EP3743210B1 - Assembly method for assembling a fluid product dispenser - Google Patents

Assembly method for assembling a fluid product dispenser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3743210B1
EP3743210B1 EP19710021.7A EP19710021A EP3743210B1 EP 3743210 B1 EP3743210 B1 EP 3743210B1 EP 19710021 A EP19710021 A EP 19710021A EP 3743210 B1 EP3743210 B1 EP 3743210B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reservoir
assembly
sealed
deformable membrane
sleeve
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
EP19710021.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3743210A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Decottignies
Alain Lafosse
Jacky Bernard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar France SAS
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Aptar France SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3743210A1 publication Critical patent/EP3743210A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0241—Drop counters; Drop formers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0282—Burettes; Pipettes mounted within a receptacle
    • 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
    • B05B11/0035—Pen-like sprayers
    • 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
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B05B11/048—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles characterised by the container, e.g. this latter being surrounded by an enclosure, or the means for deforming it
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/0094—Containers having an external wall formed as, or with, a diaphragm or the like which is deformed to expel the contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/042—Caps; Plugs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/044—Connecting closures to device or container pierceable, e.g. films, membranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0832—Geometry, shape and general structure cylindrical, tube shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/16—Surface properties and coatings
    • B01L2300/168—Specific optical properties, e.g. reflective coatings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
    • B01L2400/0481—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure squeezing of channels or chambers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
    • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
    • 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
    • B05B11/0032—Manually actuated means located downstream the discharge nozzle for closing or covering it, e.g. shutters
    • 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
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • 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
    • B05B11/06—Gas or vapour producing the flow, e.g. from a compressible bulb or air pump

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for assembling a fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir, a dispensing nozzle and an actuating member for supplying the dispensing nozzle with fluid from the reservoir.
  • the dispensing cannula may include a dispensing end capable of forming a drop of fluid product which separates from the cannula by gravity.
  • the distributor then resembles a dropper.
  • this type of dispenser is used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy to dispense fluid products of various viscosities.
  • Conventional droppers comprise a cannula and an actuating member making it possible to suck fluid product into the cannula and then to push it back out of the cannula. To do this, the end of the cannula must first be soaked in a reservoir of fluid product. Often, the dropper is packaged in the mounted state, for example screwed onto a fluid reservoir. The dropper alone does not dispense fluid product, but simply sucks in air and pushes it out. A dropper can be likened to a simple crushable bulb fitted with a cannula.
  • FR2978431 which describes a fluid product dispenser comprising a fluid product reservoir, and a pump comprising a pump body and an actuating rod defining between them a pump chamber having a predetermined maximum volume.
  • the rod is axially movable in the body to vary the volume of the pump chamber.
  • the dispenser further comprises a dispensing cannula mounted on the actuating rod and comprising a dispensing end capable of forming a drop of fluid product which separates from the cannula by gravity.
  • the maximum volume of the pump chamber is substantially equal to the volume of the drop of fluid product dispensed at the dispensing head.
  • the present invention seeks to simplify this fluid dispenser of the prior art, but also others, particularly at the level of their structure and components, without however creating new problems, in particular during the assembly of the dispenser. More particularly, the assembly of the dispenser must not lead to untimely dispensing or pressurization of the fluid product. Another object of the invention is to produce a dropper at a lower cost, without cutting corners on the quality and precision of dispensing. Yet another object is to design a dispenser with a reduced number of parts.
  • the inner side of the membrane will displace air which will be pressurized in the reservoir.
  • This pressurized air will act on the fluid product stored in the reservoir, and a portion (dose) of this fluid product is then discharged through the dispensing orifice.
  • the fluid leaves the dispensing end of the orifice in the form of one or more individual drop(s) which fall(s) by gravity.
  • the membrane returns by elasticity to its starting or rest position.
  • a vacuum is then formed in the tank, which has the effect of emptying the orifice by suction (return to the tank) and bringing outside air into the tank through the orifice. In the end, the tank contains a little less fluid product and a little more air.
  • the actuating member comprises an assembly sleeve which is inserted, during its assembly, in a sealed manner into the assembly opening of the tank.
  • the mounting sleeve performs a sealed axial mounting stroke in the mounting opening of the tank to reach its final sealed mounting position, this sealed axial stroke defining a stroke volume Vc.
  • the deformable membrane is movable between a rest position and a maximum depressed position, so as to define between these two positions an actuation volume Va, which is greater than or preferably substantially equal to the stroke volume Vc of the mounting sleeve: Va ⁇ Vc. Thanks to this relationship, the distributor can be conditioned by guaranteeing that it is not under overpressure, and ideally that it is at atmospheric pressure, as will be seen below with the method of mounting the distributor.
  • the dispenser further comprises a protective cover provided with means for sealing the dispensing end of the dispensing cannula.
  • the assembly of the distributor can thus be done with the preassembled cover, and with Va ⁇ Vc, it is ensured that the distributor will be approximately at atmospheric pressure, as explained below.
  • the reservoir and the dispensing cannula are made in the form of a one-piece body, advantageously of a transparent material.
  • the actuation member can also be made of a transparent material.
  • the pressure in the distributor is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure given that the two volumes Va and Vc vary simultaneously and in a crossed or compensatory manner.
  • the axial force necessary to deform the deformable membrane from its rest position into its sealed final mounting position is less than the frictional forces between the mounting sleeve and the mounting opening during sealed sliding to regain the final sealed position. disassembly. It is thus possible to deform the membrane without causing the sleeve to slide in the opening.
  • the dispensing end of the dispensing cannula is sealed during the mounting process.
  • the dispenser can thus be placed under pressure or depression without causing the dispensing of fluid product.
  • Va ⁇ Vc the distributor will finally be at atmospheric pressure, even if it was put under depression or pressure during assembly. The user can remove the protective cover without any effect on the fluid product.
  • the dispenser of the invention comprises three constituent elements, namely a main body 1, an actuating member 2 and a protective cover 3.
  • This cover 3 can in certain cases be optional.
  • the main body 1 can be made of any suitable material, such as for example a translucent or transparent plastic material. It can also be made of glass.
  • the main body 1 can be in one piece, that is to say made in one piece, or even be made by assembling several separate parts. It is also possible to envisage making the main body 1 with overmolding or bi-injection processes.
  • the main body 1 comprises a shaft 10, which here has a constant section, in particular circular.
  • the barrel 10 comprises at its upper end a mounting opening 11 in which is engaged the member actuation 2, as will be seen below.
  • the main body 1 forms a dispensing cannula 12 internally defining an outlet conduit 14.
  • the dispensing cannula 12 forms a dispensing end 13 which is configured in such a way as to be able to form a drop of fluid product, which separates from the dispensing end 13 by gravity, as can be seen in the figure 2 .
  • the fluid product accumulates at the outlet of the dispensing end 13, as can be seen in the figure 2 , until the drop is large enough that by its own weight it separates from the dispensing end 13 and falls as a drop.
  • the particular configuration of the dispensing end 13 means, among other things, that this dispenser can be qualified as a dropper.
  • the main body 1 Between the shaft 10 and the dispensing cannula 12, the main body 1 forms a shoulder 15 which is extended by a neck 16 which is connected to the cannula 12 by a frustoconical connecting section 17.
  • the particular shape of the main body 1 between the Shaft 10 and cannula 12 are not critical to the present invention, so other embodiments are possible.
  • Actuator 2 can be made in one piece by injection/molding of a relatively flexible plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer.
  • the actuating member 2 comprises a mounting sleeve 21 of generally cylindrical shape, a projecting flange 22 which extends outwards at the level of the upper end of the mounting sleeve 21, as well as a deformable membrane 23 which extends inside the mounting sleeve 21, for example near its lower end.
  • the deformable character of the membrane 23 can be obtained by a reduced wall thickness compared to that of the sleeve 21 and the flange 22.
  • the actuating member 2 is in its rest state and it can be seen that the deformable membrane 23 is curved upwards, that is to say convex in the direction of the flange 22. In other words terms, the deformable membrane 23 is concave towards the inside of the barrel 10.
  • the actuating member 2 is engaged inside the mounting opening 11 of the main body 1 with the sleeve of assembly 21 engaged inside the opening 11 and the collar 22 bears on the upper annular edge of the mounting opening 11.
  • the deformable membrane 23 is in its rest position with its convexity facing outwards.
  • the protective cover 3 when mounted on the main body 1, as shown in the figure 1 , covers the dispensing cannula 12 and advantageously seals off the outlet duct 14 in a sealed manner.
  • the protective cover 3 can define a small cup 33, in which the dispensing end 13 is engaged in a sealed manner.
  • the cup 33 can for example be made of a flexible material connected by overmolding or bi-injection to the rest of the cover 3.
  • the dispenser of the invention thus defines a reservoir of fluid product R which extends from the deformable membrane 23 to the inlet of the dispensing cannula 12.
  • the reservoir R is mainly defined by the barrel 10: it is also extends inside the neck 16 and the frustoconical connecting section 17.
  • the fluid product P stored in the reservoir R thus communicates directly with the distribution duct 14.
  • the reservoir R also contains air A above the meniscus M of the fluid product P.
  • the air A is located between the deformable membrane 23 and the meniscus M, inside the barrel 10, when the dispensing cannula 12 points downwards, as represented on the figures 1 and 2 .
  • the fluid product P is then in direct communication with the distribution conduit 14.
  • the deformable membrane 23 defines an outer side 231 and an inner side 232, as can be seen in the picture 3 .
  • the outer side 231 forms a pusher 24 on which the user can press using a finger, for example the thumb, to move the deformable membrane 23 towards the inside of the barrel 10.
  • the distributor is provided with its protective cover 3, and pressing the pusher 24 will have no other effect than to compress the air A prisoner inside the reservoir R.
  • the fluid product P will certainly be subjected at a pressure, but as its distribution duct 14 is blocked by the cup 33, there can be no distribution of fluid product.
  • the support force F1 is not directly transmitted to the fluid product P: on the contrary it is damped by the air A, so that the restored force F2 is less than the force support F1.
  • a sudden dispensing of fluid product which would prevent the formation of a train of successive drops is thus avoided.
  • actuating member 2 which is engaged inside the mounting opening 11 of the main body 1.
  • the mounting sleeve 21 engages with the internal wall of the mounting opening 11 and the projecting collar 22 bears against the upper annular edge of opening 11.
  • Deformable membrane 23 is shown in solid lines in its rest position and in dotted lines in its maximum depressed position.
  • An actuation volume Va can thus be defined between these two extreme positions.
  • This volume Va is represented by the hatched area on the picture 3 .
  • a quantity of fluid product P corresponding substantially to the actuation volume Va is dispensed through the dispensing cannula 12.
  • the quantity of fluid product dispensed will be slightly less than the actuation volume Va, due to the compressibility of the air A prisoner of the tank R.
  • the actuating member 2 is engaged inside the mounting opening 1, then is pushed in so as to cover a sealed axial stroke S, visible on the figure 4 .
  • the outer wall of the mounting sleeve 21 may for example come into contact with a sealing rib 111 formed inside the mounting opening 11.
  • the sleeve 21, once engaged in the opening 11, will come into sealed contact with this sealing rib 111, then from this moment, the sleeve 21 will slide in a sealed manner against this sealing rib 111 over an axial height corresponding to the sealed axial stroke S, to finally reach its position assembly, in which the collar 22 bears against the upper annular edge of the opening 11.
  • This sealed axial stroke S defines a stroke volume Vc , which is nothing but the product of the stroke S with the inside diameter of the opening 11.
  • the actuation volume Va is greater than the stroke volume Vc.
  • the actuation volume Va is very slightly greater than or substantially equal to the stroke volume Vc. We will see how this relationship between these two volumes Va and Vc is used to optimize the assembly of the distributor.
  • the fluid product P stored inside the tank R be at atmospheric pressure, when the user will remove the protective cover 3 for the first time, so as to avoid any untimely distribution of product. fluid.
  • the actuating member 2 is inserted into the assembly opening 1 by carrying out a sealed axial stroke of volume Vc, the air A located above the meniscus M, after filling the reservoir with fluid product , is normally pressurized. This pressurization may possibly lead to the deformation of the membrane 23, which would thus remain stretched for a relatively long storage time.
  • step c- may comprise a single step c12- during which the deformable membrane 23 is gradually released so that it returns to its rest position as the mounting sleeve 21 slides in a sealed manner in the mounting opening 11, the rest position and the sealed final mounting position being advantageously reached substantially simultaneously.
  • no overpressure is generated in the reservoir R, since the volumes Va and Vc vary both simultaneously and inversely.
  • the axial force necessary to deform the deformable membrane 23 from its rest position into its final sealed mounting position is less than the frictional forces between the mounting sleeve 21 and the mounting opening 11 during sealed sliding. to return to the final sealed mounting position.
  • the reservoir is not completely filled, so that there is air in the reservoir when the actuator is engaged in the mounting opening of the reservoir, thereby compressing and to release the air trapped in the reservoir during steps b- and c-.
  • the protective cover 3 is in place, so as to close off the distributor duct 14. This avoids any exit of fluid product or any entry of outside air.
  • This preliminary or initial stage of fitting the cover 3 is illustrated by block i- in the flowchart of the figure 5 .
  • the cover 3 could be replaced by any other sealing means during the assembly process.
  • the claimed invention itself relates to a mounting method for the dispenser that the dispenser delivered to the user is at atmospheric pressure.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé de montage d'un distributeur de produit fluide comprenant un réservoir, une canule de distribution et un organe d'actionnement pour alimenter la canule de distribution en produit fluide issu du réservoir. La canule de distribution peut comprendre une extrémité de distribution apte à former une goutte de produit fluide qui se sépare de la canule par gravité. Le distributeur s'apparente alors à un compte-gouttes. De manière tout à fait générale, ce type de distributeur est utilisé dans les domaines de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique ou encore de la pharmacie pour distribuer des produits fluides de viscosités diverses.The present invention relates to a method for assembling a fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir, a dispensing nozzle and an actuating member for supplying the dispensing nozzle with fluid from the reservoir. The dispensing cannula may include a dispensing end capable of forming a drop of fluid product which separates from the cannula by gravity. The distributor then resembles a dropper. Quite generally, this type of dispenser is used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy to dispense fluid products of various viscosities.

Les compte-gouttes classiques comprennent une canule et un organe d'actionnement permettant d'aspirer du produit fluide dans la canule et de la refouler ensuite hors de la canule. Pour cela, il faut préalablement tremper le bout de la canule dans un réservoir de produit fluide. Souvent, le compte-gouttes est conditionné à l'état monté, par exemple vissé, sur un réservoir de produit fluide. Le compte-gouttes, seul, ne permet pas de distribution de produit fluide, mais simplement à aspirer de l'air et à le chasser. Un compte-gouttes peut être assimilé à une simple poire écrasable munie d'une canule.Conventional droppers comprise a cannula and an actuating member making it possible to suck fluid product into the cannula and then to push it back out of the cannula. To do this, the end of the cannula must first be soaked in a reservoir of fluid product. Often, the dropper is packaged in the mounted state, for example screwed onto a fluid reservoir. The dropper alone does not dispense fluid product, but simply sucks in air and pushes it out. A dropper can be likened to a simple crushable bulb fitted with a cannula.

Dans l'art antérieur, on connaît déjà le document FR2978431 qui décrit un distributeur de produit fluide comprenant un réservoir de produit fluide, et une pompe comprenant un corps de pompe et une tige d'actionnement définissant entre eux une chambre de pompe ayant un volume maximal prédéterminé. La tige est déplaçable axialement dans le corps pour faire varier le volume de la chambre de pompe. Le distributeur comprend en outre une canule de distribution montée sur la tige d'actionnement et comprenant une extrémité de distribution apte à former une goutte de produit fluide qui se sépare de la canule par gravité. Le volume maximal de la chambre de pompe est sensiblement égal au volume de la goutte de produit fluide distribuée au niveau de la tête de distribution.In the prior art, the document is already known FR2978431 which describes a fluid product dispenser comprising a fluid product reservoir, and a pump comprising a pump body and an actuating rod defining between them a pump chamber having a predetermined maximum volume. The rod is axially movable in the body to vary the volume of the pump chamber. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing cannula mounted on the actuating rod and comprising a dispensing end capable of forming a drop of fluid product which separates from the cannula by gravity. The maximum volume of the pump chamber is substantially equal to the volume of the drop of fluid product dispensed at the dispensing head.

La présente invention cherche à simplifier ce distributeur de produit fluide de l'art antérieur, mais également d'autres, particulièrement au niveau de leurs structure et composants, sans pour autant créer de nouveaux problèmes, notamment lors du montage du distributeur. Plus particulièrement, le montage du distributeur ne doit pas conduire à une distribution intempestive ou à une mise sous pression du produit fluide. Un autre but de l'invention est de réaliser un compte-gouttes à moindre coût, sans rogner sur la qualité et la précision de distribution. Encore un autre but est concevoir un distributeur avec un nombre réduit de pièces.The present invention seeks to simplify this fluid dispenser of the prior art, but also others, particularly at the level of their structure and components, without however creating new problems, in particular during the assembly of the dispenser. More particularly, the assembly of the dispenser must not lead to untimely dispensing or pressurization of the fluid product. Another object of the invention is to produce a dropper at a lower cost, without cutting corners on the quality and precision of dispensing. Yet another object is to design a dispenser with a reduced number of parts.

Les documents US 2008/314855 , FR 2 574 681 , FR 750 077 , US 3 379 196 , US 2 781 063 décrivent divers dispositifs qui peuvent servir de distributeur de produit fluide.The documents US 2008/314855 , FR 2 574 681 , FR 750 077 , US 3,379,196 , US 2,781,063 describe various devices that can serve as a fluid dispenser.

Le document US 2 781 063 décrit un distributeur de produit fluide, notamment du type compte-gouttes, comprenant :

  • un orifice de distribution de produit fluide en communication avec le réservoir, cet orifice formant une extrémité de distribution, qui est avantageusement apte à former une goutte de produit fluide qui se sépare de l'extrémité de distribution par gravité, et
  • un organe d'actionnement en prise dans l'ouverture de montage pour alimenter l'orifice de distribution en produit fluide issu du réservoir,
dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement comprend une membrane déformable définissant un côté extérieur formant un poussoir et un côté intérieur en contact avec l'air du réservoir, lorsque l'orifice de distribution est en contact avec le produit fluide du réservoir.The document US 2,781,063 describes a fluid product dispenser, in particular of the dropper type, comprising:
  • a fluid product dispensing orifice in communication with the reservoir, this orifice forming a dispensing end, which is advantageously capable of forming a drop of fluid product which separates from the dispensing end by gravity, and
  • an actuating member engaged in the mounting opening to supply the dispensing orifice with fluid from the reservoir,
in which the actuating member comprises a deformable membrane defining an outer side forming a pusher and an inner side in contact with the air in the reservoir, when the dispensing orifice is in contact with the fluid product in the reservoir.

Ainsi, lorsque l'on applique une pression sur le poussoir, par exemple à l'aide d'un doigt comme le pouce, le côté intérieur de la membrane va déplacer de l'air qui va être mis sous pression dans le réservoir. Cet air sous pression va agir sur le produit fluide stocké dans le réservoir, et une partie (dose) de ce produit fluide est alors refoulée à travers l'orifice de distribution. Le produit fluide quitte l'extrémité de distribution de l'orifice sous forme d'une ou de plusieurs goutte(s) individuelle(s) qui tombe(nt) par gravité. Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche sa pression sur le poussoir, la membrane retourne par élasticité dans sa position de départ ou de repos. Une dépression est alors formée dans le réservoir, ce qui a pour effet de vidanger l'orifice par aspiration (retour dans le réservoir) et de faire entrer de l'air extérieur dans le réservoir à travers l'orifice. Au final, le réservoir contient un peu moins de produit fluide et un peu plus d'air.Thus, when pressure is applied to the pusher, for example using a finger such as the thumb, the inner side of the membrane will displace air which will be pressurized in the reservoir. This pressurized air will act on the fluid product stored in the reservoir, and a portion (dose) of this fluid product is then discharged through the dispensing orifice. The fluid leaves the dispensing end of the orifice in the form of one or more individual drop(s) which fall(s) by gravity. When the user releases his pressure on the pusher, the membrane returns by elasticity to its starting or rest position. A vacuum is then formed in the tank, which has the effect of emptying the orifice by suction (return to the tank) and bringing outside air into the tank through the orifice. In the end, the tank contains a little less fluid product and a little more air.

Selon l'invention, l'organe d'actionnement comprend un manchon de montage qui est inséré, lors de son montage, de manière étanche dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir. Le manchon de montage effectue une course axiale étanche de montage dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir pour atteindre sa position finale étanche de montage, cette course axiale étanche définissant un volume de course Vc. D'autre part, la membrane déformable est déplaçable entre une position de repos et une position enfoncée maximale, de manière à définir entre ces deux positions un volume d'actionnement Va, qui est supérieur ou de préférence sensiblement égal au volume de course Vc du manchon de montage : Va ≥ Vc. Grâce à cette relation, on peut conditionner le distributeur en garantissant qu'il n'est pas en surpression, et idéalement qu'il est à la pression atmosphérique, comme on le verra ci-après avec le procédé de montage du distributeur.According to the invention, the actuating member comprises an assembly sleeve which is inserted, during its assembly, in a sealed manner into the assembly opening of the tank. The mounting sleeve performs a sealed axial mounting stroke in the mounting opening of the tank to reach its final sealed mounting position, this sealed axial stroke defining a stroke volume Vc. On the other hand, the deformable membrane is movable between a rest position and a maximum depressed position, so as to define between these two positions an actuation volume Va, which is greater than or preferably substantially equal to the stroke volume Vc of the mounting sleeve: Va ≥ Vc. Thanks to this relationship, the distributor can be conditioned by guaranteeing that it is not under overpressure, and ideally that it is at atmospheric pressure, as will be seen below with the method of mounting the distributor.

Avantageusement, le distributeur comprend en outre un capot de protection pourvu de moyens d'obturation étanche de l'extrémité de distribution de la canule de distribution. Le montage du distributeur peut ainsi se faire avec le capot prémonté, et avec Va ≈ Vc, on assure que le distributeur sera environ à la pression atmosphérique, comme expliqué ci-après.Advantageously, the dispenser further comprises a protective cover provided with means for sealing the dispensing end of the dispensing cannula. The assembly of the distributor can thus be done with the preassembled cover, and with Va ≈ Vc, it is ensured that the distributor will be approximately at atmospheric pressure, as explained below.

Selon un autre aspect intéressant de l'invention, le réservoir et la canule de distribution sont réalisés sous la forme d'un corps monobloc, avantageusement en un matériau transparent. L'organe d'actionnement peut également être réalisé en un matériau transparent.According to another interesting aspect of the invention, the reservoir and the dispensing cannula are made in the form of a one-piece body, advantageously of a transparent material. The actuation member can also be made of a transparent material.

Ainsi, l'invention définit un procédé de montage du distributeur tel que défini ci-dessus avec Va ≥ Vc, comprenant les étapes suivantes,

  1. a- remplir partiellement le réservoir par son ouverture de montage en l'absence de l'organe d'actionnement,
  2. b- engager l'organe d'actionnement dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir, la membrane déformable étant maintenue en position enfoncée maximale lorsque le manchon de montage vient en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage du réservoir, et
  3. c- relâcher la membrane déformable qui regagne alors sa position de repos, alors que le manchon de montage est en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage du réservoir.
Thus, the invention defines a method for mounting the distributor as defined above with Va ≥ Vc, comprising the following steps,
  1. a- partially fill the tank through its mounting opening in the absence of the actuating member,
  2. b- engaging the actuating member in the mounting opening of the tank, the deformable membrane being held in the maximum depressed position when the mounting sleeve comes into sealed contact with the mounting opening of the tank, and
  3. c—releasing the deformable membrane which then returns to its rest position, while the assembly sleeve is in tight contact with the assembly opening of the tank.

On garantit ainsi qu'il n'y a pas de surpression dans le distributeur une fois le montage fini.This guarantees that there is no overpressure in the distributor once assembly is finished.

Avantageusement, le procédé de montage comprend les étapes successives suivantes :

  • b1- déformer la membrane déformable dans sa position enfoncée maximale,
  • b2- engager l'organe d'actionnement dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir jusqu'à ce que le manchon de montage vienne en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage du réservoir,
  • c1- relâcher la membrane déformable pour qu'elle regagne sa position de repos,
  • c2- déplacer l'organe d'actionnement dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir de manière à faire coulisser le manchon de montage de manière étanche dans l'ouverture de montage jusqu'à sa position finale étanche de montage.
Advantageously, the assembly method comprises the following successive steps:
  • b1- deform the deformable membrane in its maximum depressed position,
  • b2- engage the actuating member in the tank mounting opening until the mounting sleeve comes into tight contact with the tank mounting opening,
  • c1- release the deformable membrane so that it returns to its rest position,
  • c2- moving the actuating member in the mounting opening of the tank so as to cause the mounting sleeve to slide in a sealed manner in the mounting opening to its final sealed mounting position.

Ainsi, on crée d'abord une dépression dans le distributeur lorsque l'on relâche la membrane, puis on compense en parti ou en totalité cette dépression en faisant coulisser le manchon de montage de manière étanche dans l'ouverture de montage.Thus, we first create a depression in the distributor when we release the membrane, then we compensate in part or in whole for this vacuum by sliding the mounting sleeve tightly into the mounting opening.

En variante, le procédé de montage comprend les étapes successives suivantes :

  • b1- déformer la membrane déformable dans sa position enfoncée maximale,
  • b2- engager l'organe d'actionnement dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir jusqu'à ce que le manchon de montage vienne en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage du réservoir,
  • c12- relâcher progressivement la membrane déformable pour qu'elle regagne sa position de repos à mesure que le manchon de montage coulisse de manière étanche dans l'ouverture de montage la position de repos et la position finale étanche de montage étant avantageusement atteintes sensiblement simultanément.
As a variant, the assembly method comprises the following successive steps:
  • b1- deform the deformable membrane in its maximum depressed position,
  • b2- engage the actuating member in the tank mounting opening until the mounting sleeve comes into tight contact with the tank mounting opening,
  • c12- gradually releasing the deformable membrane so that it regains its rest position as the mounting sleeve slides in a sealed manner in the mounting opening, the rest position and the final sealed mounting position being advantageously reached substantially simultaneously.

Dans cette variante, la pression dans le distributeur est maintenue sensiblement à la pression atmosphérique étant donné que les deux volumes Va et Vc varient simultanément et de manière croisée ou compensatoire. Avantageusement, la force axiale nécessaire pour déformer la membrane déformable de sa position de repos dans sa position finale étanche de montage est inférieure aux forces de frottement entre le manchon de montage et l'ouverture de montage lors du coulissement étanche pour regagner la position finale étanche de montage. On peut ainsi déformer la membrane sans faire coulisser le manchon dans l'ouverture.In this variant, the pressure in the distributor is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure given that the two volumes Va and Vc vary simultaneously and in a crossed or compensatory manner. Advantageously, the axial force necessary to deform the deformable membrane from its rest position into its sealed final mounting position is less than the frictional forces between the mounting sleeve and the mounting opening during sealed sliding to regain the final sealed position. disassembly. It is thus possible to deform the membrane without causing the sleeve to slide in the opening.

De préférence, l'extrémité de distribution de la canule de distribution est obturée de manière étanche au cours du procédé de montage. Le distributeur peut ainsi être mis sous pression ou dépression sans engendrer de distribution de produit fluide. Avec Va ≈ Vc, le distributeur sera finalement à la pression atmosphérique, même s'il a été mis sous dépression ou pression, lors de son montage. L'utilisateur pourra retirer le capot de protection sans aucun effet au niveau du produit fluide.Preferably, the dispensing end of the dispensing cannula is sealed during the mounting process. The dispenser can thus be placed under pressure or depression without causing the dispensing of fluid product. With Va ≈ Vc, the distributor will finally be at atmospheric pressure, even if it was put under depression or pressure during assembly. The user can remove the protective cover without any effect on the fluid product.

La présente invention sera maintenant plus amplement décrite en référence aux dessins joints donnant à titre d'exemple non limitatif un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.The present invention will now be more fully described with reference to the attached drawings giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the present invention.

Sur les figures :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective découpée verticalement à travers un distributeur de produit fluide selon l'invention au repos,
  • La figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 en cours de distribution,
  • La figure 3 est une vue fortement agrandie de l'organe d'actionnement en prise dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir,
  • La figure 4 est une vue encore plus fortement agrandie du détail D de la figure 3, et
  • La figure 5 est un organigramme montrant les différentes étapes de montage du distributeur, avec les variantes possibles.
In the figures:
  • The figure 1 is a perspective view cut vertically through a fluid dispenser according to the invention at rest,
  • The figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 being distributed,
  • The picture 3 is a greatly enlarged view of the actuator engaged in the tank mounting opening,
  • The figure 4 is an even more highly magnified view of detail D of the picture 3 , and
  • The figure 5 is a flowchart showing the different stages of assembly of the distributor, with the possible variants.

On se référera tout d'abord aux figures 1 et 2 pour décrire en détail la structure et le fonctionnement d'un distributeur de produit fluide selon l'invention, qui se présente sous la forme d'un compte-gouttes. Toutefois, l'invention n'est pas limitée exclusivement aux compte-gouttes, et peut s'appliquer à d'autres types de distributeur.We will first refer to the figures 1 and 2 to describe in detail the structure and operation of a fluid dispenser according to the invention, which is in the form of a dropper. However, the invention is not limited exclusively to droppers, and can be applied to other types of dispenser.

Le distributeur de l'invention comprend trois éléments constitutifs, à savoir un corps principal 1, un organe d'actionnement 2 et un capot de protection 3. Ce capot 3 peut dans certains cas être optionnel.The dispenser of the invention comprises three constituent elements, namely a main body 1, an actuating member 2 and a protective cover 3. This cover 3 can in certain cases be optional.

Le corps principal 1 peut être réalisé en n'importe quel matériau approprié, comme par exemple une matière plastique translucide ou transparente. Il peut également être réalisé en verre. Le corps principal 1 peut être monobloc, c'est-à-dire réalisé en une seule pièce, ou encore être réalisé par assemblage de plusieurs pièces séparées. On peut également envisager de réaliser le corps principal 1 avec des procédés de surmoulage ou de bi-injection.The main body 1 can be made of any suitable material, such as for example a translucent or transparent plastic material. It can also be made of glass. The main body 1 can be in one piece, that is to say made in one piece, or even be made by assembling several separate parts. It is also possible to envisage making the main body 1 with overmolding or bi-injection processes.

Le corps principal 1 comprend un fût 10, qui présente ici une section constante, notamment circulaire. Le fût 10 comprend à son extrémité supérieure une ouverture de montage 11 dans laquelle est engagé l'organe d'actionnement 2, comme on le verra ci-après. A son extrémité opposée, le corps principal 1 forme une canule de distribution 12 définissant intérieurement un conduit de sortie 14. La canule de distribution 12 forme une extrémité de distribution 13 qui est configurée de manière être apte à former une goutte de produit fluide, qui se sépare de l'extrémité de distribution 13 par gravité, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2. Le produit fluide s'accumule à la sortie de l'extrémité de distribution 13, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2, jusqu'à ce que la goutte soit suffisamment volumineuse pour que de son propre poids elle se sépare de l'extrémité de distribution 13 et tombe sous la forme d'une goutte. La configuration particulière de l'extrémité de distribution 13 fait entre autres que ce distributeur peut être qualifié de compte-gouttes.The main body 1 comprises a shaft 10, which here has a constant section, in particular circular. The barrel 10 comprises at its upper end a mounting opening 11 in which is engaged the member actuation 2, as will be seen below. At its opposite end, the main body 1 forms a dispensing cannula 12 internally defining an outlet conduit 14. The dispensing cannula 12 forms a dispensing end 13 which is configured in such a way as to be able to form a drop of fluid product, which separates from the dispensing end 13 by gravity, as can be seen in the figure 2 . The fluid product accumulates at the outlet of the dispensing end 13, as can be seen in the figure 2 , until the drop is large enough that by its own weight it separates from the dispensing end 13 and falls as a drop. The particular configuration of the dispensing end 13 means, among other things, that this dispenser can be qualified as a dropper.

Entre le fût 10 et la canule de distribution 12, le corps principal 1 forme un épaulement 15 qui se prolonge par un col 16 qui est raccordé à la canule 12 par une section de liaison tronconique 17. La forme particulière du corps principal 1 entre le fût 10 et la canule 12 n'est pas critique pour la présente invention, de sorte que d'autres formes de réalisation sont possibles.Between the shaft 10 and the dispensing cannula 12, the main body 1 forms a shoulder 15 which is extended by a neck 16 which is connected to the cannula 12 by a frustoconical connecting section 17. The particular shape of the main body 1 between the Shaft 10 and cannula 12 are not critical to the present invention, so other embodiments are possible.

L'organe d'actionnement 2 peut être réalisé de manière monobloc par injection/moulage d'une matière plastique relativement souple, tel qu'un polymère thermoplastique. L'organe d'actionnement 2 comprend un manchon de montage 21 de forme globalement cylindrique, une collerette saillante 22 qui s'étend vers l'extérieur au niveau de l'extrémité supérieure du manchon du montage 21, ainsi qu'une membrane déformable 23 qui s'étend à l'intérieur du manchon de montage 21, par exemple à proximité de son extrémité inférieure. Le caractère déformable de la membrane 23 peut être obtenu par une épaisseur de paroi réduite par rapport à celle du manchon 21 et de la collerette 22. Sur la figure 1, l'organe d'actionnement 2 est dans son état de repos et l'on peut remarquer que la membrane déformable 23 est bombée vers le haut, c'est-à-dire convexe en direction de la collerette 22. En d'autres termes, la membrane déformable 23 est concave vers l'intérieur du fût 10. A l'état monté, l'organe d'actionnement 2 est engagé à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de montage 11 du corps principal 1 avec le manchon de montage 21 en prise à l'intérieur de l'ouverture 11 et la collerette 22 en appui sur le bord annulaire supérieur de l'ouverture de montage 11. La membrane déformable 23 est dans sa position de repos avec sa convexité orientée vers l'extérieur.Actuator 2 can be made in one piece by injection/molding of a relatively flexible plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The actuating member 2 comprises a mounting sleeve 21 of generally cylindrical shape, a projecting flange 22 which extends outwards at the level of the upper end of the mounting sleeve 21, as well as a deformable membrane 23 which extends inside the mounting sleeve 21, for example near its lower end. The deformable character of the membrane 23 can be obtained by a reduced wall thickness compared to that of the sleeve 21 and the flange 22. On the figure 1 , the actuating member 2 is in its rest state and it can be seen that the deformable membrane 23 is curved upwards, that is to say convex in the direction of the flange 22. In other words terms, the deformable membrane 23 is concave towards the inside of the barrel 10. In the mounted state, the actuating member 2 is engaged inside the mounting opening 11 of the main body 1 with the sleeve of assembly 21 engaged inside the opening 11 and the collar 22 bears on the upper annular edge of the mounting opening 11. The deformable membrane 23 is in its rest position with its convexity facing outwards.

Le capot de protection 3, lorsque monté sur le corps principal 1, comme représenté sur la figure 1, coiffe la canule de distribution 12 et obture avantageusement de manière étanche le conduit de sortie 14. Pour ce faire, le capot de protection 3 peut définir une petite coupelle 33, dans laquelle l'extrémité de distribution 13 est engagée de manière étanche. La coupelle 33 peut par exemple être réalisée en un matériau souple relié par surmoulage ou bi-injection au reste du capot 3. Pour assurer le maintien en place du capot 3 sur le corps principal 1, il peut par exemple être engagé à frottement autour du col 16 de manière à venir en appui de butée sur l'épaulement 15. On peut également réaliser un encliquetage amovible entre le col 16 et le capot 3.The protective cover 3, when mounted on the main body 1, as shown in the figure 1 , covers the dispensing cannula 12 and advantageously seals off the outlet duct 14 in a sealed manner. To do this, the protective cover 3 can define a small cup 33, in which the dispensing end 13 is engaged in a sealed manner. The cup 33 can for example be made of a flexible material connected by overmolding or bi-injection to the rest of the cover 3. To ensure that the cover 3 is held in place on the main body 1, it can for example be engaged by friction around the neck 16 so as to come into abutment on the shoulder 15. It is also possible to make a removable snap between the neck 16 and the cover 3.

Le distributeur de l'invention définit ainsi un réservoir de produit fluide R qui s'étend de la membrane déformable 23 jusqu'à l'entrée de la canule de distribution 12. Le réservoir R est principalement défini par le fût 10 : il s'étend également à l'intérieur du col 16 et de la section de liaison tronconique 17. Le produit fluide P stocké dans le réservoir R communique ainsi directement avec le conduit de distribution 14. En variante, il est possible de prévoir un clapet bidirectionnel au niveau de l'entrée de la canule de distribution 12 afin d'augmenter la perte de charge entre le réservoir R et le conduit de distribution 14. On peut également remarquer que le réservoir R contient également de l'air A au-dessus du ménisque M du produit fluide P. En d'autres termes, l'air A est situé entre la membrane déformable 23 et le ménisque M, à l'intérieur du fût 10, lorsque la canule de distribution 12 pointe vers le bas, comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 2. Le produit fluide P est alors en communication directe avec le conduit de distribution 14.The dispenser of the invention thus defines a reservoir of fluid product R which extends from the deformable membrane 23 to the inlet of the dispensing cannula 12. The reservoir R is mainly defined by the barrel 10: it is also extends inside the neck 16 and the frustoconical connecting section 17. The fluid product P stored in the reservoir R thus communicates directly with the distribution duct 14. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a bidirectional valve at the level from the inlet of the distribution cannula 12 in order to increase the pressure drop between the reservoir R and the distribution duct 14. It can also be noted that the reservoir R also contains air A above the meniscus M of the fluid product P. In other words, the air A is located between the deformable membrane 23 and the meniscus M, inside the barrel 10, when the dispensing cannula 12 points downwards, as represented on the figures 1 and 2 . The fluid product P is then in direct communication with the distribution conduit 14.

Selon l'invention, la membrane déformable 23 définit un côté extérieur 231 et un côté intérieur 232, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 3. Le côté extérieur 231 forme un poussoir 24 sur lequel l'utilisateur peut appuyer à l'aide d'un doigt, par exemple le pouce, pour déplacer la membrane déformable 23 vers l'intérieur du fût 10. Sur la figure 1, le distributeur est pourvu de son capot de protection 3, et l'appui sur le poussoir 24 n'aura d'autre effet que de comprimer l'air A prisonnier à l'intérieur du réservoir R. Le produit fluide P sera certes soumis à une pression, mais comme son conduit de distribution 14 est bouché par la coupelle 33, il ne peut y avoir de distribution de produit fluide. En revanche, lorsque le capot 3 est retiré comme représenté sur la figure 2, un appui sur le poussoir 24 selon la flèche F1 aura pour effet de déformer la membrane 23 jusqu'à atteindre une position enfoncée maximale, que l'on voit sur la figure 2, et sur la figure 3 en traits pointillés. L'air A prisonnier du réservoir est alors mis sous pression et la force de pression résultante F2 s'exerce sur le produit fluide P au niveau de son ménisque M. En réponse, du produit fluide P est refoulé à travers le conduit de distribution 14 et s'accumule au niveau de l'extrémité de distribution 13 sous la forme d'une goutte qui va grossir jusqu'à se séparer de la canule 12, lorsqu'elle aura atteint une taille critique. Ceci est représenté sur la figure 2.According to the invention, the deformable membrane 23 defines an outer side 231 and an inner side 232, as can be seen in the picture 3 . The outer side 231 forms a pusher 24 on which the user can press using a finger, for example the thumb, to move the deformable membrane 23 towards the inside of the barrel 10. On the figure 1 , the distributor is provided with its protective cover 3, and pressing the pusher 24 will have no other effect than to compress the air A prisoner inside the reservoir R. The fluid product P will certainly be subjected at a pressure, but as its distribution duct 14 is blocked by the cup 33, there can be no distribution of fluid product. On the other hand, when the cover 3 is removed as shown in the figure 2 , pressing the pusher 24 according to the arrow F1 will have the effect of deforming the membrane 23 until it reaches a maximum depressed position, which can be seen on the figure 2 , and on the picture 3 in dotted lines. The air A trapped in the reservoir is then pressurized and the resulting pressure force F2 is exerted on the fluid product P at its meniscus M. In response, fluid product P is discharged through the distribution conduit 14 and accumulates at the distribution end 13 in the form of a drop which will grow until it separates from the cannula 12, when it has reached a critical size. This is shown on the picture 2 .

Etant donné que l'air A est compressible, la force d'appui F1 n'est pas directement transmise au produit fluide P : elle est au contraire amortie par l'air A, de sorte que la force restituée F2 est inférieure à la force d'appui F1. On évite ainsi une distribution brusque de produit fluide qui empêcherait la formation d'un train de gouttes successives.Given that the air A is compressible, the support force F1 is not directly transmitted to the fluid product P: on the contrary it is damped by the air A, so that the restored force F2 is less than the force support F1. A sudden dispensing of fluid product which would prevent the formation of a train of successive drops is thus avoided.

Sur la figure 3, on voit l'organe d'actionnement 2 qui est engagé à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de montage 11 du corps principal 1. Le manchon de montage 21 est en prise avec la paroi interne de l'ouverture de montage 11 et la collerette saillante 22 vient en appui sur le bord annulaire supérieur de l'ouverture 11. La membrane déformable 23 est représentée en trait plein dans sa position de repos et en traits pointillés dans sa position enfoncée maximale. Un volume d'actionnement Va peut ainsi être défini entre ces deux positions extrêmes. Ce volume Va est représenté par la zone hachurée sur la figure 3. En d'autres termes, lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur le poussoir 24 de manière à enfoncer la paroi déformable 23 jusque dans sa position maximale enfoncée, une quantité de produit fluide P correspondant sensiblement au volume d'actionnement Va est distribué à travers la canule de distribution 12. En réalité, la quantité de produit fluide distribuée sera légèrement inférieure au volume d'actionnement Va, en raison de la compressibilité de l'air A prisonnier du réservoir R.On the picture 3 , we see the actuating member 2 which is engaged inside the mounting opening 11 of the main body 1. The mounting sleeve 21 engages with the internal wall of the mounting opening 11 and the projecting collar 22 bears against the upper annular edge of opening 11. Deformable membrane 23 is shown in solid lines in its rest position and in dotted lines in its maximum depressed position. An actuation volume Va can thus be defined between these two extreme positions. This volume Va is represented by the hatched area on the picture 3 . In other words, when the user presses the pusher 24 so as to push the deformable wall 23 down to its maximum position depressed, a quantity of fluid product P corresponding substantially to the actuation volume Va is dispensed through the dispensing cannula 12. In reality, the quantity of fluid product dispensed will be slightly less than the actuation volume Va, due to the compressibility of the air A prisoner of the tank R.

Pour atteindre la position finale de montage, l'organe d'actionnement 2 est engagé à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de montage 1, puis est enfoncé de manière à parcourir une course axiale étanche S, visible sur la figure 4. La paroi externe du manchon de montage 21 peut par exemple venir en contact avec une nervure d'étanchéité 111 formée à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de montage 11. Le manchon 21, une fois engagé dans l'ouverture 11, va venir en contact étanche avec cette nervure d'étanchéité 111, puis à partir de ce moment, le manchon 21 va coulisser de manière étanche contre cette nervure d'étanchéité 111 sur une hauteur axiale correspondant à la course axiale étanche S, pour parvenir enfin à sa position finale de montage, dans laquelle la collerette 22 vient en appui sur le bord annulaire supérieur de l'ouverture 11. On peut également prévoir un encliquetage du manchon 21 autour ou sous la nervure 111. Cette course axiale étanche S définit un volume de course Vc, qui n'est rien d'autre que le produit de la course S avec le diamètre intérieur de l'ouverture 11.To reach the final mounting position, the actuating member 2 is engaged inside the mounting opening 1, then is pushed in so as to cover a sealed axial stroke S, visible on the figure 4 . The outer wall of the mounting sleeve 21 may for example come into contact with a sealing rib 111 formed inside the mounting opening 11. The sleeve 21, once engaged in the opening 11, will come into sealed contact with this sealing rib 111, then from this moment, the sleeve 21 will slide in a sealed manner against this sealing rib 111 over an axial height corresponding to the sealed axial stroke S, to finally reach its position assembly, in which the collar 22 bears against the upper annular edge of the opening 11. It is also possible to provide a snap-fastening of the sleeve 21 around or under the rib 111. This sealed axial stroke S defines a stroke volume Vc , which is nothing but the product of the stroke S with the inside diameter of the opening 11.

Selon l'invention, le volume d'actionnement Va est supérieur au volume de course Vc. De préférence, le volume d'actionnement Va est très légèrement supérieur ou sensiblement égal au volume de course Vc. On verra de quelle manière cette relation entre ces deux volumes Va et Vc est mise à profit pour optimiser le montage du distributeur.According to the invention, the actuation volume Va is greater than the stroke volume Vc. Preferably, the actuation volume Va is very slightly greater than or substantially equal to the stroke volume Vc. We will see how this relationship between these two volumes Va and Vc is used to optimize the assembly of the distributor.

En effet, il est préférable que le produit fluide P stocké à l'intérieur du réservoir R soit à la pression atmosphérique, lorsque l'utilisateur va retirer pour la première fois le capot de protection 3, de manière à éviter toute distribution intempestive de produit fluide. Cependant, étant donné que l'organe d'actionnement 2 est inséré dans l'ouverture de montage 1 en effectuant une course axiale étanche de volume Vc, l'air A situé au-dessus du ménisque M, après remplissage du réservoir en produit fluide, est normalement mis sous pression. Cette mise sous pression peut éventuellement amener à la déformation de la membrane 23, qui resterait ainsi tendue pendant un temps relativement long de stockage.Indeed, it is preferable that the fluid product P stored inside the tank R be at atmospheric pressure, when the user will remove the protective cover 3 for the first time, so as to avoid any untimely distribution of product. fluid. However, given that the actuating member 2 is inserted into the assembly opening 1 by carrying out a sealed axial stroke of volume Vc, the air A located above the meniscus M, after filling the reservoir with fluid product , is normally pressurized. This pressurization may possibly lead to the deformation of the membrane 23, which would thus remain stretched for a relatively long storage time.

Afin d'éviter toute surpression du produit fluide à l'intérieur du réservoir ou déformation par tension de la membrane 23, la présente invention définit un procédé de montage particulier comprenant les étapes successives suivantes :

  • a- remplir le réservoir R avec du produit fluide P par son ouverture de montage 11 en l'absence de l'organe d'actionnement 2,
  • b- engager l'organe d'actionnement 2 dans l'ouverture de montage 11 du réservoir R, la membrane déformable 23 étant maintenue en position enfoncée maximale lorsque le manchon de montage 21 vient en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage 11 du réservoir R, et
  • c- relâcher la membrane déformable 23 qui regagne alors sa position de repos, alors que le manchon de montage 21 est en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage 11 du réservoir R.
In order to avoid any overpressure of the fluid product inside the reservoir or deformation by tension of the membrane 23, the present invention defines a particular assembly method comprising the following successive steps:
  • a- fill the reservoir R with fluid product P through its mounting opening 11 in the absence of the actuating member 2,
  • b- engage the actuating member 2 in the mounting opening 11 of the reservoir R, the deformable membrane 23 being held in the maximum depressed position when the mounting sleeve 21 comes into sealed contact with the mounting opening 11 of the reservoir R, and
  • c- release the deformable membrane 23 which then returns to its rest position, while the mounting sleeve 21 is in sealed contact with the mounting opening 11 of the tank R.

L'étape b- ci-dessus peut être décomposée en deux sous-étapes :

  • b1- déformer la membrane déformable 23 dans sa position enfoncée maximale,
  • b2- engager l'organe d'actionnement 2 dans l'ouverture de montage 11 du réservoir R jusqu'à ce que le manchon de montage 21 vienne en contact étanche avec l'ouverture de montage 11 du réservoir R.
Step b- above can be broken down into two sub-steps:
  • b1- deform the deformable membrane 23 in its maximum depressed position,
  • b2- engage the actuating member 2 in the mounting opening 11 of the reservoir R until the mounting sleeve 21 comes into sealed contact with the mounting opening 11 of the reservoir R.

L'étape c- ci-dessus peut être décomposée en deux sous-étapes qui peuvent être réalisée dans n'importe quel ordre:

  • c1- relâcher la membrane déformable 23 pour qu'elle regagne sa position de repos,
  • c2- déplacer l'organe d'actionnement 2 dans l'ouverture de montage 11 du réservoir R de manière à faire coulisser le manchon de montage 21 de manière étanche dans l'ouverture de montage 11 jusqu'à sa position finale étanche de montage. L'intervention des deux sous-étapes c1 et c2 est représentée sur la figure 5.
Step c- above can be broken down into two sub-steps which can be done in any order:
  • c1- release the deformable membrane 23 so that it returns to its rest position,
  • c2- moving the actuating member 2 in the mounting opening 11 of the tank R so as to cause the mounting sleeve 21 to slide in a sealed manner in the mounting opening 11 until it reaches its final sealed mounting position. The intervention of the two sub-steps c1 and c2 is represented on the figure 5 .

En variante, l'étape c- peut comprendre une seule étape c12- au cours de laquelle on relâche progressivement la membrane déformable 23 pour qu'elle regagne sa position de repos à mesure que le manchon de montage 21 coulisse de manière étanche dans l'ouverture de montage 11, la position de repos et la position finale étanche de montage étant avantageusement atteintes sensiblement simultanément. Dans ce cas, on ne génère aucune surpression dans le réservoir R, puisque les volumes Va et Vc varient à la fois simultanément et inversement.Alternatively, step c- may comprise a single step c12- during which the deformable membrane 23 is gradually released so that it returns to its rest position as the mounting sleeve 21 slides in a sealed manner in the mounting opening 11, the rest position and the sealed final mounting position being advantageously reached substantially simultaneously. In this case, no overpressure is generated in the reservoir R, since the volumes Va and Vc vary both simultaneously and inversely.

On a ainsi le choix entre les sous-étapes suivantes :

  • c1, puis c2, créant une surpression momentanée,
  • c2, puis c1, créant une dépression momentanée, ou
  • c12, ne créant aucune variation de pression.
There is thus a choice between the following sub-steps:
  • c1, then c2, creating a momentary overpressure,
  • c2, then c1, creating a momentary depression, or
  • c12, creating no pressure variation.

Il est également avantageux que la force axiale nécessaire pour déformer la membrane déformable 23 de sa position de repos dans sa position finale étanche de montage soit inférieure aux forces de frottement entre le manchon de montage 21 et l'ouverture de montage 11 lors du coulissement étanche pour regagner la position finale étanche de montage. Ainsi, on peut appuyer directement sur la membrane pour l'amener dans sa position maximale enfoncée dans un premier temps, puis pour faire coulisser la manchon 21 dans l'ouverture 11 dans un second temps.It is also advantageous that the axial force necessary to deform the deformable membrane 23 from its rest position into its final sealed mounting position is less than the frictional forces between the mounting sleeve 21 and the mounting opening 11 during sealed sliding. to return to the final sealed mounting position. Thus, it is possible to press directly on the membrane to bring it to its maximum depressed position in a first step, then to cause the sleeve 21 to slide in the opening 11 in a second step.

Comme susmentionné, le remplissage du réservoir n'est pas complet, de sorte qu'il y a de l'air dans le réservoir quand on engage l'organe d'actionnement dans l'ouverture de montage du réservoir, permettant ainsi de comprimer et de détendre l'air piégé dans le réservoir lors des étapes b- et c-.As mentioned above, the reservoir is not completely filled, so that there is air in the reservoir when the actuator is engaged in the mounting opening of the reservoir, thereby compressing and to release the air trapped in the reservoir during steps b- and c-.

Dans tous les cas de figure, et notamment avec les sous-étapes c1 et c2, il est préférable, voire nécessaire, que le capot de protection 3 soit en place, de manière à obturer le conduit de distributeur 14. On évite ainsi toute sortie de produit fluide ou toute entrée d'air extérieur. Cette étape préalable ou initiale de mise en place du capot 3 est illustrée par le bloc i- sur l'organigramme de la figure 5. Le capot 3 pourrait être remplacé par tout autre moyen d'obturation durant le procédé de montage.In all the cases, and in particular with the sub-steps c1 and c2, it is preferable, even necessary, that the protective cover 3 is in place, so as to close off the distributor duct 14. This avoids any exit of fluid product or any entry of outside air. This preliminary or initial stage of fitting the cover 3 is illustrated by block i- in the flowchart of the figure 5 . The cover 3 could be replaced by any other sealing means during the assembly process.

Grâce à l'invention, on dispose d'un distributeur très simple dont l'utilisation est instinctive et très précise. L'invention revendiquée elle-même concerne un procédé de montage pour le distributeur qui que le distributeur livré à l'utilisateur est à la pression atmosphérique.Thanks to the invention, a very simple distributor is available, the use of which is instinctive and very precise. The claimed invention itself relates to a mounting method for the dispenser that the dispenser delivered to the user is at atmospheric pressure.

Claims (5)

  1. An assembly method for a fluid product dispenser, in particular of the dropper type, comprising:
    - a reservoir (R) containing fluid product (P) and air (A), the reservoir (R) forming an assembly opening (11),
    - a fluid product dispenser cannula (12) in communication with the reservoir (R), the dispenser cannula (12) forming a dispenser end (13) that is advantageously suitable for forming a drop of fluid that separates from the dispenser end (13) by gravity, and
    - an actuator member (2) engaged in the assembly opening (11), for supplying the dispenser cannula (12) with fluid (P) coming from the reservoir (R), the actuator member (2) comprising a deformable membrane (23) that defines an outside face (231) forming a pusher (24), and an inside face (232) that is in contact with the air (A) of the reservoir (R), when the dispenser cannula (12) is in contact with the fluid (P) of the reservoir (R), the deformable membrane (23) is movable between a rest position and a fully depressed position so as to define, between these two positions, an actuation volume Va, the actuator member (2) includes an assembly sleeve (21) that is inserted in sealed manner in the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R), the assembly sleeve (21) performs one sealed axial stroke in the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R) in order to reach its final sealed assembled position, the sealed axial stroke defining a stroke volume Vc, the actuation volume Va being greater than or preferably substantially equal to the stroke volume Vc of the assembly sleeve (21),
    the assembly method comprising the following steps:
    a - filling the reservoir (R) with fluid (P) via its assembly opening (11) in the absence of the actuator member (2),
    b - engaging the actuator member (2) in the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R), the deformable membrane (23) being held in its fully depressed position when the assembly sleeve (21) comes into sealed contact with the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R), and
    c - while the assembly sleeve (21) is in sealed contact with the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R), releasing the deformable membrane (23), which thus returns into its rest position.
  2. An assembly method according to claim 1, comprising the following successive steps:
    b1 - deforming the deformable membrane (23) into its fully depressed position,
    b2 - engaging the actuator member (2) in the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R) until the assembly sleeve (21) comes into sealed contact with the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R),
    c1 - releasing the deformable membrane (23) so that it returns into its rest position,
    c2 - moving the actuator member (2) in the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R), so as to cause the assembly sleeve (21) to slide in sealed manner in the assembly opening (11) until it reaches its final sealed assembled position.
  3. An assembly method according to claim 1, comprising the following successive steps:
    b1 - deforming the deformable membrane (23) into its fully depressed position,
    b2 - engaging the actuator member (2) in the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R) until the assembly sleeve (21) comes into sealed contact with the assembly opening (11) of the reservoir (R),
    c12 - progressively releasing the deformable membrane (23) so that it returns into its rest position as the assembly sleeve (21) slides in sealed manner in the assembly opening (11), the rest position and the final sealed assembled position advantageously being reached substantially simultaneously.
  4. An assembly method according to claim 3, wherein the axial force (F) necessary to deform the deformable membrane (23) from its rest position into its final sealed assembled position is less than the friction forces between the assembly sleeve (21) and the assembly opening (11) during sealed sliding for reaching the final sealed assembled position.
  5. An assembly method according to any preceding claims, wherein the dispenser end (13) of the dispenser cannula (12) is closed in sealed manner.
EP19710021.7A 2018-01-26 2019-01-25 Assembly method for assembling a fluid product dispenser Active EP3743210B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1850642A FR3077222B1 (en) 2018-01-26 2018-01-26 FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER
PCT/FR2019/050166 WO2019145650A1 (en) 2018-01-26 2019-01-25 Fluid product dispenser

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3743210A1 EP3743210A1 (en) 2020-12-02
EP3743210B1 true EP3743210B1 (en) 2022-12-28

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US (1) US11833506B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3743210B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20200115592A (en)
CN (1) CN111655376B (en)
FR (1) FR3077222B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019145650A1 (en)

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KR20220033325A (en) 2020-09-09 2022-03-16 삼성전자주식회사 Electronice device and control method thereof
US20240065414A1 (en) * 2021-01-06 2024-02-29 L'oreal Dropper comprising a container and a head actionable in several directions

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CN111655376B (en) 2022-07-01
KR20200115592A (en) 2020-10-07
US11833506B2 (en) 2023-12-05
FR3077222A1 (en) 2019-08-02
FR3077222B1 (en) 2023-12-01
EP3743210A1 (en) 2020-12-02
US20200346202A1 (en) 2020-11-05
WO2019145650A1 (en) 2019-08-01
CN111655376A (en) 2020-09-11

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