EP3801122B1 - Fluid product dispenser - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dispenser comprising a reservoir and a pump having a pump body, a return spring and an actuating rod axially movable back and forth between an extended rest position and a depressed actuating position. The distributor also comprises a cup for collecting the fluid product coming from the pump, the cup being mounted on the actuating rod of the pump. The dispenser also comprises a removable member comprising an applicator received in the cup for withdrawing fluid product.

Thus, the user can grasp the reservoir with one hand and remove the gripping member with the other hand in order to be able to apply the fluid product taken up by the applicator on a desired application surface, such as for example the skin, hair, nails, etc. The preferred field of application of the present invention is that of cosmetics, without however excluding perfumery, pharmacy and hair care.

In the prior art, the document is known EP1020135 A1 . We also know the document FR3023269 , which describes a fluid dispenser of this type, comprising a reservoir, a pump mounted on the reservoir and a pusher mounted on the pump to actuate it. The pusher comprises a cup mounted on the actuating rod of the pump and a gripping member removably mounted on the cup. The gripping member comprises a porous applicator which is housed without constraint in the cup. The gripping member defines a bearing surface on which one can press axially to drive the cup in displacement and thus actuate the pump to load the porous applicator with fluid product.

The use of this dispenser of the prior art involves gestures which are neither simple nor intuitive. Indeed, the user must first press on the gripping member to load the applicator with fluid product. It is only after this initial operation that he can then remove the gripping member (with its applicator) from the bucket, which remains integral with the actuating rod of the pump. If the user activates the pump several times, there is an excess of fluid product in the cup, which the applicator will not be able to remove. When the gripping member is put back in place, there is a risk that this excess fluid product will be forced out of the cup and soil the dispenser.

The present invention seeks to improve this type of dispenser by simplifying its handling and avoiding any excessive dispensing. Another object is to load the applicator with an accurate, reproducible and constant dose. Yet another object is to ensure a uniform and extensive distribution of the fluid product on the surface of the applicator. Yet another object is to have an applicator having an extended application surface, without however implementing a cup of corresponding size. Another object is to have an easily cleanable or replaceable applicator. Another object is to guarantee the tightness of the distributor.

To do this, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser as defined in the appended claims. Provision is made for the applicator to be elastically deformable and to be constrained in the cup by locking means. Thus, when the removable member is in place on the cup, the applicator has a volume, and therefore a surface area, which are reduced compared to those when the applicator is not subjected to any constraint. The applicator expands to its rest configuration, as soon as it is extracted from the cup, which fulfills a containment function by reversible elastic deformation of the applicator.

In addition, the locking means are locking means by rotation around the axis of the distributor, advantageously over an angle of the order of 60°. The locking means comprise several fixed flanges secured to the tank and the removable member comprises several fins adapted to come into engagement under the fixed flanges.

Advantageously, the fins are urged against the fixed flanges by the return spring of the pump.

The operation of replacing the applicator takes place as follows: the user inserts the applicator into the cup, presses the applicator in and against the cup to move it against the return spring of the pump, then rotates the removable member relative to the tank until the fins are positioned below the fixed flanges. In doing so, the pump was actuated: a dose of fluid product was pushed back into the cup which is filled by the applicator. As a result, the fluid product is forced to spread between the cup and the applicator, which ensures widespread distribution of the fluid product over all, or at least over the major part, of the surface of the applicator. Preferably, the applicator comprises a foam with closed cells, so that it is coated with the fluid product, but does not become deeply impregnated with it.

The applicator removal operation takes place as follows: the user turns the removable member until the fins emerge from below the fixed flanges: the return spring then immediately pushes back the cup and the removable member, which can then be easily removed from the bucket.

Advantageously, the actuating rod is in the depressed actuating position, when the applicator is forced into the cup by the locking means. This means that the pump remains activated, with its outlet valve possibly open. This implies that a dose of fluid product is forced back into the cup each time the applicator is replaced in the cup, under the effect of the locking means. When the applicator is withdrawn, the pump return spring returns the actuating rod and its bucket to the extended rest position: the outlet valve is then closed again. The user is not even aware that he is operating a pump: he does not even need to know that the dispenser incorporates a pump. It is sufficient for him to remove and replace the removable member to ensure precise and sufficient loading of the applicator.

According to an interesting characteristic, the applicator has an axial height at rest when it is not constrained in the cup and a reduced axial height when it is constrained in the cup by the locking means, the reduced axial height representing less 90%, advantageously less than 70% and preferably about 50% of the axial height at rest. According to one definition, the applicator may have a compression rate, both axial and radial, of at least 25%. It means that the applicator can decrease in volume, and therefore in surface, to a significant extent, which largely exceeds a residual deformation of the order of a few%. With some suitable materials, the compression ratio can reach more than 50%. Advantageously, the applicator completely fills the cup, when it is constrained to do so by the locking means.

The operation of replacing the applicator takes place as follows: the user inserts the applicator into the cup, presses the applicator in and against the cup to move it against the return spring of the pump, then rotates the removable member relative to the tank until the fins are positioned below the fixed flanges. In doing so, the pump was actuated: a dose of fluid product was pushed back into the cup which is filled by the applicator. As a result, the fluid product is forced to spread between the cup and the applicator, which ensures widespread distribution of the fluid product over all, or at least over the major part, of the surface of the applicator. Preferably, the applicator comprises a foam with closed cells, so that it is coated with the fluid product, but does not become deeply impregnated with it.

The applicator removal operation takes place as follows: the user turns the removable member until the fins emerge from below the fixed flanges: the return spring then immediately pushes back the cup and the removable member, which can then be easily removed from the bucket.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the distributor comprises a venting passage allowing outside air to enter the tank, this venting passage being closed off by the bucket in the depressed actuating position. Thus, any risk of leakage of fluid product when the dispenser is stored in an inappropriate position or conditions is avoided.

According to an interesting aspect, the cup may comprise a projecting sealing bead, the applicator being deformed around this projecting sealing bead, when it is constrained in the cup by the means of lockdown. Thus, the risk of leakage of fluid product from the cup is avoided or minimized.

Advantageously, the cup has a substantially rounded shape and the applicator has a substantially ogival or conical shape at rest, the applicator deforming in the cup until it takes on the rounded shape of the cup, the applicator advantageously forming a tip of end capable of coming into contact with the bucket alone, when it is not constrained in the bucket. The applicator can also form one or more planar faces. The shape of the applicator is to be adapted according to the fluid product dispensed and the nature of the target.

According to a practical aspect, the removable member may comprise a gripping element and an applicator support in which the applicator is mounted, the gripping element being removably mounted on the applicator support. It is thus possible to remove the applicator support (with its applicator) from the gripping element in order to clean it or replace it. It is for example possible to provide several identical or different applicators in a kit.

The spirit of the invention resides in the fact of elastically compressing the applicator in its bucket by means of a locking system as claimed.

The simultaneous and imperceptible actuation of the pump greatly simplifies the gestures of use of the dispenser. A high compression rate makes it possible to have an applicator of an appropriate size, whereas the dispenser has a reduced size.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the attached drawings which give, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

• La figure 1 est une vue en section transversale verticale à travers un distributeur de l'invention à l'état ouvert,
• La figure 2 est une vue agrandie en perspective de la couronne de verrouillage de l'invention,
• La figure 3 est une vue agrandie en perspective d'une partie du distributeur à l'état ouvert,
• La figure 4 est une vue en section transversale verticale partielle à travers le distributeur de l'invention à l'état fermé verrouillé,
• La figure 5 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3 à l'état fermé verrouillé, et
• La figure 6 est une vue agrandie d'un détail de la figure 4.

In the figures:

• The figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispenser of the invention in an open state,
• The picture 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking crown of the invention,
• The picture 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the dispenser in the open state,
• The figure 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view through the dispenser of the invention in the locked closed state,
• The figure 5 is a view similar to that of the picture 3 in the locked closed state, and
• The figure 6 is an enlarged view of a detail of the figure 4 .

As can be seen on the figure 1 , the distributor comprises the following constituent elements, namely a fluid reservoir R, a pump P, a fixing ring F, a cup 1, a removable member 2 and a locking crown 3.

The tank R and the pump P are not critical elements for the present invention. The tank R can be made of any suitable material, such as glass, plastic, metal, etc. Reservoir R defines an opening in the form of a neck R1.

The pump P is a conventional pump, comprising a pump body P1, a return spring P2 and an actuating rod P3 which moves back and forth in the pump body P1 against the return spring P2 between an extended rest position and a depressed actuation position.

For fixing on the neck R1, the fixing ring F fixedly receives the pump body P1 and is hooked on or around the neck R1 in a fixed and sealed manner. More precisely, the fixing ring F comprises an assembly section F1 which comes into engagement, for example threaded, with the neck R1. It also includes a reception section F2, in which the pump body P1 is embedded. It also forms a venting section F3 which comprises venting grooves F4, all together constituting a venting passage which communicates the exterior with the interior of the reservoir R via the pump P. The fixing ring F also includes a support section F5 which extends here in the extension of the assembly section F1. This support section F5 receives the locking crown 3, which will be described below.

According to the invention, cup 1 is mounted on pump P so as to collect the fluid dispensed by the pump. Bucket 1 comprises a connection sleeve 12 which comes into engagement with the free end of the actuating rod P3 of the pump P. This sleeve 12 is extended by a supply orifice 120 which opens at the bottom of a cup reception 11, which can have the shape of an inverted dome, which is rounded, substantially hemispherical in the figures, but which can also be ogival, oblong or ovoid. Advantageously, an annular sealing bead 14 is formed at the level of the receiving cup 11. Around the sleeve 12 extends a skirt 13 which is engaged around the venting section F3, as can be seen on the picture 3 . At its upper end, the bucket 1 forms an annular flange 15 which projects radially outwards. From now on, we understand that the movement of the bucket 1 downwards in the direction of the pump P will have the effect of pushing the actuating rod P3 and thus cause the distribution of fluid product through the rod P3, then through the feed orifice into cup 11. Although not shown, bucket 1 is also guided in its axial movement and locked in rotation. This axial guidance with rotation blocking can be done between the bucket 1 and the locking ring 3.

According to the invention, the locking crown 3 is engaged, for example by snap-fastening, in the support section F5 of the ring F. The crown 3 for this purpose forms a fixing sleeve 30 which can be provided with a profile of click, as can be seen on the picture 2 . This crown 3 also forms three fixed flanges 31 in the shape of a crescent moon which are arranged in a triangle. The flanges 31 project inwards and are arranged at 120° to each other. Between two adjacent flanges is formed an access window or notch 32, so that there are as many access windows 32 as flanges 31, also arranged at 120° from each other. The flanges 31 can be separated from each other by the access windows 32 or be contiguous, so that the access windows 32 are formed at the level of the junctions of two adjacent flanges. Flanges 31 and windows 32 together form a profiled inner edge roughly shaped like a triangle with outwardly curved sides and truncated or blunt tips. The number of flanges and windows is not limiting. You can also see on the picture 2 that the ring 3 forms axial guide studs 33 which cooperates with the bucket to ensure its maintenance in the axis and incidentally to lock it in rotation.

According to the invention, the removable member 2 is a separate upper sub-assembly intended to cooperate with the other lower sub-assembly, consisting of the tank R, the pump P, the fastening ring F of the cup 1 and the locking ring 3. The removable member 2 comprises a gripping element 21 intended to be gripped by the user to manipulate the removable member. The removable member 2 may include a seal 24 which is crushed on the flange 15 of the cup 1 in the closed position of the distributor. The removable member 2 also comprises an applicator support 22 in which an applicator A is mounted. More specifically, the applicator A comprises an internal anchoring part A1 and an external application part A2 which defines a surface of A3 application and an A4 end point. The application surface A3 here has an ogival shape of revolution. As a variant, the application surface can be conical, or even cylindrical. It can also form one or more planar faces. Advantageously, the gripping element 21 is removably mounted, for example by screwing, on the applicator support 22, so that the applicator support 22 (and its applicator A) can be removed from the grip 21 to clean the applicator A or to replace the applicator support 22 (and its applicator A). According to the invention, the applicator support 22 forms three projecting fins 23 arranged at 120° from each other. The fins 23 may have a crescent moon shape, corresponding or similar to that of the flanges 31. They thus together form a profiled outer edge roughly in the shape of a triangle with curved sides and rounded or blunt tips, corresponding or similar to flanges 31, but slightly smaller in size so that they can be inserted into the profiled inner edge of flanges 31. These three fins 23 are intended to cooperate with the locking crown 3 and the collar 15. More specifically, the three fins 23 must be oriented angularly so as to be inserted between the flanges 31 and in the three access windows 32 of the crown 3. The fins 23 then come to bear on the flange 15 of the bucket 1. By pressing axially on the removable member, the bucket 1 will move downwards until the fins 23 are located axially in below the fixed flanges 31. The removable member can then be rotated to engage the fins 23 under the flanges 31. The removable member is then in the locked position by the mutual engagement of the fins 23 and the flanges 31, which together form locking means. The fins and the flanges can be flat or on the contrary form cam surfaces, in order to induce an axial displacement from the rotational drive of the removable member.

According to the invention, the applicator A is made of an elastically deformable material which returns to its initial shape. This material has a compression rate of at least 25%, even 50%. The compression takes place axially and/or radially. If we consider that the external application part A2 has an axial height at rest when the applicator A is not constrained in the cup 1 and a reduced axial height when it is constrained in the cup 1 by the means lock 26, 31, the reduced axial height representing less than 90%, advantageously less than 70% and preferably approximately 50% of the axial height at rest. It is easily understood that the application surface A3 varies correspondingly with the variation in volume of the applicator. Therefore, there is an applicator A with a large application surface, while the cup 11 of the bucket is significantly smaller. Advantageously, the material used for the applicator A is a closed-cell foam, which does not become impregnated with fluid product, but which only coats it.

Starting from the figure 1 , we will now describe a complete operating cycle of the distributor of the invention. The removable organ 2 is completely withdrawn and separated from cup 1. Its applicator A is in a rest configuration, in which the volume and the application surface A3 are maximum. On the other hand, the pump P is at rest, with its actuating rod P3 in the extended rest position. The bottom of the skirt 13 of the bucket 1 is positioned at the level of the venting grooves F4 of the venting section F3, as can be seen in the picture 3 . The tank R is then in communication with the outside through the pump P. We can notice on the figure 1 the significant difference in volume between the cup 11 and the external part A2 of the applicator.

• Les ailettes 23 vont se positionner axialement en-dessous des brides fixes 31, de sorte qu'il est alors possible de tourner l'organe amovible, par exemple sur 60°, afin de placer les ailettes 23 directement en-dessous des brides 31, comme visible sur la figure 4,
• La pompe P va délivrer une dose de produit fluide qui est refoulé dans le godet 1 et se répand entre la coupelle 11 et l'applicateur A. en choisissant une pompe P appropriée, la dose de produit fluide doit permettre de napper l'applicateur A sur la totalité de sa surface d'application A3,
• La jupe 13 du godet 1 vient recouvrir les rainures d'éventation F4, comme représenté sur les figures 5 et 6, coupant ainsi la communication entre le réservoir R et l'extérieur.

To set up the removable member 2 on the lower sub-assembly of the distributor, it is first necessary to engage the applicator A in the cup 11 of the cup 1. The end point A4 of the external part A2 will come first in contact with bucket 1, at the bottom of cup 11 where the feed orifice is formed. Subsequently, this tip A4 can be used to recover fluid product remaining in the cup 11. By pressing the applicator A against the cup, it will deform so as to extend the contact between them. Applicator A will end up completely filling cup 11. In other words, its entire application surface A3 will come into contact with cup 11. Applicator A will deform against and around the bead of sealing 14 to form an annular seal near the upper edge of the cup 11. The maximum compression of the applicator occurs when the fins 23 come into contact with the collar 14 between the flanges 31 and in the access windows 32. By continuing to press on the removable member 2, the bucket 1 will move by pushing the actuating rod P3 against the return spring P2. This axial displacement of bucket 1 generates three events, namely:

• The fins 23 will be positioned axially below the fixed flanges 31, so that it is then possible to turn the removable member, for example through 60°, in order to place the fins 23 directly below the flanges 31, as seen on the figure 4 ,
• The pump P will deliver a dose of fluid product which is pushed back into the cup 1 and spreads between the cup 11 and the applicator A. By choosing an appropriate pump P, the dose of fluid product must make it possible to coat the applicator A over its entire A3 application surface,
• The skirt 13 of the bucket 1 comes to cover the venting grooves F4, as represented on the figures 5 and 6 , thus cutting the communication between the tank R and the outside.

The dispenser is thus locked in this position, with the applicator loaded, the pump actuated and the venting off, as shown in the figure 4 . The position is perfectly stable, because the fins 23 are urged against the flanges 31 by the action of the return spring P2.

When the user wants to use the distributor again, all he has to do is grasp the removable member 2, rotate it in the opposite direction by 60°, in order to release the fins 32 from below the flanges 31. The return spring P2 will then immediately push back bucket 1 and fins 32 through the access windows. It then only remains for the user to remove the applicator from the cup.

It should be noted that the locking means of the invention are advantageous, because they use the return spring P2 of the pump P. However, it is possible to replace these locking means by others, using for example the screwing, snap-fastening, tightening or even magnets. This possibility, on the other hand, does not form part of the present invention.

The actuation of the pump preferably takes place when the applicator A is already completely compressed. However, as a variant, it is possible to provide for the actuation of the pump before or during the compression of the applicator in the cup.

• Applicateur de grande taille comparée à l'encombrement du distributeur,
• Répartition du produit fluide sur la totalité, ou la majeure partie, de la surface d'application,
• Récupération aisée du produit fluide dans le godet,
• Actionnement automatique et imperceptible de la pompe,
• Verrouillage garanti sous l'action du ressort de rappel,
• Gestuelle simple et intuitive,
• Etanchéité au repos,
• Nettoyage ou remplacement aisé de l'applicateur.

Thanks to the invention, a fluid product dispenser/applicator is available, the locking means of which make it possible to obtain the following advantages:

• Large size applicator compared to the size of the dispenser,
• Distribution of the fluid product over all, or most, of the application surface,
• Easy recovery of the fluid product in the bucket,
• Automatic and imperceptible actuation of the pump,
• Guaranteed locking under the action of the return spring,
• Simple and intuitive gesture,
• Sealing at rest,
• Easy cleaning or replacement of the applicator.

Claims (10)

1. A fluid dispenser comprising:

   • a fluid reservoir (R),

   • a pump (P) having a pump body (P1), a return spring (P2), and an actuator rod (P3) that is axially movable down and up between an extended rest position and a depressed actuated position,

   • a cup (1) for collecting the fluid coming from the pump (P), the cup (1) being mounted on the actuator rod (P3), and

   • a removable member (2) that is removable along an axial direction, said removable member including an applicator (A) that is received in the cup (1) so as to pick up the fluid, the applicator (A) being elastically deformable and constrained inside the cup (1) by locking means (23, 31),

   the locking means being locking means (23, 31) that lock by turning, advantageously through an angle of about 60°, characterized in that the locking means (23, 31) include a plurality of stationary flanges (31) that are secured to the reservoir (R)and the removable member (2) includes a plurality of fins (23) that are suitable for coming into engagement beneath the stationary flanges (31).
2. A fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the fins (23) are urged against the stationary flanges (31) by the return spring (P2) of the pump (P).
3. A fluid dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator rod (P3) is in its depressed actuated position when the applicator (A) is constrained inside the cup (1) by the locking means (23, 31).
4. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator (A) presents a rest axial height when it is not constrained inside the cup (1), and a smaller axial height when it is constrained inside the cup (1) by the locking means (23, 31), the smaller axial height representing less than 90%, advantageously less than 70%, and preferably about 50% of the rest axial height.
5. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator (A) presents a compression ratio, both axially and radially, of at least 25%.
6. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator (A) fills the cup (1) completely, when it is constrained therein by the locking means (23, 31).
7. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, including a vent passage (F4) that makes it possible for outside air to penetrate into the reservoir (R), the vent passage (F4) being closed by the cup (1) when it is in the depressed actuated position.
8. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup (1) includes a projecting sealing bead (14), the applicator (A) being deformed around the projecting sealing bead (14) when it is constrained inside the cup (1) by the locking means (26, 31).
9. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup (1) has a substantially rounded shape, and the applicator (A) is substantially conical or bullet-shaped at rest, the applicator (A) deforming in the cup (1) until it takes on the rounded shape of the cup (1), the applicator (A) advantageously forming a tip (A4) that alone is likely to come into contact with the cup (1), when said applicator is not constrained inside the cup (1).
10. A fluid dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable member (2) comprises a grip element (21) and an applicator support (22) in which the applicator (A) is mounted, the grip element (21) being mounted in removable manner on the applicator support (22).

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