FR2837801A1 - FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid product dispensing device, comprising a first reservoir (11) containing a first fluid product, a second reservoir (12) containing a second fluid product, a mixing system (10) for mixing the first and second fluid products, and a distribution system (20) for distributing said mixture through a distribution orifice (3), characterized in that a third reservoir (30), separate from said first and second reservoirs (11, 12), is provided to receive said mixture of said first and second fluid products.

Description

* * * The present invention relates to a device for distributing

  fluid product, and more particularly such a device comprising at least two fluid products maintained separately, said products being mixed before

to be distributed.

  Devices of this type are well known. They generally comprise two separate reservoirs, each containing a different product, a passage being opened between the two reservoirs for mixing the two products, before dispensing said mixture. Such implementation involves a number of problems. Thus, there may be problems of overpressure when transferring one of the products into the other container to make the mixture. In addition, these devices are often relatively complicated to manufacture and assemble, in particular with regard to the separation part between the two containers, which must be able to be opened before dispensing, to allow the mixture to be produced. Likewise, the construction of the device with two i5 separate tanks which are connected before the distribution generally implies that the device can only be filled when it is definitively assembled, so that it is generally not possible to carry out a preliminary assembly which is delivered to the manufacturer of the product *, the latter only having to fill the tanks. In the devices of the prior art, the manufacturer o of the products must generally have at their disposal relatively complicated machines making it possible to carry out both the filling and the assembly of the device. On the other hand, in devices in which the content of a tank is mixed with the content of another tank with one of the two tanks forming the mixing tank, there may be a problem 2s of homogeneity of the mixture , since only one of the two products moves during this mixing operation. Depending on the nature of the two products in question, the mixture may not be homogeneous, and the user may distribute doses

  not homogeneous when the device is actuated.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a device for dispensing a fluid product, and in particular such a device comprising at least two fluid products separated and mixed before dispensing, which does not reproduce the

disadvantages mentioned above.

  The present invention thus aims to provide such a fluid dispensing device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. The present invention also aims to provide such a fluid dispenser device in which the fluid product (s) can be filled after complete assembly of the device, or at least before a last step simple assembly, which prevents the manufacturer of products from having

  o complicated assembly machines on its site.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device for dispensing a fluid product in which the mixture of the two products is

perfectly homogeneous.

  The present invention also aims to provide such a device for dispensing a fluid product in which no overpressure is created in the

  tank containing the mixture of the two products.

  A subject of the present invention is therefore a device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a first reservoir containing a first fluid product, a second reservoir containing a second fluid product, a mixing system for mixing the first and second fluid products, and a dispensing system for dispensing said mixture through a dispensing orifice, characterized in that a third tank, distinct from said first and second tanks, is provided for receiving said mixture from said first and second

fluid products.

  s Advantageously, the first and second reservoirs are hermetically sealed by a respective cap, said caps being simultaneously displaced during actuation of the mixing system, to connect said

  first and second tanks to said third tank via respective passages.

  Advantageously, the volume of said third reservoir is variable, the volume so being substantially zero before actuation of the mixing system, maximum after actuation of the mixing system and before the first

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  actuation of the distribution system, and again substantially zero after

  distribution of the entire said mixture.

  Advantageously, said device comprises a body incorporating said first and second reservoirs, said body cooperating with a dispensing head s on the one hand and a manual actuating member on the other hand, said body being movable relative to said head between a starting position, before actuation of the mixing system, and a mixing position, after actuation of the mixing system, said third reservoir being defined between said body and said head, when said body moves relative to the head towards said position

o mixing.

  Advantageously, after actuation of the mixing system, said body forms the side walls of said third reservoir, and said head comprises a plug acting as a piston moving in said third

  tank during actuation of the distribution system.

  Advantageously, there is provided a manual actuation member operable by the user to first actuate the mixing system, and

  to then activate the distribution system.

  Advantageously, said manual actuating member is first movable relative to said body and cooperates with respective pistons to empty o said first and second reservoirs and mix the products in said third reservoir, said manual actuating member integrating with said body after said mixing, and then being movable relative to said head for

distribute said mixture.

  Advantageously, the mixing system includes transport security means and / or the distribution system includes means

  energy storage and / or dose separation means.

  Advantageously, said transport security means comprise breakable bridges and / or resistance elements, such as lugs, capable of being overcome by the application of a predetermined actuating force 30 and / or an actuation distinct from actuation of the mixing system, such

than a rotation.

  Advantageously, said energy accumulation means comprise breakable bridges and / or resistance elements, such as lugs, capable of being overcome by the application of a predetermined actuation force. Advantageously, said dose separation means comprise an actuation distinct from the actuation of the distribution system, such as rotation. Advantageously, said mixing system comprises a body containing said first and second reservoirs, a manual actuation member, movable relative to said body, and first support means formed on said body, the user actuating said mixing system with one hand by placing one or more fingers on said first support means, one or more fingers on said manual actuating member and by exerting an axial actuating force to move said manual actuating member relative to said body . Advantageously, said distribution system includes a distribution head, a manual actuation member, movable relative to said head, and second support means formed on said head, the user actuating said s ys tè distribution me with one hand only by having one or more fingers on said second support means, one or more fingers on said manual actuation member, and by exerting an axial actuation force for

  moving said manual actuator relative to said head.

  Advantageously, said mixing system and said mixing system

  distribution have the same manual actuator.

  Advantageously, the third reservoir contains two doses of product

  distributed by two successive actuations of the distribution system.

  Advantageously, said passages connecting the first and second reservoirs respectively to said third reservoir during actuation of the mixing system comprise swirl means for producing a homogeneous mixture o of said first and second fluid products in said third reservoir.

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  According to a particular embodiment, said first and second

  tanks have different volumes.

  Advantageously, the pistons of said first and second tanks are axially offset, so that when the mixing system is actuated, one of said plugs first opens its respective passage, and only one of said first and second fluid products is fed into said third tank, until the other of said plugs opens the other respective passage, after which the two fluid products are fed into said third tank to

be mixed.

  o Advantageously, said first and second fluid products are liquids. According to an alternative embodiment, the first and second tanks are

  filled, preferably simultaneously, after their assembly in the device.

  According to another alternative embodiment, the first and second tanks are filled before being assembled in the device. Other features and advantages of the present invention

  will appear more clearly during the following detailed description given in

  reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a fluid dispenser device according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, before actuation of the mixing system; - Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1, before actuation of the mixing system; - Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, after actuation of the mixing system and before the first actuation of the distribution system; - Figure 4 is a view similar to those of Figures 2 and 3, after actuation of the distribution system; - Figure 5 is a view similar to those of Figures 2 to 4, at the end of actuation of the distribution system; and

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  - Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser device according to a variant of

  realization, before actuation of the mixing system.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, which show a particular embodiment of the invention, it comprises a dispensing head 1 incorporating a dispensing orifice 3. A body 5 is mounted movable relative to said head

  1, said body 5 also cooperating with a manual actuating member 2.

  The body 5 preferably incorporates two reservoirs, a first reservoir 11 containing a first fluid product, and a second reservoir 12 containing a second fluid product. These two reservoirs 11 and 12 are preferably arranged parallel to one another in said body 5, and are advantageously each formed by a glass tube. The two fluid products can advantageously

  be different liquid products, intended to be mixed before distribution.

  The first and second reservoirs 11, 12 are preferably sealed off, on the one hand by means of a respective plug 13, 14, and on the other hand by means of a respective piston 15, 16 cooperating with said member. manual actuation 2. Said plugs 13, 14 and said pistons 15, 16 are preferably movable relative to the tanks 11, 12 when the mixing system 10 is actuated, that is to say when the user moves the manual actuating member 2 relative to said body 5. Such displacement of the manual actuating member 2 creates pressure inside the reservoirs 11, 12 which simultaneously moves the two plugs 13, 14 up to 'that they protrude respective passages 17 and 18 prews in the body 5 to allow the products contained in said first and second tanks 11, 12 to be expelled out thereof. Advantageously, a respective vent opening 19 is prewe downstream of said plugs 13, 14 to avoid any overpressure inside the

  tank intended to receive the mixture.

  As a variant, as shown in FIG. 6, the plugs 13, 14 could be fixed and include a through passage closed by means so of obturation which would be open when the mixing system 10 is actuated. According to the invention, the device comprises a third reservoir 30 which is adapted to receive the two products to carry out the mixing. This tank 30 is distinct from the first and second tanks 11, 12 and preferably has a variable volume, that is to say that the volume is preferably substantially zero before actuation of the mixing system 10 and substantially maximum after actuation of said mixing system 10. In this way, any overpressure in said third tank 30 is avoided, the latter increasing its volume as and when the products from the first and second tanks 11, 12 are supplied to it. It also avoids the presence of air in the third tank 30,

  o which in particular promotes good distribution of the mixture.

  Preferably, the head 1 is mounted displaceable relative to said body 5 during the actuation of the mixing system 10. Thus, the body 5 preferably comprises first support means 6 on which the user presses simultaneously with the support it exerts on the manual actuating member 2, so that the mixing system 10 is actuated without the user contacting the dispensing head 1. This actuation of the mixing system 10 can advantageously be made with one hand. When the mixing system is actuated, the caps 13, 14 are moved and open the passages 17, 18 mentioned above, and the products are therefore expelled through said passages 17, 18. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 5 , this causes the head 1 to slide relative to the body 5 in order to progressively create said third tank 30 between said body 5 and said head 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the third tank 30 is advantageously made at a tutular sleeve 31 secured to said body 5 and which slides relative to a: 5 tubular sleeve 32 secured to head 1. Thus, after actuation of the mixing system 10, as shown in FIG. 3, body 5 forms the side walls of the third reservoir 30, and the head 1 incorporates the expulsion channel connecting said third reservoir 30 to said outlet orifice 3, with the interposition of a plug 40, 41, the operation of which will be described below. in

  n / a reference to the description of the distribution system. Therefore, in the

  position shown in FIG. 3, all of the products contained in the

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  first and second reservoirs 11, 12 have been transferred to the third reservoir 30, the latter then being sealed in one way by the plugs 13, 14

  and the pistons 15, 16, and on the other hand by the plug 40, 41.

  As a variant, as shown in FIG. 6, said third reservoir 30 could be produced in an element 50 fixed relative to the head 1, and provide a movable bottom wall 51, for example formed by a plug piston, sliding in leaktight manner said reservoir 30 when said first and second fluid products are supplied. In this alternative embodiment, the element 50 cannot be moved relative to said head 1, and the distribution of the mixture can then be carried out by moving the led * piston-cap 51 in the other direction in the third tank 30 This can be achieved by means of a

  rod 52 connected to a part 22 of the distribution system 20.

  Advantageously, the passages 17 and 18 comprise swirl means, such as deflectors, which make it possible to produce a satisfactory disturbance in order to mix the two products inside the third tank 30 and thus obtain a homogeneous mixture. The body 5 can be made of a transparent material which makes it possible to view the product and

  in particular check the homogeneity of the mixture.

  Advantageously, before actuation of the mixing system, the head 1 o is in abutment against the body 5. This has the effect that the user cannot accidentally make a mistake and actuate the head 1 in place of the body 5 during the actuation of the mixing system. There is therefore no risk of actuating the

  distribution system before the mixing system.

  Preferably, after actuation of the mixing system 10, the manual actuation member 2 becomes integral with the body 5, for example by means of pins provided for this purpose. The device is then ready for actuation of the distribution system 20 in order to distribute the mixture of

  products contained in the third tank 30.

  Advantageously, the manual actuating member 2, used to actuate the mixing system 10, is then used to actuate the dispensing system 20. For this purpose, the head advantageously includes second support means 7 on which the user presses one or more finger (s), and simultaneously also presses one or more finger (s), for example the thumb, on said manual actuating member 2 and exerts an axial force to move the formed unit by the manual actuating element 2 and the body 5 relative to the head 1. This ensures a distribution of the product contained in the third reservoir 30. Here too, the actuation of the distribution system can

be done with one hand.

  In the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the user also actuates the distribution system 20 with one hand. Here, the body 5 is no longer movable relative to the head 1, but the manual actuation member 2 may comprise a part 22, such as an axial rod, which cooperates with the rod 52 secured to the piston- cap 51 of the third reservoir 30, for dispensing the mixture. As described previously in reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the third reservoir 30 can be closed off by means of a plug 40 which becomes

  piston to dispense the mixture when the dispensing system is activated.

  To this end, the plug 40 may advantageously include a through passage, closed for example by a deformable plug 41 disposed downstream of the passage, so that an overpressure created in the third reservoir 30 o forces the product to pass through said through passage of the plug 40, then to deform the shutter 41 in order then to be expelled in the direction of the dispensing orifice 3. During actuation, the head 1 moves relative to the body, and the plug 40 therefore moves to the inside of the third reservoir 30, like a piston, between the position shown in FIG. 3 and that shown in FIG. 5 for dispensing all of the product contained in said third

tank 30.

  The entire product contained in the third tank 30 can be dispensed in a single actuation, but it is also possible to envisage having several doses in said mixing tank. In this case, the

  o distribution includes means for fractioning doses.

  Advantageously, these dose fractionation means comprise mechanical stops, which the user overcomes by carrying out an actuation distinct from the actuation of the dispensing system, for example a rotation between the head 1 and the manual actuation member 2. Other means of fractionation of doses are of course also conceivable. Furthermore, the distribution system 20 also advantageously includes energy storage means, to guarantee an effective and total distribution of each dose on each actuation of said distribution system 20. These energy storage means can be produced for example by means of breakable bridges and / or resistance elements, such as lugs, which are capable of being overcome by the application of a predetermined actuating force, which is then suddenly released to achieve the distribution of

each dose.

  Similarly, the mixing system 10 can also include transport security means, to avoid actuation of the

  accidental mixing system, during transport and / or during storage.

  These transport security means may also include breakable bridges and / or resistance elements, such as lugs, capable of being overcome by the application of a predetermined actuation force. As a variant, these transport security means may also involve an actuation distinct from the actuation of the mixing system, such as a

  rotation of the manual actuator 2 relative to the body 5.

  It should be noted that the drawings show first and second tanks 11, 12 of similar volume, but these tanks can be produced with different volumes. In this case, by referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, one can advantageously offset axially one of the two plugs 13, 14 and / or one of the pistons 15, 16 in the respective reservoir 11, 12. Preferably, these are the pistons 15, 16 which are offset axially with respect to each other, while the plugs 13, 14 remain preDerence in the same axial position. When the mixing system is actuated, one of the two pistons 15 or 16 is first moved while the other does not move since the manual actuation member 2 is not yet in contact with it . Only one of the plugs 13, 14 is

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  therefore first moved to open its respective passage 17 or 18, so that only one of the two fluid products is first supplied to the third tank. It is only when the manual actuator moves the other piston 16 or 15, and consequently the other plug 14 or 13, that the other passage s 18 or 17 opens and that the two products are mixed in the third tank. The present invention therefore makes it possible to provide a device for dispensing a fluid product containing at least two fluid products maintained separately and mixed before dispensing, which is simple to use, and in particular in which the mixing and then the dispensing can be carried out in a single-handed, and in particular by means of the same manual actuator, which is first used to actuate the mixing system, then for

  operate distribution system. Filling is also simplified.

  Thus, the positioning in parallel of the first and second containers makes it possible to fill them simultaneously and not successively, thereby saving time. Filling can be carried out directly in the assembled device. As a variant, the first and second tanks can be formed by cylinders, such as glass tubes, which can each be filled beforehand in a separate filling unit, closed by their respective plugs and pistons, then assembled in the device, for example by snapping into the body. The manufacturer of fluid products no longer needs to have complex assembly machines to simultaneously fill the tanks and assemble the dispensing device. The present invention has been described in reference to a particular embodiment, but it is understood that any modifications may be made to it by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as

  as defined by the appended claims. In particular, the drawings show

  a nasal delivery head, but the invention applies to all types of

  fluid dispensing devices.

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Claims (16)

claims   1.- Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a first reservoir (11) containing a first fluid product, a second reservoir (12) containing a second fluid product, a mixing system (10) for mixing the first and second products fluids, and a dispensing system (20) for dispensing said mixture through a dispensing orifice (3), characterized in that a third container (30), distinct from said first and second tanks (11, 12), is provided to receive said   mixing of said first and second fluid products.   o 2.- Device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reservoirs (11, 12) are hermetically sealed by a respective plug (13, 14), said plugs (13, 14) being simultaneously displaced during actuation of the mixing system (10), for connecting said first and second tanks (11, 12) to said third tank (30) via s respective passages (17, 18).   3.- Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volume of said third reservoir (30) is variable, the volume being substantially zero before actuation of the mixing system (10), maximum after actuation of the mixing system (10) and before the first actuation o of the distribution system (20), and again substantially zero after   distribution of the entire said mixture.   4.- Device according to claim 3, wherein said device comprises a body (5) incorporating said first and second tanks (11, 12), said body (5) cooperating with a dispensing head (1) on the one hand and s a manual actuator (2) on the other hand, said body (5) being movable relative to said head (1) between a starting position, before actuation of the mixing system (10), and a position of mixing, after actuation of the mixing system (10), said third reservoir (30) being defined between said body (S) and said head (1), when said body (5)   o moves relative to the head (1) towards said mixing position.   5.- Device according to claim 4, wherein, after actuation of the mixing system (10), said body (5) forms the side walls of said third reservoir (30), and said head (1) comprises a plug (40, 41) acting as a piston moving in said third reservoir (30) upon actuation of the distribution system (20). 6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein there is provided a manual actuating member (2) operable by the user to first actuate the mixing system (10), and then actuate the o distribution system (20).   7.- Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in   wherein said manual actuating member (2) is first movable relative to said body (5) and cooperates with respective pistons (15, 16) to empty said first and second tanks (11, 12) and mix the products is in said third reservoir (30), said manual actuating member (2) integrating with said COTpS (5) after said mixing, and then being   movable relative to said head (1) for dispensing said mixture.   8.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   in which the mixing system (10) comprises means of safety o transport and / or the distribution system (20) comprises means   energy storage and / or dose separation means.   9.- Device according to claim 8, wherein said transport security means comprise breakable bridges and / or resistance elements, such as lugs, capable of being overcome by s application of an actuating force predetermined and / or an actuation separate from the actuation of the mixing system, such as a rotation. 10.- Device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said energy storage means comprise breakable bridges and / or resistance elements, such as lugs, capable of being overcome   by the application of a predetermined actuating force. 14 2837801   11.- Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in   which said dose separation means includes an actuation   separate from actuation of the distribution system, such as rotation.   12.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   wherein said mixing system (10) comprises a body (5) containing said first and second reservoirs (11, 12), a manual actuating member (2), movable relative to said body (5), and first means bearing (6) formed on said body (5), the user actuating said mixing system (10) with one hand by placing one or more fingers to on said first bearing means (6), one or more fingers on said manual actuator (2) and exerting an axial actuating force to move said manual actuator (2) relative said body (5).   13.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   s in which said distribution system (20) comprises a distribution head (1), a manual actuation member (2), movable relative to said head (1), and second support means (7) formed on said head (1), the user actuating said distribution system (20) with one hand by placing one or more fingers on said second support means (7), one or more fingers on said actuating member manual (2), and exerting an axial actuating force to move said   manual actuator (2) relative to said head (1).   14.- Device according to claims 12 and 13, wherein said   mixing system (10) and said distribution system (20) comprise the   : 5 same manual actuator (2).   15.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   wherein the third reservoir (30) contains two doses of product dispensed by two successive actuations of the dispensing system (20). so 16.- Device according to claim 2, wherein said passages (17, 18) respectively connecting the first and second tanks (11, 12) to said third tank (30) upon actuation of the mixing system (10) comprise swirl means for producing a homogeneous mixture of said first and second fluid products in said third tank (30).   s 17.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   wherein said first and second tanks (11, 12) have different volumes.   18.- Device according to claims 2 and 17, wherein the pistons   (1S, 16) of said first and second tanks (11, 12) are offset axially o, so that when the mixing system (10) is actuated, one of said plugs (13, 14) opens first its respective passage (17, 18), and only one of said first and second fluid products is fed into said third reservoir (30), until the other of said plugs (13, 14) opens the other passage respective (17, 18), after which the two fluid products are fed into said third tank (30) to be mixed there.   19.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   wherein said first and second fluid products are liquids.   20.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   in which the first and second reservoirs (11, 12) are filled, with   preferably simultaneously, after their assembly in the device.   21.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in   which the first and second tanks (11, 12) are filled before being assembled in the device. 2s