EP3417948B1 - Moulded pump for dispensing a fluid product - Google Patents

Moulded pump for dispensing a fluid product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3417948B1
EP3417948B1 EP18175550.5A EP18175550A EP3417948B1 EP 3417948 B1 EP3417948 B1 EP 3417948B1 EP 18175550 A EP18175550 A EP 18175550A EP 3417948 B1 EP3417948 B1 EP 3417948B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
pump
pump according
cap
orifice
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18175550.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3417948A1 (en
Inventor
Emir EZZINA
Eric Rossignol
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Albea Services SAS
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Albea Services SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3417948A1 publication Critical patent/EP3417948A1/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
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/026—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B05B11/027—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container inverted during outflow of content
    • 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
    • B05B11/0027—Means for neutralising the actuation of the sprayer ; Means for preventing access to the sprayer actuation means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1032—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1033—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the deformable wall, the inlet and outlet valve elements being integrally formed, e.g. moulded
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1035—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the pumping chamber being a bellow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
    • B05B11/1045—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump being preassembled as an independent unit before being mounted on the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1052—Actuation means
    • 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
    • B05B11/1097—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 with means for sucking back the liquid or other fluent material in the nozzle after a dispensing stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1059—Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a pump for dispensing a fluidic product and to a method of manufacturing such a pump.
  • Certain cosmetic product bottles are provided with a pump configured to suck the cosmetic product contained in the container of the bottle in order to distribute it, for example by means of a nozzle or by a simple opening.
  • the product can thus be extracted or sprayed from the bottle in order to allow its application.
  • the pump is often actuated by means of a push button which the user presses to initiate operation of the pump.
  • a pump comprises in particular a metering chamber whose volume varies to allow the product to be sucked into the chamber through an inlet orifice, when the volume increases, then its expulsion outside the chamber through an outlet orifice, when the volume of the chamber decreases.
  • the product leaves the chamber in a distribution duct, which leads it to the opening or the nozzle usually arranged on the push-button.
  • pumps are known, each having particular characteristics, in order to operate specifically, either with low viscosity liquid products, or else with viscous liquid products, such as creams or foams.
  • pumps whose chamber is formed by a rigid body and a piston which closes the chamber, and whose displacement in the body reduces or increases the volume of the chamber.
  • the movement of the piston is usually controlled by actuating the push button.
  • Such a pump is often used for liquid products to be vaporized.
  • the volume of the chamber is controlled by deformation of the membrane. In the undeformed configuration of the membrane, the volume of the chamber is maximum. When the membrane is deformed, the volume of the chamber decreases, preferably to a volume small enough so that a maximum of product comes out of the chamber.
  • Such pumps also have the advantage of avoiding having to resort to a metal spring, the elements of the pump being made of plastic material.
  • These flexible diaphragm pumps are generally composed of an assembly of several parts, some of them can be molded. There are thus pumps in 2 or 3 parts requiring assembly of the post-molding components by an additional machine and / or in the mold.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide the simplest possible pump-type metering dispensing device with a minimum of components in order to reduce production costs as well as manufacturing time.
  • the objective is to produce a ready-to-use pump directly out of the molding step, and which can be assembled subsequently on a flexible tube with the head down, as on a rigid container of a bottle. .
  • This pump consists of a single molded part.
  • the idea of this invention is to design a single component injection molded pump. There are therefore no post-molding assembly operations. A single mold makes it possible to obtain this pump and thus limits the investment costs.
  • This pump is intended to dispense a cream or a more or less fluid liquid. It does not contain any metal parts such as a spring or a ball. This pump has a shape that can be integrated on different supports such as tube, bottle, flask, etc.
  • This single molded part consists of two parts, respectively a body and a cap, connected by a hinge-film type articulation.
  • the mold therefore provides a location for the body, a location for the cap, and an intermediate zone for the film hinge connecting the body and the cap.
  • the pump is opened.
  • the cap is folded over the body by folding the film hinge.
  • the closed pump can be ejected from the mold. It is ready to use.
  • the invention is characterized mainly in that the cap comprises a control rod extending orthogonally along the X axis from the membrane in the direction of the body when the cap is positioned on the body.
  • This method according to claim 13 thus makes it possible to close the part before it is completely ejected from the mold. Once the part is ejected, there is no further assembly step.
  • the pump is ready for use.
  • the invention relates to a pump that is molded in one piece, as shown in the figure. figure 1 for example.
  • This part is broken down into a first part, namely a body 1, and a second part, namely a cap 2, the body 1 and the cap 2 being connected by a film hinge 3. All these elements are obtained in a one and only mold.
  • the pump is open, which means that the cap 2 is deployed relative to the body 1.
  • the cap 2 is folded over the body 1 by folding the film hinge 3 so as to close the pump. The pump thus closed can be removed from the mold.
  • the cap 2 constitutes the upper part of the pump, and the body 1 constitutes the lower part of the pump.
  • Cap 2 has a push button that the user can press to activate the pump. A dose of product then exits via a nozzle 12, when the pump is mounted on a container filled with product to be dispensed.
  • the push button consists of a deformable membrane 4 on which the user can press.
  • This membrane 4 partly defines a metering chamber 21 containing a dose of product to be delivered.
  • the pump operates by varying the volume of this metering chamber 21 by elastic deformation of the membrane between an initial state shown in the figures 4, 5 , 9 , 11, 14 in which the chamber 21 has a maximum volume and a deformed state shown in the figures 7, 8 , 12 in which the volume of the chamber 21 is minimal, resulting in the expulsion of the dose of product through the nozzle 12.
  • the membrane 4 has a central X axis of symmetry.
  • a control rod 5 extends orthogonally from the membrane 4, along the X axis, and in the direction of the body 1 when the cap 2 is positioned on the body 1.
  • the control rod 5 s' extends from the inner surface of the membrane 4, while the outer surface of the membrane 4 serves as a bearing surface for the user. The function of this control rod 5 will be explained later in the description.
  • the body 1 consists of a part of revolution, having a peripheral wall 9, serving as a rigid structure.
  • the lower part of the peripheral wall 9 is intended to be placed on a container.
  • a circumferential bulge 17 is made on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 9. This bulge 17 allows for example an elastic fitting of the pump on the container.
  • the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1 defines an upper opening closed at least in part by a support 7. This support 7 and the membrane 4 together define the metering chamber 21.
  • This support 7 is carried by a deformable frustoconical zone 6.
  • This frustoconical zone 6 surrounds the support 7.
  • a hole 8 is made in the center of this support 7 for the passage of the control rod 5.
  • a chimney 10 directed towards the interior of the body 1 increases the depth of the hole 8 and thus makes it possible to better guide the control rod 5 in rectilinear translation.
  • the free end of the control rod 5 is provided with a stop 11 adapted to come into contact with the free end of the chimney 10 so as to limit the translational movement of the control rod 5. The latter is mounted. slightly tight in the chimney 10.
  • the support 7 consists of a flat circular plate, projecting from a disc 23 via the frustoconical zone 6.
  • the disc 23 completely closes the upper opening delimited by the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1.
  • the membrane 4 when to it consists of a dome in the initial state, the top of which is directed towards the outside of the pump. When the user presses on the dome, the latter is deformed so as to form a bowl, the bottom of which comes into contact with the support 7.
  • the cap 2 comprises a flat upper surface 20 from which protrudes the. dome. This dome is off-center with respect to the central axis of the upper surface 20.
  • the support 7 consists of a bowl directed towards the inside of the body 1.
  • the bowl in itself completely closes the upper opening delimited by the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1.
  • the membrane 4 in turn consists of a flat disc in the initial state. When the user presses on the disc, the latter deforms so as to form a bowl which approaches the support 7. In this embodiment, the membrane 4 forms the entire upper surface of the cap 2.
  • the disc 23 of the body 1 has a recess 16, the intake orifice 14 being made in one of the walls of this recess 16.
  • the tongue 15 enters this recess 16 and comes into contact. on the wall in which the orifice 14 is located, so as to cover it.
  • the inlet port 14 is made directly in the support 7.
  • the tongues 15a, 15b have different lengths so as to adapt to the location of the intake openings 14a, 14b on the support 7.
  • the frustoconical zone 6 elastically closes the exhaust port 13, in an initial state where the support 7 is raised.
  • the frustoconical zone 6 is deformed and opens the exhaust port 13.
  • the upper part of the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1 has a shoulder 18 on which is positioned a peripheral wall 19 of the cap 2.
  • a circumferential groove is made in the upper end of the peripheral wall. 9 of the body 1, and accommodates a circumferential bead provided for this purpose in the peripheral wall 19 of the cap 2, so as to ensure an elastic fit between the body 1 and the cap 2. This interlocking also makes it possible to ensure the seal between the body 1 and the cap 2.
  • the cap 2 has a rigid annular rim 22 surrounding the flat membrane 4 so as to prevent any accidental actuation of the pump by pressing on a peripheral zone of said flat membrane 4.
  • the membrane 4 does not project relative to the plane formed by the rigid rim, unlike the first embodiment, the support is exerted on the rigid edges 22 when the bottle is placed upside down on a support. The support cannot therefore cause accidental actuation of the pump in this position.
  • This rim 22 thus consists of a geometric protection against the uncontrolled actuation of the pump. It is preferably made of polypropylene.
  • the various elements constituting the pump are either flexible or rigid.
  • the membrane 4, the frustoconical zone 6, the film hinge 3, the tongues 15, 15a, 15b are made of a flexible and elastic material, of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) type.
  • the other elements are made of a rigid material.
  • the pump is therefore molded by bi-injection of a flexible material and a rigid material in the same and unique mold to form the single part.
  • the pump is in rest position.
  • the pump is sealed, the cap 2 being fitted onto the body 1.
  • the membrane 4 is in its initial state, in the form of a dome and the rod 5 is in the raised position.
  • the elastic reaction of the prestressed dome 4 tends to pull on the control rod 5.
  • the stop 11 of the control rod 5 is in contact with the chimney 10 and tends to lift the support 7 as well as the frustoconical zone 6. This frustoconical zone 6 then obstructs the exhaust port 13.
  • the intake port 14 is closed by the tongue 15.
  • the metering chamber 21 is filled with a dose of product to be dispensed.
  • the pressure inside the chamber 21 is identical to the pressure outside the chamber, and the tongue 15 is pressed against the seat of the inlet port 14 by a simple elastic effect. The closure of the intake valve is thus sealed.
  • the pump has returned to its idle state.
  • the elastic reaction of the prestressed dome 4 during assembly of the system allows the frustoconical zone 6 to be placed on the exhaust port 13.
  • the metering chamber 21 is therefore hermetically closed.
  • the vacuum having fallen, the tongue 15 of the inlet valve, by virtue of the intrinsic elasticity of the flexible material in which it is designed, is placed back on the inlet port 14. The next dose is ready to be delivered.
  • the pump operates in a manner similar to what is described above, except that the membrane 4 is planar in its initial prestressed state, and that it takes the shape of a bowl when a pressure is exerted on it.

Landscapes

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

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne une pompe de distribution d'un produit fluidique ainsi qu'un procédé de fabrication d'une telle pompe.The invention relates to a pump for dispensing a fluidic product and to a method of manufacturing such a pump.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Certains flacons de produits cosmétiques sont pourvus d'une pompe configurée pour aspirer le produit cosmétique contenu dans le réservoir du flacon afin de le distribuer, par exemple au moyen d'une buse ou par une simple ouverture. Le produit peut ainsi être extrait ou pulvérisé du flacon afin de permettre son application. La pompe est souvent actionnée au moyen d'un bouton-poussoir sur lequel l'utilisateur exerce une pression pour déclencher le fonctionnement de la pompe. Une pompe comprend en particulier une chambre de dosage dont le volume varie pour permettre l'aspiration du produit dans la chambre par un orifice d'entrée, lorsque le volume augmente, puis son expulsion en dehors de la chambre par un orifice de sortie, lorsque le volume de la chambre diminue. Le produit sort de la chambre dans un conduit de distribution, qui le mène à l'ouverture ou la buse habituellement agencée sur le bouton-poussoir.Certain cosmetic product bottles are provided with a pump configured to suck the cosmetic product contained in the container of the bottle in order to distribute it, for example by means of a nozzle or by a simple opening. The product can thus be extracted or sprayed from the bottle in order to allow its application. The pump is often actuated by means of a push button which the user presses to initiate operation of the pump. A pump comprises in particular a metering chamber whose volume varies to allow the product to be sucked into the chamber through an inlet orifice, when the volume increases, then its expulsion outside the chamber through an outlet orifice, when the volume of the chamber decreases. The product leaves the chamber in a distribution duct, which leads it to the opening or the nozzle usually arranged on the push-button.

On connait différentes sortes de pompes, ayant chacune des caractéristiques particulières, afin de fonctionner spécifiquement, soit avec des produits liquides peu visqueux, ou bien avec des produits liquides visqueux, telles des crèmes ou des mousses. Ainsi, il existe des pompes dont la chambre est formée par un corps rigide et d'un piston qui ferme la chambre, et dont le déplacement dans le corps réduit ou augmente le volume de la chambre. Le déplacement du piston est en général contrôlé en actionnant le bouton-poussoir. Une telle pompe sert souvent pour des produits liquides à vaporiser.Different kinds of pumps are known, each having particular characteristics, in order to operate specifically, either with low viscosity liquid products, or else with viscous liquid products, such as creams or foams. Thus, there are pumps whose chamber is formed by a rigid body and a piston which closes the chamber, and whose displacement in the body reduces or increases the volume of the chamber. The movement of the piston is usually controlled by actuating the push button. Such a pump is often used for liquid products to be vaporized.

Il existe d'autres pompes pour produit plus visqueux, dont la chambre est définie en grande partie par une membrane flexible. Le volume de la chambre est contrôlé par déformation de la membrane. En configuration non déformée de la membrane, le volume de la chambre est maximal. Lorsque la membrane est déformée, le volume de la chambre diminue, de préférence jusqu'à un volume assez faible pour qu'un maximum de produit sorte de la chambre. De telles pompes ont en outre l'avantage d'éviter d'avoir recourt à un ressort en métal, les éléments de la pompe étant en matériau plastique.There are other pumps for more viscous product, the chamber of which is largely defined by a flexible diaphragm. The volume of the chamber is controlled by deformation of the membrane. In the undeformed configuration of the membrane, the volume of the chamber is maximum. When the membrane is deformed, the volume of the chamber decreases, preferably to a volume small enough so that a maximum of product comes out of the chamber. Such pumps also have the advantage of avoiding having to resort to a metal spring, the elements of the pump being made of plastic material.

Ces pompes à membrane flexible sont généralement composées d'un assemblage de plusieurs pièces dont certaines d'entre elles peuvent être moulées. Il existe ainsi des pompes en 2 ou 3 pièces nécessitant un assemblage des composants post moulage par une machine supplémentaire et/ou dans le moule.These flexible diaphragm pumps are generally composed of an assembly of several parts, some of them can be molded. There are thus pumps in 2 or 3 parts requiring assembly of the post-molding components by an additional machine and / or in the mold.

Il existe également des pompes moulées en une opération de manière à former un unique composant, comme cela est le cas dans le document WO 2004/080607 .There are also pumps molded in one operation so as to form a single component, as is the case in the document WO 2004/080607 .

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'objectif de la présente invention est de proposer un dispositif de distribution doseur de type pompe le plus simple possible avec un minimum de composants afin de réduire les coûts de production ainsi que le temps de fabrication. L'objectif est de produire une pompe prête à emploi directement en sortie de l'étape de moulage, et qui puisse aussi bien être assemblée par la suite sur un tube souple avec la tête en bas, que sur un contenant rigide d'un flacon.The objective of the present invention is to provide the simplest possible pump-type metering dispensing device with a minimum of components in order to reduce production costs as well as manufacturing time. The objective is to produce a ready-to-use pump directly out of the molding step, and which can be assembled subsequently on a flexible tube with the head down, as on a rigid container of a bottle. .

L'invention se rapporte ainsi à une pompe de distribution d'un produit fluidique selon la revendication 1 et apte à être montée sur un contenant du type tube flexible ou flacon rigide, comportant :

  • une chambre de dosage à volume variable définie au moins en partie par une membrane déformable entre un état initial dans lequel le volume de la chambre de dosage est maximal et un état déformé dans lequel le volume de la chambre de dosage est minimal ;
  • un clapet d'admission du produit fluidique vers la chambre de dosage ;
  • un clapet d'échappement du produit fluidique depuis la chambre de dosage ;
  • des moyens d'ouverture et de fermeture des clapets d'admission et d'échappement.
The invention thus relates to a pump for dispensing a fluidic product according to claim 1 and capable of being mounted on a container of the flexible tube or rigid bottle type, comprising:
  • a variable volume metering chamber defined at least in part by a membrane deformable between an initial state in which the volume of the metering chamber is maximum and a deformed state in which the volume of the metering chamber is minimal;
  • an inlet valve for the fluidic product to the metering chamber;
  • a valve for escaping the fluidic product from the metering chamber;
  • means for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves.

Cette pompe consiste en une unique pièce moulée.This pump consists of a single molded part.

L'idée de cette invention consiste à concevoir une pompe en un seul composant moulé par injection. Il n'y a donc pas d'opérations d'assemblage post moulage. Un unique moule permet l'obtention de cette pompe et limite ainsi les coûts d'investissement.The idea of this invention is to design a single component injection molded pump. There are therefore no post-molding assembly operations. A single mold makes it possible to obtain this pump and thus limits the investment costs.

Cette pompe est destinée à distribuer une crème ou un liquide plus ou moins fluide. Elle ne comporte pas de pièces métalliques telles que ressort ou bille. Cette pompe présente une forme pouvant s'intégrer sur différents supports de type tube, bouteille, flacon, etc.This pump is intended to dispense a cream or a more or less fluid liquid. It does not contain any metal parts such as a spring or a ball. This pump has a shape that can be integrated on different supports such as tube, bottle, flask, etc.

Cette unique pièce moulée est constituée de deux parties, respectivement un corps et une casquette, reliées par une articulation du type charnière-film. Le moule prévoit donc un emplacement pour le corps, un emplacement pour la casquette, et une zone intermédiaire pour la charnière-film reliant le corps et la casquette. Lors du moulage, la pompe est ouverte. Lorsque les éléments sont encore dans le moule, la casquette est rabattue sur le corps par le pliage de la charnière film. La pompe ainsi fermée peut être éjectée hors du moule. Elle est prête à emploi.This single molded part consists of two parts, respectively a body and a cap, connected by a hinge-film type articulation. The mold therefore provides a location for the body, a location for the cap, and an intermediate zone for the film hinge connecting the body and the cap. During molding, the pump is opened. When the elements are still in the mold, the cap is folded over the body by folding the film hinge. The closed pump can be ejected from the mold. It is ready to use.

La casquette comporte :

  • ∘ ladite membrane déformable présentant un axe central X ;
  • ∘ lesdits moyens de fermeture et d'ouverture du clapet d'admission ;
  • ∘ un orifice d'échappement du clapet d'échappement.
The cap features:
  • ∘ said deformable membrane having a central axis X;
  • ∘ said means for closing and opening the intake valve;
  • ∘ an exhaust port of the exhaust valve.

L'invention se caractérise à titre principal en ce que la casquette comporte une tige de commande s'étendant orthogonalement selon l'axe X depuis la membrane en direction du corps lorsque la casquette est positionnée sur le corps.The invention is characterized mainly in that the cap comprises a control rod extending orthogonally along the X axis from the membrane in the direction of the body when the cap is positioned on the body.

Selon les différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, qui pourront être pris ensemble ou séparément :

  • ladite pièce est constituée d'une première matière souple et d'une seconde matière rigide : il s'agit donc d'un moulage par bi-injection. La matière souple permet d'offrir une élasticité à la chambre de dosage. La matière rigide forme la structure porteuse de la pièce.
  • le corps comporte :
    • ∘ une structure rigide apte à être fixée sur un contenant ;
    • ∘ un orifice d'admission du clapet d'admission ;
    • ∘ les moyens d'ouverture et de fermeture du clapet d'échappement ;
    • ∘ un support dans lequel est pratiqué un trou destiné à accueillir ladite tige de commande de la pompe.
  • les moyens de fermeture et d'ouverture du clapet d'admission consistent en une langue souple venant fermer élastiquement l'orifice d'admission.
  • la langue souple s'écarte de l'orifice d'admission sous l'effet de la dépression dans la chambre de dosage lors du retour entre l'état déformé et l'état initial de la membrane.
  • la tige de commande est mobile en translation selon l'axe X entre une position relevée où la membrane est dans son état initial, et une position enfoncée où la membrane est dans son état déformé, l'activation de la tige de commande s'effectue suite à une pression exercée sur la membrane pour la passer de son état initial à son état déformé.
  • les moyens de fermeture et d'ouverture du clapet d'échappement consistent en une zone tronconique souple venant fermer élastiquement l'orifice d'échappement et s'étendant autour du support.
  • la tige de commande est montée serrée dans le trou du support et le mouvement de translation de la tige entre la position relevée et la position enfoncée entraîne une déformation de la zone tronconique de manière à ouvrir l'orifice d'échappement dès le début de la déformation de la membrane, et le retour de la tige dans sa position relevée entraîne la remise en place de la zone tronconique de manière à fermer l'orifice d'échappement.
  • le support comporte une cheminée délimitant le trou accueillant la tige de commande, ladite tige comportant une extrémité libre dotée d'une butée apte à venir au contact de la cheminée.
  • dans l'état initial de la membrane, la butée de la tige exerce une force sur la cheminée du support pour le maintien en place de la zone tronconique de manière à fermer l'orifice d'échappement.
  • le retour entre l'état déformé et l'état initial de la membrane s'effectue par réaction élastique de la membrane.
  • la pompe comporte des moyens de protection géométrique contre l'actionnement non contrôlé de la pompe : il peut s'agir par exemple d'un rebord rigide qui protège l'actionnement accidentel de la pompe.
According to the different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or separately:
  • said part is made of a first flexible material and a second rigid material: it is therefore a bi-injection molding. The flexible material makes it possible to provide elasticity to the metering chamber. The rigid material forms the supporting structure of the part.
  • the body comprises:
    • ∘ a rigid structure capable of being fixed to a container;
    • ∘ an inlet port of the inlet valve;
    • ∘ the means of opening and closing the exhaust valve;
    • ∘ a support in which a hole is made to accommodate said pump control rod.
  • the means for closing and opening the intake valve consist of a flexible tongue which elastically closes the intake orifice.
  • the flexible tongue moves away from the inlet orifice under the effect of the negative pressure in the metering chamber during the return between the deformed state and the initial state of the membrane.
  • the control rod is movable in translation along the X axis between a raised position where the membrane is in its initial state, and a depressed position where the membrane is in its deformed state, the control rod is activated following a pressure exerted on the membrane to pass it from its initial state to its deformed state.
  • the means for closing and opening the exhaust valve consist of a flexible frustoconical zone which elastically closes the exhaust port and extends around the support.
  • the control rod is mounted tightly in the hole in the support and the translational movement of the rod between the raised position and the depressed position causes a deformation of the frustoconical zone so as to open the exhaust port from the start of the deformation of the membrane, and the return of the rod to its raised position causes the frustoconical zone to be replaced so as to close the exhaust port.
  • the support comprises a chimney delimiting the hole accommodating the control rod, said rod comprising a free end provided with a stop capable of coming into contact with the chimney.
  • in the initial state of the membrane, the stopper of the rod exerts a force on the chimney of the support to hold the frustoconical zone in place so as to close the exhaust orifice.
  • the return between the deformed state and the initial state of the membrane is effected by elastic reaction of the membrane.
  • the pump comprises geometric protection means against uncontrolled actuation of the pump: it may for example be a rigid rim which protects accidental actuation of the pump.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'une pompe telle que décrite ci-dessus, et comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • moulage d'une seule pièce comportant deux parties principales, à savoir le corps et la casquette, reliées par la charnière-film ;
  • pliage de la charnière-film, dans le moule, de manière à positionner la casquette sur le corps et fermer la pompe ;
  • démoulage de la pompe fermée et prête à utilisation.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a pump as described above, and comprising the following steps:
  • one-piece molding comprising two main parts, namely the body and the cap, connected by the film hinge;
  • folding of the film hinge, in the mold, so as to position the cap on the body and close the pump;
  • release of the closed and ready-to-use pump.

Ce procédé selon la revendication 13 permet ainsi de fermer la pièce avant son éjection totale hors du moule. Une fois que la pièce est éjectée, il n'y a plus aucune étape d'assemblage.This method according to claim 13 thus makes it possible to close the part before it is completely ejected from the mold. Once the part is ejected, there is no further assembly step.

La pompe est prête à emploi.The pump is ready for use.

Présentation des figuresPresentation of figures

L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description explicative détaillée qui va suivre, d'au moins un mode de réalisation de l'invention donné à titre d'exemple purement illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés.The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will emerge more clearly in the course of the detailed explanatory description which follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given to by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings.

Sur ces dessins :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une première configuration possible d'une pompe ouverte selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de la pompe selon la figure 1, retournée selon un plan horizontal ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective et en coupe de la pompe selon la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la pompe fermée, toujours selon la première configuration ;
  • les figures 5 à 9 sont des vues en coupe qui montrent les différentes étapes d'actionnement de la pompe selon la première configuration ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe d'une pompe ouverte selon une seconde configuration possible de l'invention ;
  • la figure 11 illustre la pompe fermée selon la seconde configuration ;
  • la figure 12 montre l'actionnement de la pompe selon la seconde configuration ;
  • la figure 13 montre le relâchement de la pompe selon la seconde configuration ;
  • la figure 14 montre le retour de la pompe dans sa position fermée, et est identique à la figure 11.
On these drawings:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a first possible configuration of an open pump according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view of the pump according to figure 1 , turned over in a horizontal plane;
  • the figure 3 is a perspective and sectional view of the pump according to figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the closed pump, still according to the first configuration;
  • the figures 5 to 9 are sectional views which show the different stages of actuation of the pump according to the first configuration;
  • the figure 10 is a sectional view of an open pump according to a second possible configuration of the invention;
  • the figure 11 illustrates the closed pump according to the second configuration;
  • the figure 12 shows the actuation of the pump according to the second configuration;
  • the figure 13 shows the release of the pump according to the second configuration;
  • the figure 14 shows the return of the pump to its closed position, and is identical to the figure 11 .

Description détailléedetailed description

Dans la description, les termes de positionnement dans l'espace sont pris en référence à la position droite de la pompe telle que représentée en particulier sur la figure 4 et la figure 11.In the description, the terms of positioning in space are taken with reference to the upright position of the pump as shown in particular on the figure. figure 4 and the figure 11 .

Il est à noter que, sur les figures, les éléments structurels et/ou fonctionnels communs aux différents modes de réalisation peuvent présenter les mêmes références. Ainsi, sauf mention contraire, de tels éléments disposent de propriétés structurelles, dimensionnelles et matérielles identiques.It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

L'invention concerne une pompe moulée en une seule pièce, comme visible sur la figure 1 par exemple. Cette pièce se décompose en une première partie, à savoir un corps 1, et en une seconde partie, à savoir une casquette 2, le corps 1 et la casquette 2 étant reliés par une charnière-film 3. Tous ces éléments sont obtenus dans un seul et unique moule.The invention relates to a pump that is molded in one piece, as shown in the figure. figure 1 for example. This part is broken down into a first part, namely a body 1, and a second part, namely a cap 2, the body 1 and the cap 2 being connected by a film hinge 3. All these elements are obtained in a one and only mold.

Lors du moulage, la pompe est ouverte, ce qui signifie que la casquette 2 est déployée par rapport au corps 1. En fin de moulage, la casquette 2 est rabattue sur le corps 1 par le pliage de la charnière film 3 de manière à fermer la pompe. La pompe ainsi fermée peut être démoulée.During molding, the pump is open, which means that the cap 2 is deployed relative to the body 1. At the end of the molding, the cap 2 is folded over the body 1 by folding the film hinge 3 so as to close the pump. The pump thus closed can be removed from the mold.

La casquette 2 constitue la partie supérieure de la pompe, et le corps 1 constitue la partie inférieure de la pompe.The cap 2 constitutes the upper part of the pump, and the body 1 constitutes the lower part of the pump.

La casquette 2 comporte un bouton-poussoir sur lequel l'utilisateur peut appuyer pour actionner la pompe. Une dose de produit sort alors via un embout 12, lorsque la pompe est montée sur un contenant rempli de produit à distribuer.Cap 2 has a push button that the user can press to activate the pump. A dose of product then exits via a nozzle 12, when the pump is mounted on a container filled with product to be dispensed.

De façon concrète, le bouton poussoir consiste en une membrane 4 déformable sur laquelle l'utilisateur peut appuyer. Cette membrane 4 définit en partie une chambre de dosage 21 contenant une dose de produit à délivrer. La pompe fonctionne en faisant varier le volume de cette chambre de dosage 21 par déformation élastique de la membrane entre un état initial représenté sur les figures 4, 5, 9, 11, 14 dans lequel la chambre 21 a un volume maximal et un état déformé représenté sur les figures 7, 8, 12 dans lequel le volume de la chambre 21 est minimal, entraînant l'expulsion de la dose de produit par l'embout 12.Concretely, the push button consists of a deformable membrane 4 on which the user can press. This membrane 4 partly defines a metering chamber 21 containing a dose of product to be delivered. The pump operates by varying the volume of this metering chamber 21 by elastic deformation of the membrane between an initial state shown in the figures 4, 5 , 9 , 11, 14 in which the chamber 21 has a maximum volume and a deformed state shown in the figures 7, 8 , 12 in which the volume of the chamber 21 is minimal, resulting in the expulsion of the dose of product through the nozzle 12.

La membrane 4 comporte un axe X central de symétrie. Une tige de commande 5 s'étend orthogonalement depuis la membrane 4, selon l'axe X, et en direction du corps 1 lorsque la casquette 2 est positionnée sur le corps 1. En d'autres termes, la tige de commande 5 s'étend depuis la surface intérieure de la membrane 4, tandis que la surface extérieure de la membrane 4 sert de surface d'appui pour l'utilisateur. La fonction de cette tige de commande 5 sera expliquée plus loin dans la description.The membrane 4 has a central X axis of symmetry. A control rod 5 extends orthogonally from the membrane 4, along the X axis, and in the direction of the body 1 when the cap 2 is positioned on the body 1. In other words, the control rod 5 s' extends from the inner surface of the membrane 4, while the outer surface of the membrane 4 serves as a bearing surface for the user. The function of this control rod 5 will be explained later in the description.

Le corps 1 consiste en une pièce de révolution, présentant une paroi périphérique 9, servant de structure rigide.The body 1 consists of a part of revolution, having a peripheral wall 9, serving as a rigid structure.

La partie inférieure de la paroi périphérique 9 est destinée à être mise en place sur un contenant. Pour faciliter cette mise en place, un renflement 17 circonférentiel est pratiqué sur la surface intérieure de la paroi périphérique 9. Ce renflement 17 permet par exemple un emboîtement élastique de la pompe sur le contenant.The lower part of the peripheral wall 9 is intended to be placed on a container. To facilitate this positioning, a circumferential bulge 17 is made on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 9. This bulge 17 allows for example an elastic fitting of the pump on the container.

La paroi périphérique 9 du corps 1 définit une ouverture supérieure fermée au moins en partie par un support 7. Ce support 7 et la membrane 4 définissent ensemble la chambre de dosage 21.The peripheral wall 9 of the body 1 defines an upper opening closed at least in part by a support 7. This support 7 and the membrane 4 together define the metering chamber 21.

Ce support 7 est porté par une zone tronconique 6 déformable. Cette zone tronconique 6 entoure le support 7. Un trou 8 est pratiqué au centre de ce support 7 pour le passage de la tige de commande 5. Optionnellement, une cheminée 10 dirigée vers l'intérieur du corps 1 augmente la profondeur du trou 8 et permet ainsi de mieux guider la tige de commande 5 en translation rectiligne. L'extrémité libre de la tige de commande 5 est dotée d'une butée 11 apte à venir au contact de l'extrémité libre de la cheminée 10 de manière à limiter le mouvement de translation de la tige de commande 5. Cette dernière est montée légèrement serrée dans la cheminée 10.This support 7 is carried by a deformable frustoconical zone 6. This frustoconical zone 6 surrounds the support 7. A hole 8 is made in the center of this support 7 for the passage of the control rod 5. Optionally, a chimney 10 directed towards the interior of the body 1 increases the depth of the hole 8 and thus makes it possible to better guide the control rod 5 in rectilinear translation. The free end of the control rod 5 is provided with a stop 11 adapted to come into contact with the free end of the chimney 10 so as to limit the translational movement of the control rod 5. The latter is mounted. slightly tight in the chimney 10.

Dans le premier mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 1 à 9, le support 7 consiste en un plateau circulaire plat, saillant d'un disque 23 par l'intermédiaire de la zone tronconique 6. Le disque 23 ferme entièrement l'ouverture supérieure délimitée par la paroi périphérique 9 du corps 1. La membrane 4 quant à elle consiste en un dôme à l'état initial, dont le sommet est dirigé vers l'extérieur de la pompe. Lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur le dôme, ce dernier se déforme de manière à former une cuvette, dont le fond vient en contact avec le support 7. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la casquette 2 comporte une surface supérieure 20 plane de laquelle saille le dôme. Ce dôme est décentré par rapport à l'axe central de la surface supérieure 20.In the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 9 , the support 7 consists of a flat circular plate, projecting from a disc 23 via the frustoconical zone 6. The disc 23 completely closes the upper opening delimited by the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1. The membrane 4 when to it consists of a dome in the initial state, the top of which is directed towards the outside of the pump. When the user presses on the dome, the latter is deformed so as to form a bowl, the bottom of which comes into contact with the support 7. In this embodiment, the cap 2 comprises a flat upper surface 20 from which protrudes the. dome. This dome is off-center with respect to the central axis of the upper surface 20.

Dans le second mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 10 à 14, le support 7 consiste en une cuvette dirigée vers l'intérieur du corps 1. La cuvette en elle-même ferme entièrement l'ouverture supérieure délimitée par la paroi périphérique 9 du corps 1. La membrane 4 quant à elle consiste en un disque plat à l'état initial. Lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur le disque, ce dernier se déforme de manière à former une cuvette qui s'approche du support 7. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la membrane 4 forme toute la surface supérieure de la casquette 2.In the second embodiment illustrated in figures 10 to 14 , the support 7 consists of a bowl directed towards the inside of the body 1. The bowl in itself completely closes the upper opening delimited by the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1. The membrane 4 in turn consists of a flat disc in the initial state. When the user presses on the disc, the latter deforms so as to form a bowl which approaches the support 7. In this embodiment, the membrane 4 forms the entire upper surface of the cap 2.

Par ailleurs, la pompe présente un clapet d'admission par lequel une dose de produit à distribuer peut rentrer pour aller dans la chambre de dosage 21. Ce clapet d'admission se compose :

  • d'un orifice d'admission 14 pratiqué dans le corps 1
  • et de moyens de fermeture et d'ouverture de cet orifice d'admission 14, consistant en une langue 15 souple s'étendant de la casquette 2 et venant fermer élastiquement l'orifice 14.
Furthermore, the pump has an intake valve through which a dose of product to be dispensed can enter to go into the metering chamber 21. This intake valve consists of:
  • an intake port 14 made in the body 1
  • and means for closing and opening this intake port 14, consisting of a flexible tongue 15 extending from the cap 2 and resiliently closing the port 14.

Dans le premier mode de réalisation, le disque 23 du corps 1 présente un renfoncement 16, l'orifice d'admission 14 étant pratiqué dans l'une des parois de ce renfoncement 16. La langue 15 pénètre dans ce renfoncement 16 et vient se plaquer sur la paroi dans laquelle se trouve l'orifice 14, de manière à le recouvrir.In the first embodiment, the disc 23 of the body 1 has a recess 16, the intake orifice 14 being made in one of the walls of this recess 16. The tongue 15 enters this recess 16 and comes into contact. on the wall in which the orifice 14 is located, so as to cover it.

Dans le second mode de réalisation, l'orifice d'admission 14 est pratiqué directement dans le support 7. Pour accélérer l'admission d'une dose de produit dans la chambre de dosage 21, il existe deux orifices d'admission 14a,14b diamétralement opposés. De la même manière, il existe alors deux langues 15a, 15b venant recouvrir chacune un orifice d'admission 14a,14b. Les langues 15a, 15b ont des longueurs différentes de manière à s'adapter à l'emplacement des orifices d'admission 14a,14b sur le support 7. Il peut exister plusieurs formes de langue et plusieurs longueurs de langue, selon les dimensions et les emplacements des orifices d'admission. Les exemples proposés ne sont pas limitatifs.In the second embodiment, the inlet port 14 is made directly in the support 7. To accelerate the admission of a dose of product into the metering chamber 21, there are two inlet ports 14a, 14b. diametrically opposed. Likewise, there are then two tongues 15a, 15b each covering an inlet port 14a, 14b. The tongues 15a, 15b have different lengths so as to adapt to the location of the intake openings 14a, 14b on the support 7. There may be several shapes of tongue and several lengths of tongue, depending on the dimensions and sizes. locations of the inlet ports. The examples offered are not limiting.

La pompe présente également un clapet d'échappement par lequel sort une dose de produit à distribuer. Plus précisément, le produit sort de la chambre de dosage 21 et arrive dans l'embout 12 via le clapet d'échappement. Ce clapet d'échappement se compose :

  • d'un orifice d'échappement 13 pratiqué dans la casquette 2
  • et de moyen de fermeture et d'ouverture de cet orifice d'échappement 13, consistant en la zone tronconique 6 précédemment citée.
The pump also has an exhaust valve through which a dose of product to be dispensed comes out. More precisely, the product leaves the metering chamber 21 and arrives in the nozzle 12 via the exhaust valve. This exhaust valve consists of:
  • an exhaust port 13 made in the cap 2
  • and means for closing and opening this exhaust port 13, consisting of the frustoconical zone 6 mentioned above.

Dans les deux modes de réalisation, la zone tronconique 6 ferme élastiquement l'orifice d'échappement 13, dans un état initial où le support 7 est relevé. Lorsque le support 7 est rabaissé, comme cela sera expliqué plus loin dans la description, la zone tronconique 6 est déformée et ouvre l'orifice d'échappement 13.In both embodiments, the frustoconical zone 6 elastically closes the exhaust port 13, in an initial state where the support 7 is raised. When the support 7 is lowered, as will be explained later in the description, the frustoconical zone 6 is deformed and opens the exhaust port 13.

Dans le premier mode de réalisation, la partie supérieure de la paroi périphérique 9 du corps 1 présente un épaulement 18 sur lequel vient se positionner une paroi périphérique 19 de la casquette 2. Une rainure circonférentielle est pratiquée dans l'extrémité supérieure de la paroi périphérique 9 du corps 1, et accueille un bourrelet circonférentiel prévu à cet effet dans la paroi périphérique 19 de la casquette 2, de manière à assurer un emboîtement élastique entre le corps 1 et la casquette 2.
Cet emboîtement permet également d'assurer l'étanchéité entre le corps 1 et la casquette 2.In the first embodiment, the upper part of the peripheral wall 9 of the body 1 has a shoulder 18 on which is positioned a peripheral wall 19 of the cap 2. A circumferential groove is made in the upper end of the peripheral wall. 9 of the body 1, and accommodates a circumferential bead provided for this purpose in the peripheral wall 19 of the cap 2, so as to ensure an elastic fit between the body 1 and the cap 2.
This interlocking also makes it possible to ensure the seal between the body 1 and the cap 2.

Dans le second mode de réalisation, il n'existe pas d'épaulement. La casquette 2 présente un rebord annulaire rigide 22 entourant la membrane 4 plane de manière à empêcher tout actionnement accidentel de la pompe par appui sur une zone périphérique de ladite membrane 4 plane. Comme la membrane 4 n'est pas saillante relativement au plan formé par le rebord rigide, contrairement au premier mode de réalisation, l'appui s'exerce sur les bords rigides 22 lorsque le flacon est posé tête en bas sur un support. Le support ne peut ainsi pas causer d'actionnement accidentel de la pompe dans cette position.In the second embodiment, there is no shoulder. The cap 2 has a rigid annular rim 22 surrounding the flat membrane 4 so as to prevent any accidental actuation of the pump by pressing on a peripheral zone of said flat membrane 4. As the membrane 4 does not project relative to the plane formed by the rigid rim, unlike the first embodiment, the support is exerted on the rigid edges 22 when the bottle is placed upside down on a support. The support cannot therefore cause accidental actuation of the pump in this position.

Ce rebord 22 consiste ainsi en une protection géométrique contre l'actionnement non contrôlé de la pompe. Il est conçu en polypropylène de préférence.This rim 22 thus consists of a geometric protection against the uncontrolled actuation of the pump. It is preferably made of polypropylene.

On remarque ainsi qu'en fonction de leur rôle, les différents éléments constituant la pompe sont soit souple soit rigide. En l'espèce, la membrane 4, la zone tronconique 6, la charnière film 3, les langues 15, 15a, 15b sont constitués dans une matière souple et élastique, du type élastomère thermoplastique (TPE). Les autres éléments sont quant à eux constitués d'une matière rigide. Le moulage de la pompe est donc réalisé par bi-injection d'une matière souple et d'une matière rigide dans un même et unique moule pour former l'unique pièce.It is thus noted that according to their role, the various elements constituting the pump are either flexible or rigid. In this case, the membrane 4, the frustoconical zone 6, the film hinge 3, the tongues 15, 15a, 15b are made of a flexible and elastic material, of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) type. The other elements are made of a rigid material. The pump is therefore molded by bi-injection of a flexible material and a rigid material in the same and unique mold to form the single part.

Nous allons ci-après décrire le fonctionnement de cette pompe selon le premier mode de réalisation.We will hereinafter describe the operation of this pump according to the first embodiment.

En figure 5, la pompe est en position de repos. La pompe est étanche, la casquette 2 étant emboîtée sur le corps 1. La membrane 4 est dans son état initial, en forme de dôme et la tige 5 est en position relevée. La réaction élastique du dôme 4 précontraint tend à tirer sur la tige de commande 5. La butée 11 de la tige de commande 5 est en contact avec la cheminée 10 et tend à soulever le support 7 ainsi que la zone tronconique 6. Cette zone tronconique 6 obstrue alors l'orifice d'échappement 13. L'orifice d'admission 14 est fermé par la langue 15. La chambre de dosage 21 est remplie d'une dose de produit à distribuer. La pression à l'intérieur de la chambre 21 est identique à la pression à l'extérieur de la chambre, et la langue 15 est plaquée sur le siège de l'orifice d'admission 14 par simple effet élastique. La fermeture du clapet d'admission est ainsi étanche.In figure 5 , the pump is in rest position. The pump is sealed, the cap 2 being fitted onto the body 1. The membrane 4 is in its initial state, in the form of a dome and the rod 5 is in the raised position. The elastic reaction of the prestressed dome 4 tends to pull on the control rod 5. The stop 11 of the control rod 5 is in contact with the chimney 10 and tends to lift the support 7 as well as the frustoconical zone 6. This frustoconical zone 6 then obstructs the exhaust port 13. The intake port 14 is closed by the tongue 15. The metering chamber 21 is filled with a dose of product to be dispensed. The pressure inside the chamber 21 is identical to the pressure outside the chamber, and the tongue 15 is pressed against the seat of the inlet port 14 by a simple elastic effect. The closure of the intake valve is thus sealed.

En figure 6, une pression est exercée au sommet du dôme 4. La tige de commande 5 est en léger serrage dans la cheminée 10 et entraîne ainsi la cheminée 10 et le support 7 vers le bas, entraînant une déformation de la zone tronconique 6 et l'ouverture de l'orifice d'échappement 13 alors que la membrane 4 n'est que faiblement déformée. En conséquence, le fluide est distribué sans être soumis à de fortes pressions. D'une part, on prévient ainsi des risques de séparation de phase dans la lotion, et d'autre part le fluide n'est pas distribué de manière violente et peut être distribué doucement dans la main de l'utilisateur. En figure 7 la membrane 4 est dans son état déformé, en forme de cuvette. Lors de la descente de la tige de commande 5 suite à l'appui sur la membrane 4, la force de serrage entre la tige 5 et la cheminée 10 est vaincue et la tige 5 translate ainsi vers le bas par rapport à la cheminée 10 jusqu'à une position dite enfoncée. Le volume de la chambre de dosage 21 diminue et une grande partie de la dose de produit contenue dans la chambre de dosage 21 est distribuée via l'embout 12.In figure 6 , a pressure is exerted at the top of the dome 4. The control rod 5 is lightly clamped in the chimney 10 and thus drives the chimney 10 and the support 7 downwards, causing a deformation of the frustoconical zone 6 and the opening. of the exhaust port 13 while the membrane 4 is only slightly deformed. As a result, the fluid is distributed without being subjected to strong pressures. On the one hand, this prevents the risks of phase separation in the lotion, and on the other hand the fluid is not distributed violently and can be distributed gently in the hand of the user. In figure 7 the membrane 4 is in its deformed state, in the form of a bowl. During the descent of the control rod 5 following the pressure on the membrane 4, the clamping force between the rod 5 and the chimney 10 is overcome and the rod 5 thus translates downward with respect to the chimney 10 until 'to a so-called depressed position. The volume of the metering chamber 21 decreases and a large part of the dose of product contained in the metering chamber 21 is distributed via the nozzle 12.

En figure 8, il n'y a plus de pression sur la membrane 4. La réaction élastique de la membrane 4 permet la remontée du système. En particulier, la membrane 4 repasse de sa forme en cuvette à sa forme de dôme et fait remonter la tige de commande 5. La cheminée 10 étant serrée sur la tige 5, la remontée de la tige 5 tend à faire remonter le support 7 et à plaquer la zone tronconique 6 sur l'orifice d'échappement 13. Le clapet d'échappement est alors fermé. Le volume de la chambre de dosage réaugmente. Il y a une dépression dans la chambre 21, ce qui provoque l'ouverture du clapet d'admission en soulevant la langue 15 de manière à ouvrir l'orifice d'admission 14 du produit fluide. L'aspiration du produit se poursuit jusqu'à l'arrivée en butée haute de la tige 5 sous la cheminée 10.In figure 8 , there is no more pressure on the membrane 4. The elastic reaction of the membrane 4 allows the system to rise. In particular, the membrane 4 returns from its bowl shape to its dome shape and raises the control rod 5. The chimney 10 being clamped on the rod 5, the rise of the rod 5 tends to raise the support 7 and in pressing the frustoconical zone 6 on the exhaust port 13. The exhaust valve is then closed. The volume of the dosing chamber increases again. There is a vacuum in the chamber 21, which causes the opening of the inlet valve by lifting the tongue 15 so as to open the inlet 14 of the fluid product. Suction of the product continues until the rod 5 reaches the top stop under the chimney 10.

En figure 9, la pompe est retournée dans son état de repos. La réaction élastique du dôme précontraint 4 lors de l'assemblage du système permet le placage de la zone tronconique 6 sur l'orifice d'échappement 13. La chambre de dosage 21 est donc fermée hermétiquement. La dépression ayant chuté, la langue 15 du clapet d'admission, de par l'élasticité intrinsèque du matériau souple dans lequel il est conçu, se replaque sur l'orifice d'admission 14. La dose suivante est prête à être délivrée.In figure 9 , the pump has returned to its idle state. The elastic reaction of the prestressed dome 4 during assembly of the system allows the frustoconical zone 6 to be placed on the exhaust port 13. The metering chamber 21 is therefore hermetically closed. The vacuum having fallen, the tongue 15 of the inlet valve, by virtue of the intrinsic elasticity of the flexible material in which it is designed, is placed back on the inlet port 14. The next dose is ready to be delivered.

Dans son second mode de réalisation, la pompe fonctionne de manière similaire à ce qui est décrit ci-dessus, à la différence près que la membrane 4 est plane dans son état initial précontraint, et qu'elle prend une forme de cuvette lorsqu'une pression est exercée sur elle.In its second embodiment, the pump operates in a manner similar to what is described above, except that the membrane 4 is planar in its initial prestressed state, and that it takes the shape of a bowl when a pressure is exerted on it.

Les configurations montrées aux figures citées ne sont que des exemples possibles, nullement limitatifs, de l'invention qui est définie par le revendications et qui englobe les variantes de formes et de conceptions à la portée de l'homme de l'art.The configurations shown in the figures cited are only possible examples, in no way limiting, of the invention which is defined by the claims and which encompasses the variants of shapes and designs within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims (13)

  1. Pump for dispensing a fluid product able to be mounted on a container of the flexible tube or rigid bottle type, comprising
    - a metering chamber (21) with variable volume defined at least partially by a membrane (4) that can be deformed between an initial state wherein the volume of the metering chamber (21) is maximal and a deformed state wherein the volume of the metering chamber (21) is minimal;
    - an intake valve for the fluid product to the metering chamber (21);
    - an exhaust valve for the fluid product from the metering chamber (21);
    - means for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves;
    said pump consisting of a single moulded part comprising two portions, respectively a body (1) and a cap (2), connected by an articulation (3) of the film-hinge type, the cap (2) comprising:
    - said membrane (4) having a central axis X;
    - said means for closing and opening the intake valve;
    - an exhaust orifice (13) of the valve;
    characterised in that the cap (2) also comprises a control rod (5) extending along the axis X from the membrane (4) in the direction of the body (1) when the cap (2) is positioned on the body (1).
  2. Pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said part is formed from a first flexible material and from a second rigid material.
  3. Pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the body (1) comprises:
    - a rigid structure (9) able to be fixed on a container;
    - an intake orifice (14) of the intake valve;
    - the means of opening and closing the exhaust valve;
    - a support (7) wherein is formed a hole (8) intended to receive said control rod (5) of the pump.
  4. Pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the means of closing and opening of the intake valve consist of a flexible tongue (15) that elastically closes the intake orifice (14).
  5. Pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the flexible tongue (15) moves away from the intake orifice (14) under the effect of the low pressure in the metering chamber (21) during the return between the deformed state and the initial state of the membrane (4).
  6. Pump according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the control rod (5) is movable in translation along the axis X between a raised position where the membrane (4) is in its initial state, and a recessed position where the membrane (4) is in its deformed state, the activation of the control rod (5) is carried out following a pressure exerted on the membrane (4) to switch it from its initial state to its deformed state.
  7. Pump according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the means of closing and opening of the exhaust valve consist of a flexible tapered zone (6) that elastically closes the exhaust orifice (13) and extending around the support (7).
  8. Pump according to the preceding claim when dependent on claim 6, characterised in that the control rod (5) is mounted tightly in the hole (8) of the support (7) and the translation movement of the rod (5) between the raised position and the recessed position causes a deformation of the tapered zone (6) so as to open the exhaust orifice (13) at the onset of the deformation of the membrane (4), and the return of the rod (5) to its raised position causes the putting back into place of the tapered zone (6) so as to close the exhaust orifice (13).
  9. Pump according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that the support (7) comprises a shaft (10) delimiting the hole (8) that receives the control rod (5), said rod (5) comprising a free end provided with a stop (11) able to come into contact with the shaft (10).
  10. Pump according to the preceding claim when dependent on claim 7, characterised in that, in the initial state of the membrane (4), the stop (11) of the rod (5) exerts a force on the shaft (10) of the support (7) for keeping the tapered zone (6) in place so as to close the exhaust orifice (13).
  11. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the return between the deformed state and the initial state of the membrane (4) is carried out by elastic reaction of the membrane (4).
  12. Pump according to the preceding claim when dependent on claims 7 to 8, characterised in that it comprises means of geometric protection against the uncontrolled actuating thereof, of the rigid edge type (22).
  13. Method for manufacturing a pump such as described in the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:
    - moulding in a single part comprising two main portions, namely the body (1) and the cap (2), connected by the film-hinge (3);
    - folding the film-hinge (3), in the mould, so as to position the cap (2) on the body (1) and close the pump;
    - demoulding of the closed and ready-to-use pump.
EP18175550.5A 2017-06-22 2018-06-01 Moulded pump for dispensing a fluid product Active EP3417948B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1755731A FR3067952B1 (en) 2017-06-22 2017-06-22 MOLDED PUMP FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF A FLUIDIC PRODUCT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3417948A1 EP3417948A1 (en) 2018-12-26
EP3417948B1 true EP3417948B1 (en) 2021-08-04

Family

ID=59521116

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18175550.5A Active EP3417948B1 (en) 2017-06-22 2018-06-01 Moulded pump for dispensing a fluid product

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10525492B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3417948B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109205065B (en)
BR (1) BR102018012895A8 (en)
FR (1) FR3067952B1 (en)

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WO2022152992A1 (en) * 2021-01-18 2022-07-21 Gb Developpement Fluid dispenser with priming means
WO2022218473A1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2022-10-20 LIQIX Technologies GmbH i.G. Dosing device, container, product dispenser, and system

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR102018012895A8 (en) 2022-12-20
FR3067952B1 (en) 2020-10-09
CN109205065A (en) 2019-01-15
FR3067952A1 (en) 2018-12-28
CN109205065B (en) 2021-10-08
US20180369843A1 (en) 2018-12-27
US10525492B2 (en) 2020-01-07
BR102018012895A2 (en) 2019-03-12
EP3417948A1 (en) 2018-12-26

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