EP1914006A2 - Pump comprising air venting means - Google Patents

Pump comprising air venting means Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1914006A2
EP1914006A2 EP07291216A EP07291216A EP1914006A2 EP 1914006 A2 EP1914006 A2 EP 1914006A2 EP 07291216 A EP07291216 A EP 07291216A EP 07291216 A EP07291216 A EP 07291216A EP 1914006 A2 EP1914006 A2 EP 1914006A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
pump according
pump
piston
translation
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07291216A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthieu Vasseur
Christophe Roy
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.)
Silgan Dispensing Systems Le Treport SAS
Original Assignee
Rexam Dispensing Systems SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rexam Dispensing Systems SAS filed Critical Rexam Dispensing Systems SAS
Publication of EP1914006A2 publication Critical patent/EP1914006A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0072—A valve member forming part of an outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1023—Piston pumps having an outlet valve opened by deformation or displacement of the piston relative to its actuating stem
    • B05B11/1025—Piston pumps having an outlet valve opened by deformation or displacement of the piston relative to its actuating stem a spring urging the outlet valve in its closed position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1061—Pump priming means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a pump intended to be mounted on a bottle so as to allow the dispensing of a liquid contained in said bottle.
  • the liquid is of the gel or cream type, for example for use in cosmetics or for pharmaceutical treatments.
  • liquids are sometimes difficult to remove from the bottle by means of a pump.
  • the pump will have difficulty sucking the liquid.
  • the priming of the pump is also problematic since this phase requires a prior aspiration of air which, being compressible unlike the liquid to be dispensed, does not provide a suction force sufficient to fill the pump with the liquid.
  • priming problem pumps which are provided with means for closing the distribution path, said sealing means in particular to reduce the drying of the liquid in the distribution path.
  • the sealing means is an obstacle to the flow of air in the distribution path, said obstacle being difficult to pass through the compressed air in the pump.
  • the invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art by proposing in particular a pump which has a high air suction capacity in the priming phase.
  • a pump to be mounted on a bottle (not shown) so as to allow the distribution of a liquid contained in said bottle.
  • the liquid is a gel or a cream, for cosmetic use or for pharmaceutical treatments.
  • the pump comprises an association cup 1 on the bottle, said cup having an internal thread 2 which is intended to cooperate with a complementary thread provided on the ring of the bottle.
  • the cup 1 may comprise a geometry and / or configurations of association means on the bottle that are different.
  • the pump also comprises a pump body 3 which is integral with the cup, said body having a cylindro-conical geometry which is delimited by an inner surface. More particularly, the body 3 functionally comprises three cylinder sections 3a, 3b, 3c of different diameters which are interconnected by two truncated cones 3d, 3e, and a groove 3f upper snap on the cup 1. In addition, an internal seal 4 is provided between the body 3 and the cup 1.
  • the pump comprises a third element secured to the bottle, namely a dip tube 5 whose upper part is fitted in the lower section 3c and whose lower part is immersed in the liquid contained in the bottle.
  • the pump comprises a nozzle 6 which is disposed in the body 3.
  • the nozzle 6 is integral with a push button 7 which is operable by the user so as to move said nozzle in said body.
  • the nozzle 6 comprises a substantially vertical distribution path which is formed of two radial upstream orifices 8 and a channel 9 in communication with said orifices. Furthermore, the downstream end of the channel 9 is inserted into the push button 7 to be in communication with a dispensing nozzle 10 via a path provided in said button. As will be seen in more detail in the following description, the nozzle 10 is integrated in the push button 7 to be able to distribute the liquid through a dispensing orifice 11.
  • the pump also comprises a piston 12 which is mounted in frictional contact against the inner surface of the body 3, and more particularly against the inner surface of the upper section 3a.
  • the piston 12 delimits a metering chamber 13 which is provided in the intermediate section 3b, said chamber being in communication with the dip tube 5 via a valve formed of a ball 14 placed on the lower cone trunk 3e .
  • the truncated cone 3e is provided with retaining tabs 15 of the ball 14 so as to form a retention cage of the latter at the bottom of the metering chamber 13.
  • the piston 12 is mounted around the nozzle 6 slidably, said sliding being constrained by a resilient biasing means formed of a spring 16 said preload. To do this, the upper turn of the spring 16 bears on a bearing surface of the nozzle 6, and the lower turn bears on the piston 12.
  • the pump is provided with a spring 17 for elastic return of the translation of the nozzle 6 in the body 3.
  • This spring 17 is provided in the metering chamber 13 respectively supported in the bottom thereof and on a stop 18 secured to the lower end of the nozzle 6.
  • the immobilized piston 12 slides on the nozzle 6 so as to allow the communication of the upstream orifices 8 with the metering chamber 13 on a so-called distribution stroke.
  • the metering chamber 13 being under pressure, it follows on the distribution stroke a rise of liquid in the distribution path, and therefore a distribution of said liquid through the nozzle 10.
  • the metering chamber 13 contains mainly air which is compressed on the compression stroke. Then, the opening of the upstream orifices 8 introduces compressed air into the distribution path without however, in certain cases, having a sufficient pressure to be able to be discharged via the nozzle 10.
  • the sealing means is an obstacle to the flow of air in the distribution path, said obstacle being difficult. passable by the compressed air in the metering chamber 13.
  • the application of the distribution pressure of said fluid makes it possible to deactivate the sealing means so as to allow its distribution through the nozzle 10.
  • the closure means comprises a tubular sleeve 20 of elastomer which is associated, for example by being attached (FIG. 1) or by non-adhering overmoulding, to a rigid member 21 provided with the dispensing orifice. 11.
  • the sleeve 20 comprises an open rear flange 20a which is engaged in a groove of the rigid body so as to anchor said sleeve on said body and thus prevent its ejection during dispensing.
  • the sleeve 20 also comprises a front cutout 20b which is arranged to open from reversibly under the effect of the dispensing pressure to let through the liquid from the orifice 11.
  • the inner surface of the body 3 incorporates air exhaust means which are arranged for, in part of the compression stroke, to break the frictional contact of the piston 12 on said surface so as to allow leakage from air from the metering chamber 13 towards the outside of the body 3.
  • air exhaust means which are arranged for, in part of the compression stroke, to break the frictional contact of the piston 12 on said surface so as to allow leakage from air from the metering chamber 13 towards the outside of the body 3.
  • the air exhaust means are disposed at the junction between the compression and dispensing strokes, more precisely in the part of the internal surface which is disposed just above the stop 19 (see circled area referenced C in Figure 1 b).
  • a piston 12 comprising a lower sealing lip 12a which is in frictional contact with the internal surface of the body 3.
  • the lip 12a is annular and extends in the direction of the metering chamber 13 away from the translation axis 22 of the nozzle 3.
  • the support of the piston 12 on the stop 19 is formed by means of said lower lip.
  • the piston 12 further comprises an upper sealing lip 12b which is in rubbing contact on the inner surface of the body 3, said upper lip extending opposite the lower lip 12a with respect to the direction of translation of the nozzle. 3.
  • the air exhaust means described are arranged to allow detachment of the lower lip 12a during its passage on said means.
  • the sealing lip 12a is made of semi-elastic material rigid so as to limit its ability to match the shape of the air exhaust means, thereby creating a specific air leakage loss of sealing.
  • the size of the air exhaust means is small enough to substantially prevent the passage of the liquid during the separation, so as not to degrade the liquid distribution performance. In any event, the presence of the upper lip 12b limits any leakage of liquid beyond the piston 12.
  • the air exhaust means are formed of a zone 23 of larger diameter than the nominal diameter of the section 3a. Indeed, during the passage of the lower lip 12a on the junction with the zone 23 of larger diameter ( Figure 1c), the seal between said lip and the body 3 is broken. In the embodiment shown, the zone 23 extends to the abutment 19 to a height such that the seal is found during the support of said lower lip on said stop.
  • the air exhaust means are formed of a boss 24, however more than one boss could also be envisaged, including several bosses distributed on the circumference of the body 3.
  • the boss comprises a through channel 25 whose dimension is arranged so that said channel is not closed during the passage of the lip 12a on him.
  • the through channel 25 extends along the translation axis 22 of the nozzle 6.

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  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The pump has a body (3) integrated to a bottle for providing communication with liquid e.g. gel, and a piston (12) arranged for closing upstream orifices (8) on a compression course and on a distribution course of a spray nozzle (6) for communicating the orifices with a dosage chamber. The body has an inner surface integrated to air exhaust units that are arranged for breaking friction contact with the piston on the surface during a part of the compression course for permitting leakage of air from the chamber towards the exterior of the body, where the units have small dimension.

Description

L'invention concerne une pompe destinée à être montée sur un flacon de sorte à permettre la distribution d'un liquide contenu dans ledit flacon.The invention relates to a pump intended to be mounted on a bottle so as to allow the dispensing of a liquid contained in said bottle.

Dans une application particulière, le liquide est de type gel ou crème, par exemple pour une utilisation en cosmétique ou pour des traitements pharmaceutiques.In a particular application, the liquid is of the gel or cream type, for example for use in cosmetics or for pharmaceutical treatments.

En fonction de leurs comportements et caractéristiques, les liquides sont parfois difficiles à prélever du flacon au moyen d'une pompe. En particulier, lorsque la viscosité et/ou la densité du liquide est élevée, la pompe aura des difficultés à aspirer le liquide.Depending on their behavior and characteristics, liquids are sometimes difficult to remove from the bottle by means of a pump. In particular, when the viscosity and / or density of the liquid is high, the pump will have difficulty sucking the liquid.

Dans ce cas, l'amorçage de la pompe est également problématique puisque cette phase nécessite une aspiration préalable d'air qui, étant compressible contrairement au liquide à distribuer, ne permet pas d'obtenir une force d'aspiration suffisante pour remplir la pompe avec le liquide.In this case, the priming of the pump is also problematic since this phase requires a prior aspiration of air which, being compressible unlike the liquid to be dispensed, does not provide a suction force sufficient to fill the pump with the liquid.

De même, il existe un problème d'amorçage des pompes qui sont pourvues d'un moyen d'obturation du chemin de distribution, ledit moyen d'obturation permettant notamment de diminuer le dessèchement du liquide dans le chemin de distribution. En effet, lors de la phase d'amorçage, le moyen d'obturation constitue un obstacle à la circulation de l'air dans le chemin de distribution, ledit obstacle étant difficilement franchissable par l'air comprimé dans la pompe.Similarly, there is a priming problem pumps which are provided with means for closing the distribution path, said sealing means in particular to reduce the drying of the liquid in the distribution path. Indeed, during the priming phase, the sealing means is an obstacle to the flow of air in the distribution path, said obstacle being difficult to pass through the compressed air in the pump.

L'invention a pour but de résoudre les problèmes de l'art antérieur en proposant notamment une pompe qui présente une forte capacité d'aspiration d'air dans la phase d'amorçage.The invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art by proposing in particular a pump which has a high air suction capacity in the priming phase.

A cet effet, l'invention propose une pompe destinée à être montée sur un flacon de sorte à permettre la distribution d'un liquide contenu dans ledit flacon, ladite pompe comprenant :

  • un corps de pompe destiné à être solidarisé au flacon en pouvant être mis en communication avec le liquide ;
  • un gicleur solidaire d'un bouton poussoir pour être actionné en translation dans ledit corps, ledit gicleur comprenant un chemin de distribution comprenant au moins un orifice amont et un canal dont l'extrémité aval est en communication avec une buse de distribution ;
  • un moyen de rappel élastique de la translation dudit gicleur dans ledit corps ;
  • un piston monté en contact frottant contre la surface interne dudit corps de sorte à délimiter une chambre de dosage qui est destinée à être en communication avec le liquide par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet, ledit piston étant déplacé en translation par le gicleur sur une course de compression de la chambre de dosage, ledit piston étant agencé pour obturer les orifices amont sur la course de compression et, sur une course de distribution dudit gicleur, pour permettre la mise en communication des orifices amont avec la chambre de dosage ;
ladite pompe étant caractérisée en ce que la surface interne du corps intègre des moyens d'échappement d'air qui sont agencés pour, dans une partie de la course de compression, rompre le contact frottant du piston sur ladite surface de sorte à permettre une fuite d'air depuis la chambre de dosage vers l'extérieur du corps.For this purpose, the invention proposes a pump intended to be mounted on a bottle so as to allow the dispensing of a liquid contained in said bottle, said pump comprising:
  • a pump body intended to be secured to the bottle being able to be placed in communication with the liquid;
  • a nozzle integral with a push button to be actuated in translation in said body, said nozzle comprising a distribution path comprising at least one upstream orifice and a channel whose downstream end is in communication with a dispensing nozzle;
  • an elastic return means of the translation of said nozzle in said body;
  • a piston mounted in rubbing contact against the inner surface of said body so as to define a metering chamber which is intended to be in communication with the liquid via a valve, said piston being displaced in translation by the nozzle on a compression stroke of the metering chamber, said piston being arranged to close the upstream orifices on the compression stroke and, over a dispensing stroke of said nozzle, to allow communication of the upstream orifices with the metering chamber;
said pump being characterized in that the inner surface of the body incorporates air exhaust means which are arranged to, in part of the compression stroke, break the frictional contact of the piston on said surface so as to allow leakage air from the metering chamber to the outside of the body.

D'autres objets et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront dans la description qui suit faite en référence aux figures annexées, dans lesquelles :

  • les figures 1a et 1b sont des vues partielles et en coupe longitudinale d'une pompe selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, respectivement en position de repos (1a) et en fin de course de compression (1 b) ;
  • la figure 1c est une vue agrandie de la partie cerclée référencée C sur la figure 1 b ;
  • la figure 2a est une vue en perspective de dessous d'un corps d'une pompe selon une première variante de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 2b est une vue en coupe partielle montrant le profil de la surface interne du corps de la figure 2a au niveau de la partie cerclée référencée B;
  • les figures 3a et 3b sont des vues analogues respectivement aux figures 2a et 2b pour une pompe selon une deuxième variante de la figure 1.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, made with reference to the appended figures, in which:
  • Figures 1a and 1b are partial views and in longitudinal section of a pump according to one embodiment of the invention, respectively in the rest position (1a) and at the end of the compression stroke (1 b);
  • Figure 1c is an enlarged view of the circled portion referenced C in Figure 1b;
  • Figure 2a is a perspective view from below of a body of a pump according to a first variant of Figure 1;
  • Figure 2b is a partial sectional view showing the profile of the inner surface of the body of Figure 2a at the ring portion referenced B;
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b are views similar to FIGS. 2a and 2b respectively for a pump according to a second variant of FIG. 1.

Dans la description, les termes de positionnement dans l'espace sont pris en référence à la position de la pompe représentée sur les figures 1.In the description, the terms of positioning in space are taken with reference to the position of the pump shown in FIGS.

En relation avec les figures, on décrit ci-dessous une pompe destinée à être montée sur un flacon (non représenté) de sorte à permettre la distribution d'un liquide contenu dans ledit flacon. Dans un exemple d'application, le liquide est un gel ou une crème, pour un usage cosmétique ou pour des traitements pharmaceutiques.In connection with the figures, there is described below a pump to be mounted on a bottle (not shown) so as to allow the distribution of a liquid contained in said bottle. In an exemplary application, the liquid is a gel or a cream, for cosmetic use or for pharmaceutical treatments.

La pompe comprend une coupelle d'association 1 sur le flacon, ladite coupelle présentant un filetage intérieur 2 qui est destiné à coopérer avec un filetage complémentaire prévu sur la bague du flacon. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, la coupelle 1 peut comprendre une géométrie et/ou des configurations de moyens d'association sur le flacon qui sont différentes.The pump comprises an association cup 1 on the bottle, said cup having an internal thread 2 which is intended to cooperate with a complementary thread provided on the ring of the bottle. In other embodiments, the cup 1 may comprise a geometry and / or configurations of association means on the bottle that are different.

La pompe comprend également un corps 3 de pompe qui est solidaire de la coupelle, ledit corps présentant une géométrie cylindro-conique qui est délimitée par une surface intérieure. Plus particulièrement, le corps 3 comprend fonctionnellement trois tronçons de cylindre 3a, 3b, 3c de diamètres différents qui sont reliés entre eux par deux troncs de cône 3d, 3e, et une rainure 3f supérieure d'encliquetage sur la coupelle 1. En outre, un joint interne 4 est prévu entre le corps 3 et la coupelle 1.The pump also comprises a pump body 3 which is integral with the cup, said body having a cylindro-conical geometry which is delimited by an inner surface. More particularly, the body 3 functionally comprises three cylinder sections 3a, 3b, 3c of different diameters which are interconnected by two truncated cones 3d, 3e, and a groove 3f upper snap on the cup 1. In addition, an internal seal 4 is provided between the body 3 and the cup 1.

La pompe comprend un troisième élément solidaire du flacon, à savoir un tube plongeur 5 dont la partie supérieure est emmanchée dans le tronçon inférieur 3c et dont la partie inférieure est immergée dans le liquide contenu dans le flacon.The pump comprises a third element secured to the bottle, namely a dip tube 5 whose upper part is fitted in the lower section 3c and whose lower part is immersed in the liquid contained in the bottle.

Par ailleurs, la pompe comprend un gicleur 6 qui est disposé dans le corps 3. Le gicleur 6 est solidaire d'un bouton poussoir 7 qui est actionnable par l'utilisateur de sorte à déplacer ledit gicleur dans ledit corps.Furthermore, the pump comprises a nozzle 6 which is disposed in the body 3. The nozzle 6 is integral with a push button 7 which is operable by the user so as to move said nozzle in said body.

Le gicleur 6 comprend un chemin de distribution sensiblement vertical qui est formé de deux orifices amont radiaux 8 et d'un canal 9 en communication avec lesdits orifices. Par ailleurs, l'extrémité aval du canal 9 est insérée dans le bouton poussoir 7 pour être en communication avec une buse de distribution 10 par l'intermédiaire d'un chemin prévu dans ledit bouton. Comme on le verra plus en détails dans la suite de la description, la buse 10 est intégrée dans le bouton poussoir 7 pour pouvoir distribuer le liquide au travers d'un orifice de distribution 11.The nozzle 6 comprises a substantially vertical distribution path which is formed of two radial upstream orifices 8 and a channel 9 in communication with said orifices. Furthermore, the downstream end of the channel 9 is inserted into the push button 7 to be in communication with a dispensing nozzle 10 via a path provided in said button. As will be seen in more detail in the following description, the nozzle 10 is integrated in the push button 7 to be able to distribute the liquid through a dispensing orifice 11.

La pompe comprend également un piston 12 qui est monté en contact frottant contre la surface interne du corps 3, et plus particulièrement contre la surface interne du tronçon supérieure 3a. Le piston 12 délimite une chambre de dosage 13 qui est prévue dans le tronçon intermédiaire 3b, ladite chambre étant en communication avec le tube plongeur 5 par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet formé d'une bille 14 posée sur le tronc de cône inférieur 3e. Le tronc de cône 3e est pourvu de pattes de retenue 15 de la bille 14 de sorte à former une cage de rétention de celle-ci au fond de la chambre de dosage 13.The pump also comprises a piston 12 which is mounted in frictional contact against the inner surface of the body 3, and more particularly against the inner surface of the upper section 3a. The piston 12 delimits a metering chamber 13 which is provided in the intermediate section 3b, said chamber being in communication with the dip tube 5 via a valve formed of a ball 14 placed on the lower cone trunk 3e . The truncated cone 3e is provided with retaining tabs 15 of the ball 14 so as to form a retention cage of the latter at the bottom of the metering chamber 13.

Le piston 12 est monté autour du gicleur 6 de façon coulissante, ledit coulissement étant contraint par un moyen de rappel élastique formé d'un ressort 16 dit de précontrainte. Pour ce faire, la spire supérieure du ressort 16 est en appui sur une portée du gicleur 6, et la spire inférieure est en appui sur le piston 12.The piston 12 is mounted around the nozzle 6 slidably, said sliding being constrained by a resilient biasing means formed of a spring 16 said preload. To do this, the upper turn of the spring 16 bears on a bearing surface of the nozzle 6, and the lower turn bears on the piston 12.

Par ailleurs, la pompe est pourvue d'un ressort 17 de rappel élastique de la translation du gicleur 6 dans le corps 3. Ce ressort 17 est prévu dans la chambre de dosage 13 respectivement en appui dans le fond de celle-ci et sur une butée 18 solidaire de l'extrémité inférieure du gicleur 6.Furthermore, the pump is provided with a spring 17 for elastic return of the translation of the nozzle 6 in the body 3. This spring 17 is provided in the metering chamber 13 respectively supported in the bottom thereof and on a stop 18 secured to the lower end of the nozzle 6.

On décrit ci-dessous le fonctionnement d'une telle pompe après sa phase d'amorçage. En partant de la position au repos (figure 1a), lorsque l'utilisateur appui sur le bouton 7, celui-ci provoque la translation du gicleur 6 sur une course dite de compression de la chambre de dosage 13. En effet, sur cette course, le piston 12 étant solidaire du gicleur 6, il comprime le volume de ladite chambre de dosage. Par ailleurs, toujours sur cette course, le piston 12 est agencé pour obturer les orifices amont 8 de sorte à assurer la compression en fermant le chemin de distribution.The operation of such a pump after its priming phase is described below. Starting from the rest position (FIG. 1a), when the user presses the button 7, the latter causes the nozzle 6 to travel on a so-called compression stroke of the metering chamber 13. Indeed, on this run , the piston 12 being integral with the nozzle 6, it compresses the volume of said metering chamber. Moreover, still on this race, the piston 12 is arranged to close the upstream orifices 8 so as to ensure the compression by closing the distribution path.

En fin de course de compression (figure 1b), le piston 12 est en appui sur une butée 19 formée sur la surface interne du corps 3, de sorte empêcher la translation dudit piston conjointement audit corps.At the end of the compression stroke (FIG. 1b), the piston 12 bears against an abutment 19 formed on the internal surface of the body 3, so as to prevent the translation of said piston together with said body.

Au-delà de cette course de compression, le piston 12 immobilisé glisse sur le gicleur 6 de sorte à permettre la mise en communication des orifices amont 8 avec la chambre de dosage 13 sur une course dite de distribution.Beyond this compression stroke, the immobilized piston 12 slides on the nozzle 6 so as to allow the communication of the upstream orifices 8 with the metering chamber 13 on a so-called distribution stroke.

Ainsi, la chambre de dosage 13 étant sous pression, il s'ensuit sur la course de distribution une montée de liquide dans le chemin de distribution, et donc une distribution dudit liquide au travers de la buse 10.Thus, the metering chamber 13 being under pressure, it follows on the distribution stroke a rise of liquid in the distribution path, and therefore a distribution of said liquid through the nozzle 10.

Ensuite, lors de la remontée du gicleur 6, celui-ci aspire du liquide dans la chambre de dosage 13 par l'intermédiaire du tube plongeur 5 et en provoquant le soulèvement de la bille 14 formant clapet.Then, during the rise of the nozzle 6, it sucks liquid into the metering chamber 13 through the plunger tube 5 and causing the lifting of the ball 14 forming a valve.

Bien que la description soit faite en relation avec une pompe présentant un agencement et une cinématique particuliers relativement à la distribution du fluide, l'invention n'est pas limitée à cette réalisation. En particulier, on connaît des pompes dans lesquelles, au lieu d'être déplacé sur la course de distribution, le piston est déformé pour ouvrir la communication entre les orifices amont et la chambre de dosage. On connaît également des pompes qui ne comprennent pas de ressort de précontrainte. En outre, des pompes sans coupelle sont également connues, par exemple en comprenant un organe formant bouchon qui est inséré dans la bague du flacon.Although the description is made in connection with a pump having a particular arrangement and kinematics relative to the distribution of the fluid, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. In particular, there are known pumps in which, instead of being displaced on the dispensing stroke, the piston is deformed to open the communication between the upstream orifices and the metering chamber. Pumps which do not include a prestressing spring are also known. In addition, pumps without cup are also known, for example comprising a plug member which is inserted into the ring of the bottle.

Lors de la phase d'amorçage, la chambre de dosage 13 contient principalement de l'air qui est comprimé sur la course de compression. Ensuite, l'ouverture des orifices amont 8 introduit l'air comprimé dans le chemin de distribution sans toutefois, dans certain cas, présenter une pression suffisante pour pouvoir être évacué par l'intermédiaire de la buse 10.During the priming phase, the metering chamber 13 contains mainly air which is compressed on the compression stroke. Then, the opening of the upstream orifices 8 introduces compressed air into the distribution path without however, in certain cases, having a sufficient pressure to be able to be discharged via the nozzle 10.

En particulier, cette situation se produit pour des liquides denses et/ou visqueux, ainsi qu'avec des buses 10 comprenant un moyen d'obturation du chemin de distribution, telle que décrit ci-dessous en relation avec les figures 1.In particular, this situation occurs for dense and / or viscous liquids, as well as with nozzles 10 comprising means for closing the distribution path, as described below with reference to FIGS.

En effet, dans une telle buse 10, qui est particulièrement utile pour diminuer le desséchement du liquide dans le chemin de distribution, le moyen d'obturation constitue un obstacle à la circulation de l'air dans le chemin de distribution, ledit obstacle étant difficilement franchissable par l'air comprimé dans la chambre de dosage 13.Indeed, in such a nozzle 10, which is particularly useful for reducing the drying of the liquid in the distribution path, the sealing means is an obstacle to the flow of air in the distribution path, said obstacle being difficult. passable by the compressed air in the metering chamber 13.

A contrario, le liquide n'étant pas compressible, l'application de la pression de distribution dudit fluide permet de désactiver le moyen d'obturation de sorte à permettre sa distribution au travers de la buse 10.On the other hand, since the liquid is not compressible, the application of the distribution pressure of said fluid makes it possible to deactivate the sealing means so as to allow its distribution through the nozzle 10.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, le moyen d'obturation comprend un manchon tubulaire 20 en élastomère qui est associé, par exemple en étant rapporté (figures 1) ou par surmoulage non adhérant, sur un organe rigide 21 pourvu de l'orifice de distribution 11.In the embodiment shown, the closure means comprises a tubular sleeve 20 of elastomer which is associated, for example by being attached (FIG. 1) or by non-adhering overmoulding, to a rigid member 21 provided with the dispensing orifice. 11.

Le manchon 20 comprend un rebord arrière ouvert 20a qui est engagé dans une rainure du corps rigide de sorte à assurer un ancrage dudit manchon sur ledit corps et éviter ainsi son éjection lors de la distribution. Le manchon 20 comprend également une découpe avant 20b qui est agencée pour s'ouvrir de façon réversible sous l'effet de la pression de distribution afin de laisser passer à travers elle le liquide provenant de l'orifice 11.The sleeve 20 comprises an open rear flange 20a which is engaged in a groove of the rigid body so as to anchor said sleeve on said body and thus prevent its ejection during dispensing. The sleeve 20 also comprises a front cutout 20b which is arranged to open from reversibly under the effect of the dispensing pressure to let through the liquid from the orifice 11.

Selon l'invention, la surface interne du corps 3 intègre des moyens d'échappement d'air qui sont agencés pour, dans une partie de la course de compression, rompre le contact frottant du piston 12 sur ladite surface de sorte à permettre une fuite d'air depuis la chambre de dosage 13 vers l'extérieur du corps 3. Ainsi, l'air comprimé lors de la phase d'amorçage n'est pas évacué par le chemin de distribution qui peut présenter une perte de charge trop importante, mais directement à l'extérieur de la pompe. Il en résulte, une augmentation de la force d'aspiration du liquide lors de la remontée du gicleur 3, et donc une optimisation de la phase d'amorçage.According to the invention, the inner surface of the body 3 incorporates air exhaust means which are arranged for, in part of the compression stroke, to break the frictional contact of the piston 12 on said surface so as to allow leakage from air from the metering chamber 13 towards the outside of the body 3. Thus, the compressed air during the priming phase is not discharged by the distribution path which may have a too high pressure drop, but directly outside the pump. This results in an increase in the suction force of the liquid during the ascent of the nozzle 3, and thus an optimization of the priming phase.

Selon la réalisation représentée, les moyens d'échappement d'air sont disposés au niveau de la jonction entre les courses de compression et de distribution, plus précisément dans la partie de la surface interne qui est disposée juste au dessus de la butée 19 (voir zone cerclée référencée C sur la figure 1 b).According to the embodiment shown, the air exhaust means are disposed at the junction between the compression and dispensing strokes, more precisely in the part of the internal surface which is disposed just above the stop 19 (see circled area referenced C in Figure 1 b).

On décrit ci-dessous trois réalisations des moyens d'échappement d'air envisageables avec un piston 12 comprenant une lèvre d'étanchéité inférieure 12a qui est en contact frottant sur la surface interne du corps 3. La lèvre 12a est annulaire et s'étend en direction de la chambre de dosage 13 en s'écartant de l'axe 22 de translation du gicleur 3. Par ailleurs, l'appui du piston 12 sur la butée 19 est réalisé par l'intermédiaire de ladite lèvre inférieure.Three embodiments of the possible air exhaust means are described below with a piston 12 comprising a lower sealing lip 12a which is in frictional contact with the internal surface of the body 3. The lip 12a is annular and extends in the direction of the metering chamber 13 away from the translation axis 22 of the nozzle 3. In addition, the support of the piston 12 on the stop 19 is formed by means of said lower lip.

Le piston 12 comprend en outre une lèvre d'étanchéité supérieure 12b qui est en contact frottant sur la surface interne du corps 3, ladite lèvre supérieure s'étendant à l'opposé de la lèvre inférieure 12a par rapport à la direction de translation du gicleur 3.The piston 12 further comprises an upper sealing lip 12b which is in rubbing contact on the inner surface of the body 3, said upper lip extending opposite the lower lip 12a with respect to the direction of translation of the nozzle. 3.

Les moyens d'échappement d'air décrits sont agencés pour permettre un décollement de la lèvre inférieure 12a lors de son passage sur lesdits moyens. En particulier, la lèvre d'étanchéité 12a est réalisée en matériau élastique semi rigide de sorte à limiter sa capacité à épouser la forme des moyens d'échappement d'air, créant ainsi une fuite d'air ponctuelle par perte d'étanchéité.The air exhaust means described are arranged to allow detachment of the lower lip 12a during its passage on said means. In particular, the sealing lip 12a is made of semi-elastic material rigid so as to limit its ability to match the shape of the air exhaust means, thereby creating a specific air leakage loss of sealing.

Toutefois, la dimension des moyens d'échappement d'air est suffisamment petite pour empêcher sensiblement le passage du liquide lors du décollement, de sorte à ne pas dégrader les performances de distribution du liquide. En tout état de cause, la présence de la lèvre supérieure 12b limite les éventuelles fuites de liquide au delà du piston 12.However, the size of the air exhaust means is small enough to substantially prevent the passage of the liquid during the separation, so as not to degrade the liquid distribution performance. In any event, the presence of the upper lip 12b limits any leakage of liquid beyond the piston 12.

Selon la réalisation des figures 1, les moyens d'échappement d'air sont formés d'une zone 23 de plus grand diamètre que le diamètre nominal du tronçon 3a. En effet, lors du passage de la lèvre inférieure 12a sur la jonction avec la zone 23 de plus grand diamètre (figure 1c), l'étanchéité entre ladite lèvre et le corps 3 est rompue. Dans la réalisation représentée, la zone 23 s'étend jusqu'à la butée 19 sur une hauteur telle que l'étanchéité est retrouvée lors de l'appui de ladite lèvre inférieure sur ladite butée.According to the embodiment of Figures 1, the air exhaust means are formed of a zone 23 of larger diameter than the nominal diameter of the section 3a. Indeed, during the passage of the lower lip 12a on the junction with the zone 23 of larger diameter (Figure 1c), the seal between said lip and the body 3 is broken. In the embodiment shown, the zone 23 extends to the abutment 19 to a height such that the seal is found during the support of said lower lip on said stop.

Selon les réalisations des figures 2 et 3, les moyens d'échappement d'air sont formés d'un bossage 24, toutefois plus d'un bossage pourrait également être envisagé, notamment plusieurs bossages répartis sur la circonférence du corps 3.According to the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the air exhaust means are formed of a boss 24, however more than one boss could also be envisaged, including several bosses distributed on the circumference of the body 3.

Selon la réalisation des figures 3, le bossage comprend un canal traversant 25 dont la dimension est agencée pour que ledit canal ne soit pas obturé lors du passage de la lèvre 12a sur lui. En particulier, le canal traversant 25 s'étend selon l'axe de translation 22 du gicleur 6.According to the embodiment of Figures 3, the boss comprises a through channel 25 whose dimension is arranged so that said channel is not closed during the passage of the lip 12a on him. In particular, the through channel 25 extends along the translation axis 22 of the nozzle 6.

Claims (13)

Pompe destinée à être montée sur un flacon de sorte à permettre la distribution d'un liquide contenu dans ledit flacon, ladite pompe comprenant : - un corps (3) de pompe destiné à être solidarisé au flacon en pouvant être mis en communication avec le liquide ; - un gicleur (6) solidaire d'un bouton poussoir (7) pour être actionné en translation dans ledit corps, ledit gicleur comprenant un chemin de distribution comprenant au moins un orifice amont (8) et un canal (9) dont l'extrémité aval est en communication avec une buse de distribution (10) ; - un moyen de rappel élastique (17) de la translation dudit gicleur dans ledit corps ; - un piston (12) monté en contact frottant contre la surface interne dudit corps de sorte à délimiter une chambre de dosage (13) qui est destinée à être en communication avec le liquide par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet (14), ledit piston étant déplacé en translation par le gicleur (6) sur une course de compression de la chambre de dosage (13), ledit piston étant agencé pour obturer les orifices amont (8) sur la course de compression et, sur une course de distribution dudit gicleur, pour permettre la mise en communication des orifices amont (8) avec la chambre de dosage (13) ; ladite pompe étant caractérisée en ce que la surface interne du corps (3) intègre des moyens d'échappement d'air qui sont agencés pour, dans une partie de la course de compression, rompre le contact frottant du piston (12) sur ladite surface de sorte à permettre une fuite d'air depuis la chambre de dosage (13) vers l'extérieur du corps (3).A pump for mounting on a vial so as to dispense a liquid contained in said vial, said pump comprising: - A pump body (3) intended to be secured to the bottle being able to be placed in communication with the liquid; - A nozzle (6) integral with a push button (7) to be actuated in translation in said body, said nozzle comprising a distribution path comprising at least one upstream orifice (8) and a channel (9) whose end downstream is in communication with a dispensing nozzle (10); - Elastic return means (17) of the translation of said nozzle in said body; a piston (12) mounted in rubbing contact against the inner surface of said body so as to define a metering chamber (13) which is intended to be in communication with the liquid via a valve (14), said piston being displaced in translation by the nozzle (6) over a compression stroke of the metering chamber (13), said piston being arranged to close the upstream orifices (8) on the compression stroke and on a dispensing stroke of said nozzle, to allow the communication of the upstream ports (8) with the metering chamber (13); said pump being characterized in that the inner surface of the body (3) incorporates air exhaust means which are arranged for, in a portion of the compression stroke, breaking the frictional contact of the piston (12) on said surface so as to allow air leakage from the metering chamber (13) to the outside of the body (3). Pompe selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'échappement d'air sont disposés au niveau de la jonction entre les courses de compression et de distribution.Pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the air exhaust means are arranged at the junction between the compression and distribution strokes. Pompe selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que le piston (12) comprend une lèvre d'étanchéité inférieure (12a) qui est en contact frottant sur la surface interne du corps (3).Pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the piston (12) comprises a lower sealing lip (12a) which is in frictional contact with the inner surface of the body (3). Pompe selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que la lèvre inférieure (12a) s'étend en direction de la chambre de dosage (13) en s'écartant de l'axe (22) de translation du gicleur (6).Pump according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower lip (12a) extends towards the metering chamber (13) away from the axis (22) of translation of the nozzle (6). Pompe selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisée en ce que le piston (12) comprend une lèvre d'étanchéité supérieure (12b) qui est en contact frottant sur la surface interne du corps (3), ladite lèvre supérieure s'étendant à l'opposé de la lèvre inférieure (12a) par rapport à la direction de translation du gicleur (6).Pump according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the piston (12) comprises an upper sealing lip (12b) which is in rubbing contact on the inner surface of the body (3), said upper lip extending to the opposite of the lower lip (12a) with respect to the direction of translation of the nozzle (6). Pompe selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'échappement d'air sont agencés pour permettre un décollement de la lèvre inférieure (12a) lors de son passage sur lesdits moyens.Pump according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the air exhaust means are arranged to allow detachment of the lower lip (12a) during its passage on said means. Pompe selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'échappement d'air sont formés d'une zone (23) de plus grand diamètre.Pump according to claim 6, characterized in that the air exhaust means are formed of a zone (23) of larger diameter. Pompe selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'échappement d'air sont formés d'au moins un bossage (24).Pump according to claim 6, characterized in that the air exhaust means are formed of at least one boss (24). Pompe selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que le bossage (24) comprend un canal traversant (25) dont la dimension est agencée pour que ledit canal ne soit pas obturé lors du passage de la lèvre inférieure (12a) sur lui.Pump according to claim 8, characterized in that the boss (24) comprises a through channel (25) whose dimension is arranged so that said channel is not closed during the passage of the lower lip (12a) on it. Pompe selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que le canal (25) s'étend selon l'axe (22) de translation du gicleur.Pump according to claim 9, characterized in that the channel (25) extends along the axis (22) of translation of the nozzle. Pompe selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisée en ce que la buse (10) est pourvue d'un moyen d'obturation du chemin de distribution, ledit moyen étant désactivable par application de la pression de distribution du liquide.Pump according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the nozzle (10) is provided with a means of closing the path of distribution, said means being deactivatable by application of the liquid distribution pressure. Pompe selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que le moyen d'obturation comprend un manchon élastomère (20) qui est associée à un organe rigide (21) pourvue d'un orifice de distribution (11), ledit manchon étant agencé pour obturer de façon réversible ledit orifice.Pump according to claim 11, characterized in that the closure means comprises an elastomeric sleeve (20) which is associated with a rigid member (21) provided with a dispensing orifice (11), said sleeve being arranged to close off reversibly said orifice. Pompe selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce que le manchon (20) comprend un rebord arrière (20a) qui est engagé dans une rainure du corps rigide (21), et une découpe avant (20b) qui est agencée pour s'ouvrir de façon réversible sous l'effet de la pression de distribution afin de laisser passer le liquide au travers d'elle.Pump according to claim 12, characterized in that the sleeve (20) comprises a rear flange (20a) which is engaged in a groove of the rigid body (21), and a front cutout (20b) which is arranged to open from reversibly under the effect of the dispensing pressure to allow the liquid to pass through it.
EP07291216A 2006-10-20 2007-10-05 Pump comprising air venting means Withdrawn EP1914006A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0609247A FR2907518A1 (en) 2006-10-20 2006-10-20 PUMP COMPRISING AIR EXHAUST MEANS

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EP1914006A2 true EP1914006A2 (en) 2008-04-23

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EP07291216A Withdrawn EP1914006A2 (en) 2006-10-20 2007-10-05 Pump comprising air venting means

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US (1) US20080093389A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1914006A2 (en)
FR (1) FR2907518A1 (en)

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US20080093389A1 (en) 2008-04-24

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