FR3007005A1 - FLUID RESERVOIR RECHARGEABLE BY GRAVITY. - Google Patents

Abstract

Tank (R1) of gravity-refreshing fluid product comprising a flask (F1), characterized in that it further comprises a connecting end (E1) associated with the flask (F1) and adapted to axially receive an outlet (S12) d a source of filling (S1) temporarily fluid product or a dispensing member (A1) fluid removably, the connection piece (E1) defining a fluid filling conduit (E11), a air outlet channel (E15) and a fluid product distribution duct (E11), the connection piece (E1) further comprising a shut-off valve (E17) adapted to close the air outlet duct (E15), the shut-off valve (E17) being movable axially by pressing the outlet (S12) of the filling source (S1) to open the channel (E15) and thus establish an air communication between the source of filling (S1) and the refillable tank (R1).

Description

The present invention relates to a gravity-refillable fluid reservoir. This reservoir can thus be filled by gravity from a source of fluid filling which is temporarily attached to an opening of the reservoir. The preferred field of application of the present invention is that of perfumery or cosmetics, without forgetting the other related fields. In the prior art, for example, document EP-2500277 describes a source for filling fluid or refill which is provided with a transfer system mounted on the neck of a bottle. The transfer system comprises a liquid duct and an air duct which allow a cross passage of air and liquid. This source of filling or refilling is intended to be attached to the neck of a refillable tank with the filling source arranged upside down on the refillable reservoir, so that the liquid of the refill can be transferred by gravity through the transfer system in the refillable tank. When the refillable reservoir is filled, the refill or refill source is removed from the neck of the reservoir which then remains open. In this document of the prior art, the transfer device is mounted on the filling source or refill, and the refillable reservoir is virtually raw, that is to say without any accessories. The refillable reservoir is presented in this document in the form of a single one-piece glass bottle forming a threaded neck adapted to receive by screwing the transfer system associated with the filling source or refill.

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the refill device of the document EP-2 500 277 by defining a gravity rechargeable reservoir which can receive filling sources or refill of different types, and without risk of loss of product fluid at the end of the filling operation after removal of the filling source or refill. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable reservoir which manages the cross flow of fluid and air. Yet another object is to provide a gravity rechargeable reservoir which can directly receive a fluid dispenser member, which includes for example a pump, a roll-on, a plug, etc. Yet another object of the present invention is to allow a control of the filling speed of the refillable tank to allow for example to reduce the filling rate in the terminal filling phase. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a refillable reservoir from standard vials, such as those made integrally of glass. To do this, the present invention provides a gravity-refillable fluid reservoir comprising a bottle, the reservoir further comprising a connection tip associated with the bottle and adapted to axially receive an outlet of a fluid source of filling fluid. or a removably fluid product dispensing member, the connection piece defining a fluid product filling duct, an air outlet duct and a fluid dispensing duct, the connection piece comprising in addition to a shut-off valve adapted to close the air outlet channel and / or the filling duct of fluid product, the valve being movable axially by pressing the outlet of the filling source to open the channel and / or the conduct and thus establish a communication of air and / or fluid between the filling source and the refillable tank. Thus, the refillable reservoir of the invention is characterized by several advantageous aspects, namely a connection tip which can receive both a filling source and a dispensing member, a connection tip which allows the cross flow of the fluid product. and air, and a shut-off valve for controlling flow through the air channel and / or the filling duct. Thanks to these advantageous aspects, there is a gravity rechargeable tank which incorporates all the functions necessary for transferring the fluid and the air, controlling and stopping the flow of air and / or fluid. , at the temporary reception of a filling source or refill and the removable attachment of a dispensing member, for example equipped with a pump. The gravity-refillable fluid reservoir of the invention is therefore perfectly autonomous, since it integrates, at its connection end, all the functions necessary for the filling and the removable attachment of a dispenser member so as to constitute a distributor of fluid product.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the air outlet channel comprises an axially elongated elongated upper outlet which is progressively disengaged during the axial displacement of the shut-off valve, this upper lateral outlet having an axial height which is greater than its radial width. It is thus possible to adjust the air flow through the upper side outlet of the air outlet channel by moving the shutter valve more or less. In other words, the lateral high output of the air outlet channel is not in the form of a point output, but instead in the form of an axially elongated two-dimensional output, so that the high output lateral has an active area greater or less depending on the more or less pronounced movement of the shutter valve. In this way, the user can for example fully depress the shutter valve at the beginning of the filling phase to obtain a high flow rate and reduce the flow rate at the end of the filling phase to accurately adjust the fluid level to the fluid. inside the refillable tank. Advantageously, the fluid product filling duct comprises an axially elongated, elongated upper inlet which is progressively disengaged during the axial displacement of the shut-off valve, this upper lateral inlet having an axial height which is greater than its radial width. Thus, the adjustable flow rate can also be implemented at the level of the filling duct in fluid product. It is even conceivable to use this adjustable flow rate only on the fluid filling pipe, and not on the air outlet channel. According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the valve defines an external sealing wall adapted to come into sealed contact with the outlet of the source bottle, this external sealing wall advantageously having increasing diameters for receiving outlets from sources of different diameters. Thus, this outer sealing wall serves as an adapter for receiving filling sources having necks or outlets of different diameters. According to a first embodiment, the fluid product filling duct can be confused with the fluid dispensing duct, the shutter valve closing only the air outlet duct. In this case, the filling and dispensing duct may be provided with a non-return valve capable of closing off said duct in the event of the tank overturning.

According to a second embodiment, the fluid product filling duct may be distinct from the fluid dispenser duct, the shut-off valve closing both the air outlet duct and the fluid product filling duct. Advantageously, the fluid dispenser duct is provided with a non-return valve movable axially between two opposite seats. When the check valve rests on a seat, it prevents any risk of leakage if the tank overturns, and when the check valve rests on the other seat, it prevents the filling of the bottle through the distribution duct . In this second embodiment, the fluid product filling duct may comprise a lateral high inlet and the air outlet duct comprises a lateral upper outlet, the lateral upper inlet and the upper lateral outlet being selectively closed by the flap shutter. In this case, the lateral upper outlet and the lateral upper inlet may both have an axially elongated configuration so as to be progressively released by the shut-off valve, thus making it possible to regulate the flow of air and of fluid product during the filling. According to an advantageous configuration of this second embodiment, the fluid product filling duct and the air outlet duct may extend around the fluid dispensing duct. The filling duct may extend over half of the periphery of the dispensing duct and the air outlet duct may extend over the other half of the periphery of the dispensing duct.

According to another characteristic that can be implemented in both embodiments, the non-return valve is a ball made of ferromagnetic material and the shut-off valve comprises a magnet, so that the ball is driven by the check valve. shutter. We can say that the shutter valve controls the check valve. According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the connection endpiece comprises a mounting ring adapted to receive a dispensing member connected to the fluid dispensing conduit. This dispenser member may for example include a pump, a roll-on, a valve, etc.

This is a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, because it allows the tank of the invention to receive directly without intermediate piece and removably a dispensing member. According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the connection piece constitutes a separate piece attached fixedly to a neck of the bottle. The bottle is preferably made in one piece, for example glass. The present invention also defines a fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing member, incorporating for example a pump or a roll-on, which is removably mounted on a gravity rechargeable fluid reservoir as defined above. The spirit of the invention lies in the fact that the tank incorporates all the functionalities necessary for its filling so that it can be filled from a simple filling source and also comprises fixing or receiving means for receiving detachably a dispensing member to thereby constitute a complete distributor of fluid product. The invention can also be seen in a kit comprising a refillable reservoir according to the invention, a filling source and a dispenser member, the filling source and the dispenser member being reportable in turn on the refillable reservoir. the invention. The rechargeable reservoir of the invention thus constitutes an essential element that integrates all the functionalities, so that it can cooperate with a conventional filling source and a conventional dispensing member. The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting examples, two embodiments of the invention. In the figures: FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid dispenser incorporating a refillable reservoir according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. Figure 3a is a view similar to Figures 1 and 2 showing the refillable reservoir in a certain orientation. Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view through the reservoir of Figure 3a at the section line. FIG. 4a is a view similar to that of FIG. 3a with an orientation rotated at 90 °; FIG. 4b is a cross sectional view along section line BB of FIG. 4a; FIGS. 5a to 5d are very schematic views showing different possible configurations for the upper side outlet of the air outlet channel, FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the refill tank FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through a refillable reservoir according to a second embodiment of the invention. Reference will firstly be made to FIGS. 1 to 6 to describe in detail the structure and operation of a dispenser incorporating a refillable reservoir according to the first embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 1, the dispenser is shown assembled or assembled. It essentially comprises two distinct subsets, namely a fluid dispenser member A1 and a refillable fluid reservoir R1. When these two elements are assembled, as shown in Figure 1, together they constitute a fluid dispenser ready to use. The main function of the dispensing member A1 is to take fluid from the tank R1 and to distribute it in any form, such as for example a spray, a jet, a drop, a hazelnut, or a direct application. on an application surface such as the skin. The dispensing member A1 can for example incorporate a pump Al 1, which is not shown in detail, since it does not constitute a critical element of the present invention. It may for example be a quite conventional pump comprising a fluid product inlet Al2 which communicates with a pump chamber whose volume varies by displacement of a piston actuated by a pusher which can integrate a dispensing orifice . This is a quite conventional design for a hand pump frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pump Al 1 can be mounted in a bush Al 3 which itself is fixedly mounted in a mounting cylinder A14 which has mounting lugs A15. Optionally, a dressing case A16 envelops the mounting cylinder A14: this case A16 having one or two notches (s) A17 to allow the gripping of the tank R1 for insertion and removal of the case A16. Indeed, as can be seen in Figure 1, the tank R1 can be integrally received inside the case A16 with its upper end in sealing engagement with the fluid product inlet Al2. It may also be noted that the mounting tabs A15 are engaged with a mounting ring E19. In this way, the tank R1 is removably mounted and sealingly connected within the dispensing member A1. The grip and force necessary to introduce the reservoir R1 and extract it from the case Al 6 can be applied through the notches A17.

The refillable reservoir R1 comprises two constituent elements, namely a flask Fl and a connection tip El which is associated with the flask F1. Fl bottle can be of a type quite conventional. It can for example be made in one piece in a suitable material, such as glass, a suitable plastic material, metal, etc. Fl flask comprises a bottom F11, and at its opposite end, a neck F12, which can be formed with a protruding external lateral reinforcement, in a manner quite conventional.

The connection tip El is the essential element of the invention, and more particularly of the refillable reservoir R1. This connection tip El can be made from several pieces of plastic material that can be injected / molded. The connection tip can for example be made with two or three parts, except for the return spring E18. The connection tip El comprises a fixed part which is fixedly mounted on the flask F1, and more particularly on its neck F12. In addition, the connection tip El comprises a movable member which is movable axially around the fixed portion against the return spring E18 which returns it to a rest position. This movable member is here in the form of a shutter valve E17 which is intended to selectively close at least one lateral air outlet E151. In the embodiment of the figures, the connection endpiece comprises two upper lateral air outlets 151. More specifically, the fixed part of the connection end E1 comprises two concentric tubes E12 and E16, the inner tube E12 being arranged inside the outer tube E16. The inner tube E12 internally defines a conduit E11 which serves to fill the fl bottle Fl fluid and distribution of fluid in the direction of the pump A11 of the dispensing member A1. It can thus be said that the duct E11 is a double function duct for filling and dispensing fluid product. At its upper end, the inner tube E12 forms a receiving sleeve El 1 1 for the fluid product inlet Al 2 of the pump Al 1. This sleeve El 1 1 may have a slightly flared frustoconical shape to facilitate the introduction of the inlet Al2. The inner tube E12 also defines a check valve seat E123, and a tube holder E121 for supporting a dip tube E14 which extends into the flask Fl near its bottom F11. A nonreturn valve 124, for example in the form of a ball, is disposed inside the conduit El 1 below the seat E123 and above the upper end of the dip tube E14. The inner tube E12 is connected to the outer tube E16 at their respective upper ends, and at two radial spacers E126 which are arranged in the same vertical plane diametrically opposite. In this way, two semi-cylindrical channels E15 are formed between the two tubes E12 and E16. At their lower ends, these channels are open in the neck F12 of the flask F1, and at their upper ends, they open laterally at the high side outlets E151 formed in the outer tube E16. For the sealing of these upper side outlets E151, the outer tube 16 forms a valve seat E162 around the outputs E151. Furthermore, the fixed part of the dispensing nozzle El forms a mounting ring E19 which allows the removable reception of the legs A15 of the dispensing member A1, as can be seen in FIG. 1. In addition, this mounting ring E19 comes in fixed and sealed engagement with the F12 neck of the F1 flask. Advantageously, the outer tube E16 extends downwardly inside the neck F12 in the form of a sealing lip E161. The return spring E18 is supported on the mounting ring E19 and urges the shutter valve E17 upwards so as to close the two upper lateral outlets E151. A stop is provided at the outer tube E16 to limit the stroke of the shutter valve E17. Thus, the Fl flask can communicate with the outside through the plunger tube E14 and the duct E11 on the one hand, and secondly through the two air outlet channels E15 which are selectively closable by the flapper. shutter E17 which moves axially around the outer tube E16 against the return spring E18.

Advantageously, the shut-off valve E17 defines an external peripheral sealing wall E171 which is intended to come into direct sealed contact with the output S12 of the source S1. Preferably, this outer sealing wall E171 is formed with steps of increasing diameter thus making it possible to receive outputs S12 of different diameters. This provides a great modularity to the connection tip El which can receive filling sources S1 of different types and diameters. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the upper lateral outlets E151 of the two air outlet channels E15 have an axially elongated shape, so that their axial height is greater than their radial width. In Fig. 5a, a high side exit E151 of Fig. 4a is magnified. It can clearly be seen that the output E151 has an axially elongated triangular shape. As a result, this elongated outlet will be progressively released by the shut-off valve E17 as it is displaced axially downwards against the return spring E18. When the shut-off valve E17 is moved a short distance, only an upper part of the upper outlet E151 will be disengaged and the air flow will be low. On the other hand, when the shut-off valve E17 is moved all the way down, the entire upper outlet E151 is disengaged, and the air flow rate is then maximal. In Figures 5b, 5c and 5d, there is shown other possible forms for the upper side outlet of the air outlet channels E15. For example, in FIG. 5b, the high lateral exit E151b is in the form of an axially elongated rectangle. In FIG. 5c, the high lateral exit E151c is in the form of three axially aligned holes, which furthermore have increasing diameters. In Figure 5d, the high side exit E151d is in the form of a stepped pyramid. The configurations of FIGS. 5a, 5c and 5d make it possible to increase exponentially the air outlet flow rate during the axial displacement of the shut-off valve E17. The configuration of Figure 5b shows a greater proportionality.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 6 to explain how the tank R1 is filled. The tank R1 is arranged upright, that is to say with the connection tip El located above the flask F1. A filling source S1, which may also be referred to as a refill, is arranged upside down on the connection tip E1. This source S1 can define a body having a large storage volume, as well as a collar that acts as a fluid outlet S12. The neck may for example be threaded externally to receive a screw cap. To arrive at the configuration shown in Figure 6, it starts with the source S1 disposed at the place and the reservoir R1 is reported upside down on the neck S12 of the source. Then, we reverse the assembly so as to arrive in the configuration shown in Figure 6, with the source S1 disposed above the tank R1. From this moment, the source S1 is pressed downwards against the shut-off valve E17, which will then move axially downwards against the return spring E18. This has the effect of at least partially clearing the upper side outlets E151 of the air outlet channels E15 so that the air contained in the fl bottle can escape and return through the contents of the source S1 under the form of bubbles. Simultaneously, the fluid stored in the source S1 flows through the conduit E11, around the ball E124, then through the dip tube E14 to finally reach the F1 bottle. The flow of fluid and air intersect, with the flow of air flowing concentrically around the flow of fluid, due to the concentric arrangement of the channels E11 and E15. It is thus possible to partially or completely fill the fl bottle Fl of the tank Rl. When the upper side outlets E151 have an axially elongated configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d, the user can accurately control the filling rate by varying the air outlet flow rate. The user can, for example, strongly press the source S1 at the beginning of filling to accelerate the filling speed, and reduce it for example at the end of filling by releasing the pressure on the source S1 so that the shutter valve E17 partly masks the high lateral outlets 151. The filling is stopped as soon as the shut-off valve E17 once again completely masks the lateral high outlets El 51. Once the reservoir R1 has been filled, the user returns the assembly again. so as to have the tank R1 above the bottle S1. It can then remove the tank R1 from the source S1 without risk of leakage, since the non-return valve or ball 124 is then plated on its seat E123. On the other hand, the high side outlets E151 of the air channels E15 are closed by the shutter valve E17. The user can then safely return the tank R1 upright and insert it into the case Al 7 so as to connect it sealingly to the fluid inlet Al 2 of the pump A11. Simultaneously, the tabs Al 5 engage around the mounting ring E19. With the connecting end E1, the reservoir R1 can be filled easily by gravity by connecting it to a filling source S1, and can also directly receive a distribution member A1 so as to constitute a conventional product distributor fluid. Referring now to Figure 7 to describe the features of a second embodiment for a refillable tank R2. Fl bottle may be identical to that of the first embodiment. In its overall design, the connection tip E2 is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. Parts or similar or identical parts have been referenced correspondingly with a dozen added. Thus, the inner tube E22, which internally defines the conduit E21, is surrounded by the outer tube E26 which connects to the inner tube E22 by the same radial spacers E126 as in the first embodiment. In this way, the inner tube E22 is surrounded by two semi-cylindrical channels, namely an air outlet channel E25 and a fluid product filling duct E23. It can thus be said that the compartmentalisation of the air outlet channels El 5 of the first embodiment has been used to define an air outlet channel E25 and a fluid product filling duct E23, this channel E25 and this conduit E23 concentrically surrounding the conduit E21 which is a fluid dispensing conduit. Consequently, in this second embodiment, the fluid product filling duct E23 is completely distinct from the fluid product distribution duct E21. We are here in the presence of three separate channels or channels, namely E21 for fluid dispensing, E25 for the air outlet and E23 for fluid filling. In order to distinguish the air outlet channel E25 from the fluid filling duct E23 and thus to induce the flow flows, the outer tube E26 extends inside the bottle F1 at the level of the fluid filling duct E23 in the form of an extension E262. In this way, the air flows automatically through the channel E25 and the fluid flows automatically through the conduit E23. Another particularity of this second embodiment lies in the formation of two valve seats E223 and E241 for the non-return valve E224, which can be in the form of a ball. When the ball E224 rests on the lower seat E241, it prevents any fluid entry into the interior of the flask F1. On the other hand, when the ball E224 is on its upper seat E223, which corresponds to an inverted position of the tank R2, any fluid product outlet is prevented through the dip tube E24. The sealed contact of the ball E224 on its lower seat E241 is effective during the filling phase, as shown in Figure 6. The fluid product from the source S1 can not penetrate inside the bottle F1 through the leads E21. On the other hand, the fluid product coming from the source can enter the bottle through the filling duct E23, since the inlet S12 of the source S1 has displaced the shutter valve E27 so as to release at least partially the E251 high side exit of the E25 channel and the E233 high side entrance of the E23 conduit, respectively. In this regard, it should be noted that the high side exit E251 and the upper side entrance E231 can be made with geometric configurations identical or similar to those shown in Figures 5a to 5d.

Another feature of this second embodiment lies in the presence of a magnet E272 which is integral with the shutter valve E27. When the ball E224 is made of steel, which is quite conventional, the magnet E272 attracts the ball E224, and causes it in its axial displacement.

In the rest position shown in FIG. 7, the magnet E272 holds the ball E224 close to the upper seat E223, whereas the ball should normally rest, in the absence of a magnet, on its lower seat 241. On the other hand when the shut-off valve E27 is lowered against the return spring, the magnet E272 is moved downward, thereby causing the ball 224 to press it firmly against its lower seat 241. Thus , the magnet E272 further contributes to sealing the ball E224 on its lower seat E241, in particular during the filling operation, as visible in FIG. 6. The magnet and the steel ball can also be implemented in the first embodiment.

Thanks to the invention, there is a gravity rechargeable tank which is completely autonomous, since it incorporates the functionalities necessary for its filling and its connection to any distribution member.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS1.- Reservoir (R1; R2) of gravity-refreshing fluid product comprising a flask (F1; F2), characterized in that it further comprises a connection tip (E1; E2) associated with the flask (F1; F2). and adapted to receive axially an outlet (S12) of a filling source (S1) temporarily fluid product or a dispensing member (A1) fluid removably, the connecting tip (E1; E2) defining a fluid product filling duct (E11; E23), an air outlet duct (E15; E25) and a fluid product delivery duct (E11; E21), the connection nozzle (El; E2) further comprising a shut-off valve (E17; E27) adapted to close off the air outlet channel (E15; E25) and / or the fluid filling duct (E23), the shut-off valve (E17; E27) being axially displaceable by pressing the outlet (S12) of the filling source (S1) to open the channel (E15; E25) and / or the conduit (E23) and thus establishing a communication of air and / or fluid between the filling source (S1) and the refillable reservoir (R1; R2). 2. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet channel (E15; E25) comprises an axially elongated lateral outlet (E151, E151b, E151c, E151d, E251) which is progressively disengaged during the axial displacement of the shut-off valve (E17; E27), this upper lateral outlet (E151, E151b; E151c, E151d; E251) having an axial height which is greater than its radial width. 3. A tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shut-off valve (E17; E27) defines an external sealing wall (E171; E271) adapted to come into sealed contact with the outlet (S12) of the source. filling device (S1), this external sealing wall (E171; E271) advantageously having increasing diameters for receiving outputs from sources of different diameters. 4. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling duct (E23) of fluid product comprises an axially elongated upper lateral inlet (E231) which is progressively disengaged during the axial displacement of the shut-off valve (E27). ), this lateral upper entrance (E231) having an axial height which is greater than its radial width. 5.- tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filling duct (E11) of fluid product is merged with the fluid dispensing duct, the shutter valve closing only the outlet channel d air (E15). 6. Tank according to claim 5, wherein the filling and distribution duct (E11) is provided with a non-return valve (E124) adapted to close said duct (E11) in case of tank overturning (R1). . 7. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid product filling duct (E23) is distinct from the fluid dispensing duct (E21), the shutter valve (E27) closing at both the air outlet channel (E25) and the fluid filling duct (E23). 8. A tank according to claim 7, wherein the dispensing duct (E21) of fluid product is provided with a non-return valve (E224) axially movable between two opposite seats (E223, E241). 9. A tank according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the filling duct (E23) of fluid product comprises a lateral upper inlet (E231) and the air outlet duct (E25) comprises a lateral upper outlet (E251). , the upper side inlet (E231) and the upper side outlet (E251) being selectively closed by the shut-off valve (E27). 10. A tank according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the filling duct (E23) of fluid product and the air outlet channel (E25) extend around the distribution duct (E21) of fluid product. 11. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the check valve (E124) is a ball of ferromagnetic material and the shutter valve (E27) comprises a magnet (E272), so that the ball is driven by the shutter valve. 12. Tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting piece (El; E2) comprises a mounting ring (E19; E29) adapted to receive a dispensing member (A1) connected to the distribution duct. (E11; E21) fluid product. 13.- tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting piece (El; E2) is a separate piece attached fixedly on a neck (F12; F22) of the bottle (F1; F2). 14. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing member (A1), incorporating for example a pump (A11), removably mounted on a refillable fluid reservoir (R-I; R2) according to any one of the preceding claims.