EP2969241B1 - Refillable device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product - Google Patents

Description

• un réservoir délimitant un volume intérieur variable destiné à contenir ledit produit fluide ;
• une buse de distribution de produit fluide ;
• un passage de distribution de produit fluide reliant le réservoir et la buse et pourvu d'un premier système de fermeture adapté pour être sélectivement ouvert/fermé pour autoriser/empêcher un écoulement de produit fluide entre le réservoir et la buse ;
• une ouverture de remplissage de produit fluide ; et
• un canal de remplissage de produit fluide reliant l'ouverture de remplissage et le réservoir et pourvu d'un deuxième système de fermeture adapté pour être sélectivement ouvert/fermé pour autoriser/empêcher un écoulement de produit fluide entre l'ouverture de remplissage et le réservoir, le deuxième système de fermeture étant normalement maintenu fermé et adapté pour s'ouvrir par coopération avec un dispositif de recharge de produit fluide lorsque le dispositif rechargeable est monté sur ledit dispositif de recharge.

The present invention relates to a rechargeable device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product, comprising:

• a reservoir defining a variable interior volume for containing said fluid product;
• a fluid dispensing nozzle;
• a fluid dispensing passage connecting the reservoir and the nozzle and provided with a first closure system adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent fluid flow between the reservoir and the nozzle;
• a fluid filling opening; and
• a fluid product filling channel connecting the filling opening and the reservoir and provided with a second closure system adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent flow of fluid between the filling opening and the reservoir , the second closure system being normally kept closed and adapted to open cooperatively with a fluid charging device when the rechargeable device is mounted on said recharging device.

We know, for example from the document WO 2010/094963 A1 , a rechargeable device of this type in which a pump is provided in the dispensing passage for sucking fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle. In this rechargeable device, the nozzle and the filling opening are arranged opposite each other, thereby allowing the rechargeable device to be used when the latter is mounted on the charging device.

However, such a rechargeable device is not optimal in terms of simplicity, compactness and tightness.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a rechargeable device that is simple to use and to manufacture while being compact and waterproof.

Otherwise, WO 01/81184 A discloses a compression dispenser comprising a flexible skin forming a body adapted to be compressed and to receive a filling of a product therein, evacuation and inlet ducts provided with associated outlet and admission valves, and an outlet port at the end of the outlet duct. Compression of the soft skin increases the internal pressure in the body which forces the product and / or aroma created in the body, out of the body, via the outlet duct, the outlet valve and the outlet port.

WO 99/34930 A teaches a refillable atomizer for perfume or eau de toilette. According to this document, the rechargeable atomizer comprises a body defining a chamber for receiving the liquid to be sprayed, a piston slidably mounted in the chamber, a first conduit opening into the chamber and provided with a non-return valve, a nozzle communicating with the chamber via a second conduit, also provided with a non-return valve. The first conduit is arranged to be connected to a reservoir containing a reserve of liquid product. The upward movement of the piston in the chamber produces a vacuum capable of closing the valve in the second conduit, opening the valve in the first conduit and sucking the liquid product contained in the chamber supply.

It is also known, from FR 2 802 447 A , a system comprising a vaporizer and a liquid reservoir to be recharged. The vaporizer and the reservoir each have a conduit. The ducts can be temporarily and tightly connected to transfer the liquid from the tank to the vaporizer.

Finally, WO 2011/026969 A discloses a packaging and dispensing device for a liquid product. The device comprises: a mobile diffuser, comprising a first tank supplying an output member, and a fixed base, comprising a second tank which is capable of being connected to the first tank of the mobile diffuser in order to allow product charging of the mobile diffuser . An electric miniature pump is interposed between the first and second tanks to allow the flow of product from the second tank to the first tank.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a rechargeable device of the aforementioned type, the reservoir is arranged to be able to receive a force from a user so as to reduce its internal volume, and
whose nozzle and the filling opening open on the same face of the rechargeable device, the rechargeable device being a device without air intake.

Thanks to these provisions, the rechargeable device is not only simple to use and to manufacture, but it is also compact, therefore easily transportable, and it presents a limited risk of leakage of the fluid product as well as a limited risk of obstruction of the nozzle and filling opening by foreign bodies as dust.

• le premier système de fermeture comprend un clapet qui est normalement maintenu fermé et qui est adapté pour s'ouvrir lorsque le volume intérieur du réservoir diminue ;
• la buse et l'ouverture de remplissage sont concentriques l'une par rapport à l'autre, ce qui présente l'avantage d'améliorer la compacité du dispositif rechargeable ;
• le passage de distribution comporte un tronçon aval débouchant dans la buse, ledit tronçon aval étant défini par un tube intérieur qui porte la buse, et le canal de remplissage comporte un tronçon amont débouchant sur l'ouverture de remplissage et défini par le tube intérieur et un tube extérieur coaxial avec le tube intérieur ;

• le tube intérieur appartient au deuxième système de fermeture et est monté mobile par rapport au tube extérieur entre une position normale d'utilisation dans laquelle le tube intérieur obstrue le canal de remplissage, et une position de remplissage dans laquelle le canal de remplissage est libéré du tube intérieur, le deuxième système de fermeture comprenant en outre un organe élastique sollicitant le tube intérieur dans la position d'utilisation ;
• le dispositif rechargeable comprend en outre un organe d'actionnement actionnable par un utilisateur pour agir sur le réservoir ;
• l'organe d'actionnement est monté mobile par rapport au réservoir entre une position de distribution dans laquelle l'organe d'actionnement appuie sur le réservoir, et une position de repos dans laquelle le réservoir n'est pas sollicité par l'organe d'actionnement ;
• le réservoir est sollicité élastiquement vers une position de volume maximal, ce qui présente l'avantage de limiter le nombre de pièces formant le réservoir et donc de réduire l'encombrement du dispositif rechargeable ;
• le dispositif rechargeable comprend en outre une prise d'air débouchant dans le passage de distribution en amont de la buse, la prise d'air étant obturée par un filtre perméable à l'air et imperméable aux fluides, ce qui présente l'avantage de réduire la granulométrie des particules de produit fluide et donc d'obtenir une diffusion de bonne qualité ;
• le dispositif rechargeable comprend en outre un élément élastique sollicitant l'organe d'actionnement vers la position de repos, ce qui présente l'avantage que le dispositif rechargeable conserve son aspect extérieur hors utilisation et donc soit plus satisfaisant pour l'utilisateur en termes d'esthétisme ; et
• le clapet du premier système de fermeture est un clapet à bille, ce qui présente l'avantage de garantir une diffusion du produit fluide de bonne qualité en dimensionnant le clapet à bille, notamment en tarant son ressort, de manière à assurer une pression minimum d'expulsion du produit fluide.

In various embodiments of the rechargeable device according to the invention, one or more of the following provisions may also be used:

• the first closure system comprises a valve which is normally kept closed and which is adapted to open when the internal volume of the reservoir decreases;
• the nozzle and the filling opening are concentric with respect to each other, which has the advantage of improving the compactness of the rechargeable device;
• the distribution passage has a section downstream opening into the nozzle, said downstream section being defined by an inner tube which carries the nozzle, and the filling channel comprises an upstream section opening on the filling opening and defined by the inner tube and an outer tube coaxial with the tube inside;

• the inner tube belongs to the second closure system and is movably mounted relative to the outer tube between a normal use position in which the inner tube obstructs the filling channel, and a filling position in which the filling channel is released from the inner tube, the second closure system further comprising a resilient member urging the inner tube in the use position;
• the rechargeable device further comprises an actuator operable by a user to act on the reservoir;
• the actuating member is mounted movably relative to the reservoir between a dispensing position in which the actuating member presses on the reservoir, and a rest position in which the reservoir is not biased by the pressure member; actuation;
• the reservoir is biased elastically towards a position of maximum volume, which has the advantage of limiting the number of parts forming the reservoir and thus reduce the size of the rechargeable device;
• the rechargeable device further comprises an air intake opening into the dispensing passage upstream of the nozzle, the air intake being sealed by a filter permeable to air and impervious to fluids, which has the advantage of to reduce the particle size of the fluid particles and thus to obtain good quality diffusion;
• the rechargeable device further comprises a resilient element urging the actuating member to the rest position, which has the advantage that the rechargeable device retains its external appearance out of use and therefore is more satisfactory to the user in terms of aesthetics; and
• the valve of the first closure system is a ball valve, which has the advantage of ensuring a diffusion of the fluid of good quality by sizing the ball valve, including tarnishing its spring, so as to ensure a minimum pressure of expulsion of the fluid product.

• un dispositif rechargeable tel que décrit précédemment; et
• un dispositif de recharge de produit fluide comportant :
  • un récipient destiné à contenir ledit produit fluide ; et
  • un raccord monté sur le récipient et délimitant un conduit de remplissage de produit fluide pourvu d'un troisième système de fermeture adapté pour être sélectivement ouvert/fermé pour autoriser/empêcher un écoulement de produit fluide à partir du récipient,

le dispositif rechargeable étant adapté pour être monté sur le raccord du dispositif de recharge de sorte que le canal de remplissage et le conduit de remplissage sont en communication fluidique l'un avec l'autre, les deuxième et troisième systèmes de fermeture étant adaptés pour être ouverts lorsque le dispositif rechargeable est monté sur le dispositif de recharge.The subject of the invention is also a set of packaging, refilling and dispensing of a fluid product, characterized in that it comprises:

• a rechargeable device as previously described; and
• a fluid product refilling device comprising:
  • a container for containing said fluid product; and
  • a connector mounted on the container and defining a fluid product filling duct provided with a third closure system adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent flow of fluid from the container,

the rechargeable device being adapted to be mounted on the connector of the recharging device so that the filling channel and the filling duct are in fluid communication with each other, the second and third closure systems being adapted to be open when the rechargeable device is mounted on the charging device.

Thanks to these provisions, the assembly is not only simple to use and to manufacture, but it is also compact and has a limited risk of leakage of fluid and a limited risk of obstruction of the nozzle and filling opening by foreign objects such as dust.

• le troisième système de fermeture comprend un obturateur disposé dans le conduit de remplissage et monté mobile par rapport au conduit de remplissage pour sélectivement fermer/ouvrir le conduit de remplissage ;
• le troisième système de fermeture comprend en outre un organe élastique adapté pour solliciter l'obturateur dans une position dans laquelle l'obturateur ferme le conduit de remplissage ;
• le dispositif rechargeable et le raccord sont adaptés pour ouvrir automatiquement les deuxième et troisième systèmes de fermeture lorsque le dispositif rechargeable est monté sur le dispositif de recharge, ce qui présente l'avantage de limiter le nombre d'actions devant être prises par l'utilisateur pour utiliser l'ensemble ;
• le dispositif rechargeable comprend un quatrième système de fermeture adapté pour être sélectivement ouvert/fermé pour autoriser/empêcher un écoulement de produit fluide à travers le canal de remplissage ; et
• le quatrième système de fermeture est dans une position normale fermée et adapté pour s'ouvrir lorsque les deuxième et troisième systèmes de fermeture sont ouverts.

In various embodiments of the assembly according to the invention, it may optionally be resorted further to one and / or the other of the following provisions:

• the third closure system comprises a shutter disposed in the filling duct and mounted movably relative to the filling duct to selectively close / open the filling duct;
• the third closure system further comprises an elastic member adapted to bias the shutter into a position in which the shutter closes the filling duct;
• the rechargeable device and the connector are adapted to automatically open the second and third closure systems when the rechargeable device is mounted on the charging device, which has the advantage of limiting the number of actions to be taken by the user to use the set;
• the rechargeable device comprises a fourth closure system adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent flow of fluid through the filling channel; and
• the fourth closure system is in a normal closed position and adapted to open when the second and third closure systems are open.

• la Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de conditionnement, de recharge et de distribution d'un produit fluide selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la Figure 2 est une vue en coupe verticale longitudinale d'un dispositif rechargeable de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue en coupe verticale longitudinale d'un dispositif de recharge de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 4A est une vue en coupe verticale longitudinale de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 dans une position initiale de recharge ;
• la Figure 4B est une vue similaire à celle de la Figure 4A dans une position finale de recharge ;
• la Figure 5 est une vue en coupe verticale longitudinale d'un dispositif rechargeable d'un ensemble de conditionnement, de recharge et de distribution d'un produit fluide selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la Figure 6 est une vue en coupe verticale longitudinale d'une partie d'un ensemble de conditionnement, de recharge et de distribution d'un produit fluide selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans une position finale de recharge ;
• la Figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'une partie de l'ensemble de la Figure 6 ; et
• la Figure 8 est une vue similaire à celle de la Figure 6 dans une position intermédiaire de conditionnement.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of various embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the Figure 1 is a perspective view of a set of conditioning, refilling and distribution a fluid product according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a rechargeable device from the whole of the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a charging device of the whole of the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 4A is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the entire Figure 1 in an initial charging position;
• the Figure 4B is a view similar to that of the Figure 4A in a final recharge position;
• the Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of a refillable device of a set of packaging, refilling and dispensing of a fluid product according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• the Figure 6 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a portion of a packaging, recharging and dispensing a fluid product according to a third embodiment of the invention in a final charging position;
• the Figure 7 is a perspective view of part of the whole of the Figure 6 ; and
• the Figure 8 is a view similar to that of the Figure 6 in an intermediate position of conditioning.

In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

The Figure 1 illustrates a set 10 for packaging, reloading and dispensing a fluid product according to a first embodiment of the invention, the fluid product here being perfume.

Alternatively, the fluid product can be any type liquid, such as a cleaning product.

In another variant, the fluid product may be used in a field other than that of perfumery, such as the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, hygienic, and so on.

The assembly 10 comprises a refillable device 12 for packaging and dispensing perfume and a refill device 14 for perfume.

In all that follows, the orientation terms used such as "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the orientation of the assembly 10 when it is placed on a flat surface. The position terms such as "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of flow of the fluid product in the room considered.

With reference to the Figure 2 , the rechargeable device 12 comprises a reservoir 16, a perfume distribution nozzle 18 and a perfume distribution passage 20 connecting the reservoir 16 and the nozzle 18.

The reservoir 16 delimits a variable interior volume intended to contain perfume.

The reservoir 16 is arranged to be able to receive a force from a user so as to reduce its internal volume.

The reservoir 16 is elastically deformable and is biased elastically towards a position of maximum volume.

This elastic bias is specific to the material used for the tank 16 and / or to the shape of the tank 16 which gives the tank 16 an "elastic memory".

In the example, the reservoir 16 has a bellows shape that wants to return to its original shape, that is to say with a maximum internal volume, and is made from plastic.

As a variant, the reservoir 16 may not be elastically deformable, the biasing of the reservoir 16 towards the position of maximum volume then being obtained by return means. For example, the reservoir 16 may comprise a piston sliding in a cylinder and biased towards the position of maximum volume by a spring.

The reservoir 16 and the nozzle 18 are respectively arranged on opposite ends of the rechargeable device 12.

The nozzle 18 is here a perfume spray nozzle.

The dispensing passage 20 comprises an upstream section 24 opening into the reservoir 16 and a downstream section 26 opening into the nozzle 18.

The downstream section 26 is defined by an inner tube 28 which carries at one of its ends the nozzle 18, and by a funnel piece 30 fixed in the inner tube 28 opposite the nozzle 18.

The dispensing passage 20 is provided with a first closure system 32 adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent a flow of perfume between the reservoir 16 and the nozzle 18.

The first closure system 32 comprises a valve 34 which is normally kept closed and which is adapted to open when the internal volume of the reservoir 16 decreases.

In the example considered, the valve 34 is a ball valve whose ball 36 is biased against the bottom of the funnel 30 by an elastic member 38, here a pre-compression spring.

The rechargeable device 12 further comprises an air intake 40 formed in the inner tube 28 and opening into the dispensing passage 20 upstream of the nozzle 18.

This air intake has the function of establishing an air / perfume mixture to reduce the particle size, that is to say the size of the perfume particles and thus to obtain a particularly fine spray.

The air intake 40 is closed by a filter 42 permeable to air and impervious to fluids, for example Porex® or Gore-tex®, which further improves the quality of the spray provided by the nozzle 18.

The use of the air intake 40 and / or the filter 42 is not limited to the present invention but could also be applied to any type of liquid distributor whose diffusion is to be improved.

Alternatively, the quality of the spray provided by the nozzle 18 can be improved mechanically by the arrangement of the nozzle 18 itself.

The rechargeable device 12 further comprises an actuator 44 operable by a user to act on the reservoir 16 so as to reduce its internal volume.

In the example considered, the actuating member 44 is in the form of a capsule and is movably mounted relative to the reservoir 16 between a dispensing position in which the actuating member 44 presses on the reservoir 16 , and a rest position in which the reservoir 16 is not biased by the actuating member 44.

In particular, the actuating member 44 is mounted to move in translation along a horizontal axis X.

The rechargeable device 12 comprises an elastic element 46, here a compression spring, which urges the actuating member 44 in the rest position.

Alternatively, the rechargeable device 12 may not include an actuator 44, the user then acting directly on the reservoir 16 by exerting pressure on the reservoir 16 so as to decrease its interior volume.

The rechargeable device 12 also includes a perfume filling opening 48 and a perfume filling channel 50 connecting the filling opening 48 and the reservoir 16.

The reservoir 16 and the filling opening 48 are respectively arranged on opposite ends of the rechargeable device 12.

In particular, the filling opening 48 and the nozzle 18 open on the same face of the refillable device 12, the filling opening 48 and the nozzle 18 being concentric with respect to each other and the filling opening 48 surrounding the nozzle 18.

The filling channel 50 comprises a downstream section 52 opening into the reservoir 16 and an upstream section 54 opening onto the filling opening 48.

The downstream section 52 of the filling channel 50 and the upstream section 24 of the distribution passage 20 coincide with each other.

The upstream section 54 of the filling channel 50 is defined by the inner tube 28 and an outer tube 56 coaxial with the inner tube 28 and surrounding the inner tube 28.

The filling channel 50 is provided with a second closure system 58 adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent a perfume flow between the filling opening 48 and the reservoir 16.

The second closure system 58 is normally kept closed and adapted to open cooperatively with the recharging device 14 when the rechargeable device 12 is mounted on the recharging device 14 as will be explained in more detail later.

In addition, the second closure system 58 is adapted to open in cooperation with the device of recharge 14 only when the rechargeable device 12 is mounted on the charging device 14.

By "only" is meant here that the second closure system 58 does not open alone autonomously.

The inner tube 28 belongs to the second closure system 58 and is movably mounted in translation along a vertical axis Z with respect to the outer tube 56 between a normal use position in which the inner tube 28 obstructs the filling channel 50 , and a filling position in which the filling channel 50 is released from the inner tube 28.

More specifically, the inner tube 28 comprises a substantially conical central portion 60 and the outer tube 56 comprises a substantially conical central portion 62 and forming a seat for the central portion 60 of the inner tube 28.

In the position of use, the central portion 60 of the inner tube 28 rests on the central portion 62 of the outer tube 56 ( Figure 2 ), while in the filling position, the central portion 60 of the inner tube 28 is remote from the central portion 62 of the outer tube 56 ( Figure 4B ).

The second closure system 58 further comprises an elastic member 64, for example a compression spring, biasing the inner tube 28 in the position of use.

Thus, to open the second closure system 58, that is to say to bring it into its filling position, it is necessary to move the central portion 60 from the inner tube 28 of the central portion 62 of the outer tube 56. removal is achieved by the recharging device 14 as will be explained in more detail later. It is of course technically feasible to open the second closure system at using a tool to remove the inner tube from the outer tube, but this option is not part of the normal use of an assembly such as those described here.

With reference to the Figure 3 the charging device 14 comprises a container 66 for containing perfume and a connector 68 mounted on the container 66.

The container 66 comprises a body 70 and a neck 72, the neck 72 extending in the extension of the body 70 forming a recess relative to the body 70.

In the example, the body 70 and the neck 72 have a substantially cylindrical shape with a vertical axis Z and a substantially circular cross section.

The connector 68 comprises a support piece 76 adapted to be fixed on the neck 72, for example by snapping, so as to seal the container 66 in a sealed manner.

Alternatively, the support 76 can be fixed on the neck 72 by screwing, gluing, clamping, etc.

The connector 68 further comprises a dip tube 80 for immersing in the perfume contained in the container 66 when the connector 68 is mounted on the container 66.

The connection 68 delimits a perfume filling duct 82 connected to the plunger tube 80 and opening outwardly of the connector 68.

The filling duct 82 is defined by an upstream element 84 and a downstream element 86.

The upstream element 84 has a substantially tubular shape and comprises a central pin 88.

The upstream element 84 is fixed on the one hand on one end of the support part 76 and on the other hand on the plunger tube 80, the plunger tube 80 opening inside the upstream element 84.

The downstream element 86 has a shape substantially tubular provided at one end with a shutter 85 and at the opposite end of a flange 87. At least one orifice 89 is formed in the downstream element 86, adjacent to the shutter 85. In the example considered, two radially opposite orifices 89 are formed in the downstream element 86, adjacent to the shutter 85.

The downstream element 86 is arranged partially inside the upstream element 84, substantially around the central pin 88.

Filling duct 82 is provided with a third closure system 90 adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent perfume flow from container 66, the third closure system 90 being adapted to open when the rechargeable device 12 is mounted on the charging device 14.

In addition, the third closure system 90 is adapted to open only when the rechargeable device 12 is mounted on the recharging device 14.

By "only" is meant here that the third closure system 90 does not open alone autonomously.

The downstream element 86 belongs to the third closure system 90 and is mounted to move in translation along the vertical axis Z relative to the upstream element 84 to selectively open / close the filling duct 82 as will be explained further in detail later.

An elastic element 92, for example a compression spring, bearing on the downstream element 86 and on the support part 76 urges the downstream element 86 to a position remote from the upstream element 84.

Thus, to open the third closure system 90, it is necessary to move the downstream element 86 away from the upstream element 84. This distance is achieved by the rechargeable device 12 as will be explained further in detail later. It is of course technically feasible to open the third closure system using a tool to move the downstream element away from the upstream element, but this option is not part of the normal use of a set such as those described here.

The connector 68 further comprises locking means 94 adapted to lock the rechargeable device 12 in position on the recharging device 14.

In the example considered, the locking means 94 comprise a bayonet system formed by a substantially tubular locking piece 95 fixed on the support piece 76 in which is formed at least one L-shaped groove 96 and cooperating with a corresponding pawn 97 protruding from the outer surface of the outer tube 56 ( Figure 4A ). In the example considered, the locking means 94 comprise three groove assemblies 96 / pins 97 angularly distributed about the vertical axis Z on the locking piece 95 / the outer tube 56 in a regular manner.

Alternatively, the locking means 94 may comprise a latching system, for example two annular ribs projecting respectively from the inner surface of the locking piece 95 and the outer surface of the outer tube 56.

In another variant, the locking means 94 may comprise a magnetization system, for example two complementary magnets disposed respectively on the inner surface of the locking piece 95 and on the outer surface of the outer tube 56.

The recharging device 14 further comprises a leakage path 98 ( Figure 3 ) for balancing the internal pressure of the container 66 at atmospheric pressure.

In the example described here, the escape path 98 comprises an air intake and a filter of the type of the air intake 40 and the filter 42 of the rechargeable device 12.

Alternatively, the escape path 98 may include a mechanism such as a valve which opens at the end of the race.

The operation of the assembly 10 is explained below.

The rechargeable device 12 is intended to be used alone so that it can be transported by a user.

Initially, the rechargeable device 12 is filled with perfume ( Figure 2 ).

The tank 16 is in the position of maximum volume, its interior volume being filled with perfume, and the actuating member 44 is biased in the rest position by the spring 46.

The dispensing passage 20 is closed by the first closure system 32, the ball 36 of the valve 34 being biased against the bottom of the funnel 30 by the spring 38.

The filling channel 50 is also closed by the second closure system 58, the inner tube 28 being biased into the position of use by the spring 64, the central portion 60 of the inner tube 28 thus being urged to bear on the central portion 62 of the outer tube 56.

Perfume also fills the common portion of the dispensing passage 20 and the filling channel 50, that is to say the upstream section 24 of the dispensing passage 20 and the downstream section 52 of the filling channel 50.

Perfume also fills part of the downstream section 26 of the distribution passage 20, namely an upstream portion of the inner tube 28 and the funnel 30.

The portion of the filling channel 50 located downstream of the contact between the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 56 also contains perfume.

When the user wishes to apply perfume 22, he presses the actuating member 44 against the spring 46.

The actuating member 44 is then in the dispensing position in which it bears on the reservoir 16.

Thus, under the force exerted by the user via the actuating member 44, the reservoir 46 compresses and folds on itself, thus reducing its internal volume.

The decrease in the internal volume of the reservoir 16 causes an overpressure in the dispensing passage 20 which moves the ball 36 away from the funnel 30 against the spring 38.

The first closure system 32 is then opened and allows perfume to flow to the nozzle 18 being accelerated by the shape of the funnel 30, which further increases the pressure in the dispensing passage 20 and allows at nozzle 18 to spray the perfume in cloud form with a good quality diffusion.

The perfume diffusion quality is also ensured by the spring 38, which is dimensioned / calibrated so as to ensure a minimum pressure of expulsion of the perfume.

The decrease in the internal volume of the reservoir 16 also causes an overpressure in the filling channel 50 which applies an additional closing force to the inner tube 28, thereby guaranteeing the closure of the second closure system 58 during the spraying of the perfume by the nozzle 18.

When the user stops pressing on the actuating member 44, the spring 46 expands and the actuating member 44 returns to the rest position.

The pressure increase in the passage of When the distribution 20 is interrupted, the spring 38 relaxes and the ball 36 is pressed against the bottom of the funnel 30.

The first closure system 32 is thus closed, thus preventing perfume from flowing to the nozzle 18, and the second closure system 58 is always closed.

The rechargeable device 12 is a device without air intake ("airless") and sealed, the reservoir 16 remains compressed.

At this stage, either the refillable device 12 no longer contains perfume and it is then possible to reload perfume using the refill device 14 as will be explained later, or there is still perfume in the device rechargeable 12.

If there is still perfume in the rechargeable device 12 and if the user wishes to apply perfume again, he repeats the steps described above as many times as he wishes and as long as the rechargeable device 12 contains perfume .

Once the rechargeable device 12 is empty, the user then has the possibility of refilling it with perfume thanks to the recharging device 14.

With reference to the Figure 3 , the container 66 contains perfume and is closed by the connector 68, the support piece 76 being fixed on the neck 72 and the plunger tube 80 immersed in the perfume.

The downstream element 86 of the coupling 68 is biased by the spring 92 in the position remote from the upstream element 84 in order to close the third closure system 90.

In this remote position, the shutter 85 of the downstream element 86 closes the filling duct 82, thus preventing perfume from flowing out of the container 66 towards the outside of the connector 68.

The user then places the device refillable device 12 on the recharging device 14 by inserting the outer tube 56 inside the connector 68 until the outer tube 56 comes into contact with the flange 87 of the downstream element 86 ( Figure 4A ).

In this initial charging position, the filling channel 50 and the filling duct 82 are in fluid communication with each other.

The continuation of the insertion movement along the vertical axis Z causes the outer tube 56 to press against the downstream element 86 against the spring 92, thus displacing the downstream element 86 towards the upstream element 84 and thereby releasing the filling duct 82 from the shutter 85, until the central pin 88 of the upstream element 84 comes into contact with the nozzle 18.

By further continuing the insertion movement, the outer tube 56 continues to press the downstream element 86 while the inner tube 28, blocked by the central pin 88, backs relative to the outer tube 56 against the spring 64.

The inner tube 28 is then in the filling position in which it releases the filling channel 50.

The rechargeable device 12 is then turned around the vertical axis Z to be locked in position on the recharging device 14, the pins 97 of the bayonet system cooperating with the corresponding grooves 96 ( Figure 4B ). Note that it is for this reason that the rechargeable device 12 is not shown in the same sectional plane on the Figures 4A and 4B unlike the charging device 14.

When opening the filling channel 50, the reservoir 16 is biased towards the position of maximum volume, creating a depression in the filling channel 50 which has the consequence that the perfume contained in the container 66 of the charging device 14 is sucked and fills the rechargeable device 12.

Once the rechargeable device 12 is filled with perfume, it is sufficient for the user to separate it from the connector 68, by disengaging the pins 97 from the grooves 96, and away from the charging device 14.

This causes the closure of the second closure system 58 and the closure of the third closure system 90.

The rechargeable device 12 can therefore be used again alone and transported by the user.

In this first embodiment, the rechargeable device 12 and the connector 68 are adapted to automatically open the second and third closure systems 58, 90 when the rechargeable device 12 is mounted on the recharging device 14.

In other words, the second and third closure systems 58, 90 open by simply mounting the rechargeable device 12 on the recharging device 14, without requiring additional action on the part of the user, the filling in perfume of the rechargeable device 12 being also performed automatically.

By "automatic" is meant "requiring only one action from the user."

The Figure 5 illustrates the rechargeable device 112 of a set 110 for conditioning, refilling and dispensing perfume according to a second embodiment of the invention.

This second embodiment of the invention, which is close to the first embodiment, will not be described again in detail here. It is close to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4B in that the opening of the second and third closure systems 158, 190 is also performed automatically, but it differs in that an additional action, other than the only mounting of the rechargeable device 112 on the recharging device 114, must be taken by the user to fill the rechargeable device 112.

The recharging device 114 is identical to the recharging device 14 of the first embodiment.

The rechargeable device 112 comprises an upper envelope 111 in which are housed the reservoir 116, the actuator 144, the spring 146 and the common section of the dispensing passage 120 and the filling channel 150, all of which form upper portion 113 of the rechargeable device 112.

A lower portion 115 of the rechargeable device 112 is formed by a lower casing 117 in which are housed the inner tube 128, the outer tube 156, the first closure system 132, the second closure system 158, the downstream section 126 of the passageway. distribution 120 and the upstream section 154 of the filling channel 150.

The upper portion 113 is rotatably mounted relative to the lower portion 115 about the vertical axis Z.

The rechargeable device 112 includes a fourth closure system 119 adapted to be selectively open / closed to allow / prevent perfume flow through the filling channel 150.

In particular, the fourth closure system 119 is in a normal closed position and adapted to open when the second and third closure systems 158, 190 are open.

In addition, the fourth closure system 119 is adapted to open only when the second and third closure systems 158, 190 are open.

The fourth closure system 119 is housed inside the lower part 115 and comprises a fixed part 121, a cam part 123 and a part follower 125.

The fixed part 121 is fixed on the outer tube 156 and delimits an intermediate section 127 of the filling channel 150 between the downstream and upstream sections 152, 154.

The fixed part 121 comprises an internal thread 129.

The cam member 123 is fixed on the upper casing 111 and also delimits an intermediate portion 131 of the filling channel 150 between the downstream and upstream sections 152, 154.

The cam member 123 is rotatably mounted about the vertical axis Z relative to the fixed part 121.

The follower piece 125 is arranged between the fixed part 121 and the cam member 123 and comprises an external thread 133 which cooperates with the internal thread 129 of the fixed part 121.

The follower piece 125 further comprises a blocker 135 disposed in the filling channel 150, and formed in the example in question by a ball 137 cooperating with a seat 139 of the follower piece 125.

The follower piece 125 is locked in rotation around and movable in translation along the vertical axis Z relative to the cam member 123, and thus movable relative to the fixed part 121 in a helical movement.

An elastic member 141, for example a tension spring, is interposed between the fixed part 121 and the cam member 123 so as to bias the fourth closure system 119 into the closed position.

The operation of the assembly 110 is explained below.

To fill the rechargeable device 112, it is locked in position on the charging device 114 in the same manner as for the first embodiment.

The first closure system 132 is closed while the second and third closure systems 158, 190 are open.

The fourth closure system 119 is biased in the closed position by the spring 141, the blocker 135 of the follower piece 125 closing the filling channel 150 thanks to the depression inside the rechargeable device 112 which plates the ball 137 against the seat 139.

To fill the rechargeable refill device 112, the user rotates the upper portion 113 about the vertical axis Z.

This rotation causes rotation of the cam member 123, which then causes the follower piece 125 to move helically along the vertical axis Z, thereby releasing the filling channel 150.

When opening the filling channel 150, the reservoir 116 is biased towards the maximum volume position, which has the consequence that the perfume contained in the container 166 of the recharging device 114 is sucked and fills the rechargeable device 112.

Once the refill device 112 is filled with perfume, it is sufficient for the user to release the upper portion 113 in the same manner as for the first embodiment, thereby automatically closing the fourth closure system 119. under the action of spring 141.

The user then disconnects the rechargeable device 112 from the connector 168, which causes the closure of the second and third closure systems 158, 190 and away from the recharging device 114.

The rechargeable device 112 can therefore be used again alone and transported by the user.

In order to spray perfume, the user presses on the actuator 144. The decrease in the volume The interior of the reservoir 116 causes a pressure increase in the dispensing passage 120 which moves the ball 137 away from the seat 139 and the ball 136 from the funnel 130 against the spring 138.

The first and fourth closure systems 132, 119 are then opened and allow perfume to flow to the nozzle 118, which sprays the perfume as a cloud.

Alternatively, the additional action that must be taken by the user to fill the rechargeable device 112 may be different from a rotation of the upper portion 113, and consist for example of pressing a pushbutton placed on the rechargeable device 112 or on the recharging device 114.

The Figures 6 , 7 and 8 illustrate a set 210 for conditioning, refilling and dispensing perfume according to a third embodiment of the invention.

This third embodiment of the invention, which is close to the first and second embodiments, will not be described again in detail here. It differs from the first and second embodiments of the Figures 1 to 5 in that an intermediate position of conditioning of the assembly 210 is provided which is such that neither the opening of the second and third closure systems 258, 290 nor the filling of the rechargeable device 212 is performed automatically. In other words, an additional action, other than simply mounting the rechargeable device 212 on the recharging device 214, must be taken by the user to open the second and third closure systems 258, 290 and to fill the device rechargeable 212.

The rechargeable device 212 is substantially identical to the rechargeable device 12 of the first embodiment and further comprises a support tube 243 surrounding the outer tube 256 and a lug 245 ( Figure 6 ) protruding radially outwardly of the support tube 243.

The charging device 214 is substantially identical to the charging device 14 of the first embodiment and the connector 268 further comprises an intermediate piece 247 fixed inside the support piece 276.

With reference to the Figure 7 , the intermediate piece 247 is substantially tubular and comprises a first vertical groove 249 extended by a second horizontal groove 251, itself extended by a third helical groove 253, itself extended by a fourth horizontal groove 255.

The first, second, third and fourth grooves 249, 251, 253, 255 are adapted to receive the lug 245.

The intermediate piece 247 comprises a first detent bead 257 substantially at the junction between the first vertical groove 249 and the second horizontal groove 251, and a second detent bead 259 substantially at the junction between the third helical groove 253 and the fourth horizontal groove 255.

The operation of the assembly 210 is explained below.

To fill the rechargeable device 212, it is placed on the recharging device 214 by inserting the pin 245 in the first vertical groove 249 to meet the first bead 257.

The user then forces the rechargeable device 212 on the recharging device 214 so that the pin 245 protrudes from the first bead 257 and is placed in the second horizontal groove 251.

In this so-called intermediate position of conditioning of the assembly 210 ( Figure 8 ), the rechargeable device 212 is snapped onto the charging device 214 but the second and third closure systems 258, 290 are always closed.

This intermediate position makes it possible to guarantee a better seal of both the rechargeable device 212 and the refill device 214 to prevent evaporation of the perfume inside the two devices, evaporation which could take place if the two devices were dissociated too much. long time.

Furthermore, the intermediate position further allows to leave the two devices unused for a while, with the refill device 212 empty. This has the advantage that the perfume will, in principle, be better preserved in the refilling device 214, rather than in a small quantity in the refillable device 212, in particular when the material of the reservoir 216 has a resistance to corrosion. lower than the material of the container 266 which is usually glass.

When the user wishes to recharge the rechargeable device 212, he rotates it around the vertical axis Z with respect to the recharging device 214.

The lug 245 then follows the third helical groove 253, which causes a vertical / axial displacement of the rechargeable device 212 along the vertical axis Z and therefore an opening of the filling channel 250 and the filling duct 282, the opening the second and third closure systems 258, 290 being identical to that of the first embodiment.

By continuing the rotational movement of the rechargeable device 212, the lug 245 snaps into the fourth horizontal groove 255 via the second bead 259, thus locking the device in position. rechargeable 212 on the charging device 214.

The invention therefore provides a rechargeable device that is simple to use and to manufacture while being compact and waterproof.

The rechargeable device according to the invention is also compact, and therefore easily transportable, and it presents a limited risk of leakage of the fluid product as well as a limited risk of obstruction of the nozzle and the filling opening by foreign bodies. like dust.

As mentioned above, the rechargeable device has operation without air intake ("airless").

This airless operation is implemented, when using the rechargeable device, thanks to the non-return valve of the first closure system which prevents outside air from entering the tank, the second closure system which remains closed during the use of the rechargeable device and which also prevents the outside air to enter the tank, and the sealed tank which remains compressed as a result of the effort exerted by the user. It should be noted that to mask any unsightly appearance of the rechargeable device when the reservoir is in the compressed state, the actuating member is biased into its rest position.

In addition, it is precisely this airless operation that, when filling the rechargeable device, to suck the product contained in the charging device to the tank. Indeed, when the rechargeable device is mounted on the charging device and the filling channel opens, the tank, hitherto compressed, returns to its maximum volume position, which creates a vacuum in the filling channel and sucks the product.

So unlike the distribution systems with air intake, in which the quantity of product expelled is replaced by an equal amount of outside air, the airless device according to the invention allows to leave the product safe from possible contamination by the external environment, for example by bacteria and microorganisms. The product is never in contact with the air before its distribution, which has the advantage of limiting the alteration of the product, its purity and effectiveness remaining substantially intact. The airless character of the rechargeable device also helps to limit the obstruction of the filling opening by foreign bodies.

Claims (15)

1. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) for packaging and dispensing a fluid product, comprising:

   - a reservoir (16, 116, 216) delimiting a variable interior volume for containing said fluid product;

   - a fluid product dispensing nozzle (18, 118, 218);

   - a fluid product dispensing passage (20, 120, 220) connecting the reservoir (16, 116, 216) and the nozzle (18, 118, 218) and provided with a first closure system (32, 132, 232) adapted to be selectively opened/closed to allow/ prevent a flow of fluid product between the reservoir (16, 116, 216) and the nozzle (18, 118, 218);

   - a fluid product filling opening (48, 148, 248); and

   - a fluid product filling channel (50, 150, 250) connecting the filling opening (48, 148, 248) and the reservoir (16, 116, 216) and provided with a second closure system (58, 158, 258) adapted to be selectively opened/ closed to allow/prevent a flow of fluid product between the filling opening (48, 148, 248) and the reservoir (16, 116, 216), the second closure system (58, 158, 258) being normally kept closed and adapted to open by collaboration with a fluid product refilling device (14, 114, 214) when the refillable device (12, 112, 212) is mounted on said refilling device (14, 114, 214),

   wherein the reservoir (16, 116, 216) is arranged to be able to receive a force exerted by a user in a manner that reduces its interior volume,
   wherein the nozzle (18, 118, 218) and the filling opening (48, 148, 248) open onto one and the same face of the refillable device (12, 112, 212),
   characterized in that the refillable device (12, 112, 212) is a device without air intake.
2. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to claim 1, wherein the first closure system (32, 132, 232) comprises a valve (34, 134, 234) which is normally kept closed and which is adapted to open when the interior volume of the reservoir (16, 116, 216) decreases.
3. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle (18, 118, 218) and the filling opening (48, 148, 248) are concentric to each other.
4. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to claim 3, wherein the dispensing passage (20, 120, 220) comprises a downstream section (26, 126, 226) leading to the nozzle (18, 118, 218), said downstream section (26, 126, 226) being defined by an internal tube (28, 128, 228) which supports the nozzle (18, 118, 218), and the filling channel (50, 150, 250) comprises an upstream section (54, 154, 254) leading to the filling opening (48, 148, 248) and defined by the internal tube (28, 128, 228) and an external tube (56, 156, 256) coaxial with the internal tube (28, 128, 228).
5. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to claim 4, wherein the internal tube (28, 128, 228) is part of the second closure system (58, 158, 258) and is mounted so as to be movable relative to the external tube (56, 156, 256) between a normal usage position where the internal tube (28, 128, 228) obstructs the filling channel (50, 150, 250), and a filling position where the filling channel (50, 150, 250) is free of the internal tube (28, 128, 228), the second closure system (58, 158, 258) further comprising a resilient member (64, 164, 264) urging the internal tube (28, 128, 228) into the usage position.
6. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an actuation member (44, 144, 244) to be actuated by a user to act on the reservoir (16, 116, 216) .
7. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to claim 6, wherein the actuation member (44, 144, 244) is mounted so as to be movable relative to the reservoir (16, 116, 216) between a dispensing position where the actuation member (44, 144, 244) presses against the reservoir (16, 116, 216), and a rest position where the reservoir (16, 116, 216) is not biased by the actuation member (44, 144, 244).
8. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reservoir (16, 116, 216) is resiliently biased toward a position of maximum volume.
9. Refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an air inlet (40, 140, 240) which opens into the dispensing passage (20, 120, 220) upstream of the nozzle (18, 118, 218), the air inlet (40, 140, 240) being closed off by a filter (42, 142, 242) permeable to air and impermeable to fluids.
10. Assembly (10, 110, 210) for packaging, refilling, and dispensing a fluid product, characterized in that it comprises:

    - a refillable device (12, 112, 212) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and

    - a fluid product refilling device (14, 114, 214), comprising:

    • a container (66, 166, 266) intended for containing said fluid product; and

    • a connector (68, 168, 268) mounted on the container (66, 166, 266) and defining a filling duct (82, 182, 282) for fluid product, provided with a third closure system (90, 190, 290) adapted to be selectively opened/closed to allow/prevent a flow of fluid product from the container (66, 166, 266),

    the refillable device (12, 112, 212) being adapted for mounting on the connector (68, 168, 268) of the refilling device (14, 114, 214) so that the filling channel (50, 150, 250) and the filling duct (82, 182, 282) are in fluid communication with each other, the second (58, 158, 258) and third (90, 190, 290) closure systems being adapted to be open when the refillable device (12, 112, 212) is mounted on the refilling device (14, 114, 214).
11. Assembly (10, 110, 210) according to claim 10, wherein the third closure system (90, 190, 290) comprises an end cap (85, 185, 285) arranged in the filling duct (82, 182, 282) and mounted so as to be movable relative to the filling duct (82, 182, 282) in order to selectively close/open the filling duct (82, 182, 282).
12. Assembly (10, 110, 210) according to claim 11, wherein the third closure system further comprises a resilient member (92, 192, 292) adapted to bias the end cap (85, 185, 285) into a position where the end cap (85, 185, 285) closes the filling duct (82, 182, 282).
13. Assembly (10, 110) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the refillable device (12, 112) and the connector (68, 168) are adapted to open the second (58, 158) and third (90, 190) closure systems automatically when the refillable device (12, 112) is mounted on the refilling device (14, 114).
14. Assembly (110) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the refillable device (112) comprises a fourth closure system (119) adapted to be selectively opened/closed to allow/prevent a flow of fluid product through the filling channel (150) .
15. Assembly (110) according to claim 14, wherein the fourth closure system (119) is normally in a closed position and is adapted to open when the second (158) and third (190) closure systems are open.

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