EP2170527B2 - Method and device for packaging a fluid product dispenser - Google Patents

Method and device for packaging a fluid product dispenser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2170527B2
EP2170527B2 EP08805716.1A EP08805716A EP2170527B2 EP 2170527 B2 EP2170527 B2 EP 2170527B2 EP 08805716 A EP08805716 A EP 08805716A EP 2170527 B2 EP2170527 B2 EP 2170527B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dip tube
reservoir
air
dispensing device
fluid 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
EP08805716.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2170527A1 (en
EP2170527B1 (en
Inventor
Alain Behar
Emmanuel Vilain
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar France SAS
Original Assignee
Valois SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Valois SAS filed Critical Valois SAS
Publication of EP2170527A1 publication Critical patent/EP2170527A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2170527B1 publication Critical patent/EP2170527B1/en
Publication of EP2170527B2 publication Critical patent/EP2170527B2/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/003—Adding propellants in fluid form to aerosol containers
    • 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
    • B05B11/0097—Means for filling or refilling the sprayer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
    • B05B11/1046—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container
    • B05B11/1047—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container the pump being preassembled as an independent unit before being mounted on the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
    • B05B11/1049—Attachment arrangements comprising a deformable or resilient ferrule clamped or locked onto the neck of the container by displacing, e.g. sliding, a sleeve surrounding the ferrule
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1061—Pump priming means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/30—Dip tubes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid product conditioning method and apparatus for improving the appearance of fluid dispensers.
  • the present invention applies more particularly to the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy. Indeed, in these areas particularly, the type of packaging or packaging plays a crucial role, because it is the first contact of the user with the product. The user appreciates to see the appearance of the product through its packaging before buying it. In addition to protecting what they sell, the package must sell what it protects.
  • the fluid dispensers used in these fields comprise a reservoir on which a dispensing device is assembled.
  • the dispensing device comprises a manual pump operable with a finger to dispense doses of fluid in pulverized form or not.
  • a plunger tube is connected to the pump inlet to draw fluid from the reservoir when the pump is actuated.
  • This dip tube defines a free end which extends generally to the bottom of the tank. Although it is made of a transparent material, this dip tube appears generally visible through the bottles and even the most transparent products, which can have an unsightly appearance.
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a method and a packaging device for obtaining a fluid dispenser whose dip tube does not appear through a bottle or other transparent tank filled with transparent fluid.
  • the plunger filled with air therefore appears visible when the fluid dispenser is new, that is to say, as the dispensing device has never been primed or actuated for the first time.
  • the priming makes it possible to evacuate this air through the dispensing device and to fill the plunger tube and the pump chamber with fluid from the reservoir.
  • the liquid in the pump may be altered or leak. This could put off the buyer who of course prefers to buy a distributor and a product intact.
  • the conservation and purity constraints are considerable for this type of product. On a display, the consumer can therefore never observe such a new fluid dispenser with an invisible dip tube, even if the marketing objective of the package was initially the aesthetic appearance of a transparent bottle.
  • EP 0 763 469 discloses a packaging method of the prior art.
  • US 5,875,932 discloses a packaging device according to the preamble of claim 8 and EP 1,514,802 describes a vacuum bell connected to a vacuum pump for evacuating a bottle.
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a method and a packaging device for obtaining a fluid dispenser whose dip tube is invisible in a transparent container containing transparent product, even before priming or its first actuation.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a method and a packaging device for obtaining a fluid dispenser whose existence of a dip tube is unsuspected and does not spoil the general appearance of the bottle that contains it .
  • the present invention also aims to provide a method and a device for packaging fluid dispensers that are simple and inexpensive to apply, and which are adaptable to all existing fluid dispensers having a dip tube.
  • the subject of the present invention is therefore a method for packaging a fluid dispenser according to claim 1.
  • it comprises subjecting several plunger tubes to a vacuum simultaneously.
  • the dispenser comprises a venting system defining a vent passage capable of communicating the inside of the tank with the outside
  • the method comprises of evacuating the air from the dip tube through the venting passage of the dispenser.
  • the air evacuation step is performed after or during the sealed assembly of the dispensing device on the reservoir.
  • the venting system is formed by the dispensing device, which further comprises an axially operable pusher, the ventilation passage of the venting system being open when the pusher is lightly actuated, the evacuation step dip tube being performed while the pusher is lightly actuated to maintain the vent passage open.
  • the present invention also relates to a packaging device for packaging a fluid dispenser according to claim 8.
  • the dispensing device comprises a venting system defining a vent passage capable of communicating the inside of the tank with the outside, the device further comprising an axially operable pusher, the venting passage being open when the pusher is slightly actuated, the packaging device comprising pushing means for slightly actuating the pusher.
  • the principle of the invention is to evacuate the air from the dip tube with the aid of a vacuum so that it can fill with fluid without having to actuate the dispensing device.
  • This can be done with the dispensing device preassembled in an unsealed manner on the tank or in the absence of tank. Alternatively, this can be done with the dispensing device mounted by venting air through the vent passage, kept open, preferably by pressing the pusher.
  • the fluid dispenser according to the present invention comprises a transparent reservoir 1 filled with fluid product 10 and a dispensing device 3 comprising a dip tube 2 intended to take the fluid 10 contained by the reservoir 1 during actuation of the dispensing device 3.
  • the tank 1 can be of any shape. It generally has an opening in the form of a neck 11 whose upper end forms an annular flange 13.
  • the reservoir is made of a transparent material, glass, plastic or other.
  • the dispensing device 3 comprises a dispensing member 31, such as a pump provided with a dip tube 2 and a fastening device 32, 34 for fixing the dispenser member 31 on the neck 11 of the fluid reservoir 1 , advantageously with the interposition of a seal 35.
  • a dispensing member 31 such as a pump provided with a dip tube 2 and a fastening device 32, 34 for fixing the dispenser member 31 on the neck 11 of the fluid reservoir 1 , advantageously with the interposition of a seal 35.
  • the dip tube 2 is made of any type of advantageously transparent material well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the dip tube 2 is connected to the inlet of the dispenser member 31 and defines a free end which extends into the tank to its bottom or near it.
  • the fixing device comprises a fixing ring 32 and an outer trim ring 34 which is tightly mounted around the ring.
  • the ring 32 comprises a receiving housing adapted to fixedly receive the pump 31 and fixing means 33 for holding the ring on the neck of the reservoir.
  • the ring may comprise a skirt that extends downwardly and forms soft tabs 33 extending downwardly.
  • These lugs 33 are intended to snap under the annular flange 13 formed by the upper end of the neck 11 of the tank 1.
  • the final fixing of the dispensing device on the tank is obtained in the traditional way by sliding down and tightening radial band around the ring, as visible on the figure 3 , after fixing the pump.
  • the hoop 34 is here an outer casing band, but it can also be a non-visible internal band.
  • a first step is to mount or engage in a manner not sealed the dispensing device 3 on the tank 1, so that the dip tube 2 is immersed or immersed over substantially its entire length inside the fluid 10.
  • the tabs 33 of the ring are positioned on the flange 13 of the end of the neck 11 of the tank without being snapped under the flange. The space between the tabs positioned on the edge of the flange allows fluid 10 to remain at atmospheric pressure at this stage.
  • Air A contained in the plunger tube is then trapped and can escape from it, either by its free open bottom end, or not its upper end closed by the valve mechanism of the pump.
  • the dip tube is then visible through the transparent tank, precisely because of the presence of air trapped in the dip tube.
  • a non-sealed temporary assembly 301 of the dispensing device 3 on the tank 1 is thus obtained.
  • a second step according to the invention consists in submitting to a vacuum the contents of the tank 1 and thus the dip tube 2, thanks to a conditioning device 4 which comprises air evacuation means 40, 41.
  • evacuation may comprise a vacuum bell 41 connected to a vacuum pump 40, as visible on the figure 2 .
  • the vacuum bell 41 is engaged in sealed engagement by any possible means on the tank 1 around the dispensing device 3.
  • the bell is engaged sealingly on the outer upper shoulder of the tank by means of an O-ring.
  • the vacuum pump 40 thus evacuates the air contained in the vacuum chamber E constituted by the tank and the volume of the bell 41 overhanging the tank.
  • the vacuum bell could encompass a different volume space, especially larger, and even vacuum the contents of several dispensing devices mounted unsealed on their respective tanks.
  • the air which is on the surface of the liquid of the reservoir is evacuated by the vacuum pump, for example passing between the tabs 33 of the ring.
  • the air from the dip tube immersed in the reservoir escapes through the lower end of the dip tube, creating air bubbles that rise to the surface of the liquid 10 (see figure 2 ).
  • the air A contained in the dip tube is gradually replaced by fluid 10 of the tank 1 which rises in the dip tube.
  • the plunger tube filled with fluid became invisible through the transparent reservoir filled with transparent or translucent fluid.
  • the vacuum in the chamber E is broken, and the vacuum bell is removed, so as to return the pre-assembled distributor to atmospheric pressure.
  • the dispensing device 3 is assembled sealingly on the tank 1.
  • This final configuration represented on the figure 3 corresponds to the traditional fixing already described: the lugs 33 of the ring 32 are snapped under the flange 13 and the hoop 34 is lowered to clamp the ring on the neck 11 of the tank, with the interposition of the seal 35.
  • any other type of tight assembly is also possible: screwing, crimping, etc.
  • the new distributor packaged according to the method or the device of the invention can therefore make believe the absence of dip tube in the transparent bottle of the dispenser.
  • the dip tube 2 could be made in one piece with the fixing device 30, 33 which fixes the pump on the tank.
  • Step a then corresponds to the non-sealing pre-assembly of the fixing device comprising the dip tube on the reservoir.
  • the dispensing member and the fixing device are assembled in a sealed manner on the neck of the tank in step d. It is also conceivable to fill the plunger tube with evacuation of the air under vacuum before mounting it on the reservoir, the fluid product being held in the plunger tube by capillarity. It is thus possible to simultaneously package a large number of dip tubes in a single vacuum chamber.
  • This second embodiment also uses a conditioning device 4 'which has several features in common with the packaging device 4 of the first embodiment of the invention.
  • the conditioning device 4 ' comprises a vacuum bell 41 connected to a vacuum pump 40 for evacuating air from an enclosure E.
  • the bell 41 is intended to come into sealed engagement with the dispenser, and especially with the fret outer casing 34 of the dispensing device 31.
  • the bell 41 defines a bearing flange 43 which comes into sealing contact with the upper annular edge of the band 34, as can be seen in reference to Figures 4c and 4d .
  • the bell 41 may also include an air inlet passage 42 which communicates the interior of the enclosure E with the atmosphere.
  • This passage 42 is preferably calibrated and may optionally be provided with a valve (not shown). Such an inlet passage 42 may also be provided in the bell of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 .
  • the conditioning device 4 forms an axial alignment cone 44 which makes it possible to bring the dispensing device 3 in perfectly axial position for its tight fitting on the neck of the reservoir.
  • the alignment cone 44 is located just below and in the extension of the support flange 43.
  • the bell 41 is provided with a rod 45 whose free lower end protrudes inside the Bell 41.
  • the axial positioning of this rod can be adjusted by means of a control 46.
  • This rod 45 serves as a pushing means to slightly actuate the pusher 36 of the dispensing device 3, as will be seen below.
  • the axial adjustment of the rod 45 makes it possible to adapt the conditioning device 4 'to the various configurations of pushers 36, which can be higher or lower.
  • dispensing member 31 In order to be able to use the conditioning device 4 'and to implement the method according to the second embodiment of the invention, it is necessary to use a particular type of dispensing member 31, namely a dispensing member provided with a venting system defining a vent passage adapted to communicate the inside of the tank with the outside through the dispenser member.
  • a dispensing member in the form of a pump.
  • the pump On the figure 5a , the pump is in its rest position. The pusher has not been shown. This is a very conventional pump that is frequently found in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.
  • This pump comprises a body 311 to which is connected the plunger tube 2.
  • the body 311 is formed with a vent hole 312 which passes through the wall thickness of the body. However, the hole 312 is closed by a piston 314 mounted on an actuating rod 313 which protrudes axially outside the body 311. In order to maintain the piston and the actuating rod inside the body 311, it is provided a shell 315 which thus defines the high dead point of rest of the piston and the actuating rod.
  • a vent passage Pe is defined between the ferrule 315 and the actuator rod 313, but this passage is closed at the piston 314 which comes into sealing contact with the inner lower edge of the ferrule 315. This is clearly visible on the figure 5a . Additionally or alternatively, the piston 314 closes the vent hole 312. Thus, the passage communicating the vent hole 312 with the outside is clogged at the ferrule 315 and / or at the hole 312 by the piston 314.
  • vent passage Pe is formed while the pusher is very slightly actuated. It is therefore not necessary to fully actuate the pump and dispense a dose of fluid to open the vent passage. It can thus be said that the opening of the venting passage is carried out before complete actuation of the pump.
  • the second embodiment of implementation of the invention will use the venting system of the dispensing member 31 to evacuate the air present inside the tank and inside the plunger tube, in order to fill the plunger tube with fluid product.
  • FIGS. Figures 5a and 5b The figure 4a represents a distributor comprising a reservoir 1 forming a neck 11 in which a dispensing device 3 has been deposited.
  • the dispensing device 3 is not arranged axially, since it has as yet no holding on the 11.
  • the conditioning device 4 ' is located axially above the tank 1. Referring to FIG. figure 4b , the conditioning device 4 'has been lowered so that the dispensing device 3 comes into contact with the alignment cone 44 for axially straightening the dispensing device 3.
  • the upper end edge of the hoop 34 slides inside the cone 44 until it comes into contact with the bearing flange 43. This is represented on the figure 4c .
  • the contact between the hoop and the support flange does not need to be sealed: a leak at this point can even be advantageous.
  • the legs of the ring are already in place around the neck, but the trim band 34 is not yet lowered around the legs.
  • the band 34 is lowered around the legs, as can be seen on the figure 4d .
  • the lower end of the hoop 34 can bear against the reservoir.
  • a chamber E in which is disposed the pusher 36 of the dispenser member 31.
  • the pusher 36 is slightly actuated or depressed by the rod 45, which has the effect of opening the venting system and define the vent passage Pe (not shown). This is represented on the figure 4d .
  • the interior of the bell 41 then communicates with the interior of the tank and thereby with the dip tube 2 through the vent passage.
  • actuating the vacuum pump 40 a vacuum is created inside the chamber E, but also inside the tank, and especially inside the dip tube 2. As in the first embodiment, this vacuum has the effect of evacuating air from the plunger tube which forms air bubbles which regain the upper level of fluid in the bottle, as visible on the figure 4d .
  • the dip tube then remains empty of air and fluid.
  • the air inlet passage 42 advantageously remains open during the operation of the pump 40.
  • the passage 42 makes it possible to introduce outside air into the tank. Its section is calibrated according to the evacuation power of the vacuum pump 40 and the possible leak between the bearing flange 43 and the ferrule 34.
  • the air inlet into the enclosure makes it possible to take off the flange 43 of the hoop without having to stop the vacuum pump 40. This considerably reduces the time of the mounting cycle.
  • the conditioning device 4 'can then be raised to release the dispenser with its dip tube filled with fluid and advantageously transparent. This is visible on the figure 4e .
  • the plunger tube filled with air is subjected to an air vacuum while its free end is immersed in the fluid product, the exhaust air being rapidly replaced by fluid during delivery. the atmospheric pressure.
  • the evacuation of the air from the plunger tube can be carried out before or after sealing and definitive assembly of the dispensing device on the reservoir.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)

Abstract

A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) is connected to the dispensing device and has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir, the method being characterized in that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif de conditionnement de produit fluide, visant à améliorer l'apparence des distributeurs de produit fluide.The present invention relates to a fluid product conditioning method and apparatus for improving the appearance of fluid dispensers.

La présente invention s'applique plus particulièrement aux domaines de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique ou de la pharmacie. En effet, dans ces domaines particulièrement, le type d'emballage ou de conditionnement joue un rôle crucial, car c'est le premier contact de l'utilisateur avec le produit. L'utilisateur apprécie de voir l'aspect du produit à travers son conditionnement avant de l'acheter. En plus de protéger ce qu'il vend, l'emballage doit vendre ce qu'il protège.The present invention applies more particularly to the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy. Indeed, in these areas particularly, the type of packaging or packaging plays a crucial role, because it is the first contact of the user with the product. The user appreciates to see the appearance of the product through its packaging before buying it. In addition to protecting what they sell, the package must sell what it protects.

En général, les distributeurs de produit fluide utilisés dans ces domaines comprennent un réservoir sur lequel est assemblé un dispositif de distribution. Le plus souvent, le dispositif de distribution comprend une pompe manuelle actionnable à l'aide d'un doigt pour distribuer des doses de produit fluide sous forme pulvérisée ou non. Un tube plongeur est raccordé à l'entrée de la pompe pour prélever du fluide du réservoir lors de l'actionnement de la pompe. Ce tube plongeur définit une extrémité libre qui s'étend généralement jusqu'au fond du réservoir. Même s'il est réalisé en un matériau transparent, ce tube plongeur apparaît généralement visible à travers les flacons et produits même les plus transparents, ce qui peut présenter un aspect inesthétique.In general, the fluid dispensers used in these fields comprise a reservoir on which a dispensing device is assembled. Most often, the dispensing device comprises a manual pump operable with a finger to dispense doses of fluid in pulverized form or not. A plunger tube is connected to the pump inlet to draw fluid from the reservoir when the pump is actuated. This dip tube defines a free end which extends generally to the bottom of the tank. Although it is made of a transparent material, this dip tube appears generally visible through the bottles and even the most transparent products, which can have an unsightly appearance.

La présente invention a donc pour objet de fournir un procédé et un dispositif de conditionnement permettant d'obtenir un distributeur de produit fluide dont le tube plongeur n'apparaît pas à travers un flacon ou autre réservoir transparent rempli de fluide transparent.The present invention therefore aims to provide a method and a packaging device for obtaining a fluid dispenser whose dip tube does not appear through a bottle or other transparent tank filled with transparent fluid.

Dans l'art antérieur, de nombreux polymères sont déjà utilisés dans la composition des tubes plongeurs pour leur transparence dans la plupart des fluides du domaine. Toutefois, avant l'amorçage, c'est-à-dire le premier actionnement de la pompe, le tube est apparent dans le réservoir de fluide parce qu'il emprisonne de l'air. En effet, lors de l'assemblage de tels distributeurs de produit fluide, un dispositif de distribution (pompe) est généralement fixé sur le col d'un réservoir rempli de fluide, de sorte que le tube plongeur du dispositif de distribution plonge à l'intérieur du fluide. Cependant, le tube plongeur ne se remplit pas de produit fluide, car son extrémité supérieure est obturée par le mécanisme (clapet) du dispositif de distribution. De plus, il y a des phénomènes de capillarité. Le tube plongeur conserve donc l'air qu'il a emprisonné avant l'assemblage du distributeur. Le tube plongeur rempli d'air apparaît donc visible lorsque le distributeur de produit fluide est neuf, c'est-à-dire tant que le dispositif de distribution n'a jamais été amorcé ou actionné pour la première fois. L'amorçage permet d'évacuer cet air à travers le dispositif de distribution et de remplir le tube plongeur et la chambre de pompe avec du produit fluide du réservoir. Or, il est inenvisageable d'amorcer la pompe avant la commercialisation du distributeur, le liquide contenu dans la pompe risquant de s'altérer ou de fuir. Cela pourrait rebuter l'acheteur qui bien entendu préfère acheter un distributeur et un produit intacts. De plus, les contraintes de conservation et de pureté sont considérables pour ce type de produit. Sur un présentoir, le consommateur ne peut donc jamais observer un tel distributeur de produit fluide neuf avec un tube plongeur invisible, même si l'objectif marketing de l'emballage était au départ l'aspect esthétique d'un flacon transparent.In the prior art, many polymers are already used in the composition of the plunger tubes for their transparency in most fluids of the field. However, before priming, i.e. the first actuation of the pump, the tube is apparent in the fluid reservoir because it traps air. Indeed, during the assembly of such fluid dispensers, a dispensing device (pump) is generally attached to the neck of a reservoir filled with fluid, so that the plunger tube of the dispensing device is immersed in the fluid. inside the fluid. However, the dip tube does not fill with fluid because its upper end is closed by the mechanism (valve) of the dispensing device. In addition, there are phenomena of capillarity. The plunger tube thus retains the air it has trapped before assembling the dispenser. The plunger filled with air therefore appears visible when the fluid dispenser is new, that is to say, as the dispensing device has never been primed or actuated for the first time. The priming makes it possible to evacuate this air through the dispensing device and to fill the plunger tube and the pump chamber with fluid from the reservoir. However, it is unthinkable to prime the pump before marketing the dispenser, the liquid in the pump may be altered or leak. This could put off the buyer who of course prefers to buy a distributor and a product intact. In addition, the conservation and purity constraints are considerable for this type of product. On a display, the consumer can therefore never observe such a new fluid dispenser with an invisible dip tube, even if the marketing objective of the package was initially the aesthetic appearance of a transparent bottle.

EP 0 763 469 décrit un procédé de conditionnement de l'art antérieur. US 5 875 932 décrit un dispositif de conditionnement selon le préambule de la revendication 8 et EP 1 514 802 décrit une cloche à vide reliée à une pompe à vide permettant de faire le vide dans une bouteille. EP 0 763 469 discloses a packaging method of the prior art. US 5,875,932 discloses a packaging device according to the preamble of claim 8 and EP 1,514,802 describes a vacuum bell connected to a vacuum pump for evacuating a bottle.

La présente invention a donc pour but de fournir un procédé et un dispositif de conditionnement permettant d'obtenir un distributeur de produit fluide dont le tube plongeur est invisible dans un réservoir transparent contenant du produit transparent, ceci même avant son amorçage ou son premier actionnement.The present invention therefore aims to provide a method and a packaging device for obtaining a fluid dispenser whose dip tube is invisible in a transparent container containing transparent product, even before priming or its first actuation.

La présente invention a également pour but de fournir un procédé et un dispositif de conditionnement permettant d'obtenir un distributeur de produit fluide dont l'existence d'un tube plongeur est insoupçonnable et ne vient pas gâcher l'allure générale du flacon qui le contient.The present invention also aims to provide a method and a packaging device for obtaining a fluid dispenser whose existence of a dip tube is unsuspected and does not spoil the general appearance of the bottle that contains it .

La présente invention a aussi pour but de fournir un procédé et un dispositif de conditionnement de distributeurs de produit fluide qui soient simples et peu coûteux à appliquer, et qui soient adaptables à tous les distributeurs de produit fluide existants comportant un tube plongeur.The present invention also aims to provide a method and a device for packaging fluid dispensers that are simple and inexpensive to apply, and which are adaptable to all existing fluid dispensers having a dip tube.

La présente invention a donc pour objet un procédé de conditionnement de distributeur de produit fluide selon la revendication 1.The subject of the present invention is therefore a method for packaging a fluid dispenser according to claim 1.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation avantageux, le procédé comprend les étapes successives suivantes :

  1. a. monter de manière non étanche le dispositif de distribution (3) sur le réservoir, de sorte que le tube plongeur est immergé dans le produit fluide, tout en restant rempli d'air,
  2. b. soumettre à un vide le contenu du réservoir et donc le tube plongeur, de sorte que le tube plongeur est évacué de son air,
  3. c. remettre le contenu du réservoir à la pression atmosphérique, et
  4. d. assembler de manière étanche le dispositif de distribution sur le réservoir.
According to a first advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the following successive steps:
  1. at. sealingly mounting the dispensing device (3) on the tank, so that the dip tube is immersed in the fluid while remaining filled with air,
  2. b. vacuum the contents of the tank and thus the dip tube, so that the dip tube is removed from its air,
  3. vs. return the contents of the tank to atmospheric pressure, and
  4. d. sealingly assemble the dispensing device on the reservoir.

Avantageusement, il comprend de soumettre à un vide simultanément plusieurs tubes plongeurs.Advantageously, it comprises subjecting several plunger tubes to a vacuum simultaneously.

Selon un second mode de réalisation, le distributeur comprend un système d'éventation définissant un passage d'éventation apte à faire communiquer l'intérieur du réservoir avec l'extérieur, le procédé comprend d'évacuer l'air du tube plongeur à travers le passage d'éventation du distributeur. Avantageusement, l'étape d'évacuation de l'air est effectuée après ou pendant le montage étanche du dispositif de distribution sur le réservoir. De préférence, le système d'éventation est formé par le dispositif de distribution, qui comprend en outre un poussoir actionnable axialement, le passage d'éventation du système d'éventation étant ouvert lorsque le poussoir est légèrement actionné, l'étape d'évacuation du tube plongeur étant effectuée alors que le poussoir est légèrement actionné pour maintenir le passage d'éventation ouvert.According to a second embodiment, the dispenser comprises a venting system defining a vent passage capable of communicating the inside of the tank with the outside, the method comprises of evacuating the air from the dip tube through the venting passage of the dispenser. Advantageously, the air evacuation step is performed after or during the sealed assembly of the dispensing device on the reservoir. Preferably, the venting system is formed by the dispensing device, which further comprises an axially operable pusher, the ventilation passage of the venting system being open when the pusher is lightly actuated, the evacuation step dip tube being performed while the pusher is lightly actuated to maintain the vent passage open.

La présente invention a également pour objet un dispositif de conditionnement pour conditionner un distributeur de produit fluide selon la revendication 8.The present invention also relates to a packaging device for packaging a fluid dispenser according to claim 8.

Avantageusement, le dispositif de distribution comprend un système d'éventation définissant un passage d'éventation apte à faire communiquer l'intérieur du réservoir avec l'extérieur, le dispositif comprenant en outre un poussoir actionnable axialement, le passage d'éventation étant ouvert lorsque le poussoir est légèrement actionné, le dispositif de conditionnement comprenant des moyens de poussée pour actionner légèrement le poussoir.Advantageously, the dispensing device comprises a venting system defining a vent passage capable of communicating the inside of the tank with the outside, the device further comprising an axially operable pusher, the venting passage being open when the pusher is slightly actuated, the packaging device comprising pushing means for slightly actuating the pusher.

Le principe de l'invention est d'évacuer l'air du tube plongeur à l'aide d'un vide pour qu'il puisse se remplir de produit fluide sans avoir à actionner le dispositif de distribution. Ceci peut se faire avec le dispositif de distribution prémonté de manière non étanche sur le réservoir ou encore en l'absence de réservoir. En variante, ceci peut se faire avec le dispositif de distribution monté en évacuant l'air à travers le passage d'éventation, maintenu ouvert, avantageusement par appui sur le poussoir.The principle of the invention is to evacuate the air from the dip tube with the aid of a vacuum so that it can fill with fluid without having to actuate the dispensing device. This can be done with the dispensing device preassembled in an unsealed manner on the tank or in the absence of tank. Alternatively, this can be done with the dispensing device mounted by venting air through the vent passage, kept open, preferably by pressing the pusher.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description détaillée suivante de celle-ci, faite en référence aux dessins joints, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en section transversale d'un distributeur de produit fluide selon l'invention avant montage de la pompe ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en section transversale d'un distributeur de produit fluide au cours d'une opération d'évacuation d'air du tube plongeur selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en section transversale d'un distributeur de produit fluide après évacuation et fixation de la pompe ;
  • les figures 4a à 4e illustrent un second mode de réalisation de l'invention à travers cinq stades de conditionnement ; et
  • les figures 5a et 5b sont des vues en coupe transversale verticale à travers une pompe utilisable dans le second mode de réalisation des figures 4a à 4e, respectivement en position de repos et en position légèrement actionnée pour ouvrir le passage d'éventation.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly in the course of the following detailed description thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples, and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser according to the invention before mounting the pump;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser during an air evacuation operation of the dip tube according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser after evacuation and attachment of the pump;
  • the Figures 4a to 4e illustrate a second embodiment of the invention through five stages of conditioning; and
  • the Figures 5a and 5b are views in vertical cross-section through a pump that can be used in the second embodiment of the Figures 4a to 4e , respectively in the rest position and in the slightly actuated position to open the vent passage.

En se référant indifféremment aux figures, le distributeur de produit fluide selon la présente invention comporte un réservoir transparent 1 rempli de produit fluide 10 et un dispositif de distribution 3 comprenant un tube plongeur 2 destiné à prélever le fluide 10 contenu par le réservoir 1 lors de l'actionnement du dispositif de distribution 3.Referring indifferently to the figures, the fluid dispenser according to the present invention comprises a transparent reservoir 1 filled with fluid product 10 and a dispensing device 3 comprising a dip tube 2 intended to take the fluid 10 contained by the reservoir 1 during actuation of the dispensing device 3.

Le réservoir 1 peut être de toutes formes. Il présente généralement une ouverture sous la forme d'un col 11, dont l'extrémité supérieure forme une bride annulaire 13. Le réservoir est réalisé en un matériau transparent, en verre, en plastique ou autre.The tank 1 can be of any shape. It generally has an opening in the form of a neck 11 whose upper end forms an annular flange 13. The reservoir is made of a transparent material, glass, plastic or other.

Le dispositif de distribution 3 comporte un organe de distribution 31, tel qu'une pompe pourvue d'un tube plongeur 2 et un dispositif de fixation 32, 34 pour fixer l'organe de distribution 31 sur le col 11 du réservoir de produit fluide 1, avantageusement avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité 35.The dispensing device 3 comprises a dispensing member 31, such as a pump provided with a dip tube 2 and a fastening device 32, 34 for fixing the dispenser member 31 on the neck 11 of the fluid reservoir 1 , advantageously with the interposition of a seal 35.

Le tube plongeur 2 est réalisé en tout type de matériau avantageusement transparent bien connu de l'homme du métier. Le tube plongeur 2 est raccordé à l'entrée de l'organe de distribution 31 et définit une extrémité libre qui s'étend dans le réservoir jusqu'à son fond ou à proximité de celui-ci.The dip tube 2 is made of any type of advantageously transparent material well known to those skilled in the art. The dip tube 2 is connected to the inlet of the dispenser member 31 and defines a free end which extends into the tank to its bottom or near it.

Le dispositif de fixation comprend une bague de fixation 32 et une frette d'habillage externe 34 qui est montée de manière serrante autour de la bague. La bague 32 comprend un logement de réception apte à recevoir fixement la pompe 31 et des moyens de fixation 33 pour maintenir la bague sur le col du réservoir. Par exemple, et telle que représentée sur les figures, la bague peut comprendre une jupe qui s'étend vers le bas et qui forme des pattes souples 33 s'étendant vers le bas. Ces pattes 33 sont destinées à venir s'encliqueter sous la bride annulaire 13 formée par l'extrémité supérieure du col 11 du réservoir 1. La fixation finale du dispositif de distribution sur le réservoir est obtenue de manière traditionnelle par coulissement vers le bas et serrage radial de la frette 34 autour de la bague, comme visible sur la figure 3, après fixation de la pompe. La frette 34 est ici une frette d'habillage externe, mais il peut également s'agir d'une frette interne non visible.The fixing device comprises a fixing ring 32 and an outer trim ring 34 which is tightly mounted around the ring. The ring 32 comprises a receiving housing adapted to fixedly receive the pump 31 and fixing means 33 for holding the ring on the neck of the reservoir. For example, and as shown in the figures, the ring may comprise a skirt that extends downwardly and forms soft tabs 33 extending downwardly. These lugs 33 are intended to snap under the annular flange 13 formed by the upper end of the neck 11 of the tank 1. The final fixing of the dispensing device on the tank is obtained in the traditional way by sliding down and tightening radial band around the ring, as visible on the figure 3 , after fixing the pump. The hoop 34 is here an outer casing band, but it can also be a non-visible internal band.

Il s'agit là de moyens de fixation conventionnels d'un dispositif de distribution 3 sur le col d'un réservoir 11. Ces moyens de fixation ne sont évidemment pas les seuls possibles et tout autre type de fixation finale du dispositif de distribution sur le réservoir pourrait également convenir, comme par exemple par vissage, sertissage, collage, soudage, etc.These are conventional fastening means of a dispensing device 3 on the neck of a tank 11. These fixing means are obviously not the only ones possible and any other type of final fixing of the dispensing device on the tank could also be suitable, such as by screwing, crimping, gluing, welding, etc.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation ou de mise en oeuvre du procédé de conditionnement de l'invention, on prévoit au moins deux étapes avant la fixation finale, définitive et étanche du dispositif de distribution 3 sur le réservoir 1.According to a first embodiment or implementation of the packaging method of the invention, provision is made for at least two steps before the final, definitive and sealed fixing of the dispensing device 3 on the tank 1.

Une première étape consiste à monter ou engager de manière non étanche le dispositif de distribution 3 sur le réservoir 1, de sorte que le tube plongeur 2 soit plongé ou immergé sur sensiblement toute sa longueur à l'intérieur du fluide 10. Comme visible sur la figure 2, les pattes 33 de la bague sont positionnées sur la bride 13 de l'extrémité du col 11 du réservoir sans être encliquetées sous la bride. L'espace entre les pattes positionnées sur le bord de la bride permet au fluide 10 de rester à pression atmosphérique à ce stade. En variante, il est également possible d'engager les pattes 33 autour du col sans abaisser la frette. L'air A contenu dans le tube plongeur est alors piégé et ne peut s'en échapper, ni par son extrémité inférieure libre ouverte, ni pas son extrémité supérieure obturée par le mécanisme de clapet de la pompe. Le tube plongeur est alors visible à travers le réservoir transparent, précisément à cause de la présence de l'air A piégé dans le tube plongeur. A l'issue de cette étape, un montage provisoire non étanche 301 du dispositif de distribution 3 sur le réservoir 1 est donc obtenu.A first step is to mount or engage in a manner not sealed the dispensing device 3 on the tank 1, so that the dip tube 2 is immersed or immersed over substantially its entire length inside the fluid 10. As visible on the figure 2 , the tabs 33 of the ring are positioned on the flange 13 of the end of the neck 11 of the tank without being snapped under the flange. The space between the tabs positioned on the edge of the flange allows fluid 10 to remain at atmospheric pressure at this stage. Alternatively, it is also possible to engage the tabs 33 around the neck without lowering the hoop. Air A contained in the plunger tube is then trapped and can escape from it, either by its free open bottom end, or not its upper end closed by the valve mechanism of the pump. The dip tube is then visible through the transparent tank, precisely because of the presence of air trapped in the dip tube. At the end of this step, a non-sealed temporary assembly 301 of the dispensing device 3 on the tank 1 is thus obtained.

Une deuxième étape selon l'invention consiste à soumettre à un vide le contenu du réservoir 1 et donc le tube plongeur 2, grâce à un dispositif de conditionnement 4 qui comprend des moyens d'évacuation d'air 40, 41. Ces moyens d'évacuation peuvent par exemple comporter une cloche à vide 41 reliée à une pompe à vide 40, comme visible sur la figure 2. La cloche à vide 41 est engagée en prise étanche par tout moyen possible sur le réservoir 1 autour du dispositif de distribution 3. Dans le cas de la figure 2, la cloche est engagée en prise étanche sur l'épaulement supérieur externe du réservoir au moyen d'un joint torique. Dans ce cas, la pompe à vide 40 évacue donc l'air contenu dans l'enceinte à vide E constituée par le réservoir et le volume de la cloche 41 surplombant le réservoir. Bien entendu, la cloche à vide pourrait englober un espace de volume différent, notamment plus grand, et même soumettre à un vide le contenu de plusieurs dispositifs de distribution montés de manière non étanche sur leurs réservoirs respectifs.A second step according to the invention consists in submitting to a vacuum the contents of the tank 1 and thus the dip tube 2, thanks to a conditioning device 4 which comprises air evacuation means 40, 41. For example, evacuation may comprise a vacuum bell 41 connected to a vacuum pump 40, as visible on the figure 2 . The vacuum bell 41 is engaged in sealed engagement by any possible means on the tank 1 around the dispensing device 3. In the case of the figure 2 , the bell is engaged sealingly on the outer upper shoulder of the tank by means of an O-ring. In this case, the vacuum pump 40 thus evacuates the air contained in the vacuum chamber E constituted by the tank and the volume of the bell 41 overhanging the tank. Of course, the vacuum bell could encompass a different volume space, especially larger, and even vacuum the contents of several dispensing devices mounted unsealed on their respective tanks.

Au cours de cette deuxième étape, l'air qui se trouve à la surface du liquide du réservoir est évacué par la pompe à vide, en passant par exemple entre les pattes 33 de la bague. Simultanément, pour équilibrer les pressions du liquide contenu dans le réservoir et de l'air se trouvant dans l'enceinte E à vide, l'air du tube plongeur plongeant dans le réservoir s'échappe par l'extrémité inférieure du tube plongeur, créant des bulles d'air qui remontent à la surface du liquide 10 (voir figure 2). L'air A contenu dans le tube plongeur est progressivement remplacé par du fluide 10 du réservoir 1 qui remonte dans le tube plongeur. A l'issue de cette étape, le tube plongeur rempli de fluide est devenu invisible à travers le réservoir transparent rempli de fluide transparent ou translucide.During this second step, the air which is on the surface of the liquid of the reservoir is evacuated by the vacuum pump, for example passing between the tabs 33 of the ring. Simultaneously, to balance the pressures of the liquid contained in the reservoir and the air in the vacuum chamber E, the air from the dip tube immersed in the reservoir escapes through the lower end of the dip tube, creating air bubbles that rise to the surface of the liquid 10 (see figure 2 ). The air A contained in the dip tube is gradually replaced by fluid 10 of the tank 1 which rises in the dip tube. At the end of this step, the plunger tube filled with fluid became invisible through the transparent reservoir filled with transparent or translucent fluid.

Selon une autre étape consécutive de l'invention, le vide dans l'enceinte E est cassé, et la cloche à vide est retirée, de façon à remettre le distributeur pré-assemblé à la pression atmosphérique.According to another consecutive step of the invention, the vacuum in the chamber E is broken, and the vacuum bell is removed, so as to return the pre-assembled distributor to atmospheric pressure.

Selon une étape finale, le dispositif de distribution 3 est assemblé de manière étanche sur le réservoir 1. Cette configuration finale représentée sur la figure 3 correspond à la fixation traditionnelle déjà décrite : les pattes 33 de la bague 32 sont encliquetées sous la bride 13 et la frette 34 est abaissée pour bloquer par serrage la bague sur le col 11 du réservoir, avec interposition du joint d'étanchéité 35. Bien entendu, tout autre type d'assemblage étanche est également envisageable : vissage, sertissage, etc. A l'issue de cette étape, le distributeur neuf conditionné selon le procédé ou le dispositif de l'invention peut donc faire croire à l'absence de tube plongeur dans le flacon transparent du distributeur.In a final step, the dispensing device 3 is assembled sealingly on the tank 1. This final configuration represented on the figure 3 corresponds to the traditional fixing already described: the lugs 33 of the ring 32 are snapped under the flange 13 and the hoop 34 is lowered to clamp the ring on the neck 11 of the tank, with the interposition of the seal 35. Well Of course, any other type of tight assembly is also possible: screwing, crimping, etc. At the end of this step, the new distributor packaged according to the method or the device of the invention can therefore make believe the absence of dip tube in the transparent bottle of the dispenser.

En variante, il est également possible de fixer définitivement et de manière étanche le dispositif de distribution sur le réservoir, alors que le vide est maintenu dans l'enceinte à vide.Alternatively, it is also possible to permanently and sealingly fix the dispensing device on the reservoir, while the vacuum is maintained in the vacuum chamber.

L'invention a été décrite en référence à un premier mode de réalisation particulier de celle-ci, mais il est entendu que diverses modifications pourraient y être apportées. En particulier, le tube plongeur 2 pourrait être réalisé de manière monobloc avec le dispositif de fixation 30, 33 qui fixe la pompe sur le réservoir. L'étape a correspond alors au pré-assemblage de manière non étanche du dispositif de fixation comprenant le tube plongeur sur le réservoir. L'organe de distribution et le dispositif de fixation ne sont assemblés de manière étanche sur le col du réservoir qu'à l'étape d. Il est également envisageable de remplir le tube plongeur par évacuation de l'air sous vide avant son montage sur le réservoir, le produit fluide étant maintenu dans le tube plongeur par capillarité. Il est ainsi possible de conditionner simultanément un grand nombre de tube plongeur dans une enceinte à vide unique.The invention has been described with reference to a first particular embodiment thereof, but it is understood that various modifications could be made thereto. In particular, the dip tube 2 could be made in one piece with the fixing device 30, 33 which fixes the pump on the tank. Step a then corresponds to the non-sealing pre-assembly of the fixing device comprising the dip tube on the reservoir. The dispensing member and the fixing device are assembled in a sealed manner on the neck of the tank in step d. It is also conceivable to fill the plunger tube with evacuation of the air under vacuum before mounting it on the reservoir, the fluid product being held in the plunger tube by capillarity. It is thus possible to simultaneously package a large number of dip tubes in a single vacuum chamber.

On se référa maintenant aux figures 4a à 4e et 5a, 5b pour décrire un second mode de réalisation de mise en oeuvre de la présente invention. Dans le premier mode de réalisation décrit en référence aux figures 1 à 3, l'évacuation de l'air présent dans le tube plongeur s'effectue alors que le dispositif de distribution 3 n'est pas monté de manière définitive et étanche sur le col 11 du réservoir. Dans ce second mode de réalisation, l'évacuation du tube plongeur est effectuée avec le dispositif de distribution 3 monté de manière définitive et étanche sur le col du réservoir. L'évacuation du tube plongeur peut ainsi être effectuée juste après/ou pendant le montage étanche et définitif du dispositif de distribution sur le col de réservoir.We now refer to Figures 4a to 4e and 5a, 5b to describe a second embodiment of implementation of the present invention. In the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the evacuation of the air present in the dip tube is performed while the dispensing device 3 is not mounted permanently and sealed on the neck 11 of the tank. In this second embodiment, the evacuation of the dip tube is performed with the dispensing device 3 permanently mounted and sealed on the neck of the tank. The evacuation of the plunger tube can thus be performed just after / or during the tight and definitive assembly of the dispensing device on the tank neck.

Ce second mode de réalisation utilise également un dispositif de conditionnement 4' qui présente plusieurs caractéristiques communes avec le dispositif de conditionnement 4 du premier mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 3. Entre autre, le dispositif de conditionnement 4' comprend une cloche à vide 41 reliée à une pompe à vide 40 permettant d'évacuer l'air d'une enceinte E. La cloche 41 est destinée à venir en prise étanche avec le distributeur, et plus particulièrement avec la frette d'habillage externe 34 du dispositif de distribution 31. Pour cela, la cloche 41 définit un rebord d'appui 43 qui vient en contact étanche avec le bord annulaire supérieur de la frette 34, comme on peut le voir en référence aux figures 4c et 4d. La cloche 41 peut également comprendre un passage d'entrée d'air 42 qui fait communiquer l'intérieur de l'enceinte E avec l'atmosphère. Ce passage 42 est de préférence calibré et peut optionnellement être pourvu d'une vanne (non représentée). Un tel passage d'entrée 42 peut également être prévu dans la cloche du mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 3. D'autre part, le dispositif de conditionnement 4' forme un cône d'alignement axial 44 qui permet d'amener le dispositif de distribution 3 en position parfaitement axiale pour son montage étanche sur le col du réservoir. Le cône d'alignement 44 est situé juste en dessous et dans le prolongement du rebord d'appui 43. Dans sa partie haute, la cloche 41 est pourvue d'une tige 45 dont l'extrémité inférieure libre fait saillie à l'intérieur de la cloche 41. Le positionnement axial de cette tige peut être réglé au moyen d'une commande 46. Cette tige 45 sert de moyen de poussée pour actionner légèrement le poussoir 36 du dispositif de distribution 3, comme on le verra ci-après. Le réglage axial de la tige 45 permet d'adapter le dispositif de conditionnement 4' aux différentes configurations de poussoirs 36, qui peuvent être plus ou moins hauts.This second embodiment also uses a conditioning device 4 'which has several features in common with the packaging device 4 of the first embodiment of the invention. Figures 1 to 3 . Among other things, the conditioning device 4 'comprises a vacuum bell 41 connected to a vacuum pump 40 for evacuating air from an enclosure E. The bell 41 is intended to come into sealed engagement with the dispenser, and especially with the fret outer casing 34 of the dispensing device 31. For this, the bell 41 defines a bearing flange 43 which comes into sealing contact with the upper annular edge of the band 34, as can be seen in reference to Figures 4c and 4d . The bell 41 may also include an air inlet passage 42 which communicates the interior of the enclosure E with the atmosphere. This passage 42 is preferably calibrated and may optionally be provided with a valve (not shown). Such an inlet passage 42 may also be provided in the bell of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 . On the other hand, the conditioning device 4 'forms an axial alignment cone 44 which makes it possible to bring the dispensing device 3 in perfectly axial position for its tight fitting on the neck of the reservoir. The alignment cone 44 is located just below and in the extension of the support flange 43. In its upper part, the bell 41 is provided with a rod 45 whose free lower end protrudes inside the Bell 41. The axial positioning of this rod can be adjusted by means of a control 46. This rod 45 serves as a pushing means to slightly actuate the pusher 36 of the dispensing device 3, as will be seen below. The axial adjustment of the rod 45 makes it possible to adapt the conditioning device 4 'to the various configurations of pushers 36, which can be higher or lower.

Pour pouvoir utiliser le dispositif de conditionnement 4' et mettre en oeuvre le procédé selon le second mode de réalisation de l'invention, il est nécessaire d'utiliser un type particulier d'organe de distribution 31, à savoir un organe de distribution pourvu d'un système d'éventation définissant un passage d'éventation apte à faire communiquer l'intérieur du réservoir avec l'extérieur au travers de l'organe de distribution. Sur les figures 5a et 5b, il est représenté un organe de distribution sous la forme d'une pompe. Sur la figure 5a, la pompe est dans sa position de repos. Le poussoir n'a pas été représenté. Il s'agit d'une pompe tout à fait conventionnelle que l'on trouve fréquemment dans les domaines de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique ou encore de la pharmacie. Cette pompe comprend un corps 311 auquel est raccordé le tube plongeur 2. Le corps 311 est formé avec un trou d'éventation 312 qui traverse l'épaisseur de paroi du corps. Toutefois, le trou 312 est obturé par un piston 314 monté sur une tige d'actionnement 313 qui fait saillie axialement en dehors du corps 311. Pour maintenir le piston et la tige d'actionnement à l'intérieur du corps 311, il est prévu une virole 315 qui définit ainsi le point mort haut de repos du piston et de la tige d'actionnement. Un passage d'éventation Pe est défini entre la virole 315 et la tige d'actionnement 313, mais ce passage est obturé au niveau du piston 314 qui vient en contact étanche avec l'arête inférieure intérieure de la virole 315. Ceci est clairement visible sur la figure 5a. Additionnellement ou en variante, le piston 314 obture le trou d'éventation 312. Ainsi, le passage faisant communiquer le trou d'éventation 312 avec l'extérieur est bouché au niveau de la virole 315 et/ou au niveau du trou 312 par le piston 314.In order to be able to use the conditioning device 4 'and to implement the method according to the second embodiment of the invention, it is necessary to use a particular type of dispensing member 31, namely a dispensing member provided with a venting system defining a vent passage adapted to communicate the inside of the tank with the outside through the dispenser member. On the Figures 5a and 5b , there is shown a dispensing member in the form of a pump. On the figure 5a , the pump is in its rest position. The pusher has not been shown. This is a very conventional pump that is frequently found in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. This pump comprises a body 311 to which is connected the plunger tube 2. The body 311 is formed with a vent hole 312 which passes through the wall thickness of the body. However, the hole 312 is closed by a piston 314 mounted on an actuating rod 313 which protrudes axially outside the body 311. In order to maintain the piston and the actuating rod inside the body 311, it is provided a shell 315 which thus defines the high dead point of rest of the piston and the actuating rod. A vent passage Pe is defined between the ferrule 315 and the actuator rod 313, but this passage is closed at the piston 314 which comes into sealing contact with the inner lower edge of the ferrule 315. This is clearly visible on the figure 5a . Additionally or alternatively, the piston 314 closes the vent hole 312. Thus, the passage communicating the vent hole 312 with the outside is clogged at the ferrule 315 and / or at the hole 312 by the piston 314.

En revanche, en appuyant légèrement de manière axiale sur la tige d'actionnement 313, ce qui est effectué normalement par appui sur le poussoir, le piston 314 se décolle de la virole 315 et démasque le trou d'éventation 312. Ainsi, un passage d'éventation Pe continu est défini entre le trou d'éventation 312 et l'extérieur. Ceci est clairement visible sur la figure 5b : le passage d'éventation est représenté en traits pointillés. Ainsi, le corps 311, la tige d'actionnement 313, le piston 314 et la virole 315 forment ensemble un système d'éventation permettant de créer ou de boucher un passage d'éventation Pe faisant communiquer l'intérieur du réservoir avec l'extérieur. Ceci permet d'égaliser les pressions entre l'intérieur du réservoir et l'extérieur du réservoir, afin de ne pas créer de dépression à l'intérieur du réservoir. Le passage d'éventation Pe est formé alors que le poussoir est très légèrement actionné. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire d'actionner complètement la pompe et de distribuer une dose de produit fluide pour ouvrir le passage d'éventation. On peut ainsi dire que l'ouverture du passage d'éventation est réalisée avant un actionnement complet de la pompe.On the other hand, by pressing slightly axially on the actuating rod 313, which is normally done by pressing on the pusher, the piston 314 comes off the shell 315 and unmasks the vent hole 312. Thus, a passage Continuous Pe venting is defined between the vent hole 312 and the outside. This is clearly visible on the figure 5b : the vent passage is shown in dotted lines. Thus, the body 311, the actuating rod 313, the piston 314 and the shell 315 together form a venting system for creating or plugging a vent passage Pe communicating the interior of the tank with the outside . This makes it possible to equalize the pressures between the inside of the tank and the outside of the tank, so as not to create a depression inside the tank. The vent passage Pe is formed while the pusher is very slightly actuated. It is therefore not necessary to fully actuate the pump and dispense a dose of fluid to open the vent passage. It can thus be said that the opening of the venting passage is carried out before complete actuation of the pump.

Le second mode de réalisation de mise en oeuvre de l'invention va se servir du système d'éventation de l'organe de distribution 31 pour évacuer l'air présent à l'intérieur du réservoir et à l'intérieur du tube plongeur, de manière à remplir le tube plongeur de produit fluide.The second embodiment of implementation of the invention will use the venting system of the dispensing member 31 to evacuate the air present inside the tank and inside the plunger tube, in order to fill the plunger tube with fluid product.

On se référera maintenant aux figures 4a à 4e pour décrire un cycle complet de montage et d'évacuation d'un distributeur de produit fluide équipé d'un organe de distribution du type illustré sur les figures 5a et 5b. La figure 4a représente un distributeur comprenant un réservoir 1 formant un col 11 dans lequel a été déposé un dispositif de distribution 3. Le dispositif de distribution 3 n'est pas disposé axialement, étant donné qu'il n'a pour l'instant aucune tenue sur le col 11. Le dispositif de conditionnement 4' est situé axialement au-dessus du réservoir 1. On se référant à la figure 4b, le dispositif de conditionnement 4' a été abaissé de sorte que le dispositif de distribution 3 vient en contact avec le cône d'alignement 44 permettant de redresser de manière axiale le dispositif de distribution 3. Plus précisément, le bord d'extrémité supérieur de la frette 34 glisse à l'intérieur du cône 44 jusqu'à venir en contact avec le rebord d'appui 43. Ceci est représenté sur la figure 4c. Le contact entre la frette et le rebord d'appui n'a pas besoin d'être étanche : une fuite à cet endroit peut même s'avérer avantageux. Les pattes de la bague sont déjà en place autour du col, mais la frette d'habillage 34 n'est pas encore abaissée autour des pattes. En continuant à abaisser le dispositif de conditionnement 4', la frette 34 est abaissée autour des pattes, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 4d. L'extrémité inférieure de la frette 34 peut venir en appui sur le réservoir. En maintenant la pression sur la frette 34, il est formé une enceinte E dans laquelle est disposé le poussoir 36 de l'organe de distribution 31. Cependant, le poussoir 36 est légèrement actionné ou enfoncé par la tige 45, ce qui a pour effet d'ouvrir le système d'éventation et de définir le passage d'éventation Pe (non représenté). Ceci est représenté sur la figure 4d. L'intérieur de la cloche 41 communique alors avec l'intérieur du réservoir et de ce fait avec le tube plongeur 2 à travers le passage d'éventation. En actionnant la pompe à vide 40, un vide est créé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte E, mais également à l'intérieur du réservoir, et surtout à l'intérieur du tube plongeur 2. Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, ce vide a pour effet d'évacuer l'air du tube plongeur qui forme des bulles d'air qui regagnent le niveau supérieur de produit fluide dans le flacon, comme visible sur la figure 4d. Le tube plongeur reste alors vide d'air et de produit fluide. Le passage d'entrée d'air 42 reste avantageusement ouvert pendant le fonctionnement de la pompe 40. Il n'est en effet pas nécessaire d'avoir un vide très poussé pour évacuer l'air du tube plongeur. Le passage 42 permet de faire entrer de l'air extérieur à l'intérieur du réservoir. Sa section est calibrée en fonction de la puissance d'évacuation de la pompe à vide 40 et de la fuite éventuelle entre le rebord d'appui 43 et la frette 34. L'entrée d'air dans l'enceinte permet de décoller le rebord 43 de la frette sans avoir à arrêter la pompe à vide 40. Ceci réduit considérablement le temps du cycle de montage. De plus, il n'y a aucune vanne à commander et/ou séquencer. Dès que le tube plongeur est évacué de son air, ce qui se fait en moins de 1 seconde, il suffit de ramener l'enceinte E à la pression atmosphérique pour remplir le tube plongeur de produit fluide. Ceci est très simplement réalisé en décollant le rebord 43 de la frette, avantageusement sans couper ou stopper l'évacuation. On peut ensuite faire remonter le dispositif de conditionnement 4' pour libérer le distributeur avec son tube plongeur rempli de produit fluide, et avantageusement transparent. Ceci est visible sur la figure 4e.We will now refer to Figures 4a to 4e to describe a complete cycle of assembly and evacuation of a fluid dispenser equipped with a dispensing member of the type illustrated in FIGS. Figures 5a and 5b . The figure 4a represents a distributor comprising a reservoir 1 forming a neck 11 in which a dispensing device 3 has been deposited. The dispensing device 3 is not arranged axially, since it has as yet no holding on the 11. The conditioning device 4 'is located axially above the tank 1. Referring to FIG. figure 4b , the conditioning device 4 'has been lowered so that the dispensing device 3 comes into contact with the alignment cone 44 for axially straightening the dispensing device 3. More precisely, the upper end edge of the hoop 34 slides inside the cone 44 until it comes into contact with the bearing flange 43. This is represented on the figure 4c . The contact between the hoop and the support flange does not need to be sealed: a leak at this point can even be advantageous. The legs of the ring are already in place around the neck, but the trim band 34 is not yet lowered around the legs. By continuing to lower the conditioning device 4 ', the band 34 is lowered around the legs, as can be seen on the figure 4d . The lower end of the hoop 34 can bear against the reservoir. By maintaining the pressure on the band 34, there is formed a chamber E in which is disposed the pusher 36 of the dispenser member 31. However, the pusher 36 is slightly actuated or depressed by the rod 45, which has the effect of opening the venting system and define the vent passage Pe (not shown). This is represented on the figure 4d . The interior of the bell 41 then communicates with the interior of the tank and thereby with the dip tube 2 through the vent passage. By actuating the vacuum pump 40, a vacuum is created inside the chamber E, but also inside the tank, and especially inside the dip tube 2. As in the first embodiment, this vacuum has the effect of evacuating air from the plunger tube which forms air bubbles which regain the upper level of fluid in the bottle, as visible on the figure 4d . The dip tube then remains empty of air and fluid. The air inlet passage 42 advantageously remains open during the operation of the pump 40. It is indeed not necessary to have a very high vacuum to evacuate the air from the dip tube. The passage 42 makes it possible to introduce outside air into the tank. Its section is calibrated according to the evacuation power of the vacuum pump 40 and the possible leak between the bearing flange 43 and the ferrule 34. The air inlet into the enclosure makes it possible to take off the flange 43 of the hoop without having to stop the vacuum pump 40. This considerably reduces the time of the mounting cycle. In addition, there is no valve to order and / or sequence. As soon as the dip tube is removed from its air, which is done in less than 1 second, it is sufficient to return the chamber E to atmospheric pressure to fill the plunger tube with fluid. This is very simply done by detaching the edge 43 of the hoop, preferably without cutting or stopping the evacuation. The conditioning device 4 'can then be raised to release the dispenser with its dip tube filled with fluid and advantageously transparent. This is visible on the figure 4e .

Il est également possible d'utiliser des vannes commandées au niveau de la pompe à vide et du passage d'entrée d'air pour séquencer les phases de vide et de remise à la pression atmosphérique. Toutefois, il s'est avéré qu'une simple entrée d'air calibrée est suffisante pour établir un vide satisfaisant dans l'enceinte et casser cette enceinte sans avoir à couper l'aspiration de la pompe à vide. Le cycle de montage d'un distributeur n'est que très faiblement rallongé par l'opération d'évacuation et de remplissage du tube plongeur.It is also possible to use valves controlled at the vacuum pump and the air inlet passage to sequence the vacuum and atmospheric pressure phases. However, it has been found that a simple calibrated air inlet is sufficient to establish a satisfactory vacuum in the enclosure and break this enclosure without having to cut the suction of the vacuum pump. The mounting cycle of a dispenser is only very slightly lengthened by the evacuation and filling operation of the dip tube.

Dans les deux modes de réalisation, le tube plongeur rempli d'air est soumis à un vide d'air alors que son extrémité libre est plongée dans le produit fluide, l'air évacué étant rapidement remplacé par du produit fluide lors de la remise à la pression atmosphérique. L'évacuation de l'air du tube plongeur peut être effectuée avant ou après montage étanche et définitif du dispositif de distribution sur le réservoir.In both embodiments, the plunger tube filled with air is subjected to an air vacuum while its free end is immersed in the fluid product, the exhaust air being rapidly replaced by fluid during delivery. the atmospheric pressure. The evacuation of the air from the plunger tube can be carried out before or after sealing and definitive assembly of the dispensing device on the reservoir.

Claims (10)

  1. A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube is initially connected to the dispensing device and initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir,
    the method being characterised in that the dip tube (2) filled with air is subjected to a vacuum while its free end is immersed in the fluid product, in such a manner that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product, while the dip tube is connected to the dispensing device, before its priming or its first complete actuation.
  2. The method according to claim 1, that includes the following successive steps:
    a. fitting the dispensing device (3) onto the reservoir (1) in an unsealed manner, so that the dip tube (2) is immersed in the fluid product (10), while still filled with air,
    b. subjecting the contents of the reservoir (1) and therefore of the dip tube (2) to a vacuum, so that the dip tube is emptied of its air,
    c. returning the contents of the reservoir to atmospheric pressure, and
    d. assembling the dispensing device (3) onto the reservoir (1) in a sealed manner.
  3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes subjecting several dip tubes (2) to a vacuum simultaneously.
  4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a venting system with a venting passage (Pe) that is suitable for connecting the interior of the reservoir with the exterior, where the method includes removal of the air from the dip tube through the venting passage (Pe) of the dispenser.
  5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the air removal step takes place after or during sealed assembly of the dispensing device (3) onto the reservoir (1).
  6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the venting system is formed by the dispensing device, which also includes a push device (36) that can be operated axially, the venting passage (Pe) of the venting system being open when the push device (6) is operated slightly, the step for emptying of the dip tube (2) being effected while the push device (6) is operated slightly, in order to keep the venting passage open.
  7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an intake of air, advantageously calibrated, takes place during removal of the air.
  8. A packaging device (4, 4') used to package a fluid product dispenser, the said dispenser including a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) with a dip tube (2) intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir (1) on operation of the dispensing device (3), where the said dip tube (2) initially contains air (A), the said packaging device (4, 4') including extraction means (40, 41) to extract the air (A) contained in the said dip tube (2) immersed in the fluid product (10), characterised in that the said extraction means include a vacuum bell (41) connected to a vacuum pump (40), the said vacuum bell (41) engaging in a sealed manner with the dispenser in order to create a vacuum chamber that is partially formed by the contents of the reservoir and the dip tube.
  9. The device (4') according to claim 8, wherein the dispensing device (31) includes a venting system with a venting passage (Pe) that is suitable for connecting the interior of the reservoir with the exterior, where the device also includes a push device (36) being operated axially, the venting passage (Pe) being open when the push device (36) is operated slightly, and where the packaging device includes pushing means (45) to slightly operate the push device (36).
  10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the extraction means also include an air-intake passage (42) allowing air to enter the enclosure (E), even during the extraction process.
EP08805716.1A 2007-06-20 2008-04-28 Method and device for packaging a fluid product dispenser Not-in-force EP2170527B2 (en)

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FR0755876A FR2917650B1 (en) 2007-06-20 2007-06-20 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER
PCT/FR2008/050762 WO2008155494A1 (en) 2007-06-20 2008-04-28 Method and device for packaging a fluid product dispenser

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EP2170527A1 EP2170527A1 (en) 2010-04-07
EP2170527B1 EP2170527B1 (en) 2010-12-22
EP2170527B2 true EP2170527B2 (en) 2014-12-03

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EP (1) EP2170527B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE492351T1 (en)
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ATE492351T1 (en) 2011-01-15
ES2356700T5 (en) 2015-02-27
EP2170527A1 (en) 2010-04-07
EP2170527B1 (en) 2010-12-22
WO2008155494A1 (en) 2008-12-24
DE602008004156D1 (en) 2011-02-03
US20100199606A1 (en) 2010-08-12
FR2917650B1 (en) 2011-03-18
ES2356700T3 (en) 2011-04-12
FR2917650A1 (en) 2008-12-26
US8646245B2 (en) 2014-02-11

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