EP3352913B1 - Airless dispensing system with a pump - Google Patents

Airless dispensing system with a pump Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3352913B1
EP3352913B1 EP16785209.4A EP16785209A EP3352913B1 EP 3352913 B1 EP3352913 B1 EP 3352913B1 EP 16785209 A EP16785209 A EP 16785209A EP 3352913 B1 EP3352913 B1 EP 3352913B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
dispensing system
pump
rigid support
outlet
Prior art date
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Application number
EP16785209.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3352913A1 (en
Inventor
Géry DAMBRICOURT
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CEP TUBES
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CEP TUBES
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Publication of EP3352913A1 publication Critical patent/EP3352913A1/en
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Publication of EP3352913B1 publication Critical patent/EP3352913B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/007—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
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0072—A valve member forming part of an outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0075—Two outlet valves being placed in a delivery conduit, one downstream the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • 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
    • B05B11/1066—Pump inlet valves
    • B05B11/1067—Pump inlet valves actuated by pressure
    • B05B11/1069—Pump inlet valves actuated by pressure the valve being made of a resiliently deformable material or being urged in a closed position by a spring
    • 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
    • B05B11/1073—Springs
    • B05B11/1074—Springs located outside pump chambers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an airless distribution system also called “airless”, that is to say without air intake so that the product dispensed is never in contact with the air before its distribution, the metering being ensured by means of a non-return pump integrated in said system.
  • This type of airless distribution system is used in particular for the distribution of products which are liable to deteriorate on contact with air. It can be pharmaceutical products or cosmetic products such as care creams, of fluid consistency, that is to say liquid or pasty.
  • the fluid product is packaged in a retractable container so that the volume of the container corresponds precisely at all times of use to the residual quantity of the product that it contains, the product never being in contact with air at l inside the container.
  • this type of dispenser comprises a pump provided with a variable volume distribution chamber provided with an inlet connected to the container, and an outlet for discharging the product to be dispensed.
  • the most precise system consists in actuating a piston by a movement of return in a cylinder. This is the most conventional for an airless dispenser pump, the opening and closing movements at the inlet and at the outlet of the dispensing chamber being carried out by means of valves made up of balls or movable rigid valves.
  • the advantage of the ball is that it is smaller, which makes it possible to have a smaller pump.
  • a first airless system called “airless” is airtight from the container to a first valve located at the immediate outlet of the distribution chamber.
  • a second airless system called “full airless” is airtight from the container to the discharge opening. The second system is still much more complex and more expensive than the first.
  • the object of the invention is to provide an airless distribution system which is both efficient and simple to manufacture while retaining the traditional architecture of a pump whose distribution chamber consists of a piston sliding in a cylinder.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to merge with common constituents a metering function, that is to say the motor function performed by the push button and the pump, and a distribution function, that is to say conveying of the fluid product from the container to an outlet orifice where the discharge channel opens, these functions being carried out by means of three structural parts.
  • the non-return valves consist of a non-return valve comprising a flexible wall disposed opposite the rigid support and mounted in abutment or prestressed abutment on said rigid support to which said valve is connected by a fixed link.
  • the rigid support is perforated with at least one passage arranged opposite the flexible wall.
  • the inlet valve consists of a valve bearing on the rigid support part of the hoop.
  • the outlet valve consists of a valve resting on the rigid support part of the rod or the push button depending on the solution chosen. Before mounting, the valve has a peripheral cone-shaped area. In the assembled position, said peripheral zone has a deformation of the flattening type and inducing an elongation consecutive to the bearing of the inner face of the large base on the rigid wall. This elongation induces a considerable bearing force, much greater than a non-elastic deformation, which guarantees sealing when the distribution system is "at rest" including if the container is overpressure.
  • the distribution system is "at rest” when the pressures inside the container and inside the pump as well as the atmospheric pressure are identical.
  • the pressure variation in the distribution chamber will deform the flexible wall and allow the valve to open.
  • the valve is connected to the rigid wall by a fixed non-deformable connection
  • a fixed non-deformable connection means that only part of the valve ensuring the connection to the rigid wall is fixed and not deformable.
  • This fixed part made of flexible polymer, is located in the center of the valve.
  • the flexible peripheral zone extends radially outwards from this fixing zone.
  • the fixing zone could, for example, consist of a flexible chimney part of the valve fitted on a rigid rod connected to the rigid wall.
  • the assembly of the flexible chimney and the rigid rod constitutes a rigid and sealed assembly.
  • the assembly thus produced can withstand an upstream overpressure greater than 6 bars.
  • the fixing zone cannot carry out any movement in translation, rotation or deformation of any type with respect to the rigid wall.
  • the pump comprises a distribution chamber consisting of a piston sliding in a pump cylinder and a first discharge channel.
  • the pump thus functions as both a pump and the first evacuation channel
  • the hoop comprises the pump cylinder, a first sealed connection means of the container to the distribution system as well as the rigid support support of the valve of the inlet valve.
  • the valve consists of said valve mounted to bear on said rigid support support.
  • the hoop fitted with the inlet valve cumulatively acts as a sealed connection between the container in which the fluid is conditioned and the distribution system, as an inlet valve in the distribution chamber, and finally as the cylinder which is the first component of the distribution chamber.
  • the rod comprises the piston, the first evacuation channel, as well as a second connecting means waterproof with the push button.
  • the rod is hollow throughout its length to constitute the first product discharge channel from the distribution chamber to the push button. In this way, the rod acts as a piston for the pump, as the first evacuation duct, and as a sealed connection with the push button.
  • the push button is connected to the rod by the second connecting means of said rod and comprises a second discharge channel.
  • the second evacuation channel connects the first evacuation channel housed in the rod to the evacuation orifice housed in said push button.
  • the push button is fixedly connected to the rod so that the pressure action on the push button causes the movement of the rod and by the same that of the piston in the cylinder.
  • the push button can for example be fitted on the rod.
  • the evacuation opening constitutes the outlet of the second evacuation channel to the outside.
  • the rod comprises a rigid support disposed at the outlet end of the first discharge channel, and the outlet valve consists of the valve mounted to bear on said rigid support.
  • the rod has two ends.
  • the piston is disposed at a first end of the rod.
  • the outlet end is the second end of the rod.
  • the rod is a one-piece assembly which integrates the rigid support support of the valve of the outlet valve.
  • the support consists of a shoulder disposed at the outlet of the first evacuation channel.
  • the rod is then equipped with a valve bearing on said support support and the pump is thus equipped with the outlet valve.
  • the outlet valve is thus disposed at the outlet of the dispensing chamber and the dispensing system is airtight from the container to the outlet of the dispensing chamber.
  • a second outlet non-return valve is arranged in the discharge orifice, the push button then also comprising a rigid support disposed in the discharge orifice and the outlet valve consisting of the mounted valve. resting on said rigid support.
  • the push button is a one-piece assembly which incorporates a rigid support for the valve of the second outlet valve. Said bearing surface is constituted by the free end of a rod housed in the center of the discharge orifice, said rod being in one piece with the push button.
  • the push button is then fitted with a valve housed in the evacuation orifice, the flexible wall of the valve is supported on the support support formed by said free end.
  • the pump is then fitted with a second outlet valve.
  • the pump is therefore equipped with two outlet valves, the first of which is disposed at the outlet of the distribution chamber and the second is disposed in the outlet orifice of the distribution system; the second valve obtains the closure of said discharge orifice.
  • This version has the advantage of great safety, the two outlet valves having a double air barrier.
  • the second outlet valve housed in the orifice being in contact with the outside, may deteriorate for a reason of shock, fall or due to any attack. In this case, the distribution system is always airtight until it leaves the distribution chamber.
  • the push button comprises the rigid support disposed in the discharge orifice, the outlet valve consisting of the valve mounted to bear on said rigid support.
  • the pump is therefore equipped with a single outlet valve which simultaneously ensures the closure of the discharge orifice. She has the advantage that the dispensing system is sealed from the container to the dispensing orifice.
  • the invention also relates to an assembly comprising a distribution system with at least one of the preceding characteristics. It is characterized in that the distribution system is fixed on a container and in that the assembly is airtight from the container to the outlet valve of the most downstream pump. The assembly is thus sealed from the container to the exit of the first evacuation channel in the first embodiment. The assembly is thus sealed from the container to the discharge orifice in the second and the third embodiment.
  • the top of the distribution system corresponds to the push button and the bottom to the hoop in contact with the container.
  • the product flows from the container upstream of the distribution system to the outlet orifice downstream of said distribution system.
  • the valve disposed in the dispensing orifice is therefore located downstream of the valve disposed at the outlet of the first discharge channel.
  • the illustrated distribution system figure 1 includes a hoop 2, a push button 3, a return spring 4 constituting a return system, a rod 5 and two valves.
  • the valves each include a valve 6 and 7 having a flexible wall 60 and 70 peripheral located opposite the rigid support 24 integral part of the hoop 2 for the valve 6 and the rigid support 52 integral part of the rod for the valve 7.
  • the rigid support is perforated by at least one orifice 6 or 7 located opposite the flexible wall of the valve.
  • the valve is in the closed position when the peripheral flexible wall 60 or 70 of the valve is respectively in contact with the rigid support 24 or 52 over its entire perimeter and in the open position when the peripheral flexible wall 60 or 70 of the valve is distant from the rigid support on at least part of this perimeter, the valve 6 or 7 and the rigid support 24 or 52 constituting a sealed assembly when the flexible peripheral wall of the valve 6 or 7 is in contact with its entire perimeter with the rigid support 24 or 52.
  • the valve 6 or 7 is respectively connected to the rigid support 24 or 52 by a non-deformable fixed connection.
  • the valve passes from the closed position to the open position by deformation of the peripheral zone of the valve 6 or 7.
  • the flexible walls 60, 70 of the non-return valves 6 and 7 are cone-shaped.
  • the flexible walls 60, 70 will be deformed during assembly by the pressing and stressing of the internal face of the large base of the cone on the rigid support 24 or 52.
  • valves 6 and 7 are identical as on the figure 1 .
  • the return system could for example be a compression spring of helical shape, other solutions being possible.
  • the hoop 2 is in one piece, for example consisting of a rigid plastic block obtained in a molding operation. It has a face 22 to ensure a sealed connection with a container (not shown) filled with a product to be dispensed and sensitive to air. It comprises an opening 20 to allow the transfer of the product into the dispensing chamber when the valve is open and a cylinder 21 which constitutes a first element of the dispensing chamber.
  • the rod 5 is also monobloc, it comprises the piston (50) disposed at a first end of the said rod, the said piston being in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cylinder 21, a guide ring 53 and it is pierced over its entire length of a conduit constituting a first discharge channel 51 which passes through it from bottom to top preferably at its center from the first end to a second end called the outlet end 511.
  • the first discharge channel 51 is closed in the upper part of the rod 5 by the valve 7 fixed in abutment on the rigid support 52 disposed at the outlet end 511 of the rod (5).
  • the internal volume of the cylinder 21 delimited at the top by the internal face of the piston 50 and at the bottom by the valve 6 constitutes a distribution chamber 8.
  • the distribution chamber 8 is extended by the first discharge channel 51 inside the rod 5 then the second discharge channel 31 inside the push button 3.
  • the rod 5 is made integral with the push button 3 by interlocking.
  • the valve 7 is fixed to the push button 3 before the push button 3 fits into the rod 5.
  • the rod 5 and the push button 3 constitute a rigid assembly, the flexible wall of the valve 7 then resting on the rigid support 52 and closing off the evacuation channel (51) when the valve is in the open position.
  • the rod 5 is movable in translation in the cylinder 21 between two positions, a high position where a distribution chamber 8 is of maximum volume and a low position where the distribution chamber 8 is of minimum volume.
  • the guide ring 53 cooperates with the inner face of the cylinder 21 to guarantee that the rod 21 moves in a direction perfectly coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder.
  • the piston 50 has a recess 500 of complementary shape to the valve 6 to allow the piston 50 to fit on the valve 6 and thus reduce the minimum volume of the distribution chamber 8.
  • the rod 5 is fixed to the push button 3 in its upper part and the valve 7 is arranged at the interface of the channels 51 and 31.
  • the spring 4 keeps the push button 3 in the high rest position, it is supported on one side 30 of the push button 3 on one side and on one side 23 of the hoop 2 on the other.
  • the push button 3 is pierced with a second complementary discharge channel 31 intended to extend the first channel 51 to the orifice 32.
  • the distribution system comprises an outlet valve consisting of a valve 9 having a flexible wall 90 disposed opposite the free end of a rod constituting the rigid support support 33 of said flexible wall 90 , said rod forming an integral part of push button 3.
  • the flexible wall is perforated with an orifice 32 concentric with the support support 33.
  • the orifice 32 has a contour substantially homothetic to that of the support support 33 in a plane P perpendicular to the axis xx 'of the rod.
  • the orifice 32 has a surface smaller than the projected surface of the support support 33 in the plane P.
  • the valve is in the closed position when the flexible wall 90 is in contact with the rigid support support 33 over the entire perimeter of the orifice 32, and in the open position when the flexible wall 90 is distant from the support support 33 on at least part of the perimeter of the orifice 32.
  • valve 9 and the free end of the rod constituting the support support 33 form a sealed assembly when the flexible wall 90 is in contact with the support support 33 over the entire perimeter of the orifice 32.
  • the valve 9 is connected to the push button 3 by a fixed non-deformable link.
  • the valve passes from the closed position to the open position by deformation of the flexible wall 90.
  • the flexible wall 90 is supported on the support support 33 at any point on its surface in contact with said support support.
  • Said support is obtained by elastic deformation of said flexible wall 90, said deformation resulting from the mounting of the valve 9 in the push button 3.
  • the flexible wall 90 Before mounting, the flexible wall 90 may be in the form of an open inverted cone. During assembly, the flexible wall 90 deforms and takes a substantially planar shape as shown in the figure 3 . In a preferred embodiment, the push button 3 and the rod are in one piece.
  • the distribution system includes three valves: an inlet valve and two outlet valves.
  • the inlet valve is identical to that of the embodiments shown in figure 1 and figure 2 .
  • the first outlet valve is identical to the outlet valve of the figure 1 and the second outlet valve is identical to the outlet valve of the figure 3 .
  • the volume of the dose can vary in very large proportions.
  • the manufacturer imposes a piston stroke of 5 mm.
  • the inside diameter of the cylinder is equal to 6.5 mm and that the diameter of the valve before deformation is less than 6 mm.
  • the invention allows the miniaturization of the pump of the distribution system for a minimum dosage, it is therefore even simpler to carry out the application for much larger doses by increasing the diameter of the cylinder and the piston and that of the valve.
  • valves 6, 7 and 9 will preferably be produced in a flexible polymer endowed with a good shape memory of TPP, TEV or SEBS type or possibly in LDPE.
  • the rod 5 will be made of a polyethylene, preferably a PEL or a LDPE.
  • the push button 3 and the hoop 2 do not have specific mechanical properties and can be produced in a more rigid polymer of HDPE or polycarbonate type. Polypropylene may also be used although it does not have the barrier and appearance properties of HDPE.

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

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un système de distribution sans air aussi appelé "airless", c'est-à-dire sans reprise d'air de sorte que le produit distribué n'est jamais en contact avec l'air avant sa distribution, le dosage étant assuré au moyen d'une pompe anti-retour intégrée dans ledit système. Ce type de système de distribution dit airless est notamment utilisé pour la distribution de produits qui sont susceptibles de se détériorer au contact de l'air. Il peut s'agir de produits pharmaceutiques ou de produits cosmétiques comme des crèmes de soins, de consistance fluide, c'est-à-dire liquide ou pâteuse.The present invention relates to an airless distribution system also called "airless", that is to say without air intake so that the product dispensed is never in contact with the air before its distribution, the metering being ensured by means of a non-return pump integrated in said system. This type of airless distribution system is used in particular for the distribution of products which are liable to deteriorate on contact with air. It can be pharmaceutical products or cosmetic products such as care creams, of fluid consistency, that is to say liquid or pasty.

Le produit fluide est conditionné dans un contenant rétractable de sorte que le volume du contenant correspond précisément à tout moment de l'utilisation à la quantité résiduelle du produit qu'il contient, le produit n'étant jamais en contact avec l'air à l'intérieur du contenant.The fluid product is packaged in a retractable container so that the volume of the container corresponds precisely at all times of use to the residual quantity of the product that it contains, the product never being in contact with air at l inside the container.

De manière classique, ce genre de distributeurs comprend une pompe dotée d'une chambre de distribution de volume variable pourvue d'une entrée reliée au contenant, et d'une sortie pour évacuer le produit à distribuer.Conventionally, this type of dispenser comprises a pump provided with a variable volume distribution chamber provided with an inlet connected to the container, and an outlet for discharging the product to be dispensed.

On connaît du document EP 2 006 028 un système de distribution destiné à être fixé sur un contenant dans lequel est conditionné un produit fluide, ledit système de distribution comprenant une pompe, deux valves anti-retour respectivement d'entrée et de sortie, un moyen de rappel élastique et un bouton poussoir, ladite pompe étant mise en mouvement par le biais d'une action de poussée sur le bouton poussoir relié à ladite pompeWe know of the document EP 2,006,028 a distribution system intended to be fixed on a container in which a fluid product is conditioned, said distribution system comprising a pump, two non-return valves respectively for inlet and outlet, an elastic return means and a push button, said pump being set in motion by means of a pushing action on the push button connected to said pump

Il existe de nombreux moyens pour faire varier le volume de la chambre de distribution. Le système le plus précis consiste à actionner un piston par un mouvement d'aller retour dans un cylindre. Il s'agit là de la conception la plus classique pour une pompe de distributeur airless, les mouvements d'ouverture et de fermeture à l'entrée et à la sortie de la chambre de distribution étant réalisés au moyen de valves constituées de billes ou de clapets rigides mobiles. L'avantage de la bille est qu'elle est plus petite, ce qui permet d'avoir une pompe de plus petite dimension.There are many ways to vary the volume of the dispensing chamber. The most precise system consists in actuating a piston by a movement of return in a cylinder. This is the most conventional for an airless dispenser pump, the opening and closing movements at the inlet and at the outlet of the dispensing chamber being carried out by means of valves made up of balls or movable rigid valves. The advantage of the ball is that it is smaller, which makes it possible to have a smaller pump.

L'intérêt d'une pompe classique dont la chambre de distribution est constituée d'un piston coulissant dans un cylindre est d'offrir un dosage très précis du produit fluide distribué, permettant ainsi d'éviter une utilisation imprécise ou trop importante du produit conditionné dans le contenant.The advantage of a conventional pump whose distribution chamber consists of a piston sliding in a cylinder is to offer a very precise metering of the fluid dispensed, thus avoiding imprecise or excessive use of the packaged product. in the container.

Ce type de système de distribution est en général composé d'un nombre important de pièces ce qui en complique la fabrication et augmente son coût, d'autant qu'il existe aujourd'hui deux versions de système de distribution. Un premier système sans air dit "airless", est étanche à l'air depuis le contenant jusqu'à une première valve située en sortie immédiate de la chambre de distribution. Un deuxième système sans air dit "full airless" est étanche à l'air depuis le contenant jusqu'à l'orifice d'évacuation. Le deuxième système est encore beaucoup plus complexe et plus onéreux que le premier.This type of distribution system is generally composed of a large number of parts which complicates the manufacture and increases its cost, especially since there are today two versions of distribution system. A first airless system called "airless" is airtight from the container to a first valve located at the immediate outlet of the distribution chamber. A second airless system called "full airless" is airtight from the container to the discharge opening. The second system is still much more complex and more expensive than the first.

Ceci est d'autant plus critique que les produits fluides sont en général conditionnés dans de simples tubes dont le coût de revient est beaucoup plus faible, lorsque la crème peut être en contact avec l'air.This is all the more critical since the fluid products are generally packaged in simple tubes whose cost price is much lower, when the cream can be in contact with air.

L'objet de l'invention est de proposer un système de distribution sans air qui soit à la fois efficace et simple à fabriquer tout en gardant l'architecture traditionnelle d'une pompe dont la chambre de distribution est constituée d'un piston coulissant dans un cylindre.The object of the invention is to provide an airless distribution system which is both efficient and simple to manufacture while retaining the traditional architecture of a pump whose distribution chamber consists of a piston sliding in a cylinder.

Le système de distribution selon l'invention est destiné à être fixé sur un contenant dans lequel est conditionné un produit fluide. Ledit système de distribution comprend une pompe, deux valves antiretour respectivement d'entrée et de sortie, un moyen de rappel élastique et un bouton poussoir. Ladite pompe est mise en mouvement par le biais d'une action de poussée sur le bouton poussoir relié à ladite pompe. Le système de distribution est caractérisé en ce que :

  • il est constitué de trois pièces de structure monobloc : une tige, une frette et un bouton poussoir ;
  • les trois pièces monoblocs supportent le moyen de rappel élastique et coopèrent entre elles pour assurer la distribution du produit fluide sous l'effet de la poussée exercée sur le bouton poussoir depuis le contenant jusqu'à un orifice d'évacuation ;
  • les deux valves antiretour d'entrée et de sortie sont constituées chacune d'un clapet monté en appui sur un support rigide auquel ledit clapet est relié par une liaison fixe ;
  • au moins un clapet dispose d'une zone périphérique souple et déformable non ajourée, située en vis-à-vis du support rigide;
  • la paroi rigide est ajourée par au moins un orifice situé en vis-à-vis de la zone périphérique;
  • la zone périphérique a une forme sensiblement conique avant montage avec une grande base, une petite base et une face intérieure du côté intérieur de la grande base du cône ;
  • ladite zone périphérique présente une déformation consécutive à la mise en appui de la face intérieure de la grande base sur le support rigide (24, 52) en position assemblée.
The distribution system according to the invention is intended to be fixed on a container in which a fluid product is packaged. Said distribution system includes a pump, two inlet and outlet non-return valves respectively, an elastic return means and a push button. Said pump is set in motion by means of a pushing action on the push button connected to said pump. The distribution system is characterized in that:
  • it is made up of three pieces of one-piece structure: a rod, a hoop and a push button;
  • the three monoblock parts support the elastic return means and cooperate with each other to ensure the distribution of the fluid product under the effect of the pressure exerted on the push button from the container to a discharge orifice;
  • the two inlet and outlet non-return valves each consist of a valve mounted to bear on a rigid support to which said valve is connected by a fixed link;
  • at least one valve has a flexible and deformable non-perforated peripheral zone, located opposite the rigid support;
  • the rigid wall is perforated by at least one orifice located opposite the peripheral zone;
  • the peripheral zone has a substantially conical shape before mounting with a large base, a small base and an interior face of the interior side of the large base of the cone;
  • said peripheral zone has a deformation consecutive to the abutment of the inner face of the large base on the rigid support (24, 52) in the assembled position.

Le nombre de pièces est ainsi fortement réduit puisque le système ne comprend plus que trois pièces de structure : la tige, la frette et le bouton poussoir, avec un ressort et deux clapets.The number of parts is thus greatly reduced since the system now only comprises three structural parts: the rod, hoop and push button, with a spring and two valves.

L'invention permet ainsi de fusionner avec des constituants communs une fonction de dosage, c'est-à-dire la fonction motrice réalisée par le bouton poussoir et la pompe, et une fonction de distribution, c'est-à-dire d'acheminement du produit fluide depuis le contenant jusqu'à un orifice de sortie où débouche le canal d'évacuation, ces fonctions étant réalisées au moyens de trois pièces de structure.The invention thus makes it possible to merge with common constituents a metering function, that is to say the motor function performed by the push button and the pump, and a distribution function, that is to say conveying of the fluid product from the container to an outlet orifice where the discharge channel opens, these functions being carried out by means of three structural parts.

Les valves antiretours sont constituées d'un clapet antiretour comprenant une paroi souple disposée en vis-à-vis du support rigide et montée en appui ou précontrainte en appui sur ledit support rigide auquel ledit clapet est relié par une liaison fixe. Le support rigide est ajouré d'au moins un passage disposé en vis-à-vis de la paroi souple. La valve d'entrée est constituée d'un clapet en appui sur le support rigide partie de la frette. La valve de sortie est constituée d'un clapet en appui sur le support rigide partie de la tige ou du bouton poussoir selon la solution retenue. Avant montage, le clapet dispose d'une zone périphérique en forme de cône. En position assemblée, ladite zone périphérique présente une déformation de type aplatissement et induisant une élongation consécutive à la mise en appui de la face intérieure de la grande base sur la paroi rigide. Cette élongation induit une force d'appui considérable, bien supérieure à une déformation non élastique, laquelle garantit l'étanchéité quand le système de distribution est « au repos » y compris si le contenant est en surpression.The non-return valves consist of a non-return valve comprising a flexible wall disposed opposite the rigid support and mounted in abutment or prestressed abutment on said rigid support to which said valve is connected by a fixed link. The rigid support is perforated with at least one passage arranged opposite the flexible wall. The inlet valve consists of a valve bearing on the rigid support part of the hoop. The outlet valve consists of a valve resting on the rigid support part of the rod or the push button depending on the solution chosen. Before mounting, the valve has a peripheral cone-shaped area. In the assembled position, said peripheral zone has a deformation of the flattening type and inducing an elongation consecutive to the bearing of the inner face of the large base on the rigid wall. This elongation induces a considerable bearing force, much greater than a non-elastic deformation, which guarantees sealing when the distribution system is "at rest" including if the container is overpressure.

Le système de distribution est « au repos » lorsque les pressions à l'intérieur du contenant et à l'intérieur de la pompe ainsi que la pression atmosphérique sont identiques.The distribution system is "at rest" when the pressures inside the container and inside the pump as well as the atmospheric pressure are identical.

La variation de pression dans la chambre de distribution va déformer la paroi souple et permettre l'ouverture de la valve.The pressure variation in the distribution chamber will deform the flexible wall and allow the valve to open.

Dans la présente description, « le clapet est relié à la paroi rigide par une liaison fixe non déformable » signifie que seulement une partie du clapet assurant la liaison à la paroi rigide est fixe et non déformable. Cette partie fixe, réalisée en polymère souple, est située au centre du clapet. La zone périphérique souple s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur à partir cette zone de fixation.In the present description, "the valve is connected to the rigid wall by a fixed non-deformable connection" means that only part of the valve ensuring the connection to the rigid wall is fixed and not deformable. This fixed part, made of flexible polymer, is located in the center of the valve. The flexible peripheral zone extends radially outwards from this fixing zone.

La zone de fixation pourra, par exemple, être constituée d'une cheminée souple partie du clapet emmanchée sur une tige rigide reliée à la paroi rigide. L'ensemble de la cheminée souple et de la tige rigide constitue un assemblage rigide et étanche. L'assemblage ainsi réalisé peut résister à une surpression amont supérieure à 6 bars.The fixing zone could, for example, consist of a flexible chimney part of the valve fitted on a rigid rod connected to the rigid wall. The assembly of the flexible chimney and the rigid rod constitutes a rigid and sealed assembly. The assembly thus produced can withstand an upstream overpressure greater than 6 bars.

Ainsi, en position assemblée, la zone de fixation ne peut réaliser aucun mouvement en translation, en rotation ou en déformation de quelque type que ce soit par rapport à la paroi rigide.Thus, in the assembled position, the fixing zone cannot carry out any movement in translation, rotation or deformation of any type with respect to the rigid wall.

Avantageusement, la pompe comprend une chambre de distribution constituée d'un piston coulissant dans un cylindre de pompe et un premier canal d'évacuation. La pompe fait ainsi fonction à la fois de pompe et de premier canal d'évacuationAdvantageously, the pump comprises a distribution chamber consisting of a piston sliding in a pump cylinder and a first discharge channel. The pump thus functions as both a pump and the first evacuation channel

Avantageusement, la frette comprend le cylindre de la pompe, un premier moyen de liaison étanche du contenant au système de distribution ainsi que le support d'appui rigide du clapet de la valve d'entrée. La valve est constituée dudit clapet monté en appui sur ledit support d'appui rigide. La frette équipée du clapet d'entrée fait office cumulativement de liaison étanche entre le contenant dans lequel est conditionné le produit fluide et le système de distribution, de valve d'entrée dans la chambre de distribution, et enfin de cylindre premier élément constitutif de la chambre de distribution.Advantageously, the hoop comprises the pump cylinder, a first sealed connection means of the container to the distribution system as well as the rigid support support of the valve of the inlet valve. The valve consists of said valve mounted to bear on said rigid support support. The hoop fitted with the inlet valve cumulatively acts as a sealed connection between the container in which the fluid is conditioned and the distribution system, as an inlet valve in the distribution chamber, and finally as the cylinder which is the first component of the distribution chamber.

Avantageusement, la tige comprend le piston, le premier canal d'évacuation, ainsi qu'un deuxième moyen de liaison étanche avec le bouton poussoir. La tige est creuse dans toute sa longueur pour constituer le premier canal d'évacuation du produit depuis la chambre de distribution jusqu'au bouton poussoir. De cette façon, la tige fait office de piston de la pompe, de premier conduit d'évacuation, et de liaison étanche avec le bouton poussoir.Advantageously, the rod comprises the piston, the first evacuation channel, as well as a second connecting means waterproof with the push button. The rod is hollow throughout its length to constitute the first product discharge channel from the distribution chamber to the push button. In this way, the rod acts as a piston for the pump, as the first evacuation duct, and as a sealed connection with the push button.

Avantageusement, le bouton poussoir est relié à la tige par le deuxième moyen de liaison de ladite tige et comprend un deuxième canal d'évacuation. Le deuxième canal d'évacuation relie le premier canal d'évacuation logé dans la tige à l'orifice d'évacuation logée dans ledit bouton poussoir. Le bouton poussoir est relié de façon fixe à la tige de sorte que l'action de pression sur le bouton poussoir entraine le mouvement de la tige et par la même celle du piston dans le cylindre. Le bouton poussoir pourra par exemple être emboité sur la tige. L'orifice d'évacuation constitue le débouché du deuxième canal d'évacuation sur l'extérieur.Advantageously, the push button is connected to the rod by the second connecting means of said rod and comprises a second discharge channel. The second evacuation channel connects the first evacuation channel housed in the rod to the evacuation orifice housed in said push button. The push button is fixedly connected to the rod so that the pressure action on the push button causes the movement of the rod and by the same that of the piston in the cylinder. The push button can for example be fitted on the rod. The evacuation opening constitutes the outlet of the second evacuation channel to the outside.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, la tige comprend un support rigide disposé à l'extrémité de sortie du premier canal d'évacuation, et la valve de sortie est constituée du clapet monté en appui sur ledit support rigide. La tige comprend deux extrémités. Le piston est disposé à une première extrémité de la tige. L'extrémité de sortie est la deuxième extrémité de la tige. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la tige est un ensemble monobloc qui intègre le support d'appui rigide du clapet de la valve de sortie. Le support est constitué d'un épaulement disposé en sortie du premier canal d'évacuation. La tige est alors équipée d'un clapet en appui sur ledit support d'appui et la pompe est ainsi équipée de la valve de sortie. La valve de sortie est ainsi disposée en sortie de la chambre de distribution et le système de distribution est étanche à l'air depuis le contenant jusqu'à la sortie de la chambre de distribution. Cette première version présente l'avantage d'être plus économique car les valves d'entrée et de sortie sont identiques.According to a first embodiment, the rod comprises a rigid support disposed at the outlet end of the first discharge channel, and the outlet valve consists of the valve mounted to bear on said rigid support. The rod has two ends. The piston is disposed at a first end of the rod. The outlet end is the second end of the rod. In this embodiment, the rod is a one-piece assembly which integrates the rigid support support of the valve of the outlet valve. The support consists of a shoulder disposed at the outlet of the first evacuation channel. The rod is then equipped with a valve bearing on said support support and the pump is thus equipped with the outlet valve. The outlet valve is thus disposed at the outlet of the dispensing chamber and the dispensing system is airtight from the container to the outlet of the dispensing chamber. This first version has the advantage to be more economical because the inlet and outlet valves are identical.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, une deuxième valve antiretour de sortie est disposée dans l'orifice d'évacuation, le bouton poussoir comprenant alors également un support rigide disposé dans l'orifice d'évacuation et la valve de sortie étant constituée du clapet monté en appui sur ledit support rigide. Le bouton poussoir est un ensemble monobloc qui intègre un support d'appui rigide du clapet de la deuxième valve de sortie. Ladite surface d'appui est constituée par l'extrémité libre d'une tige logée au centre de l'orifice d'évacuation, ladite tige étant monobloc avec le bouton poussoir. Le bouton poussoir est alors équipé d'un clapet logé dans l'orifice d'évacuation, la paroi souple du clapet est en appui sur le support d'appui constitué par ladite extrémité libre. La pompe est alors équipée d'une deuxième valve de sortie. Dans cette version la pompe est donc équipée de deux valves de sortie dont la première est disposée en sortie de la chambre de distribution et la deuxième est disposée dans l'orifice de sortie du système de distribution; la deuxième valve assure l'obturation dudit orifice d'évacuation. Cette version présente l'avantage d'une grande sécurité, les deux valves de sortie présentant une double barrière à l'air. La deuxième valve de sortie logée dans l'orifice étant en contact avec l'extérieur, peut se dégrader pour une raison de choc, de chute ou du fait d'une agression quelconque. Dans cette hypothèse, le système de distribution est toujours étanche à l'air jusqu'en sortie de la chambre de distribution.According to a second embodiment, a second outlet non-return valve is arranged in the discharge orifice, the push button then also comprising a rigid support disposed in the discharge orifice and the outlet valve consisting of the mounted valve. resting on said rigid support. The push button is a one-piece assembly which incorporates a rigid support for the valve of the second outlet valve. Said bearing surface is constituted by the free end of a rod housed in the center of the discharge orifice, said rod being in one piece with the push button. The push button is then fitted with a valve housed in the evacuation orifice, the flexible wall of the valve is supported on the support support formed by said free end. The pump is then fitted with a second outlet valve. In this version the pump is therefore equipped with two outlet valves, the first of which is disposed at the outlet of the distribution chamber and the second is disposed in the outlet orifice of the distribution system; the second valve obtains the closure of said discharge orifice. This version has the advantage of great safety, the two outlet valves having a double air barrier. The second outlet valve housed in the orifice being in contact with the outside, may deteriorate for a reason of shock, fall or due to any attack. In this case, the distribution system is always airtight until it leaves the distribution chamber.

Selon un troisième mode de réalisation, le bouton poussoir comprend le support rigide disposé dans l'orifice d'évacuation, la valve de sortie étant constituée du clapet monté en appui sur ledit support rigide. Dans cette version la pompe est donc équipée d'une seule valve de sortie qui assure simultanément l'obturation de l'orifice d'évacuation. Elle présente l'avantage que le système de distribution est étanche depuis le contenant jusqu'à l'orifice de distribution.According to a third embodiment, the push button comprises the rigid support disposed in the discharge orifice, the outlet valve consisting of the valve mounted to bear on said rigid support. In this version the pump is therefore equipped with a single outlet valve which simultaneously ensures the closure of the discharge orifice. She has the advantage that the dispensing system is sealed from the container to the dispensing orifice.

L'invention concerne également un ensemble comprenant un système de distribution avec au moins une des caractéristiques précédentes. Il est caractérisé en ce que le système de distribution est fixé sur un contenant et en ce que l'ensemble est étanche à l'air extérieur depuis le contenant jusqu'à la valve de sortie de la pompe la plus en aval. L'ensemble est ainsi étanche du contenant jusqu'à la sortie du premier canal d'évacuation dans le premier mode de réalisation. L'ensemble est ainsi étanche du contenant jusqu'à l'orifice d'évacuation dans le deuxième et le troisième mode de réalisation.The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a distribution system with at least one of the preceding characteristics. It is characterized in that the distribution system is fixed on a container and in that the assembly is airtight from the container to the outlet valve of the most downstream pump. The assembly is thus sealed from the container to the exit of the first evacuation channel in the first embodiment. The assembly is thus sealed from the container to the discharge orifice in the second and the third embodiment.

D'autres avantages pourront encore apparaître à l'homme du métier à la lecture de l'exemple ci-dessous, illustrée par les figures annexées:

  • La figure 1 représente une coupe d'un système de distribution de l'invention selon un premier mode de réalisation,
  • La figure 2 est une coupe d'un système de distribution de l'invention selon un deuxième mode de réalisation,
  • La figure 3 est une coupe d'un système de distribution de l'invention selon un troisième mode de réalisation.
Other advantages may also appear to a person skilled in the art on reading the example below, illustrated by the appended figures:
  • The figure 1 represents a section of a distribution system of the invention according to a first embodiment,
  • The figure 2 is a section through a distribution system of the invention according to a second embodiment,
  • The figure 3 is a section through a distribution system of the invention according to a third embodiment.

Pour la suite de la description on considérera que le haut du système de distribution correspond au bouton poussoir et le bas à la frette en contact avec le contenant. Le produit circule depuis le contenant en amont du système de distribution jusqu'à l'orifice de sortie en aval dudit système de distribution. La valve disposée dans l'orifice de distribution est donc située en aval de la valve disposée en sortie du premier canal d'évacuation.For the rest of the description, it will be considered that the top of the distribution system corresponds to the push button and the bottom to the hoop in contact with the container. The product flows from the container upstream of the distribution system to the outlet orifice downstream of said distribution system. The valve disposed in the dispensing orifice is therefore located downstream of the valve disposed at the outlet of the first discharge channel.

Le système de distribution illustré figure 1, comprend une frette 2, un bouton poussoir 3, un ressort de rappel 4 constituant un système de rappel, une tige 5 et deux valves.The illustrated distribution system figure 1 , includes a hoop 2, a push button 3, a return spring 4 constituting a return system, a rod 5 and two valves.

Les valves comprennent chacune un clapet 6 et 7 présentant une paroi souple 60 et 70 périphérique située en vis-à-vis du support rigide 24 partie intégrante de la frette 2 pour le clapet 6 et du support rigide 52 partie intégrante de la tige pour le clapet 7.The valves each include a valve 6 and 7 having a flexible wall 60 and 70 peripheral located opposite the rigid support 24 integral part of the hoop 2 for the valve 6 and the rigid support 52 integral part of the rod for the valve 7.

Le support rigide est ajouré par au moins un orifice 6 ou 7 situé en vis-à-vis de la paroi souple du clapet.The rigid support is perforated by at least one orifice 6 or 7 located opposite the flexible wall of the valve.

La valve est en position fermée lorsque la paroi souple périphérique 60 ou 70 du clapet est respectivement en contact avec le support rigide 24 ou 52 sur la totalité de son périmètre et en position ouverte lorsque la paroi souple périphérique 60 ou 70 du clapet est distante du support rigide sur au moins une partie de ce périmètre, le clapet 6 ou 7 et le support rigide 24 ou 52 constituant un ensemble étanche lorsque la paroi souple périphérique du clapet 6 ou 7 est en contact avec la totalité de son périmètre avec le support rigide 24 ou 52.The valve is in the closed position when the peripheral flexible wall 60 or 70 of the valve is respectively in contact with the rigid support 24 or 52 over its entire perimeter and in the open position when the peripheral flexible wall 60 or 70 of the valve is distant from the rigid support on at least part of this perimeter, the valve 6 or 7 and the rigid support 24 or 52 constituting a sealed assembly when the flexible peripheral wall of the valve 6 or 7 is in contact with its entire perimeter with the rigid support 24 or 52.

Le clapet 6 ou 7 est relié respectivement au support rigide 24 ou 52 par une liaison fixe non déformable.The valve 6 or 7 is respectively connected to the rigid support 24 or 52 by a non-deformable fixed connection.

La valve passe de la position fermée à la position ouverte par déformation de la zone périphérique du clapet 6 ou 7.The valve passes from the closed position to the open position by deformation of the peripheral zone of the valve 6 or 7.

Tous les points de la zone périphérique du clapet 6 ou 7 en contact avec le support rigide 24 ou 52 sont en appui sur ledit support rigide, ledit appui étant obtenu par déformation élastique de ladite paroi souple 60 ou 70, ladite déformation résultant du montage du clapet 6 ou 7 sur le support rigide 24 ou 52.All the points of the peripheral zone of the valve 6 or 7 in contact with the rigid support 24 or 52 are supported on said rigid support, said support being obtained by elastic deformation of said flexible wall 60 or 70, said deformation resulting from the mounting of the valve 6 or 7 on the rigid support 24 or 52.

Avant montage, les parois souples 60, 70 des clapets antiretour 6 et 7 sont en forme de cône. Les parois souples 60, 70 vont se déformer lors du montage par la mise en appui et en contrainte de la face interne de la grande base du cône sur le support rigide 24 ou 52.Before mounting, the flexible walls 60, 70 of the non-return valves 6 and 7 are cone-shaped. The flexible walls 60, 70 will be deformed during assembly by the pressing and stressing of the internal face of the large base of the cone on the rigid support 24 or 52.

De préférence les clapets 6 et 7 sont identiques comme sur la figure 1.Preferably the valves 6 and 7 are identical as on the figure 1 .

Le système de rappel pourra par exemple être un ressort de compression de forme hélicoïdale, d'autres solutions étant possibles.The return system could for example be a compression spring of helical shape, other solutions being possible.

La frette 2 est monobloc, par exemple constituée d'un bloc de plastique rigide obtenu en une opération de moulage. Elle présente une face 22 pour assurer une liaison étanche avec un contenant (non représenté) rempli d'un produit à distribuer et sensible à l'air. Elle comprend une ouverture 20 pour permettre le transfert du produit dans la chambre de distribution lorsque la valve est ouverte et un cylindre 21 qui constitue un premier élément de la chambre de distribution.The hoop 2 is in one piece, for example consisting of a rigid plastic block obtained in a molding operation. It has a face 22 to ensure a sealed connection with a container (not shown) filled with a product to be dispensed and sensitive to air. It comprises an opening 20 to allow the transfer of the product into the dispensing chamber when the valve is open and a cylinder 21 which constitutes a first element of the dispensing chamber.

La tige 5 est également monobloc, elle comprend le piston (50) disposé à une première extrémité de ladite tige, ledit piston étant en contact étanche avec la paroi intérieure du cylindre 21, un anneau de guidage 53 et elle est percée sur toute sa longueur d'un conduit constituant un premier canal d'évacuation 51 qui la traverse de bas en haut de préférence en son centre depuis la première extrémité jusqu'à une deuxième extrémité dite extrémité 511 de sortie. Le premier canal d'évacuation 51 est fermé en partie haute de la tige 5 par le clapet 7 fixé en appui sur le support rigide 52 disposé à l'extrémité 511 de sortie de la tige (5). Le volume interne du cylindre 21 délimité en haut par la face interne du piston 50 et en bas par le clapet 6 constitue une chambre de distribution 8. La chambre de distribution 8 est prolongée par le premier canal d'évacuation 51 à l'intérieur de la tige 5 puis le deuxième canal d'évacuation 31 à l'intérieur du bouton poussoir 3. La tige 5 est rendue solidaire du bouton poussoir 3 par emboitement. Le clapet 7 est fixé sur le bouton poussoir 3 avant emboitement du bouton poussoir 3 sur la tige 5.The rod 5 is also monobloc, it comprises the piston (50) disposed at a first end of the said rod, the said piston being in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cylinder 21, a guide ring 53 and it is pierced over its entire length of a conduit constituting a first discharge channel 51 which passes through it from bottom to top preferably at its center from the first end to a second end called the outlet end 511. The first discharge channel 51 is closed in the upper part of the rod 5 by the valve 7 fixed in abutment on the rigid support 52 disposed at the outlet end 511 of the rod (5). The internal volume of the cylinder 21 delimited at the top by the internal face of the piston 50 and at the bottom by the valve 6 constitutes a distribution chamber 8. The distribution chamber 8 is extended by the first discharge channel 51 inside the rod 5 then the second discharge channel 31 inside the push button 3. The rod 5 is made integral with the push button 3 by interlocking. The valve 7 is fixed to the push button 3 before the push button 3 fits into the rod 5.

Après assemblage, la tige 5 et le bouton poussoir 3 constituent un ensemble rigide, la paroi souple du clapet 7 prenant alors appui sur le support rigide 52 et obturant le canal d'évacuation (51) lorsque la valve est en position ouverte.After assembly, the rod 5 and the push button 3 constitute a rigid assembly, the flexible wall of the valve 7 then resting on the rigid support 52 and closing off the evacuation channel (51) when the valve is in the open position.

La tige 5 est mobile en translation dans le cylindre 21 entre deux positions, une position haute où une chambre de distribution 8 est de volume maximum et une position basse où la chambre de distribution 8 est de volume minimum. L'anneau de guidage 53 coopère avec la face intérieure du cylindre 21 pour garantir que la tige 21 se déplace dans une direction parfaitement coaxiale à l'axe longitudinal dudit cylindre. Par ailleurs, le piston 50 présente un évidement 500 de forme complémentaire au clapet 6 pour permettre un emboitement du piston 50 sur le clapet 6 et diminuer ainsi le volume minimum de la chambre de distribution 8.The rod 5 is movable in translation in the cylinder 21 between two positions, a high position where a distribution chamber 8 is of maximum volume and a low position where the distribution chamber 8 is of minimum volume. The guide ring 53 cooperates with the inner face of the cylinder 21 to guarantee that the rod 21 moves in a direction perfectly coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder. Furthermore, the piston 50 has a recess 500 of complementary shape to the valve 6 to allow the piston 50 to fit on the valve 6 and thus reduce the minimum volume of the distribution chamber 8.

La tige 5 est fixée au bouton poussoir 3 dans sa partie haute et la valve 7 est disposée à l'interface des canaux 51 et 31.The rod 5 is fixed to the push button 3 in its upper part and the valve 7 is arranged at the interface of the channels 51 and 31.

Le ressort 4 permet de maintenir le bouton poussoir 3 en position haute de repos, il est en appui sur une face 30 du bouton poussoir 3 d'un coté et sur une face 23 de la frette 2 de l'autre.The spring 4 keeps the push button 3 in the high rest position, it is supported on one side 30 of the push button 3 on one side and on one side 23 of the hoop 2 on the other.

Le bouton poussoir 3 est percé d'un deuxième canal d'évacuation 31 complémentaire destiné à prolonger le premier canal 51 jusqu'à l'orifice 32.The push button 3 is pierced with a second complementary discharge channel 31 intended to extend the first channel 51 to the orifice 32.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré figure 3, le système de distribution comprend une valve de sortie constituée d'un clapet 9 présentant une paroi souple 90 disposée en vis-à-vis de l'extrémité libre d'une tige constituant le support d'appui rigide 33 de ladite paroi souple 90, ladite tige faisant partie intégrante du bouton poussoir 3.In the illustrated embodiment figure 3 , the distribution system comprises an outlet valve consisting of a valve 9 having a flexible wall 90 disposed opposite the free end of a rod constituting the rigid support support 33 of said flexible wall 90 , said rod forming an integral part of push button 3.

La paroi souple est ajourée d'un orifice 32 concentrique avec le support d'appui 33.The flexible wall is perforated with an orifice 32 concentric with the support support 33.

L'orifice 32 a un contour sensiblement homothétique à celui du support d'appui 33 dans un plan P perpendiculaire à l'axe xx' de la tige.The orifice 32 has a contour substantially homothetic to that of the support support 33 in a plane P perpendicular to the axis xx 'of the rod.

L'orifice 32 a une surface inférieure à la surface projetée du support d'appui 33 dans le plan P.The orifice 32 has a surface smaller than the projected surface of the support support 33 in the plane P.

La valve est en position fermée lorsque la paroi souple 90 est en contact avec le support d'appui rigide 33 sur la totalité du périmètre de l'orifice 32, et en position ouverte lorsque la paroi souple 90 est distante du support d'appui 33 sur au moins une partie du périmètre de l'orifice 32.The valve is in the closed position when the flexible wall 90 is in contact with the rigid support support 33 over the entire perimeter of the orifice 32, and in the open position when the flexible wall 90 is distant from the support support 33 on at least part of the perimeter of the orifice 32.

Le clapet 9 et l'extrémité libre de la tige constituant le support d'appui 33 forment un ensemble étanche lorsque la paroi souple 90 est en contact avec le support d'appui 33 sur la totalité du périmètre de l'orifice 32.The valve 9 and the free end of the rod constituting the support support 33 form a sealed assembly when the flexible wall 90 is in contact with the support support 33 over the entire perimeter of the orifice 32.

Le clapet 9 est relié au bouton poussoir 3 par une liaison fixe non déformable.The valve 9 is connected to the push button 3 by a fixed non-deformable link.

La valve passe de la position fermée à la position ouverte par déformation de la paroi souple 90.The valve passes from the closed position to the open position by deformation of the flexible wall 90.

La paroi souple 90 est en appui sur le support d'appui 33 en tout point de sa surface en contact avec ledit support d'appui.The flexible wall 90 is supported on the support support 33 at any point on its surface in contact with said support support.

Ledit appui est obtenu par déformation élastique de ladite paroi souple 90, ladite déformation résultant du montage du clapet 9 dans le bouton poussoir 3.Said support is obtained by elastic deformation of said flexible wall 90, said deformation resulting from the mounting of the valve 9 in the push button 3.

Avant montage, la paroi souple 90 peut être en forme de cône inversé ouvert. Lors du montage, la paroi souple 90 se déforme et prend une forme sensiblement plane comme représenté sur la figure 3. Dans un mode de réalisation préféré le bouton poussoir 3 et la tige sont monobloc.Before mounting, the flexible wall 90 may be in the form of an open inverted cone. During assembly, the flexible wall 90 deforms and takes a substantially planar shape as shown in the figure 3 . In a preferred embodiment, the push button 3 and the rod are in one piece.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 2, le système de distribution comprend trois valves: une valve d'entrée et deux valves de sorties. La valve d'entrée est identique à celle des modes de réalisation représentés en figure 1 et figure 2. La première valve de sortie est identique à la valve de sortie de la figure 1 et la deuxième valve de sortie est identique à la valve de sortie de la figure 3.In the embodiment of the figure 2 , the distribution system includes three valves: an inlet valve and two outlet valves. The inlet valve is identical to that of the embodiments shown in figure 1 and figure 2 . The first outlet valve is identical to the outlet valve of the figure 1 and the second outlet valve is identical to the outlet valve of the figure 3 .

Nous allons maintenant décrire le mode de fonctionnement de la pompe 1. Au repos, le bouton poussoir 3 est en position haute, les deux ou trois clapets 6, 7 et 9 sont fermés et la chambre de distribution 8 est de taille maximum, la pression est sensiblement identique dans le contenant, dans ladite chambre 8 et à l'extérieur, la surpression éventuelle à l'intérieur du contenant étant insuffisante pour ouvrir l'une des valves.We will now describe the operating mode of the pump 1. At rest, the push button 3 is in the high position, the two or three valves 6, 7 and 9 are closed and the distribution chamber 8 is of maximum size, the pressure is substantially identical in the container, in said chamber 8 and outside, the possible overpressure inside the container being insufficient to open one of the valves.

Lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur le bouton poussoir 3, le piston 50 descend dans le cylindre 21, augmentant la pression dans la chambre de distribution 8. Cette augmentation de pression provoque l'ouverture d'un des clapets 7 ou 9 et la sortie du produit contenu dans la chambre de distribution. Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche le bouton poussoir 3 celui-ci remonte vers sa position haute sous l'effet du ressort 4. La remontée du piston 50 crée une dépression dans la chambre de distribution 8, ce qui provoque la fermeture du clapet de sortie 7 ou 9, l'ouverture du clapet 6 et le remplissage de la chambre de distribution 8.When the user presses the push button 3, the piston 50 descends into the cylinder 21, increasing the pressure in the distribution chamber 8. This increase in pressure causes the opening of one of the valves 7 or 9 and the outlet of the product contained in the distribution chamber. When the user releases the push button 3, it goes back to its high position under the effect of the spring 4. The ascent of the piston 50 creates a vacuum in the distribution chamber 8, which causes the outlet valve 7 to close. or 9, the opening of the valve 6 and the filling of the distribution chamber 8.

Selon la nature du produit conditionné dans le contenant, le volume de la dose peut varier dans des proportions très importantes.Depending on the nature of the product packaged in the container, the volume of the dose can vary in very large proportions.

Dans le cas d'une dose minimum de 0,16 ml, par exemple pour doser une crème de soin du visage, le fabriquant impose une course de piston de 5 mm. Ces deux contraintes imposent que le diamètre intérieur du cylindre soit égal à 6,5 mm et que le diamètre du clapet avant déformation soit inférieur à 6 mm. On pourra, par exemple, avoir un clapet 6 ou 7 circulaire doté d'une zone centrale de fixation de 3,34 mm et d'un diamètre hors tout de 5,67 mm avant déformation, la zone de déformation étant un cône dont la petite base présente un diamètre de 3,34 mm et une grande base de 5,67 mm avant déformation.In the case of a minimum dose of 0.16 ml, for example to dose a facial care cream, the manufacturer imposes a piston stroke of 5 mm. These two constraints impose that the inside diameter of the cylinder is equal to 6.5 mm and that the diameter of the valve before deformation is less than 6 mm. We could, for example, have a circular valve 6 or 7 with a central fixing zone of 3.34 mm and an overall diameter of 5.67 mm before deformation, the deformation zone being a cone whose small base has a diameter of 3.34 mm and a large base of 5.67 mm before deformation.

L'invention permet la miniaturisation de la pompe du système de distribution pour un dosage minimum, il est donc encore plus simple de réaliser l'application pour des doses beaucoup plus importantes en augmentant le diamètre du cylindre et du piston et celui du clapet.The invention allows the miniaturization of the pump of the distribution system for a minimum dosage, it is therefore even simpler to carry out the application for much larger doses by increasing the diameter of the cylinder and the piston and that of the valve.

Les clapets 6, 7 et 9 seront réalisés de préférence dans un polymère souple doté d'une bonne mémoire de forme de type TPP, TEV ou SEBS ou éventuellement en PEBD.The valves 6, 7 and 9 will preferably be produced in a flexible polymer endowed with a good shape memory of TPP, TEV or SEBS type or possibly in LDPE.

La tige 5 sera réalisée dans un polyéthylène, de préférence un PEL ou un PEBD.The rod 5 will be made of a polyethylene, preferably a PEL or a LDPE.

Le bouton poussoir 3 et la frette 2 ne possèdent pas de propriétés mécaniques spécifiques et pourront être réalisés dans un polymère plus rigide de type PEHD ou polycarbonate. Un polypropylène pourra également être utilisé bien que ne possédant pas les propriétés barrière et d'aspect d'un PEHD.The push button 3 and the hoop 2 do not have specific mechanical properties and can be produced in a more rigid polymer of HDPE or polycarbonate type. Polypropylene may also be used although it does not have the barrier and appearance properties of HDPE.

Claims (9)

  1. Dispensing system intended to be fixed on a container wherein a fluid product is packaged, said dispensing system comprising a pump (1), two respectively inlet and outlet non-return valves, an elastic return means (4) and a pushbutton (3), said pump (1) being moved by way of a thrust action on the pushbutton (3) connected to said pump (1), characterised in that
    - it is constituted of three one-piece structural parts: a rod (5), a fret (2) and a pushbutton (3);
    - the three one-piece parts support the elastic return means (4) and engage together to ensure the dispensing of the fluid product under the effect of the thrust exerted on the pushbutton (3) from the container to a discharge orifice (32);
    - the two inlet and outlet non-return valves are each constituted of a valve (6, 7, 9) mounted bearing on a rigid support (24, 52, 33) to which said valve is connected by a fixed connection;
    - at least one valve (6, 7) has a non-perforated flexible and deformable peripheral zone (70, 80), located opposite the rigid support (24, 52);
    - the rigid wall is perforated by at least one orifice located opposite the peripheral zone (70, 80);
    - the peripheral zone (70, 80) has a substantially conic shape before mounting with a large base, a small base and an inner face on the inner side of the large base of the cone;
    - said peripheral zone has a consecutive deformation bearing on the inner face of the large base on the rigid support (24, 52) in the assembled position.
  2. Dispensing system according to claim 1, characterised in that the pump (1) comprises a dispensing chamber constituted of a piston (50) sliding into a pump cylinder (21) and a first discharge channel (51).
  3. Dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fret (2) comprises a cylinder of the pump (21), a first sealed connection means (22) of the container to the dispensing system as well as the rigid bearing support (24) of the valve (6) of the inlet valve and in that the valve is constituted of the valve (6) mounted bearing on said rigid bearing support (24).
  4. Dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod (5) comprises a piston (50), the first discharge channel (51) as well as a second sealed connection means (54) with the pushbutton (3).
  5. Dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pushbutton (3) is connected to the rod (5) by the second connection means (54) of said rod (5) and comprises a second discharge channel (31).
  6. Dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod (5) comprises a rigid support (52) arranged at an outlet end (511) of the first discharge channel (51) and in that the outlet valve is constituted of a valve (7) mounted bearing on said rigid support (52).
  7. Dispensing system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that a second outlet non-return valve is arranged in the discharge orifice (32), in that the pushbutton also comprises the rigid support (33) arranged in the discharge orifice (32) and in that the outlet valve is constituted of the valve (9) mounted bearing on said rigid support (33).
  8. Dispensing system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the pushbutton comprises the rigid support (33) arranged in the discharge orifice (32), and in that the outlet valve is constituted of the valve (9) mounted bearing on said rigid support (33).
  9. Assembly comprising a dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing system is fixed on a container and in that the assembly is sealed to the outside air from the container to the outlet valve of the most downstream pump.
EP16785209.4A 2015-09-22 2016-09-22 Airless dispensing system with a pump Active EP3352913B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1558948A FR3041410A1 (en) 2015-09-22 2015-09-22 AIR-FREE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH PUMP
FR1560103A FR3041413B1 (en) 2015-09-22 2015-10-22 AIR-FREE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH PUMP
PCT/FR2016/052407 WO2017051126A1 (en) 2015-09-22 2016-09-22 Airless dispensing system having a pump

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3352913A1 EP3352913A1 (en) 2018-08-01
EP3352913B1 true EP3352913B1 (en) 2020-06-03

Family

ID=55486768

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16785209.4A Active EP3352913B1 (en) 2015-09-22 2016-09-22 Airless dispensing system with a pump

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3352913B1 (en)
FR (2) FR3041410A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017051126A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3113253B1 (en) 2020-08-06 2023-05-05 Cep ASSEMBLY OF A FLEXIBLE PUMPING DIAPHRAGM AND A RIGID END OF A PUMP FOR AN AIRLESS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2723618B1 (en) * 1994-08-11 1996-10-31 Sofab MEMBRANE PUMP
FR2742812B1 (en) * 1995-12-22 1998-02-20 Valois PREPRESSURE PUMP FORMED IN PUSH BUTTON
FR2917651B1 (en) * 2007-06-20 2010-09-17 Rexam Dispensing Sys PUMP FOR DISTRIBUTION OF AN IMPROVED LIQUID IMPROVED PRODUCT
DE102008030118B4 (en) * 2007-07-02 2016-08-11 Rpc Bramlage Gmbh donor

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3041410A1 (en) 2017-03-24
FR3041413B1 (en) 2018-04-20
FR3041413A1 (en) 2017-03-24
EP3352913A1 (en) 2018-08-01
WO2017051126A1 (en) 2017-03-30

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