EP1588775B1 - Packaging and dispensing unit for a product, in particular for a cosmetic product - Google Patents

Packaging and dispensing unit for a product, in particular for a cosmetic product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1588775B1
EP1588775B1 EP05300294.5A EP05300294A EP1588775B1 EP 1588775 B1 EP1588775 B1 EP 1588775B1 EP 05300294 A EP05300294 A EP 05300294A EP 1588775 B1 EP1588775 B1 EP 1588775B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
receptacle
assembly according
pump
piston
product
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP05300294.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1588775A1 (en
Inventor
Marc Ramet
Daniel Crosnier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LOreal SA
Original Assignee
LOreal SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LOreal SA filed Critical LOreal SA
Publication of EP1588775A1 publication Critical patent/EP1588775A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1588775B1 publication Critical patent/EP1588775B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0056—Containers with an additional opening for filling or refilling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/028—Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a set of packaging and dispensing a product, including cosmetic, including care.
  • the term "cosmetic product” means a product as defined in Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993 amending Directive 76/768 / EEC.
  • a rechargeable atomizer comprising a body defining a chamber for storing a product.
  • the atomizer further comprises a piston sliding in the body and can be depressed to reduce the volume of the chamber and distribute product.
  • a certain amount of product is dispensed, the chamber being completely emptied when the piston is depressed on a complete stroke.
  • the atomizer does not allow to easily and accurately distribute a dose of product corresponding to a fraction of the maximum volume of the chamber.
  • the patent application FR 2 705 039 describes a dispensing device comprising a container, containing a reserve of product, provided with a first pump, and a refillable bottle provided with a second pump.
  • the bottle can be recharged into product via the first pump.
  • the user separates the bottle from the container and then activates the second pump.
  • the patent application FR 2,813,291 describes a system for filling a secondary bottle from a main bottle.
  • the main bottle is equipped with cannulas to put the main and secondary bottles in fluid communication.
  • the secondary bottle is equipped with a pump, the latter must be removed before connecting the main and secondary bottles for refilling.
  • the patent application FR 2 802 447 describes a refillable vaporizer system, comprising a reservoir and a vaporizer equipped with a pump.
  • the tank and the vaporizer are provided with conduits that can be temporarily connected to allow the refilling of the vaporizer.
  • the conduit extending into the vaporizer is open at its upper end to allow product flow directly into the vaporizer supply.
  • DE 37 40 823 discloses a rechargeable unit having a variable volume storage chamber defined by a body and a piston. This unit is equipped with a pump capable of taking the product contained in the storage chamber.
  • Refilling of the storage chamber is performed from a container through the base of the refill unit and the piston.
  • the patent application FR 2 556 091 discloses a removable rechargeable device having a body and a sliding piston in the body. This device is devoid of pump.
  • the present invention aims to provide a packaging and dispensing assembly which has a relatively simple structure and which allows to distribute the product relatively accurately.
  • the refillable unit when used separately from the container, it is possible to distribute relatively accurately one or more doses of product each corresponding to only a fraction of the maximum volume of the storage chamber.
  • the quantity of product corresponding to a dose is determined by the maximum volume of the pumping chamber, this maximum volume of the pumping chamber being less than the maximum volume of the storage chamber.
  • the pump can also be used to take product from the product reservoir of the container.
  • the container When the container has an outlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the refillable unit for filling, the container may be devoid of pump capable of supplying product to said outlet port.
  • the container can thus have a relatively simple structure.
  • the assembly according to the invention may comprise a single pump, that of the rechargeable unit, which reduces costs.
  • the pumping chamber is isolated from the storage chamber at least during the dispensing of product by the pump.
  • the pump comprises a suction orifice, which is adapted to be disposed near an outlet of the container, for example in line with this outlet orifice, when the refillable unit is placed on the container.
  • the product leaving the container through the outlet can flow to the suction port of the pump in a relatively short path, which limits the pressure drops.
  • the pump is a pump without air intake. This pump can be with or without precompression.
  • the container may comprise a support arranged to receive the refillable unit, said support being for example immobile relative to the rest of the container.
  • the support may be an insert or be made monolithically with the container.
  • the refillable unit and the container may comprise respective fastening parts capable of cooperating in a removable manner, in particular by snap-fastening, screwing, by a bayonet type fastening, by friction or otherwise. This can make it possible to secure the refillable unit of the container during filling of the storage chamber and / or when the pump of the refillable unit is used to take product from the container.
  • At least one of the rechargeable unit and the container has reliefs adapted to cooperate with the other of the rechargeable unit and the container for sealingly isolating the suction port of the pump of the at least when the refillable unit is used to take product from the container.
  • the container may include a return air passage for air intake when the pump of the refillable unit is used to collect product in the container.
  • the container is without air intake and comprises in particular a piston or a pocket in contact with the product.
  • the container may for example comprise a piston which moves in it in response to the departure of the product.
  • the product may for example be contained in a flexible pouch.
  • the pump communicating for example with a dip tube of the container, the volume of the storage chamber is minimal , being for example substantially zero.
  • the piston may comprise an orifice capable of placing the container in fluid communication with the storage chamber.
  • the piston advantageously has a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the pump, which reduces the amount of product remaining in the refill unit when the volume of the storage chamber is minimal.
  • the refillable unit may comprise a valve disposed in the orifice of the piston, this valve being movable between a first position in which it closes the orifice of the piston and a second position in which it allows the flow of product through said orifice .
  • the valve may include a body with an interior passage.
  • valve comprises a ball and the rechargeable unit an elastic return member arranged to apply on the ball a force tending to bring the ball into the first closed position.
  • the piston may comprise a fixing portion adapted to cooperate removably, in particular by screwing or snapping, with a fixing portion of the container when the refillable unit is disposed on the container.
  • the piston comprises a skirt defining a passage in communication with a port of the piston, the skirt comprising the fixing portion.
  • the piston has substantially concentric inner and outer skirts, the fixing portion being formed on the outer skirt, the inner skirt defining in particular a passage in communication with a port of the piston.
  • the container may comprise a central portion adapted to engage in the body of the refillable unit when it is disposed on the container, the central portion having a fixing portion adapted to cooperate with a fixing portion of the piston.
  • the central portion can be used for fixing a dip tube.
  • the container may contain a cosmetic product including care, including a perfume.
  • the product can still be a cream, for example.
  • the refillable unit may be arranged to generate a vacuum in the storage chamber, at least when the storage chamber is in fluid communication with the container, so as to allow the storage chamber to be filled under the effect of the depression thus created.
  • the volume of the pumping chamber is preferably less than the maximum volume of the storage chamber.
  • the piston may comprise an orifice capable of placing the container in fluid communication with the storage chamber.
  • FIG. 1 a set of packaging and dispensing 1 according to the invention.
  • This assembly 1 comprises a container 2, which comprises a container body 3 and a support 4 fixed to the body 3.
  • the container 2 contains a supply of product.
  • the product is a cosmetic product, especially a perfume or other low-viscosity product, for example containing an alcoholic solvent.
  • the product may be a cream, for example a care cream, a milk or other product to be applied to a part of the body or face, including the hair.
  • the support 4 comprises a mounting skirt 5 for screwing on the neck 6 of the container body 3, a substantially cylindrical wall 8 of axis X, forming a housing 9 for receiving a refillable unit 10 and a central portion 15 extending in the housing 9.
  • the wall 8 may have a circular cross section, elliptical or otherwise.
  • the mounting skirt 5 is screwed onto the neck 6 but, alternatively, it could be fixed otherwise, for example by snapping or crimping.
  • At least one of the neck 6 or the support 4 may comprise, if necessary, anti-rotation means, for example a relief (not shown), opposing the rotation of the support 4 relative to the container 2 .
  • the support 4 is applied against the neck 6, to prevent the release of product, while providing a passage of air intake between the interior of the container 2 and the outside.
  • the container may be without air intake between the inside and the outside.
  • the wall 8 may have a circular cross section, elliptical or otherwise.
  • the central portion 15 comprises a tubular wall 16 of X axis, slightly frustoconical converging upwards, which is connected at its lower end to the wall 8 via a bottom wall 17.
  • the wall 16 may have another shape.
  • a dip tube 99 is fixed in the interior space defined by the tubular wall 16, which dip tube opens at its upper end onto an outlet orifice 19 made on the central portion 15.
  • the central portion 15 has at its upper end, above the outlet 19, a fixing portion 20 provided, in the example, an annular bead 21 whose role will be explained later.
  • the latter comprises, between the fixing portion 20 and the orifice 19, an inner annular groove 22.
  • the refillable unit 10 comprises a body 25, which comprises a cylindrical wall 26 of axis X and a bottom wall 27.
  • the latter is provided with an opening 28 allowing, when the refillable unit 10 is introduced into the housing 9 of the container, the introduction of the central portion 15 through this opening 28.
  • the body 25 is provided in the lower part with ribs 30 parallel to the axis X and intended to serve as a stop, as will be seen later.
  • the refillable unit 10 comprises a piston 32 resting on the inner surface of the body 25 via two lower annular lips 33 and upper 34.
  • the piston 32 forms, with the body 25, a storage chamber 55 of variable volume, above the piston 32.
  • the latter comprises a skirt 35 extending under the lips 33 and 34, this skirt defining a passage 36 placing in communication the space above the piston 32 and with the space below it.
  • the skirt 35 comprises, in the upper part, an inner annular bead 37 and at its lower end, an orifice 38 in which is engaged a valve 39.
  • the skirt 35 is connected inferiorly to an attachment portion 42 having an annular groove 48 in which the annular bead 21 of the receptacle 2 can snap fit.
  • the valve 39 comprises a hollow body defining an internal passage 45 of axis X, opening at its upper part on the outside by lateral recesses 47.
  • the valve 39 has on its outer surface an annular bead 46 adapted to snap into the groove 22 of the container 2, so as to provide a seal between the valve 39 and the central portion 15 of the container 2, and a hooking between them.
  • Additional annular beads 51 are made on the outer surface of the valve 39 above the annular bead 46, to be applied with some frictional force on the inner surface of the skirt 35 when the valve 39 is moved into the orifice 38, upwards, so as to limit the displacement of the valve 39 during the introduction of the refillable unit 10 on the container 2.
  • the valve 39 is provided with a frustoconical upper portion 49 adapted to bear on a frustoconical surface 52 of the skirt 35, in order to seal the orifice 38 of the piston 5 when the refillable unit 10 is separated from the container 2, as we can see on the figure 3 .
  • the refillable unit 10 has an upper wall 54 with a mounting skirt 56 fixed in the body 25.
  • the skirt 56 is also used to maintain a pump without air intake 150, comprising a pumping chamber 157.
  • This pump 150 comprises a conduit 162 relatively short with respect to the height of the body 25, with at its lower end a suction port 163.
  • the pump 150 may comprise, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 , a body 151 fixed on the skirt 56, for example by snapping.
  • a control rod 152 is slidably mounted in the body 151 against the action of a return spring 153 working in compression.
  • a tip 154 is attached to the lower end of the control rod 152.
  • a push-button 98 serving both as an actuator and as a dispensing member is force-fitted on the upper end of the control rod 152, as can be seen in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the control rod 152 has an axial recess 158 extending to its upper end and opening into the pumping chamber 157 via radial orifices 155.
  • a piston 156 is slidably disposed about the rod 152, the piston 156 defining with the body 151 the pumping chamber 157.
  • the body 151 forms a seat for a ball 159 closing the orifice 163 at rest.
  • the control rod 152 sinks into the body 151.
  • the piston 156 is not driven by the control rod 152. This The latter thus moves relative to the piston 156, which releases the orifices 155.
  • the latter drives the piston 156 downwards.
  • the product in the pump chamber 157 is then compressed and flows into the recess 158 through the orifices 155 for distribution.
  • the ball 159 remains in abutment against its seat in the bottom of the body 151 so as to isolate the pumping chamber 157 from the storage chamber 55.
  • control rod 152 slides firstly into the piston 156 until it bears on it by the end-piece 154.
  • the axial recess 158 is then isolated from the pumping chamber 157 and the continued upward movement of the control rod 152 under the action of the spring 153 causes a depression in the pumping chamber 157, which is accompanied by the lifting ball 159 and product suction in the pump chamber 157.
  • the pump 150 may have a different structure without departing from the scope of the present invention, the ball 159 may in particular be replaced by an elastomeric suction valve for example.
  • the piston 32 has a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the pump 150 so that the volume of the storage chamber and the passage 36 is as small as possible when the piston is completely raised.
  • the orifice 163 is located at a distance from the upper wall of the storage chamber 55, so as to be immersed in the product even in the presence of a layer of air above the product in the upper part of the chamber storage 55.
  • the skirt 35 surrounds the conduit 162 of the pump at a short distance and the bead 37 is applied to the pump 150 in a sealed manner.
  • Set 1 can be used in different ways.
  • the user disposes the refillable unit 10 on the container 2 so that the attachment portion 42 of the piston 32 engages the attachment portion 21 of the portion 15 of the container 2, as shown in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the shutter 39 is moved upwards so as to disengage the lateral recesses 47, which allows the inner passage 45 to communicate with, on the one hand, the passage 36 of the skirt 35 and, on the other hand, the outlet port 19 of the container 2.
  • the user By pressing the push button 98, the user causes the dispensing of the product contained in the pumping chamber of the pump 150.
  • the pump 150 draws by suction the product contained in the container 2, this product flowing along a path passing through the plunger tube 99, the outlet orifice 19, the internal passage 45 of the valve and the passage 36 of the skirt 35.
  • the user moves the body 25 of the refillable unit relative to the container 2 upwards, the piston 32 remaining secured to the attachment portion 20 of the container 2.
  • the piston 32 slides relative to the body 25 downwards, which generates a depression in the storage chamber 55 allowing the suction of product contained in the container 2 through the internal passage 45 of the shutter 39.
  • the user can dispense the product contained in the storage chamber 55 by actuating the pump 150.
  • the piston 32 rises in the body 25 as the storage chamber 55 empties.
  • This assembly 200 comprises a rechargeable unit 10 'substantially similar to that previously described.
  • the refillable unit 10 ' may have a smaller height and a larger cross-section than the refillable unit 10.
  • the latter comprises for example a tubular skirt 205 of X axis extending above the neck 206 of the container body 203 to receive the refillable unit 10 '.
  • FIG. 6 We have shown on figures 6 and 7 a packaging unit 300 according to another example of implementation of the invention.
  • This assembly 300 comprises a container 301 comprising a container body 302 and a support 303 fixed to the body 302.
  • the support 303 comprises a mounting skirt 304 allowing screwing on a neck 305 of the container body 302, a transverse wall 307 resting on the wafer upper neck 305 and a substantially cylindrical wall 308 X axis forming a housing 309 for receiving a rechargeable unit 310.
  • La wall 308 extends for the most part below the transverse wall 307 when the assembly 300 is observed head in high, this wall 308 forming above the transverse wall 307 a cylindrical portion 312.
  • the support 303 further comprises a central portion 313 extending into the housing 309 and having a substantially cylindrical wall 314 X axis connected at its lower end to the wall 308 through a bottom wall 315.
  • the wall 314 has at its upper end a fixing portion 317 provided with a groove 318 whose role is explained below.
  • the central portion 313 comprises a tip 319 extending into the interior space defined by the wall 314, this nozzle 319 comprising a frustoconical wall 320 connecting to the wall 314, below the fixing portion 317.
  • the frustoconical wall 320 is extended by a cylindrical portion 322 of X axis communicating at its upper end with an outlet port 323.
  • a dip tube 99 is fixed in the interior space defined by the portion 322, this dip tube 99 opening at its upper end on the outlet port 323.
  • the rechargeable unit 310 comprises a body 330 comprising a tubular wall 331 of axis X at the lower end of which is connected a return 332.
  • This return 332 has a slightly frustoconical shape converging upwards with an annular edge 333 having an inside diameter slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the fixing portion 317.
  • the flange 333 defines an opening 335 allowing, when the refillable unit 310 is introduced into the housing 309 of the container 301, the introduction of the central portion 313 through this opening 335.
  • the rechargeable unit 310 comprises a piston 337 forming with the body 330 a storage chamber 338 of variable volume, above the piston 337.
  • the latter has concentric outer and inner skirts 341 341, the inner skirt 341 being connected to the inner surface of the outer skirt 340, substantially mid-height thereof, forming an aperture 342 of substantially frustoconical shape converging towards the low.
  • the piston 337 has lower annular lips 345 and upper 346 connecting to the outer skirt 340 and applying to the inner surface of the body 330.
  • the outer skirt 340 has a fixing portion 347 having an annular bead 348 arranged to snap into the groove 318 of the attachment portion 317 of the container 301 when the refill unit 310 is introduced into the housing 309 of the container.
  • the inner skirt 341 forms a housing 350 arranged to receive a valve comprising a ball 351, this housing 350 having a bearing surface 352 on which the ball 351 can be applied to close a passage 353 defined by the inner skirt 341.
  • the rechargeable unit 310 comprises an elastic return member 354 arranged to exert a force on the ball 351 tending to apply it against the bearing surface 352 so as to close the passage 353.
  • the elastic return member 354 comprises a helical spring applying at one end to the ball 351 and at an opposite end on the piston 337.
  • the annular bearing surface 352 defines an orifice 355 that can be in fluid communication with the outlet port 323 of the container.
  • the body 330 has at its upper end a bead 357 allowing the introduction of a pump 150 via a band 358.
  • Pump 150 includes a conduit 162 engageable through opening 342 in passage 353 of piston 337.
  • the latter has a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the pump 150.
  • the assembly 300 can be used in different ways.
  • the user disposes the refill unit 310 on the container 301 so that the attachment portion 347 of the refill unit 310 engages the attachment portion 317. of the container by introducing the bead 348 into the groove 318, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 .
  • the inner skirt 341 of the piston 337 applies sealingly to the tip 319 of the container.
  • the ball 351 is moved by pressing the tip 319 upwards so as to move away from the bearing surface 352 and release the orifice 355, against the force exerted by the spring 354.
  • the volume of the storage chamber 338 is minimal, the piston 337 being pushed back until it bears on the pump 150.
  • This pump 150 is sealingly applied to the piston 337.
  • the user By pressing the push button 98, the user causes the dispensing of the product contained in the pumping chamber of the pump 150.
  • the pump 150 draws by suction of the product contained in the container 301, this product flowing along a path passing through the plunger tube 99, the outlet orifice 323 and the passage 353 of the skirt. 341.
  • the user moves the body 330 of the refillable unit relative to the container 301 upwards, the piston 337 remaining secured to the attachment portion 317 of the container.
  • the piston 337 slides relative to the body 330, which generates a depression in the storage chamber 338 for the suction of product contained in the container through the orifice 323 of the container and the passage 353 of the piston 337.
  • the annular edge 333 of the body 330 is applied to the attachment parts 317 of the container and 347 of the piston 337 so as to promote, by elastic deformation, the disengagement of the annular bead 348 from the groove 318 of the container.
  • the spring 354 brings the ball 351 against the bearing surface 352 in order to close the orifice 355, as shown in FIG. figure 7 .
  • the user can dispense the product contained in the storage chamber 358 by operating the pump 150.
  • the piston 337 rises in the body 330 as the storage chamber 338 empties.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution d'un produit, notamment cosmétique, y compris de soin.The present invention relates to a set of packaging and dispensing a product, including cosmetic, including care.

Par « produit cosmétique », on entend au sens de la présente invention un produit tel que défini dans la Directive 93/35/CEE du 14 juin 1993 modifiant la Directive 76/768/CEE.For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993 amending Directive 76/768 / EEC.

On connaît par la demande de brevet FR 2 773 443 un atomiseur rechargeable, comportant un corps définissant une chambre pour le stockage d'un produit. L'atomiseur comporte en outre un piston coulissant dans le corps et pouvant être enfoncé pour réduire le volume de la chambre et distribuer du produit. Selon la course d'enfoncement du piston, une certaine quantité de produit est distribuée, la chambre étant entièrement vidée lorsque le piston est enfoncé sur une course complète. L'atomiseur ne permet pas de distribuer facilement et avec précision une dose de produit correspondant à une fraction du volume maximal de la chambre.It is known from the patent application FR 2,773,443 a rechargeable atomizer comprising a body defining a chamber for storing a product. The atomizer further comprises a piston sliding in the body and can be depressed to reduce the volume of the chamber and distribute product. Depending on the plunge stroke of the piston, a certain amount of product is dispensed, the chamber being completely emptied when the piston is depressed on a complete stroke. The atomizer does not allow to easily and accurately distribute a dose of product corresponding to a fraction of the maximum volume of the chamber.

La demande de brevet FR 2 705 039 décrit un dispositif de distribution comportant un récipient, contenant une réserve de produit, muni d'une première pompe, et un flacon rechargeable muni d'une deuxième pompe. Le flacon peut être rechargé en produit par l'intermédiaire de la première pompe. Pour distribuer du produit contenu dans le flacon, l'utilisateur sépare le flacon du récipient puis actionne la deuxième pompe.The patent application FR 2 705 039 describes a dispensing device comprising a container, containing a reserve of product, provided with a first pump, and a refillable bottle provided with a second pump. The bottle can be recharged into product via the first pump. To dispense the product contained in the bottle, the user separates the bottle from the container and then activates the second pump.

La demande de brevet FR 2 813 291 décrit un système de remplissage d'un flacon secondaire à partir d'un flacon principal. Le flacon principal est équipé de canules permettant de mettre les flacons principal et secondaire en communication fluidique. Lorsque le flacon secondaire est équipé d'une pompe, cette dernière doit être retirée avant le raccordement des flacons principal et secondaire pour le rechargement.The patent application FR 2,813,291 describes a system for filling a secondary bottle from a main bottle. The main bottle is equipped with cannulas to put the main and secondary bottles in fluid communication. When the secondary bottle is equipped with a pump, the latter must be removed before connecting the main and secondary bottles for refilling.

La demande de brevet FR 2 802 447 décrit un système vaporisateur rechargeable, comportant un réservoir et un vaporisateur équipé d'une pompe. Le réservoir et le vaporisateur sont pourvus de conduits pouvant être raccordés temporairement afin de permettre le rechargement du vaporisateur. Le conduit s'étendant dans le vaporisateur est ouvert à son extrémité supérieure pour permettre l'écoulement de produit directement dans la réserve du vaporisateur.The patent application FR 2 802 447 describes a refillable vaporizer system, comprising a reservoir and a vaporizer equipped with a pump. The tank and the vaporizer are provided with conduits that can be temporarily connected to allow the refilling of the vaporizer. The conduit extending into the vaporizer is open at its upper end to allow product flow directly into the vaporizer supply.

DE 37 40 823 décrit une unité rechargeable comportant une chambre de stockage de volume variable, définie par un corps et un piston. Cette unité est équipée d'une pompe apte à prélever du produit contenu dans la chambre de stockage. DE 37 40 823 discloses a rechargeable unit having a variable volume storage chamber defined by a body and a piston. This unit is equipped with a pump capable of taking the product contained in the storage chamber.

Le rechargement de la chambre de stockage est effectué, à partir d'un récipient, à travers la base de l'unité rechargeable et le piston.Refilling of the storage chamber is performed from a container through the base of the refill unit and the piston.

La demande de brevet FR 2 556 091 décrit un dispositif rechargeable amovible comportant un corps et un piston coulissant dans le corps. Ce dispositif est dépourvu de pompe.The patent application FR 2 556 091 discloses a removable rechargeable device having a body and a sliding piston in the body. This device is devoid of pump.

La présente invention vise à fournir un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution qui présente une structure relativement simple et qui permette de distribuer de manière relativement précise le produit.The present invention aims to provide a packaging and dispensing assembly which has a relatively simple structure and which allows to distribute the product relatively accurately.

L'invention a ainsi pour objet un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution d'un produit, comportant :

  • un récipient pour contenir une réserve de produit,
  • une unité rechargeable agencée pour être disposée de façon amovible sur le récipient, l'unité rechargeable comportant :
    • un corps et un piston mobile par rapport au corps et définissant avec celui-ci une chambre de stockage de volume variable pour contenir du produit, cette chambre de stockage étant capable d'être mise en communication fluidique avec le récipient pour son remplissage lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée sur le récipient,
    • une pompe capable de prélever du produit dans le récipient lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée dessus et de prélever du produit dans la chambre de stockage lorsque l'unité rechargeable est séparée du récipient, la pompe comportant une chambre de pompage distincte de la chambre de stockage,
la chambre de stockage étant formée au-dessus du piston, lorsque l'unité rechargeable est observée tête en haut, caractérisé par le fait que l'unité rechargeable est agencée pour permettre de générer une dépression dans la chambre de stockage, au moins lorsque la chambre de stockage est en communication fluidique avec le récipient, de manière à permettre le remplissage de la chambre de stockage.The subject of the invention is thus a set of packaging and dispensing of a product, comprising:
  • a container for holding a supply of product,
  • a refillable unit arranged to be releasably disposed on the container, the refillable unit comprising:
    • a body and a piston movable relative to the body and defining therewith a variable volume storage chamber for holding product, said storage chamber being capable of being in fluid communication with the container for filling when the rechargeable unit is arranged on the container,
    • a pump capable of withdrawing product into the container when the refillable unit is disposed thereon and withdrawing product from the storage chamber when the refillable unit is separated from the container, the pump having a pumping chamber separate from the chamber of storage,
the storage chamber being formed above the piston, when the rechargeable unit is observed head up, characterized in that the refillable unit is arranged to allow to generate a depression in the storage chamber, at least when the storage chamber is in fluid communication with the container, so as to allow the filling of the storage chamber.

Grâce à l'invention, lorsque l'unité rechargeable est utilisée séparément du récipient, il est possible de distribuer de manière relativement précise une ou plusieurs doses de produit correspondant chacune à une fraction seulement du volume maximal de la chambre de stockage. La quantité de produit correspondant à une dose est déterminée par le volume maximal de la chambre de pompage, ce volume maximal de la chambre de pompage étant inférieur au volume maximal de la chambre de stockage.Thanks to the invention, when the refillable unit is used separately from the container, it is possible to distribute relatively accurately one or more doses of product each corresponding to only a fraction of the maximum volume of the storage chamber. The quantity of product corresponding to a dose is determined by the maximum volume of the pumping chamber, this maximum volume of the pumping chamber being less than the maximum volume of the storage chamber.

La pompe peut servir également à prélever du produit dans la réserve de produit du récipient.The pump can also be used to take product from the product reservoir of the container.

Lorsque le récipient comporte un orifice de sortie apte à être mis en communication fluidique avec la chambre de stockage de l'unité rechargeable pour son remplissage, le récipient peut être dépourvu de pompe capable d'alimenter en produit ledit orifice de sortie. Le récipient peut ainsi présenter une structure relativement simple.When the container has an outlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the refillable unit for filling, the container may be devoid of pump capable of supplying product to said outlet port. The container can thus have a relatively simple structure.

Ainsi, l'ensemble selon l'invention peut comporter une pompe unique, celle de l'unité rechargeable, ce qui permet de réduire les coûts.Thus, the assembly according to the invention may comprise a single pump, that of the rechargeable unit, which reduces costs.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, la chambre de pompage est isolée de la chambre de stockage au moins lors de la distribution de produit par la pompe.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the pumping chamber is isolated from the storage chamber at least during the dispensing of product by the pump.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, la pompe comporte un orifice d'aspiration, lequel est apte à être disposé à proximité d'un orifice de sortie du récipient, par exemple à l'aplomb de cet orifice de sortie, lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée sur le récipient.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the pump comprises a suction orifice, which is adapted to be disposed near an outlet of the container, for example in line with this outlet orifice, when the refillable unit is placed on the container.

Ainsi, le produit quittant le récipient par l'orifice de sortie peut s'écouler vers l'orifice d'aspiration de la pompe suivant un trajet relativement court, ce qui limite les pertes de charge.Thus, the product leaving the container through the outlet can flow to the suction port of the pump in a relatively short path, which limits the pressure drops.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, la pompe est une pompe sans reprise d'air. Cette pompe peut être avec ou sans précompression.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the pump is a pump without air intake. This pump can be with or without precompression.

Le récipient peut comporter un support agencé pour recevoir l'unité rechargeable, ledit support étant par exemple immobile par rapport au reste du récipient. Le support peut être une pièce rapportée ou être réalisé de façon monolithique avec le récipient.The container may comprise a support arranged to receive the refillable unit, said support being for example immobile relative to the rest of the container. The support may be an insert or be made monolithically with the container.

L'unité rechargeable et le récipient peuvent comporter des parties de fixation respectives aptes à coopérer de manière amovible, notamment par encliquetage, vissage, par une fixation de type baïonnette, par friction ou autrement encore. Cela peut permettre de solidariser l'unité rechargeable du récipient pendant le remplissage de la chambre de stockage et/ou lorsque la pompe de l'unité rechargeable est utilisée pour prélever du produit dans le récipient.The refillable unit and the container may comprise respective fastening parts capable of cooperating in a removable manner, in particular by snap-fastening, screwing, by a bayonet type fastening, by friction or otherwise. This can make it possible to secure the refillable unit of the container during filling of the storage chamber and / or when the pump of the refillable unit is used to take product from the container.

Avantageusement, l'un au moins de l'unité rechargeable et du récipient comporte des reliefs aptes à coopérer avec l'autre de l'unité rechargeable et du récipient pour isoler de manière étanche l'orifice d'aspiration de la pompe de l'extérieur au moins lorsque l'unité rechargeable est utilisée pour prélever du produit dans le récipient.Advantageously, at least one of the rechargeable unit and the container has reliefs adapted to cooperate with the other of the rechargeable unit and the container for sealingly isolating the suction port of the pump of the at least when the refillable unit is used to take product from the container.

Le récipient peut comporter un passage de reprise d'air permettant une reprise d'air lorsque la pompe de l'unité rechargeable est utilisée pour prélever du produit dans le récipient.The container may include a return air passage for air intake when the pump of the refillable unit is used to collect product in the container.

En variante, le récipient est sans reprise d'air et comporte notamment un piston ou une poche en contact avec le produit. Le récipient peut par exemple comporter un piston qui se déplace dans celui-ci en réponse au départ du produit. Le produit peut encore par exemple être contenu dans une poche souple.Alternatively, the container is without air intake and comprises in particular a piston or a pocket in contact with the product. The container may for example comprise a piston which moves in it in response to the departure of the product. The product may for example be contained in a flexible pouch.

De préférence, lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée sur le récipient de manière à ce que la pompe puisse prélever du produit dans celui-ci, la pompe communiquant par exemple avec un tube plongeur du récipient, le volume de la chambre de stockage est minimal, étant par exemple sensiblement nul.Preferably, when the refillable unit is disposed on the container so that the pump can take product therein, the pump communicating for example with a dip tube of the container, the volume of the storage chamber is minimal , being for example substantially zero.

Le piston peut comporter un orifice capable de mettre en communication fluidique le récipient avec la chambre de stockage.The piston may comprise an orifice capable of placing the container in fluid communication with the storage chamber.

Le piston présente avantageusement une forme épousant sensiblement la forme extérieure de la pompe, ce qui permet de réduire la quantité de produit demeurant dans l'unité rechargeable lorsque le volume de la chambre de stockage est minimal.The piston advantageously has a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the pump, which reduces the amount of product remaining in the refill unit when the volume of the storage chamber is minimal.

L'unité rechargeable peut comporter un clapet disposé dans l'orifice du piston, ce clapet étant mobile entre une première position dans laquelle il obture l'orifice du piston et une deuxième position dans laquelle il permet l'écoulement de produit à travers ledit orifice. Le clapet peut comporter un corps avec un passage intérieur.The refillable unit may comprise a valve disposed in the orifice of the piston, this valve being movable between a first position in which it closes the orifice of the piston and a second position in which it allows the flow of product through said orifice . The valve may include a body with an interior passage.

En variante, le clapet comporte une bille et l'unité rechargeable un organe de rappel élastique agencé pour appliquer sur la bille une force tendant à ramener la bille dans la première position d'obturation.Alternatively, the valve comprises a ball and the rechargeable unit an elastic return member arranged to apply on the ball a force tending to bring the ball into the first closed position.

Le piston peut comporter une partie de fixation apte à coopérer de manière amovible, notamment par vissage ou encliquetage, avec une partie de fixation du récipient lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée sur le récipient.The piston may comprise a fixing portion adapted to cooperate removably, in particular by screwing or snapping, with a fixing portion of the container when the refillable unit is disposed on the container.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le piston comporte une jupe définissant un passage en communication avec un orifice du piston, la jupe comportant la partie de fixation.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the piston comprises a skirt defining a passage in communication with a port of the piston, the skirt comprising the fixing portion.

En variante, le piston comporte des jupes intérieure et extérieure sensiblement concentriques, la partie de fixation étant réalisée sur la jupe extérieure, la jupe intérieure défmissant notamment un passage en communication avec un orifice du piston.Alternatively, the piston has substantially concentric inner and outer skirts, the fixing portion being formed on the outer skirt, the inner skirt defining in particular a passage in communication with a port of the piston.

Le récipient peut comporter une portion centrale apte à s'engager dans le corps de l'unité rechargeable lorsque celle-ci est disposée sur le récipient, la portion centrale comportant une partie de fixation apte à coopérer avec une partie de fixation du piston. La portion centrale peut servir à la fixation d'un tube plongeur.The container may comprise a central portion adapted to engage in the body of the refillable unit when it is disposed on the container, the central portion having a fixing portion adapted to cooperate with a fixing portion of the piston. The central portion can be used for fixing a dip tube.

Le récipient peut contenir un produit cosmétique, y compris de soin, notamment un parfum. Le produit peut encore être une crème, par exemple.The container may contain a cosmetic product including care, including a perfume. The product can still be a cream, for example.

L'invention a encore pour objet une unité rechargeable agencée pour être disposée de façon amovible sur un récipient, l'unité rechargeable comportant :

  • un corps et un piston mobile par rapport au corps et définissant avec celui-ci une chambre de stockage de volume variable pour contenir du produit, cette chambre de stockage étant capable d'être mise en communication fluidique avec le récipient pour son remplissage lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée sur le récipient,
  • une pompe capable de prélever du produit dans le récipient lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée dessus et de prélever du produit dans la chambre de stockage lorsque l'unité rechargeable est séparée du récipient, la pompe comportant une chambre de pompage distincte de la chambre de stockage,
caractérisée par le fait que la chambre de stockage est formée au-dessus du piston, lorsque l'unité rechargeable est observée tête en haut.The invention further relates to a rechargeable unit arranged to be removably disposed on a container, the rechargeable unit comprising:
  • a body and a piston movable relative to the body and defining therewith a variable volume storage chamber for holding product, said storage chamber being capable of being in fluid communication with the container for filling when the rechargeable unit is arranged on the container,
  • a pump capable of withdrawing product into the container when the refillable unit is disposed thereon and withdrawing product from the storage chamber when the refillable unit is separated from the container, the pump having a pumping chamber separate from the chamber of storage,
characterized in that the storage chamber is formed above the piston, when the rechargeable unit is viewed upside down.

L'unité rechargeable peut être agencée pour permettre de générer une dépression dans la chambre de stockage, au moins lorsque la chambre de stockage est en communication fluidique avec le récipient, de manière à permettre le remplissage de la chambre de stockage sous l'effet de la dépression ainsi créée.The refillable unit may be arranged to generate a vacuum in the storage chamber, at least when the storage chamber is in fluid communication with the container, so as to allow the storage chamber to be filled under the effect of the depression thus created.

Le volume de la chambre de pompage est de préférence inférieur au volume maximal de la chambre de stockage.The volume of the pumping chamber is preferably less than the maximum volume of the storage chamber.

Le piston peut comporter un orifice capable de mettre en communication fluidique le récipient avec la chambre de stockage.The piston may comprise an orifice capable of placing the container in fluid communication with the storage chamber.

L'invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, un procédé de distribution d'un produit, comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • fournir un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution, comportant :
    • un récipient pour contenir une réserve de produit,
    • une unité rechargeable telle que précitée,
  • prélever du produit à l'aide de l'unité rechargeable soit dans le récipient lorsque l'unité rechargeable est disposée sur le récipient, soit dans la chambre de stockage de l'unité rechargeable lorsque l'unité rechargeable est séparée du récipient,
  • distribuer une dose de produit prélevée à l'aide de l'unité rechargeable en actionnant la pompe sur une course complète, la dose délivrée correspondant à une fraction seulement du volume maximal de la chambre de stockage, notamment à moins du dixième.
According to another of its aspects, the subject of the invention is also a method for dispensing a product, comprising the following steps:
  • provide a package of packaging and dispensing, comprising:
    • a container for holding a supply of product,
    • a rechargeable unit as mentioned above,
  • withdrawing the product by means of the refillable unit either in the receptacle when the refillable unit is placed on the receptacle or in the storage chamber of the refillable unit when the refillable unit is separated from the receptacle,
  • dispensing a dose of product taken with the refillable unit by operating the pump on a complete stroke, the delivered dose corresponding to a fraction only of the maximum volume of the storage chamber, especially less than one-tenth.

La pompe comportant un orifice d'aspiration et le récipient un orifice de sortie, le procédé peut comporter les étapes suivantes :

  • mettre l'orifice d'aspiration en communication avec l'orifice de sortie,
  • prélever du produit dans le récipient.
The pump having a suction port and the container an outlet, the method may comprise the following steps:
  • put the suction port in communication with the outlet,
  • take product from the container.

L'unité rechargeable comportant un corps et un piston coulissant dans le corps, le procédé peut comporter les étapes suivantes :

  • disposer l'unité rechargeable sur le récipient,
  • déplacer le piston relativement au corps afin d'augmenter le volume de la chambre de stockage, le piston s'éloignant de la pompe lors de ce déplacement.
The refillable unit having a body and a piston sliding in the body, the method may comprise the following steps:
  • arrange the refillable unit on the container,
  • moving the piston relative to the body to increase the volume of the storage chamber, the piston moving away from the pump during this movement.

La présente invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'exemples de mise en oeuvre non limitatifs de celle-ci, et à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, l'ensemble de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe axiale, de l'unité amovible de l'ensemble de la figure 2, séparée du récipient,
  • la figure 4 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, la pompe de l'unité rechargeable de l'ensemble des figures 2 et 3,
  • la figure 5 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, et
  • les figures 6 et 7 représentent, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un ensemble de conditionnement conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, dans deux positions différentes.
The present invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:
  • the figure 1 represents, schematically and partially, a packaging and distribution assembly according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 represents, schematically and partially, in axial section, the whole of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 3 is a schematic and partial view, in axial section, of the removable unit of the whole of the figure 2 separated from the container,
  • the figure 4 represents, schematically and partially, in axial section, the pump of the rechargeable unit of all figures 2 and 3 ,
  • the figure 5 represents, schematically and partially, in axial section, a packaging and distribution assembly according to another example of implementation of the invention, and
  • the figures 6 and 7 show, schematically and partially, in axial section, a packaging assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, in two different positions.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution 1 conforme à l'invention.We have shown on the figure 1 a set of packaging and dispensing 1 according to the invention.

Cet ensemble 1 comporte un récipient 2, lequel comprend un corps de récipient 3 et un support 4 fixé sur le corps 3.This assembly 1 comprises a container 2, which comprises a container body 3 and a support 4 fixed to the body 3.

Le récipient 2 contient une réserve de produit.The container 2 contains a supply of product.

Dans l'exemple considéré, le produit est un produit cosmétique, notamment un parfum ou un autre produit faiblement visqueux, contenant par exemple un solvant alcoolique.In the example under consideration, the product is a cosmetic product, especially a perfume or other low-viscosity product, for example containing an alcoholic solvent.

En variante, le produit peut être une crème, par exemple une crème de soin, un lait ou un autre produit à appliquer sur une partie du corps ou du visage, y compris les cheveux.Alternatively, the product may be a cream, for example a care cream, a milk or other product to be applied to a part of the body or face, including the hair.

Le support 4 comporte une jupe de montage 5 permettant le vissage sur le col 6 du corps de récipient 3, une paroi sensiblement cylindrique 8 d'axe X, formant un logement 9 pour recevoir une unité rechargeable 10 et une portion centrale 15 s'étendant dans le logement 9. La paroi 8 peut présenter une section transversale circulaire, elliptique ou autre.The support 4 comprises a mounting skirt 5 for screwing on the neck 6 of the container body 3, a substantially cylindrical wall 8 of axis X, forming a housing 9 for receiving a refillable unit 10 and a central portion 15 extending in the housing 9. The wall 8 may have a circular cross section, elliptical or otherwise.

Dans l'exemple considéré, la jupe de montage 5 est vissée sur le col 6 mais, en variante, elle pourrait être fixée autrement, par exemple par encliquetage ou sertissage.In the example, the mounting skirt 5 is screwed onto the neck 6 but, alternatively, it could be fixed otherwise, for example by snapping or crimping.

L'un au moins du col 6 ou du support 4 peut comporter, le cas échéant, un moyen d'anti-rotation, par exemple un relief (non représenté), s'opposant à la rotation du support 4 par rapport au récipient 2.At least one of the neck 6 or the support 4 may comprise, if necessary, anti-rotation means, for example a relief (not shown), opposing the rotation of the support 4 relative to the container 2 .

Le support 4 s'applique contre le col 6, pour empêcher la sortie de produit, tout en ménageant un passage de reprise d'air entre l'intérieur du récipient 2 et l'extérieur.The support 4 is applied against the neck 6, to prevent the release of product, while providing a passage of air intake between the interior of the container 2 and the outside.

En variante, le récipient peut être sans reprise d'air entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur.Alternatively, the container may be without air intake between the inside and the outside.

La paroi 8 peut présenter une section transversale circulaire, elliptique ou autre.The wall 8 may have a circular cross section, elliptical or otherwise.

La portion centrale 15 comporte une paroi tubulaire 16 d'axe X, légèrement tronconique convergeant vers le haut, qui se raccorde à son extrémité inférieure à la paroi 8 par l'intermédiaire d'une paroi de fond 17.The central portion 15 comprises a tubular wall 16 of X axis, slightly frustoconical converging upwards, which is connected at its lower end to the wall 8 via a bottom wall 17.

En variante, la paroi 16 peut présenter une autre forme.Alternatively, the wall 16 may have another shape.

Un tube plongeur 99 est fixé dans l'espace intérieur défini par la paroi tubulaire 16, lequel tube plongeur débouche à son extrémité supérieure sur un orifice de sortie 19 réalisé sur la portion centrale 15.A dip tube 99 is fixed in the interior space defined by the tubular wall 16, which dip tube opens at its upper end onto an outlet orifice 19 made on the central portion 15.

La portion centrale 15 comporte à son extrémité supérieure, au-dessus de l'orifice de sortie 19, une partie de fixation 20 pourvue, dans l'exemple considéré, d'un bourrelet annulaire 21 dont le rôle sera expliqué plus loin.The central portion 15 has at its upper end, above the outlet 19, a fixing portion 20 provided, in the example, an annular bead 21 whose role will be explained later.

Cette dernière comporte, entre la partie de fixation 20 et l'orifice 19, une gorge annulaire intérieure 22.The latter comprises, between the fixing portion 20 and the orifice 19, an inner annular groove 22.

L'unité rechargeable 10 comporte un corps 25, lequel comprend une paroi cylindrique 26 d'axe X et une paroi de fond 27. Cette dernière est munie d'une ouverture 28 permettant, lorsque l'unité rechargeable 10 est introduite dans le logement 9 du récipient, l'introduction de la portion centrale 15 à travers cette ouverture 28.The refillable unit 10 comprises a body 25, which comprises a cylindrical wall 26 of axis X and a bottom wall 27. The latter is provided with an opening 28 allowing, when the refillable unit 10 is introduced into the housing 9 of the container, the introduction of the central portion 15 through this opening 28.

Le corps 25 est pourvu en partie inférieure de nervures 30 parallèles à l'axe X et destinées à servir de butée, comme on le verra par la suite.The body 25 is provided in the lower part with ribs 30 parallel to the axis X and intended to serve as a stop, as will be seen later.

L'unité rechargeable 10 comporte un piston 32 s'appuyant sur la surface intérieure du corps 25 par l'intermédiaire de deux lèvres annulaires inférieure 33 et supérieure 34.The refillable unit 10 comprises a piston 32 resting on the inner surface of the body 25 via two lower annular lips 33 and upper 34.

Le piston 32 forme, avec le corps 25, une chambre de stockage 55 de volume variable, au-dessus du piston 32. Ce dernier comporte une jupe 35 se prolongeant sous les lèvres 33 et 34, cette jupe définissant un passage 36 mettant en communication l'espace situé au-dessus du piston 32 et avec l'espace situé au-dessous de celui-ci.The piston 32 forms, with the body 25, a storage chamber 55 of variable volume, above the piston 32. The latter comprises a skirt 35 extending under the lips 33 and 34, this skirt defining a passage 36 placing in communication the space above the piston 32 and with the space below it.

La jupe 35 comporte, en partie supérieure, un bourrelet annulaire intérieur 37 et à son extrémité inférieure, un orifice 38 dans lequel est engagé un clapet 39.The skirt 35 comprises, in the upper part, an inner annular bead 37 and at its lower end, an orifice 38 in which is engaged a valve 39.

Dans l'exemple considéré, la jupe 35 se raccorde inférieurement à une partie de fixation 42 ayant une gorge annulaire 48 dans laquelle peut s'engager par encliquetage le bourrelet annulaire 21 du récipient 2.In the example considered, the skirt 35 is connected inferiorly to an attachment portion 42 having an annular groove 48 in which the annular bead 21 of the receptacle 2 can snap fit.

Le clapet 39 comporte un corps creux définissant un passage intérieur 45 d'axe X, débouchant à sa partie supérieure sur l'extérieur par des évidements latéraux 47.The valve 39 comprises a hollow body defining an internal passage 45 of axis X, opening at its upper part on the outside by lateral recesses 47.

Le clapet 39 comporte sur sa surface extérieure un bourrelet annulaire 46 apte à s'encliqueter dans la gorge 22 du récipient 2, de manière à réaliser un appui étanche entre le clapet 39 et la portion centrale 15 du récipient 2, ainsi qu'un accrochage entre eux.The valve 39 has on its outer surface an annular bead 46 adapted to snap into the groove 22 of the container 2, so as to provide a seal between the valve 39 and the central portion 15 of the container 2, and a hooking between them.

Des bourrelets annulaires 51 supplémentaires sont réalisés sur la surface extérieure du clapet 39 au-dessus du bourrelet annulaire 46, pour venir s'appliquer avec une certaine force de friction sur la surface intérieure de la jupe 35 lorsque le clapet 39 est déplacé dans l'orifice 38, vers le haut, de manière à limiter le déplacement du clapet 39 lors de la mise en place de l'unité rechargeable 10 sur le récipient 2.Additional annular beads 51 are made on the outer surface of the valve 39 above the annular bead 46, to be applied with some frictional force on the inner surface of the skirt 35 when the valve 39 is moved into the orifice 38, upwards, so as to limit the displacement of the valve 39 during the introduction of the refillable unit 10 on the container 2.

Ces bourrelets 51 permettent également de maintenir le clapet 39 en position de fermeture lorsque l'unité rechargeable 10 est utilisée séparément du récipient 2, de manière à assurer l'étanchéité de l'unité rechargeable 10.These beads 51 also make it possible to keep the valve 39 in the closed position when the refillable unit 10 is used separately from the receptacle 2, so as to seal the refillable unit 10.

Le clapet 39 est pourvu d'une portion supérieure tronconique 49 apte à venir en appui sur une surface tronconique 52 de la jupe 35, afm d'obturer l'orifice 38 du piston 5 lorsque l'unité rechargeable 10 est séparée du récipient 2, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 3.The valve 39 is provided with a frustoconical upper portion 49 adapted to bear on a frustoconical surface 52 of the skirt 35, in order to seal the orifice 38 of the piston 5 when the refillable unit 10 is separated from the container 2, as we can see on the figure 3 .

L'unité rechargeable 10 comporte une paroi supérieure 54 avec une jupe de montage 56 fixée dans le corps 25.The refillable unit 10 has an upper wall 54 with a mounting skirt 56 fixed in the body 25.

La jupe 56 sert en outre au maintien d'une pompe sans reprise d'air 150, comportant une chambre de pompage 157.The skirt 56 is also used to maintain a pump without air intake 150, comprising a pumping chamber 157.

Cette pompe 150 comporte un conduit 162 relativement court par rapport à la hauteur du corps 25, avec à son extrémité inférieure un orifice d'aspiration 163.This pump 150 comprises a conduit 162 relatively short with respect to the height of the body 25, with at its lower end a suction port 163.

La pompe 150 peut comporter, comme illustré à la figure 4, un corps 151 fixé sur la jupe 56, par exemple par encliquetage.The pump 150 may comprise, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 , a body 151 fixed on the skirt 56, for example by snapping.

Une tige de commande 152 est montée à coulissement dans le corps 151 contre l'action d'un ressort de rappel 153 travaillant en compression. Un embout 154 est fixé à l'extrémité inférieure de la tige de commande 152.A control rod 152 is slidably mounted in the body 151 against the action of a return spring 153 working in compression. A tip 154 is attached to the lower end of the control rod 152.

Un bouton-poussoir 98 servant à la fois d'organe d'actionnement et d'organe de distribution est emmanché à force sur l'extrémité supérieure de la tige de commande 152, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2.A push-button 98 serving both as an actuator and as a dispensing member is force-fitted on the upper end of the control rod 152, as can be seen in FIG. figure 2 .

La tige de commande 152 comporte un évidement axial 158 s'étendant jusqu'à son extrémité supérieure et débouchant dans la chambre de pompage 157 par des orifices radiaux 155.The control rod 152 has an axial recess 158 extending to its upper end and opening into the pumping chamber 157 via radial orifices 155.

Un piston 156 est disposé à coulissement autour de la tige 152, ce piston 156 définissant avec le corps 151 la chambre de pompage 157.A piston 156 is slidably disposed about the rod 152, the piston 156 defining with the body 151 the pumping chamber 157.

Le corps 151 forme un siège pour une bille 159 obturant au repos l'orifice 163.The body 151 forms a seat for a ball 159 closing the orifice 163 at rest.

Lorsque la tige de commande 152 est au repos, les orifices 155 sont obturés par le piston 156.When the control rod 152 is at rest, the orifices 155 are closed by the piston 156.

Lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur le bouton-poussoir 98, la tige de commande 152 s'enfonce dans le corps 151. Au début de la course d'enfoncement, le piston 156 n'est pas entraîné par la tige de commande 152. Cette dernière se déplace donc relativement au piston 156, ce qui libère les orifices 155. Lors de la poursuite de la course d'enfoncement de la tige de commande 152, cette dernière entraîne le piston 156 vers le bas. Le produit dans la chambre de pompage 157 est alors comprimé et s'écoule dans l'évidement 158 à travers les orifices 155, en vue d'être distribué.When the user presses the push button 98, the control rod 152 sinks into the body 151. At the beginning of the driving stroke, the piston 156 is not driven by the control rod 152. This The latter thus moves relative to the piston 156, which releases the orifices 155. During the continuation of the driving stroke of the control rod 152, the latter drives the piston 156 downwards. The product in the pump chamber 157 is then compressed and flows into the recess 158 through the orifices 155 for distribution.

Au cours de la descente de la tige de commande 152, la bille 159 reste en appui contre son siège dans le fond du corps 151 de manière à isoler la chambre de pompage 157 de la chambre de stockage 55.During the descent of the control rod 152, the ball 159 remains in abutment against its seat in the bottom of the body 151 so as to isolate the pumping chamber 157 from the storage chamber 55.

Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche le bouton-poussoir 98, la tige de commande 152 coulisse tout d'abord dans le piston 156 jusqu'à venir en appui dessus par l'embout 154.When the user releases the push-button 98, the control rod 152 slides firstly into the piston 156 until it bears on it by the end-piece 154.

L'évidement axial 158 est alors isolé de la chambre de pompage 157 et la poursuite du mouvement de remontée de la tige de commande 152 sous l'action du ressort 153 provoque une dépression dans la chambre de pompage 157, laquelle s'accompagne du soulèvement de la bille 159 et de l'aspiration de produit dans la chambre de pompage 157.The axial recess 158 is then isolated from the pumping chamber 157 and the continued upward movement of the control rod 152 under the action of the spring 153 causes a depression in the pumping chamber 157, which is accompanied by the lifting ball 159 and product suction in the pump chamber 157.

Bien entendu, la pompe 150 peut présenter une structure différente sans que l'on sorte du cadre de la présente invention, la bille 159 pouvant notamment être remplacée par un clapet d'aspiration en élastomère par exemple.Of course, the pump 150 may have a different structure without departing from the scope of the present invention, the ball 159 may in particular be replaced by an elastomeric suction valve for example.

Le piston 32 présente une forme épousant sensiblement la forme extérieure de la pompe 150 de manière à ce que le volume de la chambre de stockage et du passage 36 soit le plus faible possible lorsque le piston est complètement remonté.The piston 32 has a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the pump 150 so that the volume of the storage chamber and the passage 36 is as small as possible when the piston is completely raised.

L'orifice 163 se situe à distance de la paroi supérieure de la chambre de stockage 55, de façon à être immergé dans le produit même en cas de présence d'une couche d'air au-dessus du produit en partie supérieure de la chambre de stockage 55.The orifice 163 is located at a distance from the upper wall of the storage chamber 55, so as to be immersed in the product even in the presence of a layer of air above the product in the upper part of the chamber storage 55.

Dans l'exemple considéré, la jupe 35 entoure le conduit 162 de la pompe à faible distance et le bourrelet 37 vient s'appliquer sur la pompe 150 de manière étanche.In the example considered, the skirt 35 surrounds the conduit 162 of the pump at a short distance and the bead 37 is applied to the pump 150 in a sealed manner.

L'ensemble 1 peut être utilisé de différentes façons.Set 1 can be used in different ways.

Pour prélever et distribuer du produit contenu dans le récipient 2, l'utilisateur dispose l'unité rechargeable 10 sur ce récipient 2 de manière à ce que la partie de fixation 42 du piston 32 s'engage sur la partie de fixation 21 de la portion centrale 15 du récipient 2, comme illustré sur la figure 2.To collect and dispense the product contained in the container 2, the user disposes the refillable unit 10 on the container 2 so that the attachment portion 42 of the piston 32 engages the attachment portion 21 of the portion 15 of the container 2, as shown in FIG. figure 2 .

L'obturateur 39 est déplacé vers le haut de manière à dégager les évidements latéraux 47, ce qui permet au passage intérieur 45 de communiquer avec, d'une part, le passage 36 de la jupe 35 et, d'autre part, l'orifice de sortie 19 du récipient 2.The shutter 39 is moved upwards so as to disengage the lateral recesses 47, which allows the inner passage 45 to communicate with, on the one hand, the passage 36 of the skirt 35 and, on the other hand, the outlet port 19 of the container 2.

Lorsque l'unité rechargeable 10 est fixée sur le récipient 2, le volume de la chambre de stockage 55 est minimal, le piston 32 étant repoussé jusqu'à ce qu'il vienne en appui sur la pompe 150. Le bourrelet annulaire 37 vient s'appliquer de manière étanche sur le conduit 162 de la pompe 150, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2.When the refillable unit 10 is fixed on the container 2, the volume of the storage chamber 55 is minimal, the piston 32 being pushed back until it comes to bear on the pump 150. The annular bead 37 comes s apply sealingly to the conduit 162 of the pump 150, as can be seen on the figure 2 .

En appuyant sur le bouton-poussoir 98, l'utilisateur provoque la distribution du produit contenu dans la chambre de pompage de la pompe 150.By pressing the push button 98, the user causes the dispensing of the product contained in the pumping chamber of the pump 150.

En relâchant le bouton-poussoir 98, la pompe 150 prélève par aspiration du produit contenu dans le récipient 2, ce produit s'écoulant suivant un trajet passant par le tube plongeur 99, l'orifice de sortie 19, le passage intérieur 45 du clapet et le passage 36 de la jupe 35.By releasing the push-button 98, the pump 150 draws by suction the product contained in the container 2, this product flowing along a path passing through the plunger tube 99, the outlet orifice 19, the internal passage 45 of the valve and the passage 36 of the skirt 35.

Une pression supplémentaire sur le bouton-poussoir 98 permet de distribuer le produit ainsi prélevé.An additional pressure on the push button 98 distributes the product thus taken.

Pour remplir la chambre de stockage 55, l'utilisateur déplace le corps 25 de l'unité rechargeable par rapport au récipient 2 vers le haut, le piston 32 restant solidaire de la partie de fixation 20 du récipient 2.To fill the storage chamber 55, the user moves the body 25 of the refillable unit relative to the container 2 upwards, the piston 32 remaining secured to the attachment portion 20 of the container 2.

Ainsi, le piston 32 coulisse par rapport au corps 25 vers le bas, ce qui génère une dépression dans la chambre de stockage 55 permettant l'aspiration de produit contenu dans le récipient 2 à travers le passage intérieur 45 de l'obturateur 39.Thus, the piston 32 slides relative to the body 25 downwards, which generates a depression in the storage chamber 55 allowing the suction of product contained in the container 2 through the internal passage 45 of the shutter 39.

La lèvre inférieure 33 du piston 32 vient en appui par une portion relativement rigide contre les nervures 30 en fm de course, de sorte que, lorsque l'utilisateur continue de déplacer l'unité rechargeable 10 vers le haut :

  • la jupe 35 se désolidarise de la portion centrale 15, le clapet 39 restant fixé sur la portion centrale 15, puis
  • la portion tronconique 49 vient en appui contre la surface tronconique 52 correspondante de la jupe 35, de manière à obturer l'orifice 38, puis
  • le clapet 39 se désolidarise de la portion centrale 15.
The lower lip 33 of the piston 32 is supported by a relatively rigid portion against the ribs 30 in stroke, so that when the user continues to move the refill unit 10 upwards:
  • the skirt 35 disengages from the central portion 15, the valve 39 remaining fixed on the central portion 15, then
  • the frustoconical portion 49 abuts against the corresponding frustoconical surface 52 of the skirt 35, so as to close the orifice 38, then
  • the valve 39 disengages from the central portion 15.

Une telle séquence permet d'assurer que le clapet 39 soit en position de fermeture lorsque l'on retire l'unité rechargeable 10.Such a sequence ensures that the valve 39 is in the closed position when the refillable unit 10 is removed.

Lorsque l'unité rechargeable 10 est séparée du récipient 2, l'utilisateur peut distribuer du produit contenu dans la chambre de stockage 55 en actionnant la pompe 150.When the refillable unit 10 is separated from the container 2, the user can dispense the product contained in the storage chamber 55 by actuating the pump 150.

Le piston 32 remonte dans le corps 25 au fur et à mesure que la chambre de stockage 55 se vide.The piston 32 rises in the body 25 as the storage chamber 55 empties.

Lorsque l'unité rechargeable 10 est partiellement remplie de produit, la mise en place de celle-ci sur le récipient 2 provoque l'expulsion du produit contenu dans la chambre de stockage 55 vers le récipient 2, le clapet 39 passant dans la position d'ouverture avant l'accrochage du piston 32 sur la portion centrale 15.When the refillable unit 10 is partially filled with product, placing it on the container 2 expels the product contained in the storage chamber 55 to the container 2, the valve 39 passing into the position of opening before the attachment of the piston 32 to the central portion 15.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de mise en oeuvre qui viennent d'être décrits.Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

On a représenté sur la figure 5 un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution 200 conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.We have shown on the figure 5 a set of packaging and distribution 200 according to another example of implementation of the invention.

Cet ensemble 200 comporte une unité rechargeable 10' sensiblement analogue à celle précédemment décrite.This assembly 200 comprises a rechargeable unit 10 'substantially similar to that previously described.

L'unité rechargeable 10' peut présenter une hauteur moindre et une section transversale plus grande que l'unité rechargeable 10.The refillable unit 10 'may have a smaller height and a larger cross-section than the refillable unit 10.

L'unité rechargeable 10' peut être rechargée à l'aide d'un récipient 202 comportant un corps de récipient 203 avec un col 206 sur lequel est fixé, par exemple par encliquetage, un support 204.The refillable unit 10 'can be recharged by means of a receptacle 202 comprising a receptacle body 203 with a neck 206 on which is fixed, for example by snap-fastening, a support 204.

Ce dernier comporte par exemple une jupe tubulaire 205 d'axe X s'étendant au-dessus du col 206 du corps de récipient 203 pour recevoir l'unité rechargeable 10'.The latter comprises for example a tubular skirt 205 of X axis extending above the neck 206 of the container body 203 to receive the refillable unit 10 '.

On a représenté sur les figures 6 et 7 un ensemble de conditionnement 300 conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.We have shown on figures 6 and 7 a packaging unit 300 according to another example of implementation of the invention.

Cet ensemble 300 comporte un récipient 301 comprenant un corps de récipient 302 et un support 303 fixé sur le corps 302.This assembly 300 comprises a container 301 comprising a container body 302 and a support 303 fixed to the body 302.

Le support 303 comporte un jupe de montage 304 permettant le vissage sur un col 305 du corps de récipient 302, une paroi transversale 307 en appui sur la tranche supérieure du col 305 et une paroi sensiblement cylindrique 308 d'axe X formant un logement 309 pour recevoir une unité rechargeable 310.La paroi 308 s'étend en majeure partie en dessous de la paroi transversale 307 lorsque l'ensemble 300 est observé tête en haut, cette paroi 308 formant au dessus de la paroi transversale 307 une portion cylindrique 312.The support 303 comprises a mounting skirt 304 allowing screwing on a neck 305 of the container body 302, a transverse wall 307 resting on the wafer upper neck 305 and a substantially cylindrical wall 308 X axis forming a housing 309 for receiving a rechargeable unit 310.La wall 308 extends for the most part below the transverse wall 307 when the assembly 300 is observed head in high, this wall 308 forming above the transverse wall 307 a cylindrical portion 312.

Le support 303 comporte en outre une portion centrale 313 s'étendant dans le logement 309 et comportant une paroi sensiblement cylindrique 314 d'axe X se raccordant à son extrémité inférieure à la paroi 308 par l'intermédiaire d'une paroi de fond 315.The support 303 further comprises a central portion 313 extending into the housing 309 and having a substantially cylindrical wall 314 X axis connected at its lower end to the wall 308 through a bottom wall 315.

La paroi 314 comporte à son extrémité supérieure une partie de fixation 317 pourvue d'une gorge 318 dont le rôle est expliqué plus loin.The wall 314 has at its upper end a fixing portion 317 provided with a groove 318 whose role is explained below.

La portion centrale 313 comporte un embout 319 s'étendant dans l'espace intérieur défini par la paroi 314, cet embout 319 comprenant une paroi tronconique 320 se raccordant à la paroi 314, en dessous de la partie de fixation 317.The central portion 313 comprises a tip 319 extending into the interior space defined by the wall 314, this nozzle 319 comprising a frustoconical wall 320 connecting to the wall 314, below the fixing portion 317.

La paroi tronconique 320 se prolonge par une portion cylindrique 322 d'axe X communiquant à son extrémité supérieure avec un orifice de sortie 323.The frustoconical wall 320 is extended by a cylindrical portion 322 of X axis communicating at its upper end with an outlet port 323.

Un tube plongeur 99 est fixé dans l'espace intérieur défini par la portion 322, ce tube plongeur 99 débouchant à son extrémité supérieure sur l'orifice de sortie 323.A dip tube 99 is fixed in the interior space defined by the portion 322, this dip tube 99 opening at its upper end on the outlet port 323.

L'unité rechargeable 310 comporte un corps 330 comprenant une paroi tubulaire 331 d'axe X à l'extrémité inférieure de laquelle se raccorde un retour 332.The rechargeable unit 310 comprises a body 330 comprising a tubular wall 331 of axis X at the lower end of which is connected a return 332.

Ce retour 332 présente une forme légèrement tronconique convergeant vers le haut avec un bord annulaire 333 ayant un diamètre intérieur légèrement inférieur au diamètre maximal de la partie de fixation 317.This return 332 has a slightly frustoconical shape converging upwards with an annular edge 333 having an inside diameter slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the fixing portion 317.

Le rebord 333 définit une ouverture 335 permettant, lorsque l'unité rechargeable 310 est introduite dans le logement 309 du récipient 301, l'introduction de la portion centrale 313 à travers cette ouverture 335.The flange 333 defines an opening 335 allowing, when the refillable unit 310 is introduced into the housing 309 of the container 301, the introduction of the central portion 313 through this opening 335.

L'unité rechargeable 310 comporte un piston 337 formant avec le corps 330 une chambre de stockage 338 de volume variable, au dessus du piston 337.The rechargeable unit 310 comprises a piston 337 forming with the body 330 a storage chamber 338 of variable volume, above the piston 337.

Ce dernier comporte des jupes extérieure 340 et intérieure 341 concentriques, la jupe intérieure 341 se raccordant sur la surface intérieure de la jupe extérieure 340, sensiblement à mi-hauteur de celle-ci, en formant une ouverture 342 de forme sensiblement tronconique convergeant vers le bas.The latter has concentric outer and inner skirts 341 341, the inner skirt 341 being connected to the inner surface of the outer skirt 340, substantially mid-height thereof, forming an aperture 342 of substantially frustoconical shape converging towards the low.

Le piston 337 comporte des lèvres annulaires inférieure 345 et supérieure 346 se raccordant à la jupe extérieure 340 et s'appliquant sur la surface intérieure du corps 330.The piston 337 has lower annular lips 345 and upper 346 connecting to the outer skirt 340 and applying to the inner surface of the body 330.

La jupe extérieure 340 comporte une partie de fixation 347 présentant un bourrelet annulaire 348 agencé pour s'engager par encliquetage dans la gorge 318 de la partie de fixation 317 du récipient 301 lorsque l'unité rechargeable 310 est introduite dans le logement 309 du récipient.The outer skirt 340 has a fixing portion 347 having an annular bead 348 arranged to snap into the groove 318 of the attachment portion 317 of the container 301 when the refill unit 310 is introduced into the housing 309 of the container.

La jupe intérieure 341 forme un logement 350 agencé pour recevoir un clapet comportant une bille 351, ce logement 350 présentant une surface d'appui 352 sur laquelle la bille 351 peut s'appliquer pour obturer un passage 353 défini par la jupe intérieure 341.The inner skirt 341 forms a housing 350 arranged to receive a valve comprising a ball 351, this housing 350 having a bearing surface 352 on which the ball 351 can be applied to close a passage 353 defined by the inner skirt 341.

L'unité rechargeable 310 comporte un organe de rappel élastique 354 agencé pour exercer une force sur la bille 351 tendant à appliquer celle-ci contre la surface d'appui 352 de manière à obturer le passage 353.The rechargeable unit 310 comprises an elastic return member 354 arranged to exert a force on the ball 351 tending to apply it against the bearing surface 352 so as to close the passage 353.

Dans l'exemple considéré, l'organe de rappel élastique 354 comporte un ressort hélicoïdal s'appliquant à une extrémité sur la bille 351 et à une extrémité opposée sur le piston 337.In the example considered, the elastic return member 354 comprises a helical spring applying at one end to the ball 351 and at an opposite end on the piston 337.

La surface d'appui annulaire 352 définit un orifice 355 pouvant être mis en communication fluidique avec l'orifice de sortie 323 du récipient.The annular bearing surface 352 defines an orifice 355 that can be in fluid communication with the outlet port 323 of the container.

Le corps 330 comporte à son extrémité supérieure un bourrelet 357 permettant la mise en place d'une pompe 150 par l'intermédiaire d'une frette 358.The body 330 has at its upper end a bead 357 allowing the introduction of a pump 150 via a band 358.

La pompe 150 comporte un conduit 162 pouvant s'engager à travers l'ouverture 342, dans le passage 353 du piston 337.Pump 150 includes a conduit 162 engageable through opening 342 in passage 353 of piston 337.

Ce dernier présente une forme épousant sensiblement la forme extérieure de la pompe 150.The latter has a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the pump 150.

L'ensemble 300 peut être utilisé de différentes façons.The assembly 300 can be used in different ways.

Pour prélever et distribuer du produit contenu dans le récipient 301, l'utilisateur dispose l'unité rechargeable 310 sur ce récipient 301 de manière à ce que la partie de fixation 347 de l'unité rechargeable 310 s'engage sur la partie de fixation 317 du récipient par introduction du bourrelet 348 dans la gorge 318, comme illustré sur la figure 6.To collect and dispense the product contained in the container 301, the user disposes the refill unit 310 on the container 301 so that the attachment portion 347 of the refill unit 310 engages the attachment portion 317. of the container by introducing the bead 348 into the groove 318, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 .

La jupe intérieure 341 du piston 337 s'applique de manière étanche sur l'embout 319 du récipient.The inner skirt 341 of the piston 337 applies sealingly to the tip 319 of the container.

La bille 351 est déplacée par appui sur l'embout 319 vers le haut de manière à s'éloigner de la surface d'appui 352 et dégager l'orifice 355, à l'encontre de la force exercée par le ressort 354.The ball 351 is moved by pressing the tip 319 upwards so as to move away from the bearing surface 352 and release the orifice 355, against the force exerted by the spring 354.

Lorsque l'unité rechargeable 310 est fixée sur le récipient 301, le volume de la chambre de stockage 338 est minimal, le piston 337 étant repoussé jusqu'à ce qu'il vienne en appui sur la pompe 150.When the rechargeable unit 310 is fixed on the container 301, the volume of the storage chamber 338 is minimal, the piston 337 being pushed back until it bears on the pump 150.

Cette pompe 150 s'applique de manière étanche sur le piston 337.This pump 150 is sealingly applied to the piston 337.

En appuyant sur le bouton-poussoir 98, l'utilisateur provoque la distribution du produit contenu dans la chambre de pompage de la pompe 150.By pressing the push button 98, the user causes the dispensing of the product contained in the pumping chamber of the pump 150.

En relâchant le bouton-poussoir 98, la pompe 150 prélève par aspiration du produit contenu dans le récipient 301, ce produit s'écoulant suivant un trajet passant par le tube plongeur 99, l'orifice de sortie 323 et le passage 353 de la jupe 341.By releasing the pushbutton 98, the pump 150 draws by suction of the product contained in the container 301, this product flowing along a path passing through the plunger tube 99, the outlet orifice 323 and the passage 353 of the skirt. 341.

Pour remplir la chambre de stockage 338, l'utilisateur déplace le corps 330 de l'unité rechargeable par rapport au récipient 301 vers le haut, le piston 337 restant solidaire de la partie de fixation 317 du récipient.To fill the storage chamber 338, the user moves the body 330 of the refillable unit relative to the container 301 upwards, the piston 337 remaining secured to the attachment portion 317 of the container.

Ainsi, le piston 337 coulisse par rapport au corps 330, ce qui génère une dépression dans la chambre de stockage 338 permettant l'aspiration de produit contenu dans le récipient à travers l'orifice 323 du récipient et le passage 353 du piston 337.Thus, the piston 337 slides relative to the body 330, which generates a depression in the storage chamber 338 for the suction of product contained in the container through the orifice 323 of the container and the passage 353 of the piston 337.

En fin de course, le bord annulaire 333 du corps 330 s'applique sur les parties de fixation 317 du récipient et 347 du piston 337 de manière à favoriser, par déformation élastique, le désengagement du bourrelet annulaire 348 de la gorge 318 du récipient.At the end of the stroke, the annular edge 333 of the body 330 is applied to the attachment parts 317 of the container and 347 of the piston 337 so as to promote, by elastic deformation, the disengagement of the annular bead 348 from the groove 318 of the container.

Lorsque l'unité rechargeable 310 est désolidarisée du récipient, le ressort 354 ramène la bille 351 contre la surface d'appui 352 afin d'obturer l'orifice 355, comme illustré sur la figure 7.When the rechargeable unit 310 is disengaged from the container, the spring 354 brings the ball 351 against the bearing surface 352 in order to close the orifice 355, as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

L'utilisateur peut distribuer du produit contenu dans la chambre de stockage 358 en actionnant la pompe 150.The user can dispense the product contained in the storage chamber 358 by operating the pump 150.

Le piston 337 remonte dans le corps 330 au fur et à mesure que la chambre de stockage 338 se vide.The piston 337 rises in the body 330 as the storage chamber 338 empties.

Dans toute la description, y compris les revendications, l'expression « comportant un » doit être comprise comme étant synonyme de « comportant au moins un », sauf si le contraire est spécifié.Throughout the description, including the claims, the phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (33)

  1. An assembly (1;300) for packaging and dispensing a product, the assembly comprising:
    · a receptacle (2; 202; 301) for containing a supply of product; and
    · a refillable unit (10; 10'; 310) arranged to be placed in separable manner on the receptacle, the refillable unit comprising:
    · a body (25; 330) and a piston (32; 337) that is movable relative to the body and that co-operates therewith to define a storage chamber (55; 338) of variable volume for containing the product, the storage chamber (55; 338) being capable of being put into fluid communication with the receptacle (2; 301) in order to be filled therefrom when the refillable unit (10; 10'; 310) is placed on the receptacle; and
    · a pump (150) capable of taking product from the receptacle when the refillable unit is placed thereon, and of taking product from the storage chamber (55; 338) when the refillable unit is separate from the receptacle, the pump having a pump chamber (157) that is distinct from the storage chamber (55; 338), the storage chamber (55) being formed above the piston (32; 337) when the refillable unit is observed in the head-up position,
    wherein the refillable unit (10; 10'; 310) is arranged to enable suction to be generated in the storage chamber, at least when the storage chamber (55) is in fluid communication with the receptacle, so as to enable the storage chamber to be filled.
  2. The assembly according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has an outlet orifice (19; 323) suitable for being pushed into fluid communication with the storage chamber (55; 338) of the refillable unit for filling purposes, and wherein the receptacle does not have a pump capable of feeding said outlet orifice (19; 323) with product,
  3. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump chamber (157) is isolated from the storage chamber (55; 338), at least while the pump is dispensing product.
  4. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the pump chamber (157) is smaller than the maximum volume of the storage chamber (55; 338).
  5. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the pump including a suction orifice (163), wherein, when the refillable unit is placed on the receptacle, said suction orifice (163) of the pump (150) is suitable for being placed close to an outlet orifice (19; 323) of the receptacle, vertically in register with said outlet orifice.
  6. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (150) is an airless pump.
  7. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle includes a support (4; 204; 303) arranged to receive the refillable unit, said support (4; 204; 303) being stationary relative to the remainder of the receptacle.
  8. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refillable unit and the receptacle have respective fastener portions (41, 42; 317; 347) suitable for co-operating in releasable manner.
  9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein said fastener portions can cooperate by snap-fastening or screw-fastening, by a bayonet-type fastening or by friction.
  10. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the refillable unit and of the receptacle includes portions in relief (49; 22; 46; 318; 348) suitable for co-operating with the other one of the refillable unit and the receptacle in order to isolate the suction orifice (63) of the pump in leaktight manner from the outside at least when the refillable unit is used to take product from the receptacle.
  11. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle includes an air intake passage.
  12. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receptacle does not have an air intake.
  13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the receptacle has a piston or a pouch.
  14. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the refillable unit (10; 310) is placed on the receptacle (2) so that the pump can take product from the receptacle, with the pump communicating in particular with a dip tube (99) of the receptacle, the volume of the storage chamber (55; 338) is at its minimum.
  15. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston (32; 337) has an orifice (38; 355) suitable for putting the receptacle (2; 301) into fluid communication with the storage chamber (55; 338).
  16. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the refillable unit (10; 310) includes a check valve (39; 151) that is movable between a first position in which it closes said orifice (38; 355) of the piston, and a second position in which it enables product to flow through said orifice (38; 355).
  17. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the check valve (39) comprises a body with an inside passage (45).
  18. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the check valve comprises a ball (351), and wherein the refillable unit (310) includes a resilient return member (354) arranged to apply a force on the ball, tending to return the ball into the closed first position.
  19. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston (32; 337) presents a shape that substantially matches the outside shape of the pump (150).
  20. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston (32; 337) includes a fastener portion (42; 347) suitable for co-operating in releasable manner with a fastener portion (20; 317) of the receptacle when the refillable unit is placed on the receptacle.
  21. An assembly according to claim 20, wherein the piston (32) includes a skirt (35) defining a passage in communication with an orifice of the piston, the skirt (35) including the fastener portion (42).
  22. The assembly according to claim 20, wherein the piston includes substantially coaxial inner (341) and outer (340) skirts, the fastener portion (347) being provided on the outer skirt.
  23. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (2) includes a central portion (15; 313) suitable for being engaged in the body (26; 330) of the refillable unit (10) when said refillable unit is placed on the receptacle, said central portion (15; 313) including a fastener portion (20) suitable for co-operating with a fastener portion (42; 347) of the piston.
  24. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the central portion (15; 313) serves to fasten a dip tube (99).
  25. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle contains a cosmetic, including a care product, and in particular a perfume.
  26. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the product is a cream.
  27. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston (32) can be pressed sealably on the pump (150).
  28. The assembly according to claim 27, wherein the piston (32) includes an annular bead (37) capable of pressing sealably on the pump (150).
  29. The assembly according to claim 28, wherein the annular bead (37) is an inner annular bead formed on a skirt (35) of the piston (32).
  30. The assembly according to claim 29, wherein the annular bead (37) is formed in the upper part of said skirt (35).
  31. A method of dispensing a product, the method comprising the following steps:
    · providing a packaging and dispenser assembly (1; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 30,
    · using the refillable unit to take product either from the receptacle when the refillable unit is placed on the receptacle, or from the storage chamber of the refillable unit when the refillable unit is separate from the receptacle; and
    · dispensing a quantity of product taken by means of the refillable unit by actuating the pump over a full stroke, the quantity dispensed corresponding to a fraction only of the maximum volume of the storage chamber, and in particular to less than one-tenth thereof.
  32. The method according to the preceding claim, in which the pump includes a suction orifice (163) and the receptacle includes an outlet orifice (19; 323), wherein the method includes the following steps:
    · putting the suction orifice (163) into communication with the outlet orifice (19);
    · taking product from the receptacle.
  33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the method includes the following steps:
    · placing the refillable unit (10; 310) on the receptacle (2; 301); and
    · moving the piston relative to the body in order to increase the volume of the storage chamber, the piston moving away from the pump during this movement,
EP05300294.5A 2004-04-21 2005-04-19 Packaging and dispensing unit for a product, in particular for a cosmetic product Not-in-force EP1588775B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0404207A FR2869302B1 (en) 2004-04-21 2004-04-21 ASSEMBLY FOR PACKAGING AND DISPENSING A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR A COSMETIC PRODUCT
FR0404207 2004-04-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1588775A1 EP1588775A1 (en) 2005-10-26
EP1588775B1 true EP1588775B1 (en) 2014-08-27

Family

ID=34942553

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05300294.5A Not-in-force EP1588775B1 (en) 2004-04-21 2005-04-19 Packaging and dispensing unit for a product, in particular for a cosmetic product

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1588775B1 (en)
JP (2) JP2005350144A (en)
CN (1) CN100506663C (en)
BR (1) BRPI0501356A (en)
ES (1) ES2523850T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2869302B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0924737A (en) * 1995-07-13 1997-01-28 Nishikawa Rubber Co Ltd Slippage preventive structure of door weather strip for automobile
WO2006122377A2 (en) 2005-05-18 2006-11-23 Phillipe Kriwin Device for atomisation of perfume
GB0902626D0 (en) * 2009-02-17 2009-04-01 Farrar Peter A Combination pack for personal care products
JP5532912B2 (en) * 2009-12-28 2014-06-25 東ソー株式会社 Liquid container and automatic dispensing device using the same
KR101101288B1 (en) 2010-01-14 2012-01-04 (주)연우 Fluid Container Including Fluid Suction Means
JP5494014B2 (en) * 2010-03-01 2014-05-14 東ソー株式会社 Dispensing pump and liquid container provided with the same
WO2013033939A1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2013-03-14 Pu Bing Replaceable recirculation fluid infusion device and fluid infusion vessel having same
CN102871336B (en) * 2011-07-12 2015-02-11 浙江金马实业有限公司 Cosmetics container
JP6137503B2 (en) * 2011-08-02 2017-05-31 ビューティー ユニオン グローバル リミテッドＢｅａｕｔｙ Ｕｎｉｏｎ Ｇｌｏｂａｌ Ｌｉｍｉｔｅｄ Portable refillable cream dispenser
JP2013133116A (en) * 2011-12-26 2013-07-08 Yoshino Kogyosho Co Ltd Discharge container
CN102616719A (en) * 2012-04-07 2012-08-01 浙江炜驰轻工机械有限公司 Machine head of filling and can sealing integrated machine
WO2013172514A1 (en) * 2012-05-15 2013-11-21 (주)뱅크 Portable fragrance container
FR3024056B1 (en) * 2014-07-25 2016-08-19 Aptar France Sas RECHARGEABLE FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER.
MX367203B (en) * 2015-08-27 2019-08-07 Deb Ip Ltd Filling Hose.
EP3162716A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-03 Sulzer Mixpac AG A method for filling a cartridge with a flowable component
FR3046945B1 (en) 2016-01-25 2022-07-15 Aptar France Sas RECHARGEABLE FLUID DISPENSER.
FR3054415B1 (en) * 2016-07-26 2018-08-17 Aptar France Sas DEVICE FOR TAKING AND APPLYING FLUID PRODUCT.
WO2019092067A1 (en) * 2017-11-08 2019-05-16 Noustique Perfumes, S.L. Container and device for dispensing fluid
FR3094895B1 (en) 2019-04-11 2022-07-29 Aptar France Sas Refillable fluid dispenser
SE545444C2 (en) * 2019-04-12 2023-09-12 Asept Int Ab A valve for dispensing liquid substance from a closed and airtight container
FR3103362A1 (en) * 2019-11-26 2021-05-28 Lvmh Recherche Liquid or pasty product dispensing device
WO2022036530A1 (en) * 2020-08-17 2022-02-24 L'oreal Device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product comprises bottle and at least one cartridge

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FR2556091B1 (en) 1983-12-06 1986-10-03 Oreal DEVICE FOR TAKING A DOSE OF A LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT
US4750532A (en) * 1986-12-11 1988-06-14 Gisela Grothoff Device for extracting liquids contained therein and arrangement for filling the device
FR2705039B1 (en) * 1993-05-10 1995-07-28 Oreal DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A DETERMINED VOLUME DOSE OF A LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT.
FR2773443B1 (en) 1998-01-12 2000-11-17 Laetitia Carlotti RECHARGEABLE HANDBAG ATOMIZER
FR2799449B1 (en) * 1999-10-06 2001-12-14 Oreal PUMP DOSER BOTTLE
FR2802447B1 (en) 1999-12-16 2002-02-15 Lir France Sa RECHARGEABLE VAPORIZER SYSTEM
FR2813291A1 (en) 2000-08-30 2002-03-01 Lir France Sa System for filling travel flask with perfume comprises head on main bottle allowing it to be connected with atmosphere, base having neck which fits on neck of travel flask and which contains tubes for perfume and displaced air
FR2868050B1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2006-06-02 Oreal PRODUCT PACKAGING AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN100506663C (en) 2009-07-01
FR2869302A1 (en) 2005-10-28
CN1689931A (en) 2005-11-02
ES2523850T3 (en) 2014-12-02
JP2005350144A (en) 2005-12-22
FR2869302B1 (en) 2006-07-14
JP2011105390A (en) 2011-06-02
BRPI0501356A (en) 2006-04-25
EP1588775A1 (en) 2005-10-26

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