EP2608894A1 - Fluid product dispenser - Google Patents

Fluid product dispenser

Info

Publication number
EP2608894A1
EP2608894A1 EP11761659.9A EP11761659A EP2608894A1 EP 2608894 A1 EP2608894 A1 EP 2608894A1 EP 11761659 A EP11761659 A EP 11761659A EP 2608894 A1 EP2608894 A1 EP 2608894A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
space
follower piston
barrel
bacterial filter
follower
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP11761659.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2608894B1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Decottignies
Antoine LAMURÉ
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
Aptar France 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 Aptar France SAS filed Critical Aptar France SAS
Publication of EP2608894A1 publication Critical patent/EP2608894A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2608894B1 publication Critical patent/EP2608894B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
    • B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
    • B05B11/00444—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means with provision for filtering or cleaning the air flow drawn into 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
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
    • B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
    • B05B11/00446—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means the means being located at the bottom of the container or of an enclosure surrounding 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
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/028—Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
    • B65D47/2081—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve port
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/0005—Containers or packages provided with a piston or with a movable bottom or partition having approximately the same section as the container
    • B65D83/0033—Containers or packages provided with a piston or with a movable bottom or partition having approximately the same section as the container the piston being a follower-piston and the dispensing means comprising a hand-operated pressure-device at the opposite part of 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
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/007—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed being opened by deformation of a sealing element made of resiliently deformable material, e.g. flaps, skirts, duck-bill valves
    • 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
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1032—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on the reservoir for taking fluid from it.
  • the reservoir comprises a sliding shaft and a follower piston slidably displaceable inside the shaft, thus together constituting a useful storage volume for the fluid product. This useful volume decreases as the follower piston moves within the barrel.
  • the follower piston comprises at least one lip, if not two, in substantially sealing sliding contact with the barrel.
  • the barrel is further provided with a bottom disposed opposite to the dispenser member.
  • This type of tank with sliding drum and follower piston is generally associated with a distribution member of "airless” type, that is to say without air intake, so that the fluid stored at the tank interior never comes into contact with outside air through the dispensing member.
  • the sliding of the piston-follower inside the sliding shaft is effected in a perfectly sealed manner, so that outside air can not penetrate inside the reservoir between the sliding shaft and the follower piston.
  • the sliding contact between the follower piston and the barrel is not perfectly or sufficiently tight, and this for multiple reasons.
  • the The surface quality of the sliding drum is sometimes not optimal and has a certain irregularity, roughness or roughness on which the follower piston passes without local sealing contact.
  • the lip of the follower piston does not provide an effective seal with the sliding shaft.
  • the displacement of the follower piston inside the barrel is not perfectly axial, so that the lip is detached at some point from the sliding barrel. All these situations lead to the penetration of outside air inside the tank between the follower piston and the sliding shaft.
  • the amounts of air entering the tank are very small, but sometimes enough to alter, modify or damage the fluid.
  • fluid dispensers comprising a reservoir defining a cylindrical sliding shaft inside which is slidably engaged a follower piston.
  • the sliding shaft is closed at its lower end by an attached bottom defining a passage hole closed by a bacterial filter.
  • the follower piston moves, the space between the filter and the follower piston is growing and can develop bacteria despite the remote filter.
  • the invention aims to overcome this drawback of the prior art related to a dynamic leakage between the follower piston and the sliding shaft.
  • the present invention provides that the bacterial filter is integral with the follower piston.
  • This bacterial filter which can also be described as bactericidal, bacteriostatic or antibacterial, has the function of allowing the outside air to enter the space of equalization, while eliminating the bacteria or preventing them from entering the inside of the equalization space with the air.
  • the bacterial filter blocks and / or kills bacteria and any other organism capable of damaging the fluid contained in the reservoir.
  • the bacterial filter can fill at least part of the equalization space as defined at the beginning of the stroke of the follower piston.
  • the spirit of the invention is to create a barrier against bacteria carried by the outside air which comes into contact with the lip of the follower piston. This antibacterial barrier is placed inside the equalization space formed between the follower piston and the bottom, in contact with the follower piston.
  • the follower piston comprises an upper sealing lip in sliding contact with the barrel, and a lower lip provided with grooves, so that the space extends just between the two lips of the piston. -suiveur, the annular space between the lips of the follower piston and the sliding shaft is at least partially filled with a bacterial filter.
  • FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged view of the lower part of the dispenser of FIG. 1,
  • Figures 3 and 4 are views similar to Figure 2 for second and third embodiments, respectively.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are views similar to FIG. 2 for fourth and fifth embodiments, respectively.
  • Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view through another fluid dispenser incorporating a sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged view of the lower part of the dispenser of FIG. 7, and
  • Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 for a seventh embodiment of the invention.
  • the dispenser comprises a fluid reservoir 1 on which is mounted a dispensing member 2.
  • the fluid reservoir 1 defines a useful volume 10 which is filled with fluid, for example a cream.
  • the dispensing member 2 is in communication with the fluid product of the working volume 10 by an inlet provided with an inlet valve 25. When the valve 25 is open, the working volume 10 communicates with a pump chamber 26 equipped with a deformable actuating wall 23.
  • the dispensing member 2 is a particular type of pump which is not critical for the present invention. Indeed, any type of dispensing member, such as a pump, a valve or other type of dispensing nozzle can be adapted to the tank without departing from the scope of the invention, since the The heart of the invention is not located at the level of the dispensing member. However, it is preferable for the dispensing member to be of the "airless" type, that is to say without air intake, so as not to allow the introduction of outside air into the reservoir through the air. distribution organ.
  • the fluid reservoir 1 comprises a sliding shaft January 1 which has a generally cylindrical shape, for example circular.
  • the barrel 1 1 defines at its upper end a neck 15 for fixedly and sealingly receiving the dispensing member 2.
  • the barrel 1 1 contains a follower piston 14 which is intended to slide substantially sealingly inside. of the barrel 1 1.
  • the follower piston 14 here comprises two dynamic sealing lips 16 which come into sliding contact with the inside of the barrel 11.
  • the follower piston 14 moves by suction by sliding its two annular lips 16 along the shaft 1 January.
  • the useful volume 10 of the reservoir gradually decreases as the fluid product is extracted by the dispensing member 2.
  • the follower piston 14 constitutes a moving wall of the reservoir which moves when subjected to a depression.
  • the follower piston 14 may have any shape to the extent that it fulfills its function.
  • the follower piston 14 of FIG. 1 comprises two sealing lips 16: one can however imagine a follower piston comprising only one sealing lip.
  • the slider 1 1 is also provided with a bottom 12 which is disposed opposite to the neck 15 receiving the dispensing member 2.
  • the bottom 12 is here made integrally with the barrel January 1, but it is also possible consider implementing a bottom 12 which is attached to the barrel 1 1.
  • the bottom 12 thus closes the barrel January 1 and defines an equalization space E with the follower piston 14. More precisely, this equalization space E is here defined by the bottom 12, a small portion of the bottom 1 1 and the follower piston 14.
  • the equalization space E is always subjected to atmospheric pressure. For this, it is necessary to communicate the equalization space E with the outside, through a hole 13 formed for example at the bottom 12.
  • the hole 13 of the bottom 12 is provided with a set of filters 5 which comprises a support ring 51 associated with a fixing sleeve 52.
  • the ring 51 and the sleeve 52 are hollow so as to define a passage 53.
  • the support ring 51 serves to mount a bacterial F1 filter that allows the passage of air, but eliminates and / or kills bacteria.
  • the bacterial filter F1 can for example be constituted by an air permeable bacteriostatic filtering membrane.
  • the filter assembly 5 is mounted on the bottom 12 with the support ring 51 disposed within the space E and the fixing sleeve 52 inserted into the hole 13 formed in the bottom 12
  • outside air can penetrate inside the equalization space E through the through passage 53 and its bacterial filter F1.
  • the air entering the space E is thus filtered, that is to say rid of any bacteria suspended in the air.
  • This produces an equalization space E filled with bacteria-free air.
  • the air contained in the space E has no risk of contaminating, damaging or altering the fluid product contained in the working volume 10, in the event of a leakage gap between the lips 16 of the follower piston 14 and the sliding shaft 1 1.
  • the bacterial filter F1 is integrated with a filter assembly 5 which can be easily inserted by simple insertion into the hole 13 of the bottom 12.
  • the bacterial filter F1 is then disposed at inside the space E between the bottom and the follower piston.
  • FIG. 3 represents a second embodiment, in which a bacterial filter F2 is directly arranged and mounted in a hole 13 formed in the bottom 12.
  • the bacterial filter F2 can be of the same type as the bacterial filter F1, that is, say a membrane permeable to air and possessing bactericidal qualities.
  • the bottom 12 of FIG. 3 is an attached bottom, unlike the bottom 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the bottom 12 comprises a bottom wall 121 and a fastening ring 122 engaged around the bottom. a skirt January 12 formed at the lower end of the bottom January 1. It is of course necessary that the contact between the ring 122 and the skirt January 12 is sealed to prevent any introduction of outside air carrying bacteria.
  • the only air that can penetrate inside the space E is the one passing through the bacterial filter F2 located in the hole 13.
  • the bacterial filter F2 can be glued, welded, or overmoulded on the bottom 12. It the same is true for the F1 bacterial filter.
  • FIG. 4 represents a third embodiment, in which the bottom 12 is also an attached bottom, substantially similar to that of the bottom of FIG. 3.
  • the bottom wall 121 of the bottom 12 does not comprise no holes.
  • the equalization space E communicates with the outside through an air passageway formed between the ring 122 and the skirt 11.
  • the air can communicate with the outside through this aliasing 1 13 and between the ribs 123.
  • a bacterial filter F3 annular shape is disposed in this air passage between the skirt 1 12 and the ring 122.
  • This filter may for example be overmolded on the barrel 1 1 or on the bottom 12.
  • the assembly of the bottom 12 on the barrel 1 1 does not cause any complication. This ensures that the air in contact with the lips 16 is free of bacteria.
  • FIG. 5 represents a fourth embodiment, in which the bottom 12 is made in one piece with the barrel 11 and has a through hole 13.
  • the equalization space E is here partially or completely filled with a porous bacteriostatic material and breathable. This material may for example be injected into the space E through the hole 13. Alternatively, it may be disposed at the bottom of the barrel 1 1 before engagement of the follower piston.
  • the bacterial filter F4 may be integral with the bottom 12, or on the contrary of the follower piston 14. In one case as in the other, it is ensured that the air arriving at the lips 16 is free of bacteria.
  • FIG. 6 represents a fifth embodiment, in which the follower piston 14 comprises only one upper sealing lip 16 in sliding contact with the barrel 11. Its lower lip is provided with grooves 161, so that the space E extends just between the two lips of the follower piston 14.
  • the annular space situated between the lips of the follower piston and the barrel 1i is partially or completely filled with a bacterial filter F5, which may for example have the same characteristics as those of the filter F4 of Figure 5. It is thus ensured that the upper sealing lip 16 does not come into contact with air laden with bacteria.
  • FIG. 7 represents a fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir 1 associated with a dispenser member 2.
  • the dispenser member 2 is a conventional pump mounted in a fixed and leaktight manner on the neck 15 of the reservoir.
  • the dispensing member 2 is provided with a pusher 3 defining a dispensing orifice 31.
  • the dispenser comprises a protective cover 4 which cap the dispensing member 2.
  • the fluid reservoir 1 comprises a sliding shaft 1 1 associated with a follower piston 14 in order to define a useful volume of variable capacities.
  • the slide shaft 11 is provided with a bottom 12 so as to define a confinement space E between the bottom 12 and the follower piston 14. Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the bottom 12 is received by snapping into a housing 1 14 formed at the lower end of the barrel January 1.
  • the bottom 12 is made of a rigid, porous, bacteriostatic material, so that it can be said that the bottom 12 constitutes a bacterial filter F6. It is not necessary to make holes in the bottom 12.
  • the lips 16 of the follower piston 14 can only come into contact with air free of bacteria.
  • FIG. 9 represents a seventh embodiment, in which the bottom 12 is pierced with several holes 13 and comprises a layer of porous bacteriostatic material on its side facing towards the equalization space E.
  • This layer constitutes a bacterial filter F7 within the meaning of the invention.
  • This filter F7 occupies a part of the confinement space E. It may for example be deposited or applied by any technique on the bottom 12 before it is mounted in the barrel 11. Alternatively, it is possible to consider depositing the filter on the outer face of the bottom.

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser including a fluid product tank (1) and a dispensing member (2). The tank (1) comprises a cylindrical sliding barrel (11) and a follower plunger (14) including at least one lip (16) in sliding contact with the barrel (11). The sliding barrel (11) is provided with a base (12), and an equalizing space (E) is formed between the follower plunger (14) and the base (12), said space (E) being in communication with the outside in order for the space (E) to be kept at atmospheric pressure, such that the outside air penetrates said space (E) which increases in size as the follower plunger (14) moves away from the base (12) after each dispensing of fluid product. The invention is characterized in that a bacterial filter (F1) filters the outside air that comes into contact with the lip (16) of the follower plunger (14) through the equalizing space (E).

Description

Distributeur de produit fl  Product distributor fl
La présente invention concerne un distributeur de produit fluide comprenant un réservoir de produit fluide et un organe de distribution, tel qu'une pompe ou une valve, montée sur le réservoir pour y prélever du produit fluide. Le réservoir comprend un fût de coulissement et un piston- suiveur déplaçable par coulissement à l'intérieur du fût, constituant ainsi ensemble un volume utile de stockage pour le produit fluide. Ce volume utile décroît à mesure que le piston-suiveur se déplace à l'intérieur du fût. En général, le piston-suiveur comprend au moins une lèvre, sinon deux, en contact de coulissement sensiblement étanche avec le fût. Le fût est d'autre part pourvu d'un fond disposé de manière opposée à l'organe de distribution. Un espace d'égalisation est ainsi formé entre le piston-suiveur et le fond : cet espace communiquant avec l'extérieur pour maintenir l'espace E à la pression atmosphérique, de sorte que de l'air extérieur pénètre dans cet espace qui grandit à mesure que le piston-suiveur s'éloigne du fond après chaque distribution de produit fluide. Il s'agit là d'une conception tout à fait classique dans le domaine de la cosmétique. Toutefois, ce type de distributeur peut également être utilisé dans d'autres domaines, comme par exemple ceux de la pharmacie ou même de la parfumerie. The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on the reservoir for taking fluid from it. The reservoir comprises a sliding shaft and a follower piston slidably displaceable inside the shaft, thus together constituting a useful storage volume for the fluid product. This useful volume decreases as the follower piston moves within the barrel. In general, the follower piston comprises at least one lip, if not two, in substantially sealing sliding contact with the barrel. The barrel is further provided with a bottom disposed opposite to the dispenser member. An equalization space is thus formed between the follower piston and the bottom: this space communicating with the outside to maintain the space E at atmospheric pressure, so that outside air enters this space which grows to as the follower piston moves away from the bottom after each dispensing fluid. This is a concept quite classic in the field of cosmetics. However, this type of dispenser can also be used in other areas, such as those of the pharmacy or even perfumery.
Ce type de réservoir à fût de coulissement et piston-suiveur est en général associé avec un organe de distribution de type « airless », c'est-à- dire sans reprise d'air, de sorte que le produit fluide stocké à l'intérieur du réservoir ne rentre jamais en contact avec de l'air extérieur à travers l'organe de distribution.  This type of tank with sliding drum and follower piston is generally associated with a distribution member of "airless" type, that is to say without air intake, so that the fluid stored at the tank interior never comes into contact with outside air through the dispensing member.
En théorie, le coulissement du piston-suiveur à l'intérieur du fût de coulissement s'effectue de manière parfaitement étanche, de sorte que de l'air extérieur ne peut pas pénétrer à l'intérieur du réservoir entre le fût de coulissement et le piston-suiveur. Cependant, en pratique, il s'avère que le contact coulissement entre le piston-suiveur et le fût n'est pas parfaitement ou suffisamment étanche, et ceci pour des raisons multiples. Par exemple, la qualité de surface du fût de coulissement n'est parfois pas optimale et présente une certaine irrégularité, rugosité ou aspérité sur laquelle le piston- suiveur passe sans contact étanche local. Dans d'autres cas, la lèvre du piston-suiveur ne permet pas de réaliser une étanchéité efficace avec le fût de coulissement. Encore dans d'autres cas, le déplacement du piston- suiveur à l'intérieur du fût n'est pas parfaitement axial, de sorte que la lèvre se décolle par endroit du fût de coulissement. Toutes ces situations conduisent à faire pénétrer de l'air extérieur à l'intérieur du réservoir entre le piston-suiveur et le fût de coulissement. Bien entendu, les quantités d'air pénétrant à l'intérieur du réservoir sont très réduites, mais suffisent parfois à altérer, modifier ou détériorer le produit fluide. In theory, the sliding of the piston-follower inside the sliding shaft is effected in a perfectly sealed manner, so that outside air can not penetrate inside the reservoir between the sliding shaft and the follower piston. However, in practice, it turns out that the sliding contact between the follower piston and the barrel is not perfectly or sufficiently tight, and this for multiple reasons. For example, the The surface quality of the sliding drum is sometimes not optimal and has a certain irregularity, roughness or roughness on which the follower piston passes without local sealing contact. In other cases, the lip of the follower piston does not provide an effective seal with the sliding shaft. In yet other cases, the displacement of the follower piston inside the barrel is not perfectly axial, so that the lip is detached at some point from the sliding barrel. All these situations lead to the penetration of outside air inside the tank between the follower piston and the sliding shaft. Of course, the amounts of air entering the tank are very small, but sometimes enough to alter, modify or damage the fluid.
Dans l'art antérieur, les documents WO2009/109370 et EP2251093 décrivent des distributeurs de produit fluide comprenant un réservoir définissant un fût de coulissement cylindrique à l'intérieur duquel est engagé à coulissement un piston suiveur. Le fût de coulissement est obturé à son extrémité inférieure par un fond rapporté définissant un trou de passage obturé par un filtre bactérien. A mesure que le piston suiveur se déplace, l'espace entre le filtre et le piston suiveur est grandissant et peut développer des bactéries malgré le filtre distant.  In the prior art, the documents WO2009 / 109370 and EP2251093 describe fluid dispensers comprising a reservoir defining a cylindrical sliding shaft inside which is slidably engaged a follower piston. The sliding shaft is closed at its lower end by an attached bottom defining a passage hole closed by a bacterial filter. As the follower piston moves, the space between the filter and the follower piston is growing and can develop bacteria despite the remote filter.
L'invention a pour but de remédier à cet inconvénient de l'art antérieur lié à un défaut d'étanchéité dynamique entre le piston-suiveur et le fût de coulissement.  The invention aims to overcome this drawback of the prior art related to a dynamic leakage between the follower piston and the sliding shaft.
Pour ce faire, la présente invention prévoit que le filtre bactérien est solidaire du piston-suiveur. Ce filtre bactérien, qui peut également être qualifié de bactéricide, bactériostatique ou antibactérien, a pour fonction de laisser pénétrer l'air extérieur à l'intérieur de l'espace d'égalisation, tout en éliminant les bactéries ou en les empêchant de pénétrer à l'intérieur de l'espace d'égalisation avec l'air. Le filtre bactérien bloque et/ou tue les bactéries et tout autre organisme à même de détériorer le produit fluide contenu dans le réservoir. Le filtre bactérien peut remplir au moins en partie l'espace d'égalisation tel que défini en début de course du piston-suiveur. L'esprit de l'invention est de créer une barrière contre les bactéries acheminées par l'air extérieur qui vient en contact avec la lèvre du piston- suiveur. Cette barrière antibactérienne est placée à l'intérieur de l'espace d'égalisation formée entre le piston-suiveur et le fond, en contact avec le piston suiveur. To do this, the present invention provides that the bacterial filter is integral with the follower piston. This bacterial filter, which can also be described as bactericidal, bacteriostatic or antibacterial, has the function of allowing the outside air to enter the space of equalization, while eliminating the bacteria or preventing them from entering the inside of the equalization space with the air. The bacterial filter blocks and / or kills bacteria and any other organism capable of damaging the fluid contained in the reservoir. The bacterial filter can fill at least part of the equalization space as defined at the beginning of the stroke of the follower piston. The spirit of the invention is to create a barrier against bacteria carried by the outside air which comes into contact with the lip of the follower piston. This antibacterial barrier is placed inside the equalization space formed between the follower piston and the bottom, in contact with the follower piston.
Selon une mode de réalisation, lequel le piston-suiveur ne comprend une lèvre d'étanchéité supérieure en contact coulissant avec le fût, et une lèvre inférieure pourvue de rainures, de sorte que l'espace s'étend juste entre les deux lèvres du piston-suiveur, l'espace annulaire situé entre les lèvres du piston-suiveur et le fût de coulissement est au moins partiellement rempli avec un filtre bactérien.  According to one embodiment, the follower piston comprises an upper sealing lip in sliding contact with the barrel, and a lower lip provided with grooves, so that the space extends just between the two lips of the piston. -suiveur, the annular space between the lips of the follower piston and the sliding shaft is at least partially filled with a bacterial filter.
L'invention sera maintenant plus amplement décrite en référence aux dessins joints donnant à titre d'exemples non limitatifs plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention.  The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings which give by way of non-limiting examples several embodiments of the invention.
Sur les figures :  In the figures:
La figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale verticale à travers un distributeur de produit fluide selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,  FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention,
La figure 2 est une vue fortement agrandie de la partie basse du distributeur de la figure 1 ,  FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged view of the lower part of the dispenser of FIG. 1,
Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues similaires à la figure 2 pour des deuxième et troisième modes de réalisation, respectivement,  Figures 3 and 4 are views similar to Figure 2 for second and third embodiments, respectively,
Les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues similaires à la figure 2 pour des quatrième et cinquième modes de réalisation, respectivement,  FIGS. 5 and 6 are views similar to FIG. 2 for fourth and fifth embodiments, respectively,
La figure 7 est une vue en section transversale verticale à travers un autre distributeur de produit fluide intégrant un sixième mode de réalisation de l'invention,  Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view through another fluid dispenser incorporating a sixth embodiment of the invention;
La figure 8 est une vue fortement agrandie de la partie basse du distributeur de la figure 7, et  FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged view of the lower part of the dispenser of FIG. 7, and
La figure 9 est une vue similaire à la figure 8 pour un septième mode de réalisation de l'invention. On se référera tout d'abord à la figure 1 pour décrire en détail la structure d'un distributeur de produit fluide apte à intégrer un filtre bactérien selon l'invention. Le distributeur comprend un réservoir de produit fluide 1 sur lequel est monté un organe de distribution 2. Le réservoir de produit fluide 1 définit un volume utile 10 qui est rempli de produit fluide, par exemple une crème. L'organe de distribution 2 est en communication avec le produit fluide du volume utile 10 par une entrée pourvue d'un clapet d'entrée 25. Lorsque le clapet 25 est ouvert, le volume utile 10 communique avec une chambre de pompe 26 dotée d'une paroi d'actionnement déformable 23. Par appui sur cette paroi d'actionnement 23, le volume de la chambre 26 diminue, ce qui a pour effet de fermer le clapet d'entrée 25 et d'ouvrir un clapet de sortie de manière à définir un passage de sortie pour le produit fluide à travers un orifice de distribution 27. L'organe de distribution 2 est un type particulier de pompe qui n'est pas critique pour la présente invention. En effet, on peut adapter n'importe quel type d'organe de distribution, tel qu'une pompe, une valve ou un autre type d'embout de distribution sur le réservoir sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, étant donné que le cœur de l'invention ne se situe pas au niveau de l'organe de distribution. Cependant, il est préférable que l'organe de distribution soit du type « airless », c'est-à-dire sans reprise d'air, de manière à ne pas permettre l'introduction d'air extérieur dans le réservoir à travers l'organe de distribution. Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 for a seventh embodiment of the invention. Referring firstly to Figure 1 to describe in detail the structure of a fluid dispenser adapted to integrate a bacterial filter according to the invention. The dispenser comprises a fluid reservoir 1 on which is mounted a dispensing member 2. The fluid reservoir 1 defines a useful volume 10 which is filled with fluid, for example a cream. The dispensing member 2 is in communication with the fluid product of the working volume 10 by an inlet provided with an inlet valve 25. When the valve 25 is open, the working volume 10 communicates with a pump chamber 26 equipped with a deformable actuating wall 23. By pressing on this actuating wall 23, the volume of the chamber 26 decreases, which has the effect of closing the inlet valve 25 and opening an outlet valve so as to defining an outlet passage for the fluid product through a dispensing orifice 27. The dispensing member 2 is a particular type of pump which is not critical for the present invention. Indeed, any type of dispensing member, such as a pump, a valve or other type of dispensing nozzle can be adapted to the tank without departing from the scope of the invention, since the The heart of the invention is not located at the level of the dispensing member. However, it is preferable for the dispensing member to be of the "airless" type, that is to say without air intake, so as not to allow the introduction of outside air into the reservoir through the air. distribution organ.
Le réservoir de produit fluide 1 comprend un fût de coulissement 1 1 qui présente une forme générale cylindrique, par exemple circulaire. Le fût 1 1 définit à son extrémité supérieure un col 15 destiné à recevoir de manière fixe et étanche l'organe de distribution 2. Le fût 1 1 contient un piston-suiveur 14 qui est destiné à coulisser de manière sensiblement étanche à l'intérieur du fût 1 1 . Le piston-suiveur 14 comprend ici deux lèvres d'étanchéité dynamiques 16 qui viennent en contact coulissant avec l'intérieur du fût 1 1 . Lorsque l'on actionne l'organe de distribution 2 par enfoncement de la paroi d'actionnement 23, le piston-suiveur 14 reste en place dans le fût 1 1 . En revanche, lorsque l'on relâche la pression sur la paroi d'actionnement 23, une dépression est générée à l'intérieur de la chambre 26, ce qui a pour effet d'ouvrir le clapet d'entrée 25 et de communiquer la dépression à l'intérieur du volume utile 10. En réaction, le piston-suiveur 14 se déplace par aspiration en faisant coulisser ses deux lèvres annulaires 16 le long du fût 1 1 . De cette manière, le volume utile 10 du réservoir diminue progressivement à mesure que du produit fluide en est extrait par l'organe de distribution 2. Il s'agit là d'une technique tout à fait classique pour réaliser un réservoir de volume utile variable destiné à être associé à un organe de distribution « airless ». Le piston-suiveur 14 constitue une paroi mobile du réservoir qui se déplace lorsque soumis à une dépression. Le piston-suiveur 14 peut présenter des formes quelconques dans la mesure où il remplit sa fonction. Le piston- suiveur 14 de la figure 1 comprend deux lèvres d'étanchéité 16 : on peut cependant imaginer un piston-suiveur ne comprenant qu'une seule lèvre d'étanchéité. The fluid reservoir 1 comprises a sliding shaft January 1 which has a generally cylindrical shape, for example circular. The barrel 1 1 defines at its upper end a neck 15 for fixedly and sealingly receiving the dispensing member 2. The barrel 1 1 contains a follower piston 14 which is intended to slide substantially sealingly inside. of the barrel 1 1. The follower piston 14 here comprises two dynamic sealing lips 16 which come into sliding contact with the inside of the barrel 11. When the dispensing member 2 is actuated by depressing the actuating wall 23, the follower piston 14 remains in place in the barrel 11. On the other hand, when the pressure on the actuating wall 23 is released, a depression is generated inside the chamber 26, which has the effect of opening the inlet valve 25 and communicating the depression within the working volume 10. In response, the follower piston 14 moves by suction by sliding its two annular lips 16 along the shaft 1 January. In this way, the useful volume 10 of the reservoir gradually decreases as the fluid product is extracted by the dispensing member 2. This is a quite conventional technique to achieve a reservoir of variable useful volume intended to be associated with an "airless" distribution member. The follower piston 14 constitutes a moving wall of the reservoir which moves when subjected to a depression. The follower piston 14 may have any shape to the extent that it fulfills its function. The follower piston 14 of FIG. 1 comprises two sealing lips 16: one can however imagine a follower piston comprising only one sealing lip.
Le fût de coulissement 1 1 est également pourvu d'un fond 12 qui est disposé de manière opposée au col 15 recevant l'organe de distribution 2. Le fond 12 est ici réalisé de manière monobloc avec le fût 1 1 , mais on peut également envisager de mettre en œuvre un fond 12 qui est rapporté sur le fût 1 1 . Le fond 12 obture ainsi le fût 1 1 et définit un espace d'égalisation E avec le piston-suiveur 14. Plus précisément, cet espace d'égalisation E est ici défini par le fond 12, une petite partie du fond 1 1 et le piston-suiveur 14. Pour permettre au piston-suiveur 14 de se déplacer dans le fût 1 1 lorsque soumis à une dépression, il est nécessaire que l'espace d'égalisation E soit toujours soumis à la pression atmosphérique. Pour cela, il est nécessaire de faire communiquer l'espace d'égalisation E avec l'extérieur, à travers un trou 13 formé par exemple au niveau du fond 12.  The slider 1 1 is also provided with a bottom 12 which is disposed opposite to the neck 15 receiving the dispensing member 2. The bottom 12 is here made integrally with the barrel January 1, but it is also possible consider implementing a bottom 12 which is attached to the barrel 1 1. The bottom 12 thus closes the barrel January 1 and defines an equalization space E with the follower piston 14. More precisely, this equalization space E is here defined by the bottom 12, a small portion of the bottom 1 1 and the follower piston 14. To allow the follower piston 14 to move in the barrel 1 1 when subjected to a vacuum, it is necessary that the equalization space E is always subjected to atmospheric pressure. For this, it is necessary to communicate the equalization space E with the outside, through a hole 13 formed for example at the bottom 12.
Selon l'invention, le trou 13 du fond 12 est pourvu d'un ensemble de filtres 5 qui comprend une couronne de support 51 associée à une douille de fixation 52. La couronne 51 et la douille 52 sont creuses de manière à définir un passage traversant 53. La couronne de support 51 sert au montage d'un filtre bactérien F1 qui autorise le passage de l'air, mais qui élimine et/ou tue les bactéries. Le filtre bactérien F1 peut par exemple être constitué par une membrane filtrante bactériostatique perméable à l'air. Comme visible plus clairement sur la figure 2, l'ensemble de filtres 5 est monté sur le fond 12 avec la couronne de support 51 disposée à l'intérieur de l'espace E et la douille de fixation 52 insérée dans le trou 13 formé dans le fond 12. Ainsi, de l'air extérieur peut pénétrer à l'intérieur de l'espace d'égalisation E à travers le passage traversant 53 et son filtre bactérien F1 . L'air pénétrant dans l'espace E est ainsi filtré, c'est-à-dire débarrassé des éventuelles bactéries en suspension dans l'air. On obtient ainsi un espace d'égalisation E rempli d'un air exempt de bactéries. De cette manière, l'air contenu dans l'espace E n'a aucun risque de contaminer, détériorer ou altérer le produit fluide contenu dans le volume utile 10, en cas de défaut d'étanchéité entre les lèvres 16 du piston-suiveur 14 et le fût de coulissement 1 1 . According to the invention, the hole 13 of the bottom 12 is provided with a set of filters 5 which comprises a support ring 51 associated with a fixing sleeve 52. The ring 51 and the sleeve 52 are hollow so as to define a passage 53. The support ring 51 serves to mount a bacterial F1 filter that allows the passage of air, but eliminates and / or kills bacteria. The bacterial filter F1 can for example be constituted by an air permeable bacteriostatic filtering membrane. As visible anymore clearly in Figure 2, the filter assembly 5 is mounted on the bottom 12 with the support ring 51 disposed within the space E and the fixing sleeve 52 inserted into the hole 13 formed in the bottom 12 Thus, outside air can penetrate inside the equalization space E through the through passage 53 and its bacterial filter F1. The air entering the space E is thus filtered, that is to say rid of any bacteria suspended in the air. This produces an equalization space E filled with bacteria-free air. In this way, the air contained in the space E has no risk of contaminating, damaging or altering the fluid product contained in the working volume 10, in the event of a leakage gap between the lips 16 of the follower piston 14 and the sliding shaft 1 1.
Dans le mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2, le filtre bactérien F1 est intégré à un ensemble de filtre 5 qui peut aisément être mis en place par simple insertion dans le trou 13 du fond 12. Le filtre bactérien F1 est alors disposé à l'intérieur de l'espace E entre le fond et le piston-suiveur.  In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the bacterial filter F1 is integrated with a filter assembly 5 which can be easily inserted by simple insertion into the hole 13 of the bottom 12. The bacterial filter F1 is then disposed at inside the space E between the bottom and the follower piston.
La figure 3 représente un deuxième de réalisation, dans lequel un filtre bactérien F2 est directement disposé et monté dans un trou 13 formé dans le fond 12. Le filtre bactérien F2 peut être du même type que le filtre bactérien F1 , c'est-à-dire une membrane perméable à l'air et possédant des qualités bactéricides. Il est à noter que le fond 12 de la figure 3 est un fond rapporté, contrairement au fond 12 des figures 1 et 2. Pour cela, le fond 12 comprend une paroi de fond 121 ainsi qu'une bague de fixation 122 engagée autour d'une jupe 1 12 formée à l'extrémité inférieure du fond 1 1 . Il est bien entendu nécessaire que le contact entre la bague 122 et la jupe 1 12 est étanche pour empêcher toute introduction d'air extérieur porteur de bactéries. De cette manière, le seul air qui peut pénétrer à l'intérieur de l'espace E est celui traversant le filtre bactérien F2 situé dans le trou 13. Le filtre bactérien F2 peut être collé, soudé, ou surmoulé sur le fond 12. Il en est de même pour le filtre bactérien F1 .  FIG. 3 represents a second embodiment, in which a bacterial filter F2 is directly arranged and mounted in a hole 13 formed in the bottom 12. The bacterial filter F2 can be of the same type as the bacterial filter F1, that is, say a membrane permeable to air and possessing bactericidal qualities. It should be noted that the bottom 12 of FIG. 3 is an attached bottom, unlike the bottom 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For this purpose, the bottom 12 comprises a bottom wall 121 and a fastening ring 122 engaged around the bottom. a skirt January 12 formed at the lower end of the bottom January 1. It is of course necessary that the contact between the ring 122 and the skirt January 12 is sealed to prevent any introduction of outside air carrying bacteria. In this way, the only air that can penetrate inside the space E is the one passing through the bacterial filter F2 located in the hole 13. The bacterial filter F2 can be glued, welded, or overmoulded on the bottom 12. It the same is true for the F1 bacterial filter.
La figure 4 représente un troisième mode de réalisation, dans lequel le fond 12 est également un fond rapporté, sensiblement similaire à celui du fond de la figure 3. Toutefois, la paroi de fond 121 du fond 12 ne comporte pas de trous. L'espace d'égalisation E communique toutefois avec l'extérieur à travers un passage d'air formé entre la bague 122 et la jupe 1 12. On peut par exemple prévoir un crénelage 1 13 au niveau du bord inférieur de la jupe 1 12 et des nervures internes au niveau de la bague 123. Ainsi, l'air peut communiquer avec l'extérieur à travers ce crénelage 1 13 et entre les nervures 123. Selon l'invention, un filtre bactérien F3 de forme annulaire est disposé dans ce passage d'air entre la jupe 1 12 et la bague 122. L'intégralité de l'air pénétrant à l'intérieur de l'espace E est ainsi obligée de passer à travers ce filtre bactérien F3. Ce filtre peut par exemple être surmoulé sur le fût 1 1 ou sur le fond 12. L'assemblage du fond 12 sur le fût 1 1 n'engendre aucune complication. On assure ainsi que l'air en contact avec les lèvres 16 est exempt de bactéries. FIG. 4 represents a third embodiment, in which the bottom 12 is also an attached bottom, substantially similar to that of the bottom of FIG. 3. However, the bottom wall 121 of the bottom 12 does not comprise no holes. The equalization space E, however, communicates with the outside through an air passageway formed between the ring 122 and the skirt 11. For example, it is possible to provide an aliasing 13 at the lower edge of the skirt 12. and internal ribs at the ring 123. Thus, the air can communicate with the outside through this aliasing 1 13 and between the ribs 123. According to the invention, a bacterial filter F3 annular shape is disposed in this air passage between the skirt 1 12 and the ring 122. The entire air penetrating inside the space E is thus forced to pass through this bacterial filter F3. This filter may for example be overmolded on the barrel 1 1 or on the bottom 12. The assembly of the bottom 12 on the barrel 1 1 does not cause any complication. This ensures that the air in contact with the lips 16 is free of bacteria.
La figure 5 représente un quatrième mode de réalisation, dans lequel le fond 12 est réalisé de manière monobloc avec le fût 1 1 et comporte un trou traversant 13. L'espace d'égalisation E est ici partiellement ou totalement rempli avec un matériau poreux bactériostatique et perméable à l'air. Ce matériau peut par exemple être injecté dans l'espace E à travers le trou 13. En variante, il peut être disposé au fond du fût 1 1 avant engagement du piston-suiveur. Le filtre bactérien F4 peut être solidaire du fond 12, ou au contraire du piston-suiveur 14. Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, on assure que l'air arrivant au niveau des lèvres 16 est exempt de bactéries.  FIG. 5 represents a fourth embodiment, in which the bottom 12 is made in one piece with the barrel 11 and has a through hole 13. The equalization space E is here partially or completely filled with a porous bacteriostatic material and breathable. This material may for example be injected into the space E through the hole 13. Alternatively, it may be disposed at the bottom of the barrel 1 1 before engagement of the follower piston. The bacterial filter F4 may be integral with the bottom 12, or on the contrary of the follower piston 14. In one case as in the other, it is ensured that the air arriving at the lips 16 is free of bacteria.
La figure 6 représente un cinquième mode de réalisation, dans lequel le piston-suiveur 14 ne comprend qu'une seule lèvre d'étanchéité supérieure 16 en contact coulissant avec le fût 1 1 . Sa lèvre inférieure est pourvue de rainures 161 , de sorte que l'espace E s'étend juste entre les deux lèvres du piston-suiveur 14. Selon l'invention, l'espace annulaire situé entre les lèvres du piston-suiveur et le fût de coulissement 1 1 est partiellement ou entièrement rempli avec un filtre bactérien F5, qui peut par exemple présenter les mêmes caractéristiques que celles du filtre F4 de la figure 5. On garantit ainsi que la lèvre d'étanchéité supérieure 16 ne vient pas en contact avec de l'air chargé de bactéries. La figure 7 représente un distributeur de produit fluide comprenant un réservoir 1 associé à un organe de distribution 2. L'organe de distribution 2 est une pompe classique montée de manière fixe et étanche sur le col 15 du réservoir. L'organe de distribution 2 est pourvu d'un poussoir 3 définissant un orifice de distribution 31 . OptionneNement, le distributeur comprend un capot de protection 4 qui vient coiffer l'organe de distribution 2. Tout comme dans le distributeur de la figure 1 , le réservoir de produit fluide 1 comprend un fût de coulissement 1 1 associé à un piston-suiveur 14 de manière à définir un volume utile 10 des capacités variables. Le fût de coulissement 1 1 est pourvu d'un fond 12 de manière à définir un espace de confinement E entre le fond 12 et le piston-suiveur 14. En se référant à la figure 8, on peut voir que le fond 12 est reçu par encliquetage dans un logement 1 14 formé à l'extrémité inférieure du fût 1 1 . Selon l'invention, le fond 12 est constitué d'un matériau rigide, poreux, bactériostatique, de sorte que l'on peut dire que le fond 12 constitue un filtre bactérien F6. Il n'est pas nécessaire de réaliser de trous dans le fond 12. Les lèvres 16 du piston-suiveur 14 ne peuvent venir en contact qu'avec de l'air exempt de bactéries. FIG. 6 represents a fifth embodiment, in which the follower piston 14 comprises only one upper sealing lip 16 in sliding contact with the barrel 11. Its lower lip is provided with grooves 161, so that the space E extends just between the two lips of the follower piston 14. According to the invention, the annular space situated between the lips of the follower piston and the barrel 1i is partially or completely filled with a bacterial filter F5, which may for example have the same characteristics as those of the filter F4 of Figure 5. It is thus ensured that the upper sealing lip 16 does not come into contact with air laden with bacteria. FIG. 7 represents a fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir 1 associated with a dispenser member 2. The dispenser member 2 is a conventional pump mounted in a fixed and leaktight manner on the neck 15 of the reservoir. The dispensing member 2 is provided with a pusher 3 defining a dispensing orifice 31. Optionally, the dispenser comprises a protective cover 4 which cap the dispensing member 2. Just as in the dispenser of Figure 1, the fluid reservoir 1 comprises a sliding shaft 1 1 associated with a follower piston 14 in order to define a useful volume of variable capacities. The slide shaft 11 is provided with a bottom 12 so as to define a confinement space E between the bottom 12 and the follower piston 14. Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the bottom 12 is received by snapping into a housing 1 14 formed at the lower end of the barrel January 1. According to the invention, the bottom 12 is made of a rigid, porous, bacteriostatic material, so that it can be said that the bottom 12 constitutes a bacterial filter F6. It is not necessary to make holes in the bottom 12. The lips 16 of the follower piston 14 can only come into contact with air free of bacteria.
La figure 9 représente un septième mode de réalisation, dans lequel le fond 12 est percé de plusieurs trous 13 et comprend une couche de matériau poreux bactériostatique sur sa face orientée vers l'espace d'égalisation E. FIG. 9 represents a seventh embodiment, in which the bottom 12 is pierced with several holes 13 and comprises a layer of porous bacteriostatic material on its side facing towards the equalization space E.
Cette couche constitue un filtre bactérien F7 au sens de l'invention. Ce filtre F7 occupe une partie de l'espace de confinement E. Il peut par exemple être déposé ou appliqué par n'importe quelle technique sur le fond 12 avant son montage dans le fût 1 1 . En variante, on peut envisager de déposer le filtre sur la face externe du fond. This layer constitutes a bacterial filter F7 within the meaning of the invention. This filter F7 occupies a part of the confinement space E. It may for example be deposited or applied by any technique on the bottom 12 before it is mounted in the barrel 11. Alternatively, it is possible to consider depositing the filter on the outer face of the bottom.
Les caractéristiques mises en œuvre dans les différents modes de réalisation peuvent être associées pour créer d'autres modes de réalisation.  The features implemented in the different embodiments can be combined to create other embodiments.
Les divers modes de réalisation illustrés sur les figures présentent cependant une caractéristique commune selon laquelle l'air qui vient en contact avec la ou les lèvre(s) d'étanchéité du piston-suiveur est débarrassé de bactéries par un filtre bactérien qui peut être solidaire soit du fond, soit du piston-suiveur.  The various embodiments illustrated in the figures, however, have a common feature that the air which comes into contact with the sealing lip (s) of the follower piston is freed from bacteria by a bacterial filter which can be secured. either from the bottom or from the follower piston.

Claims

Revendications claims
1 . - Distributeur de produit fluide comprenant un réservoir de produit fluide (1 ) et un organe de distribution (2), tel qu'une pompe ou une valve, monté sur le réservoir (1 ) pour y prélever du produit fluide, le réservoir (1 ) comprenant un fût de coulissement cylindrique (1 1 ) et un piston-suiveur (14) déplaçable par coulissement à l'intérieur du fût de coulissement (1 1 ), le piston-suiveur (14) comprenant au moins une lèvre (16) en contact de coulissement avec le fût (1 1 ), le fût de coulissement (1 1 ) étant pourvu d'un fond (12) disposé de manière opposée à l'organe de distribution (2), un espace d'égalisation (E) étant formé entre le piston-suiveur (14) et le fond (12), cet espace (E) communiquant avec l'extérieur pour maintenir l'espace (E) à la pression atmosphérique, de sorte que de l'air extérieur pénètre dans cet espace (E) qui grandit à mesure que le piston-suiveur (14) s'éloigne du fond (12) après chaque distribution de produit fluide, 1. - Fluid product dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (1) and a dispensing member (2), such as a pump or a valve, mounted on the reservoir (1) for taking fluid from it, the reservoir (1) ) comprising a cylindrical sliding shaft (1 1) and a follower piston (14) slidably movable inside the sliding shaft (1 1), the follower piston (14) comprising at least one lip (16) in sliding contact with the barrel (1 1), the sliding barrel (1 1) being provided with a bottom (12) arranged opposite the dispensing member (2), an equalization space (E ) being formed between the piston-follower (14) and the bottom (12), this space (E) communicating with the outside to maintain the space (E) at atmospheric pressure, so that outside air enters in this space (E) which grows as the follower piston (14) moves away from the bottom (12) after each dispensing fluid,
dans lequel un filtre bactérien (F4 ; F5) filtre l'air extérieur qui vient en contact de la lèvre (16) du piston-suiveur (1 1 ) à travers l'espace d'égalisation (E),  in which a bacterial filter (F4; F5) filters the outside air which comes into contact with the lip (16) of the follower piston (1 1) through the equalization space (E),
caractérisé en ce que le filtre bactérien (F4 ; F5) est solidaire du piston-suiveur (14).  characterized in that the bacterial filter (F4; F5) is integral with the follower piston (14).
2. - Distributeur selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel le filtre bactérien (F4 ; F5) est disposé dans l'espace (E). 2. - Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the bacterial filter (F4; F5) is disposed in the space (E).
3. - Distributeur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le filtre bactérien (F4) remplit au moins en partie l'espace (E) en début de course du piston-suiveur (14). 3. - Dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bacterial filter (F4) at least partially fills the space (E) at the start of the stroke of the follower piston (14).
4. - Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le piston-suiveur (14) ne comprend une lèvre d'étanchéité supérieure (16) en contact coulissant avec le fût (1 1 ), et une lèvre inférieure pourvue de rainures (161 ), de sorte que l'espace (E) s'étend juste entre les deux lèvres du piston-suiveur (14), l'espace annulaire situé entre les lèvres du piston-suiveur (14) et le fût de coulissement (1 1 ) est au moins partiellement rempli avec un filtre bactérien (F5). 4. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the follower piston (14) comprises an upper sealing lip (16) in sliding contact with the barrel (1 1), and a lower lip provided with grooves (161), so that the space (E) extends just between the two lips of the follower piston (14), the annular space situated between the lips of the follower piston (14) and the sliding barrel (1 1) is at least partially filled with a bacterial filter (F5).
EP11761659.9A 2010-08-26 2011-08-23 Fluid product dispenser Active EP2608894B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1056775A FR2964089B1 (en) 2010-08-26 2010-08-26 FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER.
PCT/FR2011/051949 WO2012025692A1 (en) 2010-08-26 2011-08-23 Fluid product dispenser

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2608894A1 true EP2608894A1 (en) 2013-07-03
EP2608894B1 EP2608894B1 (en) 2015-10-07

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11761659.9A Active EP2608894B1 (en) 2010-08-26 2011-08-23 Fluid product dispenser

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US9149823B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2608894B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103140296B (en)
BR (1) BR112013004547A2 (en)
ES (1) ES2556778T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2964089B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012025692A1 (en)

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IT201700056483A1 (en) * 2017-05-24 2018-11-24 Lumson Spa Container of fluid substances with mobile bottom, with hermetic closure system and method of use
IT201700056451A1 (en) * 2017-05-24 2018-11-24 Lumson Spa Container of fluid substances with hermetic closure system and method of use
WO2020049612A1 (en) * 2018-09-03 2020-03-12 キタノ製作株式会社 Airless container
IT201900010878A1 (en) * 2019-07-04 2021-01-04 Baralan Int S P A CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH AN AIRLESS DISPENSER FOR A COSMETIC PRODUCT.
CN110925177A (en) * 2020-01-16 2020-03-27 余姚市禾加塑业有限公司 Airless pump and preparation process thereof

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20130193166A1 (en) 2013-08-01
EP2608894B1 (en) 2015-10-07
WO2012025692A1 (en) 2012-03-01
FR2964089B1 (en) 2014-01-10
US9149823B2 (en) 2015-10-06
FR2964089A1 (en) 2012-03-02
CN103140296B (en) 2016-03-23
ES2556778T3 (en) 2016-01-20
BR112013004547A2 (en) 2016-09-06
CN103140296A (en) 2013-06-05

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