EP3917682A1

EP3917682A1 - Source bottle

Info

Publication number: EP3917682A1
Application number: EP20707500.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thierry Hondier; Jean-Paul Lecoutre
Original assignee: Aptar France SAS
Current assignee: Aptar France SAS
Priority date: 2019-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-29
Publication date: 2021-12-08
Also published as: WO2020157436A1; FR3092014A1; BR112021014922A2; FR3092014B1; CN113365740A

Abstract

A source bottle (S; S') intended to refill a refillable distributor (N; N') comprising a refillable reservoir (10) and a filling valve (13) connected to the refillable reservoir (10), the source bottle (S; S') comprising a source reservoir (20) and a pump (21) defining a pump chamber (210), the maximum dose of which is advantageously substantially equal to the maximum volume of the refillable reservoir (10), the pump (21) comprising a valve rod (25) adapted to be connected to the filling valve (13) of the refillable distributor (N; N'), characterised in that the pump (21) comprises a return valve (223, 224) able to discharge the fluid product from the pump chamber (21) into the source reservoir (20) when the refillable reservoir (10) is full.

Description

Source bottle

The present invention relates to a source bottle for refilling a refillable fluid dispenser, as well as a dispensing assembly comprising a source bottle and a refillable dispenser. The preferred field of application of the present invention is that of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. This type of rechargeable dispenser is often referred to as a “nomadic” dispenser. It usually has a small capacity reservoir of the order of 10 ml at most.

In the prior art, the document FR3000944 is known, for example, which describes a refillable or "nomadic" dispenser comprising a pump, a rigid reservoir of fixed volume and a filling valve. It also includes a vent channel that allows air in the tank to escape when it is filled through the fill valve. In fact, the venting (evacuation of air) of the reservoir is absolutely essential for the operation of the dispenser, otherwise the fluid introduced into the reservoir would create air compression and therefore unacceptable overpressure.

However, this ventilation channel has several disadvantages, including that of not being aesthetic. When the tank is transparent, we see this ventilation channel, which is often added to the dip tube, which is not more aesthetic. Then, from an operational point of view, fluid can be forced back through the vent channel, when the user continues to refill the dispenser while its reservoir is full. The excess fluid then escapes through the vent channel and contaminates the dispenser and the user's hands.

The object of the present invention is to define a refillable dispenser without a vent channel and the refill of which does not risk producing a discharge of fluid. To do this, the present invention proposes that the rechargeable reservoir be of variable volume. In other words, the volume of the reservoir of the “nomadic” dispenser varies with the quantity of fluid that it contains. It is at its maximum volume when the tank is full and at its minimum volume when the tank is empty. There is no or almost no air in the tank, regardless of how full it is. Thus, it is no longer necessary to have a vent channel.

Advantageously, the rechargeable reservoir comprises a flexible pocket, which is advantageously elastically deformable. Thus, the flexible pouch is stretched during its filling and retracts during its emptying. Such an elastically deformable flexible pocket makes it possible to optimize the maximum useful volume, since it can be deployed in a confined space while occupying it entirely. The refillable reservoir could also include a follower piston: however, this takes up a lot of space for a small reservoir capacity. This is why the soft pocket will be preferred in most cases.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the distribution member defines an actuation axis X and the filling valve defines an actuation axis Y, the axes X and Y extending perpendicularly to one another with respect to the 'other. In other words, if the valve is positioned upright or vertically, the pump is lying down or arranged horizontally. This configuration makes it possible to produce “nomadic” dispensers with a side filling valve.

According to another aspect of the invention, the filling valve defines an inlet which is advantageously bordered by a wide docking range. This range extends substantially perpendicular to the Y actuation axis of the filling valve. Its function will be given below.

The present invention also defines a distribution assembly comprising:

- a refillable dispenser comprising a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, provided with a dispensing head, a reservoir refillable variable volume and a filling valve connected to the refillable tank, and

- a source bottle comprising a source reservoir and a pump defining a pump chamber, the pump comprising a valve rod adapted to be connected to the filling valve, characterized in that the pump comprises a return valve capable of discharging fluid product from the pump chamber in the source tank, when the refillable tank is full.

When the refillable reservoir is completely empty, the entire dose from the pump chamber is injected into the refillable reservoir. On the other hand, if the refillable reservoir still contains fluid product, part of the dose of the pump chamber is injected into the refillable reservoir until it is completely filled, and the other part of the dose of the pump chamber is returned or returned to the source tank through the return valve. This of course assumes that the return valve opens at a pressure lower than that of the outlet valve of the pump (or valve) of the "nomad" distributor, but higher than that of its filling valve. Thanks to this return valve, a complete filling of the refillable reservoir is guaranteed, without any risk of overflow, backflow or leakage, in particular at the level of the contact between the valve stem of the source bottle and the inlet of the filling valve of the “nomadic” distributor.

It should be noted that such a source bottle, equipped with a pump provided with a return valve, can be implemented with any refillable dispenser, comprising a variable or constant volume reservoir, and could therefore make the object of protection in itself.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the source bottle comprises a large docking plate from which the valve stem projects, the filling valve of the refillable dispenser defines an inlet which is bordered by a wide docking range, the docking plate and the docking range defining substantially complementary shapes, so as to be able to come into extended stable contact. The platform and the docking area may have a configuration that is substantially or perfectly flat, slightly concave / convex or even spherical. All complementary shapes are possible.

Another recurring problem with refillable dispensers is that there is often, if not all the time, fluid leaks at the contact between the valve stem of the source bottle and the valve inlet. filling of the “nomad” dispenser. Apart from the case where the refillable reservoir is filled, as mentioned above, these leaks arise from the fact that the axis of the valve stem is not perfectly and constantly in the axis of the filling valve. This misalignment of the axes is inevitable because the only contact between the refillable dispenser and the source bottle is at the end of the valve stem. Thus, when the user presses the refillable dispenser against the valve stem of the source bottle, he inevitably offsets the refillable dispenser, which creates a sealing defect at the outlet of the valve stem, which is no longer in contact. sealed contact with the inlet of the filling valve. Thanks to the invention, by creating an extended stable contact between the refillable dispenser and the source bottle, during the filling operation, the alignment of the axes is ensured and thus any risk of leakage is eliminated.

It should be noted that this extended stable contact between the refillable dispenser and the source bottle is a feature which can be implemented regardless of whether the refillable reservoir is of variable volume or even whether the source bottle is equipped with a pump provided a return valve. An assembly comprising any refillable dispenser and source vial, forming extended stable contact areas around the valve stem and fill valve inlet, respectively, could be subject to protection in itself.

Advantageously, the filling valve is open, when the docking plate and the docking pad are in extended stable contact. In this way, the fluid from the valve stem experiences only a small pressure drop, which further reduces the risk of leakage.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the docking plate and the docking pad are brought into extended stable contact by means magnetic, such as permanent magnets. In practice, the simple deposit of the refillable dispenser on the docking plate of the source bottle is sufficient to open the filling valve: the weight of the refillable dispenser associated with the magnetic attraction being sufficient for the valve stem to move a movable member of the filling valve in an open state. The magnetic attraction, combined with the geometric configuration of the platform and the docking range, can also be taken advantage of to automatically bring the refillable dispenser into the final position on the source vial docking plate, with the valve aligned with the inlet of the fill valve. The magnetic attraction can generate a light sliding refillable dispenser on the docking plate to the final position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the refillable dispenser can include at least one large face which forms the docking area. The refillable dispenser may be in the form of a substantially flat roller or a flattened parallelepiped. The refillable dispenser can be placed lying on the source vial and used while standing or lying down.

According to a practical embodiment, the refillable dispenser can include two outer half-shells, the docking area being formed by one of the outer half-shells.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the refillable dispenser can be held in a locked position on the source bottle with the refillable reservoir filled and the pump chamber emptied. The locked position can be achieved by means of a locking / unlocking system identical to that of retractable point pens, namely that each press on the refillable reservoir positioned on the source bottle makes it possible to switch from a lower locked position to a upper position unlocked, and vice versa. Thus, the source bottle masks most of the refillable dispenser in a locked position.

The present invention therefore defines three major characteristics which can be combined or separated, namely: 1) Rechargeable reservoir of variable volume, preferably in the form of a flexible bag, advantageously elastically deformable or stretchable,

2) Source bottle fitted with a pump fitted with a return valve to the reservoir,

3) Large docking area to ensure axis alignment. The invention will now be more fully described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, two embodiments of the invention.

In the figures:

Figure 1 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, with the refillable dispenser which has just been deposited on the source bottle,

Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, with the refillable dispenser in a locked position in the source vial,

Figure 3 is a view virtually identical to that of Figure 1, aimed at illustrating the case where the mobile dispenser still contains fluid, and

FIGS. 4a to 4e are perspective views aimed at illustrating the cooperation between a nomadic distributor and its source bottle, according to an alternative embodiment.

Reference will firstly be made to FIG. 1 in order to describe in detail the structure of the dispensing assembly of the invention, consisting of or comprising a refillable or “nomad” dispenser N and a source bottle S. The association of these two entities in order to constitute the distribution set of the invention aims to fulfill three main functions, namely:

- the precise positioning of the nomadic dispenser N on the source bottle S,

- filling the nomadic dispenser N with the source bottle S, and

- storage in the locked position of the nomadic dispenser N in the source bottle S. The source bottle S can have a completely conventional overall design for a fluid product dispenser, in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. The source bottle S comprises a reservoir of fluid 20 which may be designated by “source reservoir”. A pump 21 is mounted in a fixed and sealed manner on the source reservoir 20. This pump 21 comprises a pump body 22 in which a piston 23 slides in a sealed manner, which is connected to an actuating rod 25. In its lower part , the pump body 22 comprises an inlet valve 221 which connects the source reservoir 20 by means of a dip tube 222.

According to the invention, the pump body 22 defines at least one return passage 223 which is selectively closed by a return valve 224, which may for example be in the form of a disc or a corolla which comes in. sealed bearing around the return passage 223. The particular shape of the return valve 224 is not critical to the present invention. It is sufficient that this valve allows a selective passage between the pump chamber 221 and the pump 20 and the source reservoir 20 under conditions which will be determined below.

The actuating rod 25 communicates with the pump chamber 210 through an outlet valve 24 which opens when the pressure of the fluid product inside the pump chamber 210 reaches and exceeds a predetermined threshold . The pressurized fluid product can then flow from the pump chamber 210 through the open valve 24 and the actuating rod 25.

According to the invention, the pump 21 is provided with a docking plate 26 which is integral with the actuating rod 25 and the piston 23. This docking plate 26 surrounds the actuating rod 25. However, the 'free end of the actuating rod 25 protrudes vertically with respect to this docking plate 26. In order to return the actuating rod to its rest position, a return spring 226 acts between the pump body 22 and the docking plate 26. The return spring could also be integrated into the pump chamber 210. Its positioning is therefore not critical for the present invention.

According to another characteristic of the invention, a permanent magnet 27, in the form of a ring, is positioned under the docking plate 26 around the actuating rod 25. Its magnetic force of attraction is sufficient to pass through it. 'thickness of the docking plate 26.

The source bottle S also comprises a fixed crown 28 which is fixedly mounted on the source reservoir 20. This crown 28 can for example be screwed or snapped onto the source reservoir 20. Internally, the crown 28 defines a locking / unlocking system 281 which works similar or identical to that of a retractable tip pen. In other words, a first axial support allows the locking in a depressed position, and a consecutive axial support allows to be released from this locking position. The peripheral edge of the plate 26 is engaged with this locking / unlocking system 281 between a locked depressed position and an unlocked extended position. In Figure 1, the tray 26 is in the extended unlocked position. Its peripheral edge abuts against a re-entrant flap formed by the fixed crown 28. This unlocked extended position is also ensured by the return spring 226. The pump chamber 210 is then in its state of maximum volume, with the valve. inlet 221 closed and the outlet valve 24 also closed.

The refillable dispenser N, which can also be qualified as a nomadic dispenser, comprises a nomadic reservoir 10, which is here in the form of a flexible bag of variable volume. Preferably, the material constituting the flexible pocket 10 is elastically deformable, thus allowing the pocket to occupy a maximum volume. The nomadic distributor N comprises a distribution member 11, which may be a pump, or even a valve. The dispensing member 1 1 has a dispensing head 12 defining a dispensing orifice 121, which can form a spray, a net, or a small amount of fluid. It can be noted that the distribution member 1 1 extends along an axis X, which is horizontal in Figure 1. The dispensing orifice 121 extends along a perpendicular axis. The inlet of the dispensing member 1 1 is arranged inside the flexible bag 10. The nomadic dispenser N also includes a filling valve 13 whose Y axis extends perpendicular to the X axis of the 'distribution body 1 1. The fill valve 13 defines an inlet 131 which communicates with the interior of the flexible bag 10 when the fill valve 13 is forced open. In the closed state, the inside of the flexible pocket 10 is isolated from the outside. Around the filling valve 13 is arranged a permanent magnet 15 or a ferromagnetic ring.

According to a practical embodiment, the nomadic dispenser N comprises two half-shells 14a and 14b enclosing the flexible bag 10, the dispensing member 1 1 and the filling valve 13. The dispensing head 12 is accessible from the outside. by being disposed in a notch formed by the two half-shells 14a and 14b. It can be seen that the inlet 131 of the filling valve 13 is bordered by a docking area 141 which is formed by a large face or side 14b1 of the lower half-shell 14b. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the docking range 141 extends over the entire large underside 14b1 of the lower half-shell 14b. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the docking area 141 may define only part of the large underside 14b1 of the half-shell 14b. The docking area 141, like the docking plate 26, may be perfectly flat, as shown in Figure 1, or on the contrary have complementary geometric or more complex shapes. This allows the platform and the docking platform to come into contact with a stable extended bearing.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, this stable extended bearing contact is obtained by means of the permanent magnets 27 and 15, the magnetic attraction force of which urges the pad 141 towards the plate 26. Preferably, the necessary elastic force the opening of the filling valve 13 is less than the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnets 27 and 15. Thus, the filling valve 13 is open, as soon as the nomadic distributor N is placed on the tray. docking 26 of source bottle S. On the other hand, the outlet valve 24 of the pump 21 of the source bottle S is closed, in the position shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to Figure 2, the dispenser assembly of Figure 1 is seen in a depressed locked position. To go from the position of Figure 1 to the position of Figure 2, the user simply has to press the upper shell 14a of the refillable dispenser N in the direction of the Y axis towards the source bottle S. Se In doing so, the nomadic distributor N, resting stable on the docking plate 26, penetrates inside the fixed ring 28. Simultaneously, the piston 23 slides in the pump body so as to reduce the useful volume of the chamber pump 210. The fluid under pressure in the pump chamber 210 is delivered through the open outlet valve 24 and the actuating rod 25 so as to flow through the open filling valve 13. The fluid product finally reaches the reservoir 10 of the nomadic distributor N. Advantageously, the maximum volume delivered by the pump 21 of the source bottle S corresponds approximately to the maximum volume of the reservoir of the flexible bag 10 of the nomadic distributor N. Thus, in a single actuation, it is possible to fill the pocket flexible 10. It is also conceivable that the bag 10 is filled by several actuations of the pump 21 of the source bottle.

When the user has fully pushed the nomadic dispenser N into the crown 28 of the source bottle S, he perceives a point of hardness, which makes him understand to release his pressing force. The nomadic distributor N will then perform a very short upward stroke until the plate 26 comes into the locked position pressed inside the crown 28, due to its cooperation with the locking and unlocking system 281 described above. . The dispenser is then in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The pump chamber 210 is substantially in its state of minimum volume. Its outlet valve 24 is closed, but the filling valve 13 remains open due to the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnets 27 and 15. The flexible bag 10 of the nomadic dispenser N is then full. It can be noted that the major part of the nomadic dispenser N is inserted inside the fixed crown 28 of the source bottle S. Only the large upper face of the upper half-shell 14a protrudes outside the ring 28. The same is true for the dispensing orifice 121. The configuration of FIG. 2 corresponds to a state of rest and storage, in which the nomadic distributor is perfectly protected. Unintentional or untimely actuation of its dispensing head 12 is prevented by the fixed crown 28. Even by pressing on the large upper face of the upper half-shell 14a, nothing happens, given that the pump 21 is in its position. depressed position.

Referring now to Figure 3, we look at the particular configuration in which the flexible bag 10 is partially or completely filled, when we come to dock the nomadic dispenser N on the source bottle S. We can say that the we are in the same configuration as that of Figure 1, but with the flexible bag 10 not empty. Thus, as soon as the user presses on the upper half-shell 14a, the volume of the pump chamber 210 will decrease. And as the fluid product can no longer be delivered through the actuating rod 25 because the flexible bag 10 is already filled, the fluid product will be delivered back into the source reservoir 20 through the return passage 223 and the return valve 224, forced to the open state by the overpressure which prevails inside the pump chamber 210. Of course, the return valve 24 must be calibrated so that it s' opens before the outlet valve of the distribution member 1 1 of the nomadic distributor N, but after the filling valve 13. In other words, opening the return valve 224 requires a force greater than that of the valve. outlet 24 of the pump 21 of the source bottle S, but less than that allowing the distribution of fluid product through the dispensing member 11 of the nomadic distributor N.

Referring to Figures 4a to 4e, one can see a distribution assembly according to a variant of the invention. This dispensing assembly also includes a source bottle S 'and a nomadic refillable dispenser N'. The source bottle S 'can be almost identical to that of the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 3: the difference lies mainly in the design of the docking plate 26', which is not plane, since it defines a bowl 261 at the bottom of which protrudes the free end of the actuating rod 25. It can be said that the central bowl 261 is bordered by a peripheral contour. In this variant embodiment, only the bowl 261 will form the extended docking zone of the refillable dispenser N '.

As for this refillable dispenser N ’, it differs from the N dispenser of the first embodiment in that it includes an extended docking range of convex shape, corresponding to the shape of the central bowl 261. Thus, as soon as the refillable dispenser N 'is placed on the source bottle S', even randomly, the complementary concave / convex shapes, associated with the permanent magnets 27 and 15 will automatically position the nomadic dispenser N 'correctly. on the source bottle S, with the free end of the actuating rod 25 engaged inside the inlet 131 of the filling valve 13, which is thus forced into its open state. This corresponds to Figure 4b.

The refillable dispenser N ’also differs from the dispenser N of the first embodiment in that it comprises a pusher 12’ which is separate from the dispensing orifice 121 ’, which opens onto the edge of the dispenser.

Apart from these few differences, the cooperation of the nomadic distributor N 'with its source bottle S' is strictly identical to that of the first embodiment. Indeed, the user positions the nomadic dispenser N 'above his source bottle S' and places it, even randomly, on the docking plate 26 '. The permanent magnets 27 and 15 will then refocus the nomadic distributor N 'on the docking area 26, as shown in FIG. 4b. The user can then press on the nomadic dispenser N '(without actuating the push-button 12'), so as to push the nomadic dispenser N 'inside the crown 28 of the source bottle S'. When the nomadic dispenser N 'is fully pressed, its flexible pocket 10 is then filled with fluid and the user can release his pressure. After a slight return, the nomadic dispenser N 'remains blocked in the depressed locked position inside the crown 28, as explained previously. We is then in the configuration shown in Figure 4c. It can be noted that the upper face of the nomadic distributor N 'is flush with the upper edge of the hoop 28 and that the distribution orifice 121' is also masked. The distribution assembly of the invention is then in the storage position and can be transported without risk of untimely distribution. When the user again wants to remove the nomadic dispenser N 'from his source bottle S', he presses on the nomadic dispenser N 'until he meets a stop. We are then in the configuration shown in FIG. 4d. From this position, the user releases his pressure on the nomadic dispenser N 'which is then automatically pushed out of the crown 28, as shown in FIG. 4e. The user can then detach the nomadic dispenser N 'from its source bottle S' to use it.

Thanks to the invention, we have a coherent distribution set which integrates a source bottle and a nomadic refillable dispenser. The use of a variable volume reservoir, preferably in the form of a flexible bag, advantageously elastically deformable, eliminates the need for any ventilation system for the nomadic reservoir. The implementation of a return valve at the source bottle pump makes it possible not to put the nomadic tank of the nomadic dispenser under pressure, while ensuring its filling. Finally, an extended docking area around the filling valve allows a very stable positioning of the mobile dispenser on the source bottle, thus ensuring perfect alignment of the valve stem and the filling valve.

Claims

1. Source bottle (S; S ') intended to refill a refillable dispenser (N; N') comprising a refillable reservoir (10) and a filling valve (13) connected to the refillable reservoir (10), the source bottle (S ; S ') comprising a source reservoir (20) and a pump (21) defining a pump chamber (210), the maximum dose of which is advantageously substantially equal to the maximum volume of the refillable reservoir (10), the pump (21) comprising a valve stem (25) adapted to be connected to the filling valve (13) of the refillable distributor (N; N '), characterized in that the pump (21) comprises a return valve (223, 224) able to discharge fluid product from the pump chamber (21) into the source reservoir (20), when the refillable reservoir (10) is filled.

2. Distribution set comprising:

at. a refillable dispenser (N; N ') comprising a dispensing member (1 1), such as a pump or a valve, provided with a dispensing head (12; 12'), a refillable reservoir (10) and a filling valve (13) connected to the refillable tank (10), and

b. a source bottle (S; S ') comprising a source reservoir (20) and a pump (21) defining a pump chamber (210), the maximum dose of which is advantageously substantially equal to the maximum volume of the refillable reservoir (10), the pump (21) comprising a valve stem (25) adapted to be connected to the filling valve (13) of the refillable dispenser (N; N '), characterized in that the pump (21) comprises a return valve (223, 224 ) capable of delivering fluid from the pump chamber (21) into the source reservoir (20), when the refillable reservoir (10) is filled.

3. Dispensing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the refillable reservoir is of variable volume, advantageously in the form of a flexible bag (10).

4. Dispensing assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the dispensing member (1 1) defines an actuation axis X and the filling valve (13) defines an actuation axis Y, the axes X and Y extending perpendicular to each other.

5. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the filling valve (13) defines an inlet (131) which is bordered by a wide docking range (141).

6. Dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the source bottle (S; S ') comprises a wide docking plate (26; 261) from which the valve stem (25) projects, the valve. refill (13) of the refillable dispenser (N; N ') defines an inlet (131) which is bordered by a wide docking range (141), the docking plate (26; 261) and the docking range (141) defining substantially complementary shapes, so as to be able to come into contact with a stable bearing.

7. Dispensing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the filling valve (13) is open, when the docking plate (26; 261) and the docking pad (141) are in stable bearing contact.

8. Dispensing assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the docking plate (26; 261) and the docking pad (141) are brought into stable bearing contact by magnetic means (15, 27). , such as permanent magnets.

9. A dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the refillable dispenser (N: N ’) comprises at least one large face (14b1) which forms the docking area (141).

10. A dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the refillable dispenser (N; N ') comprises two outer half-shells (14a, 14b), the docking area (141) being formed by one (14b) of the outer half-shells (14a, 14b).

1 1. A dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the refillable dispenser (N; N ') is held in a locked position on the source bottle (S; S') with the refillable reservoir (10 ) filled and the pump chamber (210) emptied.

12. The dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the source bottle (S; S ’) masks most of the refillable dispenser (N; N’) in a locked position.