 (zh)
JP (1) JP2005507312A (zh)
CN (1) CN1283367C (zh)
BR (1) BR0213725A (zh)
DE (1) DE60213273T2 (zh)
ES (1) ES2268143T3 (zh)
FR (1) FR2831522B1 (zh)
WO (1) WO2003037525A1 (zh)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2903329B3 (fr) 2006-07-10 2008-10-03 Rexam Dispensing Systems Sas Buse de pulverisation, dispositif de pulverisation et utilisation de ce dispositif.
CN103657750A (zh) * 2013-11-19 2014-03-26 梁福鹏 一种具备分注功能的试剂瓶

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4882096A (en) 1988-11-14 1989-11-21 Ronnie Rueben Compact hand-portable humidifier
CH686872A5 (de) * 1993-08-09 1996-07-31 Disetronic Ag Medizinisches Inhalationsgeraet.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003037525A1 (fr) 2003-05-08
ES2268143T3 (es) 2007-03-16
EP1441861A1 (fr) 2004-08-04
DE60213273T2 (de) 2007-07-26
JP2005507312A (ja) 2005-03-17
FR2831522B1 (fr) 2004-08-27
CN1283367C (zh) 2006-11-08
FR2831522A1 (fr) 2003-05-02
BR0213725A (pt) 2004-10-26
CN1578704A (zh) 2005-02-09
DE60213273D1 (de) 2006-08-31

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