EP4337561A1

EP4337561A1 - Fluid product dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP4337561A1
Application number: EP22730578.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrice Perignon; Christophe TONDENIER
Original assignee: Aptar France SAS
Current assignee: Aptar France SAS
Priority date: 2021-05-10
Filing date: 2022-05-09
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: CN117295667A; FR3122651B1; KR20240007217A; WO2022238647A1; US20240216935A1; FR3122651A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising: - a fluid product reservoir (R) comprising a neck (R3) defining an opening (R5), and an upper annular edge (R4), the reservoir (R) being provided with a closing member (1) which seals the opening (R5) of the neck (R3), the closing member (1) comprising a pierceable membrane (11), wherein the pierceable membrane (11) is arranged inside the neck (R3) separated axially from the upper annular edge (R4); and - an assembly (E) comprising a dispensing member (P), such as a pump or a valve, received in the closing member (1) of the reservoir (R), the assembly (E) comprising piercing means (36, 37) for piercing the pierceable membrane (11), characterised in that the piercing means comprise a piercing pin (37) formed at the lower end of a sheath (36) in which the dispensing member (P) is received.

Description

Fluid product dispenser

The present invention relates to a fluid product dispenser frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy for dispensing various fluid products such as perfume, creams, lotions, etc.

In the prior art, dispensers are already known whose fluid reservoir is in the form of a refill or a cartridge which is removably connected to an assembly comprising a dispenser member, such as a pump or valve. Thus, the tank, once empty, can be replaced by a full tank. To allow connection/disconnection of the reservoir, connection means of the snap-on or screwed type are frequently used. This requires that the tank can be gripped firmly enough to unscrew or disengage it. For this, it is necessary that at least a significant part of the tank remains accessible, and therefore visible, which can harm the overall aesthetics of the dispenser.

Document EP2916964 makes it possible to overcome this drawback with a removable connection system of the pen type with a retractable tip, allowing connection and disconnection by simply pressing on the bottom of the reservoir. A first press followed by a release brings the tank into the sealed assembled position and a new press followed by a release allows the tank to be ejected, so that it can then be removed completely. A system of cams associated with a spring makes it possible to generate these successive operations by simple axial pressure on the tank.

The tank of the invention can be used as a refill in a dispenser of this type, but also as a non-replaceable tank.

In the prior art, it is known to seal the reservoirs in order to avoid any loss of fluid product and to protect its contents from the external environment. This is particularly the case for cosmetic products which degrade on contact with air. Sealing very often consists of a flat cover which is glued, fixed or welded to the upper annular edge of the neck of the reservoir. This lid can be removed before the assembly of the reservoir in the assembly or can also be pierced by a piercing member of the assembly.

The disadvantage with the drilling of lids is that one uses the pump or the valve to transmit the pushing force necessary for the drilling of the lid. However, this can lead to damage to the pump or the valve.

To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a fluid dispenser comprising:

- a fluid reservoir comprising a neck defining an opening and an upper annular edge, the reservoir being provided with a closure member which seals the opening of the neck, the closure member comprising a pierceable membrane, the membrane pierceable is arranged inside the neck axially away from the upper annular edge, and

- an assembly comprising a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, received in the closure member of the reservoir, the assembly comprising piercing means for piercing the pierceable membrane, characterized in that the means for piercing comprise a piercing needle formed at the lower end of a sheath in which the dispensing member is received.

Thus, the thrust force can be exerted directly on the sheath, which transmits it to the needle, and not on the pump or the valve, which can remain without stress.

The pierceable membrane could be fixed directly in the cervix, but preferably the closure member comprises a sleeve which extends into the cervix from the upper annular edge, the pierceable membrane then being connected to a lower end of the sleeve.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the collar can protrude from a shoulder, the pierceable membrane then being positioned substantially at the level of this shoulder, with the sleeve extending substantially over the entire height of the collar. Advantageously, the pierceable membrane may have a conical shape oriented towards the inside of the reservoir. It could also be planar, concave or convex.

According to another aspect of the invention, the closure member may comprise an annular collar which rests on the upper annular edge, the sleeve then being connected to the annular collar. The closure member is preferably made in one piece from a flexible plastic material, such as an elastomer or a polyolefin.

According to an interesting characteristic of the invention, the tank can also comprise a ring which is mounted around the neck and which comes into engagement with the annular flange to press it against the upper annular edge. The ring is preferably mounted fixedly and permanently on the neck.

Such a tank guarantees a minimal amount of air trapped in the tank and increased protection of the pierceable membrane. Its placement in and on the cervix is easy, like a hollow plug.

Advantageously, the sheath can come into leaktight annular radial contact with the closure member. The tightness between the tank and the assembly is thus ensured. The sleeve may form an annular sealing rib on its internal wall, the sheath then coming into leaktight annular radial contact with this annular sealing rib. One could also say that the annular collar internally forms an annular sealing rib on its internal wall, the sheath coming into sealed annular radial contact with this annular sealing rib.

According to a practical embodiment, the sheath can be formed by a casing which comprises reception means for the dispenser member and a connection system for the reservoir.

Preferably, the housing may be provided with a case provided with an insertion/extraction opening and defining an insertion/extraction axis, the fluid reservoir being engaged in the case through the opening of the insertion/extraction and removably connected to the connection system, the reservoir comprising connection means and a bottom accessible at the level of the insertion/extraction opening to exert an axial pressure on the reservoir, in order to cause the connection means to cooperate with the connection system. Preferably, the connection is removable by simply exerting a subsequent pressure on the bottom of the tank, which is then ejected. The removable connection can implement a cam track of the type used in pens with a retractable tip by axial pressing on a button.

The spirit of the invention lies in the fact of implementing a sheath equipped with a needle to pierce the membrane without exerting harmful stress on the dispensing member.

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

In the figures:

Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the reservoir of a fluid dispenser according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a front view of the tank of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the assembly of a fluid dispenser according to the invention, intended to be associated with the reservoir of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the fluid dispenser resulting from the combination of the reservoir and the assembly according to the invention,

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 6 Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 for a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 for a second embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 6 for a second embodiment of the invention. The dispenser of the invention comprises an assembly E incorporating a dispenser member P and a reservoir R containing a fluid product. The reservoir R is connected to the assembly E in a removable or permanent manner.

Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 3 to describe in detail the fluid product reservoir R. It comprises a receptacle RO intended to contain the fluid product, which can be a cream, a gel, a lotion, a serum, a perfume , etc. This receptacle RO comprises a cylindrical shaft R1, in which a follower piston F slides. Instead of the follower piston F, a flexible bag can also be used. The lower end of the shaft R1 is advantageously closed by a bottom L. At its opposite end, the shaft R1 is connected to a shoulder R2, which itself is extended by a neck R3 which projects upwards. This neck R3 forms an upper annular edge R4 and internally defines an opening R5, which communicates the receptacle RO with the outside. This is a classic design for a fluid reservoir.

According to the invention, the reservoir R is further provided with a closure member 1 which seals the opening R5 in a leaktight manner. This shutter member 1 comprises a pierceable membrane 11, which can be provided with tear lines 111 of less thickness. This membrane 11 here has a conical shape with the tip pointing downwards, that is to say towards the follower piston F. The membrane 11 can have another shape, in particular planar. It can be seen that the membrane extends at the level of the shoulder R2, at the lower end of the neck R3, and therefore axially away from the upper annular edge R4.

The closure member 1 also includes a sleeve 12 which may be cylindrical. This sleeve 12 extends over at least part of the height of the neck R3 and preferably almost over the entire height of the neck R3. The sleeve 12 can come into sealed contact with the internal wall of the neck R3 which defines the opening R5. The pierceable membrane 11 joins the sleeve at its lower annular edge. It can be noted that the sleeve 12 has a wall thickness greater than that of the pierceable membrane 11 . We can say that the sleeve 12 serves as a support for the membrane 11, so as to position it at the level of the shoulder R2, so as to together constitute the roof of the receptacle RO, opposite the follower piston F.

The closure member 1 also includes an annular flange 13 which rests on the upper annular edge R4. This flange 13 projects radially outwards from the upper end of the sleeve 12. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that an annular sealing rib 121 is formed on the internal wall of the sleeve 12 at the level of the flange 13. It can also be said that the flange 13 internally forms the annular sealing rib 121. Its function will be given below. This rib 121 could be located elsewhere on the height of the sleeve 12.

Optionally, the closure member 1 can be provided with a cover 15 fixed to the flange 13 or to the upper end of the sleeve 12. This cover 15 is removable or pierceable.

This closure member 1 makes it possible to seal the reservoir R inside the neck R3, so that there is no or practically no air in the reservoir. Indeed, the tank can be filled with fluid product approximately up to the level of its shoulder R2 or a little below. The obturation member 1 is then inserted into the neck R3, allowing the air to escape. Its pierceable membrane then comes close to or even in contact with the fluid product, leaving no more or very little air in the reservoir R. In addition, thanks to its recessed position, the membrane 11 is protected against accidental piercing.

The tank also includes a ring 2, which is mounted on the neck R3 so as to surround it. The fixing of the ring 2 on the neck R3 can be carried out by any means, such as snap-fastening, fitting in force, screwing, gluing, welding, etc. The attachment can be removable or permanent. The ring can come into contact with the shoulder. The ring comprises a bearing flange 21 which projects radially inwards. This flange 21 comes into contact with the flange 13 of the closure member 1, so as to compress it on the upper annular edge R4 of the neck R3. It can be said that the ring 2 makes it possible to lock the obturation member 1 on the neck R3. According to the invention, the ring 2 externally forms connection means intended to cooperate with the assembly E to connect the reservoir R to the assembly E. Advantageously, these are removable connection means, making it possible to remove the reservoir R of the assembly E. These connection means may comprise at least one cam track 22. In FIG. 3, it can be understood that there are three cam tracks 22 on the ring 2. Each cam track 22 comprises a locking housing 223, a first lower abutment 222, a second lower abutment 225 on either side of the locking housing 223, a first cam surface 221 and a second cam surface 224. The path from a lug to through this cam track is the following: first cam surface 221, first bottom stop 222, locking housing 223, second cam surface 224, second bottom stop 225, then the output of the cam track 22.

In order to bring the lug into a cam path from any angular orientation, the ring 2 advantageously forms ramps 23 which converge towards the cam paths 22.

It should be noted that a reservoir with shutter member 1 but without cam track 22 is possible, as is a reservoir with cam track 22 but without shutter member 1. Preferably, the reservoir R comprises both a closure member and at least one cam track 22.

Reference will now be made to Figures 4 and 5 to describe the assembly E in detail.

The dispensing member P of the assembly E can be a pump or else a valve, which is provided with a pusher B to actuate it and thus dispense the fluid product. The dispenser member P is not critical for the invention and will therefore not be described in detail. When it is a pump, it conventionally comprises a pump body with a fluid inlet. A piston slides in a sealed manner in the pump body to pressurize a dose of fluid product. The piston is mounted on an actuating rod which moves back and forth against a return spring. The dose of pressurized fluid product escapes through an outlet valve towards the pusher B which comprises a fluid product outlet. This design is quite conventional for a pump in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery or pharmacy.

The assembly E comprises a housing 3 forming an outer shell 31, which is cylindrical. The shell 31 internally forms a retaining rib 31 and at its upper end an annular plate 33. A sleeve 4 is received between the retaining rib 31 and the plate 33, so as to be locked axially, while being free to rotate on herself. This rotating socket

4 forms at least one cam lug 41, and preferably three, on its inner wall. These cam lugs 41 are located close to the lower edge of the sleeve 4. The housing 3 also forms an anchoring profile 34 for a spring

5 which extends freely downwards inside the socket 4. The housing also comprises receiving means 35 for the dispenser member P.

Advantageously, the housing 3 further comprises a sheath 36 which extends freely downwards inside the shell 31, the sleeve 4 and the spring 5. This sheath 36 forms at its lower end a drilling needle 37 , adapted to pierce the membrane 11 of the reservoir R, as will be seen below. The needle 37 comprises at least one opening 371, visible in Figure 5, which communicates directly with the inlet of the dispensing member P. The needle 37 may have a conical shape. The sheath can form a lower section 361 of small diameter and an upper section 362 of larger diameter. Most of the dispenser member P is housed in the sheath 36 and occupies almost the entire volume of the sheath. The outer wall of the dispensing member P may optionally come into contact with the inner wall of the sheath 36.

The assembly E also comprises a case 6 which is connected to the lower end of the case 31. The case 6 could be made in one piece with the case 31. This case 6 defines an insertion/extraction opening 61 and an insertion/extraction axis X.

According to the invention, the reservoir R is connected to the assembly E in the following way. Reservoir R is inserted into case 6 through its opening 61 with neck R3 at the top. Axial insertion continues until the piercing pin 37 comes into abutment against the pierceable membrane 11 . The operculum 15 has been previously withdrawn or pierced by the needle 37. Sufficient axial pressure allows the needle 37 to rupture the membrane 11, preferably at its tear lines 111. The axial insertion can then continue until that the cam lugs 41 come into contact with the ring 2. This axial insertion takes place counter to the spring 5. In most cases, the lugs 41 will come into contact with the ramps 23. From this moment, an axial pressure on the tank R will cause the sleeve 4 to rotate in the shell 31. The lugs 41 will slide on the ramps 23 to reach the level of the inlets of the cam tracks 22. From there, each lug 41 will follow the following path. The lug 41 slides under the action of an axial thrust against the spring 5 on the first cam surface 221 which leads it to the first lower stop 222. A release of the axial pressure then brings the lug 41 in the locking housing 223 under the action of the spring 5. The tank is then connected to the assembly E. The sealing between the tank R and the housing 3 is ensured by the annular radial contact of the upper section 362 of the sheath against the sealing rib 121 of the closure member 1 . The user can then use the dispenser by actuating the pusher B using a finger. Fluid product coming from the reservoir R is then distributed by the distribution member P.

When reservoir R is empty, axial pressure on reservoir R extracts lug 41 from locking housing 123 and causes it to slide on second cam surface 224 as far as second bottom stop 225. A release of the pressure then causes the lug 41 to be released from the cam track 22 under the action of the spring 5. The reservoir R can then be freely extracted from the case 6. A new reservoir R can then be placed in the set E in the manner described above.

It should be noted that the rotary sleeve 4 makes it possible to connect the reservoir R in the assembly E without causing it to rotate, since it is the sleeve which turns on itself. This provides a more pleasant feeling and completely hides the operation of the connection. It can also be noted that an assembly E with a needle 37, but without a connection system (socket 4 and spring 5), can be associated with a reservoir R with a closure member 1, but without a cam track 22. Similarly, an assembly E with a connection system (socket 4 and spring 5), but without a needle 37, can be associated with a reservoir R with cam tracks 22, but without a closure member 1 . In addition, an assembly E with a connection system (socket 4 and spring 5), but without a needle 37, can be associated with a reservoir R with cam tracks 22 and closure member 1. And again, an assembly E with a needle 37, but without a connection system (socket 4 and spring 5), can be associated with a reservoir R with a closure member 1, but without a cam path 22: the connection between the reservoir and the assembly then being done by any known means of connection, such as for example snap-fastening, screwing, bayonet, etc.

Referring to Figures 8 to 10, we see a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first in that the cam tracks of this second embodiment are formed by a rotary member, while they are fixed in the first embodiment, where the lugs are formed by a rotating member, namely the rotating sleeve 4.

In Figure 8, the assembly E' comprises a box 3' having an outer shell 31' to which the case 6 is connected. The outer shell 31' internally forms three lugs 311, which are therefore fixed. Optionally, the hull 31' includes a side window 312. The sheath 36 with its needle 37 are made in one piece with the hull 31'. The E’ set also includes a 5’ spring.

In FIG. 9, neck R3 of reservoir R′ is surrounded by an outer skirt 16, which is advantageously made in one piece with sleeve 12 and membrane 11 of closure member 1′. This outer skirt 16 is therefore fixedly mounted on the neck R3. It is surrounded by a ring 2', which is rotatably mounted on the skirt 16. The ring 2' can therefore freely turn on itself around the skirt 16, which is fixedly mounted around the neck R3. The rotary ring 2' externally forms three cam tracks 22', which are identical or similar to those of the first embodiment. Ring 2' can also form ramps, identical or similar to ramps 23.

In figure 10, the tank R' is in place inside the assembly E'. The needle 37 has pierced the membrane 11 and the lugs 311 engage with the cam tracks 22', in the same way as in the first embodiment. During connection, ring 2' rotates around skirt 16, so that barrel R1 can remain static in rotation.

This second embodiment therefore consists in moving the rotating element of the assembly E on the reservoir R′, while maintaining the lugs on the assembly and the cam tracks on the reservoir. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also possible to form the lugs on the reservoir and the cam tracks on the assembly. There are therefore four possible embodiments:

- Rotating lugs formed by the assembly (1 ^st embodiment), - Rotary cam tracks formed by the reservoir (2 ^nd embodiment),

- Rotating lugs formed by the tank, and

- Rotating cam tracks formed by the assembly.

Claims

1. Fluid product dispenser comprising:

- a fluid reservoir (R; R') comprising a neck (R3) defining an opening (R5) and an upper annular edge (R4), the reservoir (R) being provided with a closure member (1) which seals the opening (R5) of the neck (R3), the closure member (1) comprising a pierceable membrane (11), the pierceable membrane (11) is arranged inside the neck (R3) away from axial of the upper annular edge (R4), and

- an assembly (E; E') comprising a dispensing member (P), such as a pump or a valve, received in the closure member (1; 1') of the reservoir (R; R'), the assembly (E; E') comprising piercing means (36, 37) for piercing the pierceable membrane (11), characterized in that the piercing means comprise a piercing pin (37) formed at the lower end a sheath (36) in which the dispenser member (P) is received.

2. Fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sheath (36) comes into leaktight annular radial contact with the closure member (1; 1').

3. Dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure member (1; 1 ') comprises a sleeve (12) which extends into the neck (R3) from the upper annular edge (R4), the pierceable membrane (11) being connected to a lower end of the sleeve (12).

4. Dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the neck (R3) protrudes from a shoulder (R2), the pierceable membrane (11) being positioned substantially at the level of this shoulder (R2), with the sleeve (12) extending substantially over the entire height of the neck (R3). Distributor according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the sleeve (12) forms an annular sealing rib (121) on its internal wall, the sheath (36) coming into leaktight annular radial contact with this annular sealing rib (121 ). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pierceable membrane (11) has a conical shape oriented towards the interior of the reservoir (R). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closure member (1) comprises an annular collar (13) which rests on the upper annular edge

(R4), the sleeve (12) being connected to the annular flange (13).

Dispenser according to claim 7, further comprising a ring (2) mounted around the neck (R3) and which comes into engagement with the annular flange (13) to press it against the upper annular edge (R4). Distributor according to Claim 7 or 8, in which the annular collar (13) internally forms an annular sealing rib (121) on its internal wall, the sheath (36) coming into leaktight annular radial contact with this annular sealing rib (121). Fluid product dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sheath (36) is formed by a box (3) which comprises reception means (35) for the dispenser member (P) and a connection system (4, 5; 311, 2') for the reservoir (R; R'). Fluid dispenser according to Claim 10, in which the housing (3; 3') is provided with a casing (6) provided with an insertion/extraction opening (61) and defining an insertion/extraction axis X, the fluid reservoir (R; R') being engaged in the case (6) through the insertion/extraction opening (61) and removably connected to the connection system (4, 5; 311 , 2'), the reservoir (R; R') comprising connection means (22) and a bottom (L) accessible at the level of the insertion/extraction opening (61) to exert an axial pressure on the reservoir (R; R') in order to make the connection means (22; 22') cooperate with the connection system (4, 5; 311, 2').