JP2005507312A - Fluid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid dispenser having a fluid reservoir (1), a dispenser outlet (22), dispenser means (2) for dispensing fluid through the dispenser outlet, and a drive button (3) for driving the dispenser means Wherein the reservoir is visible and the dispenser outlet (22) and the drive button (3) are located on each side of the reservoir (1), the reservoir being the dispenser outlet The fluid dispenser is characterized in that the fluid dispenser extends between the drive button and the drive button.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser, the dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir, a dispenser outlet, a dispenser means for dispensing fluid drawn from the reservoir from the dispenser outlet, and a drive button for moving the dispenser means. It is what you have. This type of dispenser has a completely conventional general shape and is of the type used in the field of cosmetics, perfumes and even pharmacy.
[Background]
[0002]
Generally, the fluid reservoir has a bottom end wall that acts as a seating surface and allows the dispenser to stand in a stable manner. At the end remote from the bottom end wall, the reservoir is necked, which forms an opening leading into the reservoir. A dispenser means (e.g. a pump or valve) is then installed at this neck. For the purpose of driving the dispenser means, a pusher is generally provided. By holding the pusher using, for example, a finger, the dispenser means can be driven to draw out the fluid stored in the reservoir. The fluid thus withdrawn is dispensed through the dispenser outlet, which can be provided, for example, in the form of a nozzle. Therefore, it can be said that the general configuration of the dispenser in the prior art is relatively simple. That is, a reservoir constituting the lower part of the dispenser, a dispenser means installed on the reservoir, and a pusher positioned at the top upper end of the dispenser means. Of course, there are other dispenser shapes, i.e., the reservoir is located on top of the dispenser and the pump is located below the reservoir. This is the case, for example, in the invention described in Patent Publication: US-4 882 096. In either case, the drive button is located in the vicinity of the dispenser means and the dispenser outlet.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0003]
The present invention aims to define a different shape or design with respect to the fluid dispenser, in which the drive button and dispenser outlet are completely separated, directly between the drive button and dispenser outlet. The technical relationship is invisible to the user.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0004]
To achieve this objective, the present invention proposes that the reservoir is visible, and that the dispenser outlet and the drive button are located on each of the sides of the reservoir, the reservoir being the dispenser outlet and the drive button. It is a fluid dispenser that is in a state of extending between the two.
【The invention's effect】
[0005]
In such a configuration, the reservoir will form a separation between the drive button and the dispenser outlet, but the separation is clear and does not seem to pass through. This is even more impressive if the reservoir is relatively long and is designed to form a genuine elongated separation wall between the drive button and the dispenser outlet.
Also, in one embodiment, the dispenser has two side risers that extend on each of the sides of the reservoir, one riser holding the dispenser outlet and the other riser holding the drive button. ing. In addition, it is effective that the reservoir is made of a transparent or translucent material. In this configuration, the user literally looks through the reservoir and can immediately see that the drive button and dispenser outlet are not connected. The fact that the user does not understand at a glance how the drive button acts on the dispenser outlet has an effect that looks surprising or even strange to the dispenser. And it also gives the dispenser some “magical” look.
[0006]
In one embodiment, the riser is connected at the base position. As an example, the riser extends very long and is connected to a base that forms a small part of the bottom surface of the dispenser. The riser and the base are preferably made in the form of a main body. The riser has a deep and long notch formed between the two. The notch is defined by the riser on the side surface and the base on the bottom surface, and the reservoir is accommodated in the notch. The height of the riser determines the depth of the notch and the longer the riser, the more pronounced the effect.
[0007]
Further, as an effective configuration, a seating surface is formed on the base, and the dispenser can stand in a stable state with the surface facing down so that the riser is in a substantially vertical orientation. It can be done. In this configuration, the dispenser can be provided in the form of a pillar with a constant (not essential) cross section. In other words, each riser can be said to have one end and a free end connected to the base.
[0008]
As another feature of the present invention, the reservoir has an opening disposed in the base and an end wall located substantially at the free end of the riser. When the dispenser stands with its base down, the reservoir is placed upside down with its opening down.
As another feature of the present invention, the dispenser outlet defines a dispenser axis, the drive button defines a thrust axis, the dispenser axis and the thrust axis are parallel, and it is effective that they coincide. . The dispenser outlet and the drive button are preferably located near the free end of the riser. In this case, the eye-opening effect is maximal, but it is connected to the base in order for the reservoir to separate the two risers at their free end position and to reach the position where they connect. Due to the need to go to their lower edge. In this configuration, the user literally has the impression that fluid is supplied directly from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet by moving a button. Of course, it is actually necessary to go around the reservoir in a manner that flows through the base. Furthermore, the alignment of the axes contributes to the effect of surprising this eye because the user can immediately see that the axes are in line.
[0009]
As another feature of the present invention, the dispenser outlet has a vibrator plate that is perforated into a shape with a plurality of outlet holes. Further, it is effective that the dispenser means has a drive means for vibrating the perforated plate.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a fluid supply capillary system for transporting fluid from the reservoir to the perforated plate. It is also effective that the riser holding the outlet dispenser contains a capillary core that connects the reservoir to the perforated plate. Capillary cores are used in combination with perforated vibrator plates so that the correct amount of fluid can be delivered from the reservoir by accurately selecting the core pore size and the diameter of the perforated vibrator plate outlet holes. It becomes possible to obtain.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0010]
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show two embodiments relating to the invention as non-limiting examples.
The fluid dispenser used in the description of the present invention has a columnar shape that is designed to stand upright in a stable manner and substantially vertically. The shape of the cross section of the column may be uniform (for example, a quadrangle) as in the dispenser shown in FIG. However, as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cross section of the column may not be uniform.
[0011]
The dispenser has two components visible from the outside: the body 4 and the fluid reservoir 1. The main body 4 can be integrally formed as a single part as in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), but a plurality of parts as in FIGS. It can also be made up of However, in any case shown in the figure, the drive button 3 and the dispenser outlet 2 are held by or formed on the main body 4. The drive button 3 serves as a control member for operating the dispenser means. The dispenser means is accommodated in the main body 4 and has a function of dispensing fluid through the dispenser outlet 2. More simply, pressing the drive button 3 causes fluid to be dispensed at the dispenser outlet 2.
[0012]
In the present invention, the fluid reservoir 1 extends between the drive button 3 and the dispenser outlet 2. This is apparent from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (b). When the reservoir is thus placed between the drive button and the dispenser outlet, the drive button and dispenser outlet will be clearly separated by the reservoir 1 and they appear to be completely separated from each other. . This gives the dispenser a visual or visual effect that will surprise the eyes, thereby making the dispenser look “mysterious” or “magical”. This is even more visible when the fluid reservoir is made of a transparent or translucent material such as glass or plastic material. The user can immediately see through the transparent or translucent wall of the reservoir that the drive button and dispenser button are separated by fluid.
[0013]
As a feature common to both the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 2 (a), and FIG. 2 (b), the main body is formed with a base 46 and two side risers 44, 45. These risers Are extended from the base 46 so as to extend upward in a substantially parallel state. It is effective to form a seating surface 415 on the base 46 so that the dispenser can stand upright in a stable manner. This is exactly what gives the dispenser the approximate shape of a “vertical pillar”. Each of the two risers 44, 45 is connected to the base 46 by a lower end, and each has an upper end 441, 451 that is a free end, as seen in FIG. 2 (b). The risers 44, 45 are on each side of the reservoir 1 and extend in substantially the same direction. As can be seen in most of the figures, the reservoir 1 has a generally elongated shape and is provided with an end wall 10, a side wall 11, and a neck 12 in which an opening is formed. As an effective configuration, the reservoir is placed upside down between the two risers 44 and 45 (ie, placed inside the base 46 with its neck 12 positioned underneath. ) As an effective configuration, the end wall 10 of the reservoir 1 is then substantially aligned with the free ends of the risers 44 and 45 to form a kind of top wall that is substantially flat. Yes. As an effective configuration, the drive button 3 and the dispenser outlet 2 are located towards the free ends 441, 451 of the risers 44, 45. This further enhances the eye-catching visual effect of the dispenser. This is because the drive button is clearly separated from the dispenser outlet by the reservoir 1. The button and outlet are also relatively far from the base 46 that forms the connecting element between the two risers 44, 45. It should be noted that it is effective to minimize the height of the base 46. This is because by doing so, the effect of making the two risers 44 and 45 appear to be almost completely separated is further enhanced. In a similar sense, it is preferable that the height of the base does not exceed half the total height of the dispenser.
[0014]
As another advantageous characteristic relating to the present invention, the drive button and the outlet opening are located at substantially the same height. More precisely, the drive button defines the thrust axis and the outlet opening defines the dispenser axis, so if the two axes coincide, the result (although this is not possible at all) ), The force from the drive button 3 has the effect of giving the impression that administration at the outlet 2 takes place directly through the reservoir 1.
[0015]
In other words, it can be said that the body 4 takes the form of a deep, elongated notch, defined on the side by risers 44, 45 and on the bottom by a base 46, respectively. The reservoir 1 is housed in a deep notch with its opening 12 hidden. It is therefore impossible to know where the fluid leaves the reservoir. Effective is that the reservoir appears to the user's eyes to take the form of a transparent or translucent container without an opening. This, together with the positioning of the buttons and outlets on each side of the reservoir, further enhances the visual effect that surprises the eyes.
[0016]
Of course, placing the button 3 and outlet 2 in the vicinity of the free ends 441, 451 should not be considered limiting. On the contrary, the button 3 and the outlet 2 can be arranged at any position or at any height on the risers 44, 45 separated by the reservoir 1. The button 3 can be arranged in the vicinity of the base 46, and the outlet can be arranged in the vicinity of the end 441, or vice versa. The button 3 and the outlet 2 can be arranged in the vicinity of the base 46.
[0017]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 2 (c), it can be seen that the cross section of the reservoir 1 is circular. This is particularly apparent in FIG. With regard to the risers 44, 45, each of them creates an inner wall, which is curved to match the curvature of the reservoir wall, so that the reservoir fits completely between the risers. This is also true for the embodiment of FIG. 3 where the reservoir has a substantially I-shaped cross section.
[0018]
In either embodiment, the reservoir can be removed and replaced, but this requires that the reservoir be fitted in the notch formed between the risers. An advantage with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (c) is that the reservoir is screwed to the base. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the reservoir must be fixed in a translational manner. In addition, a reservoir having a circular cross-section is easier to manufacture.
[0019]
Up to this point, a detailed description has been given regarding the internal structure of the fluid dispenser of the present invention. From now on, a specific embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, which shows the internal structure of the fluid dispenser of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the risers 44, 45 and the base 46 serve as housings, which in the initial state are various types for allowing the fluid stored in the reservoir 1 to be dispensed from the dispenser outlet 2. Designed to hold components. This is an example, but the main body 4 (that is, the two risers 44 and 45 and the base 46) is made of three parts so that the two side walls 42 and 43 are installed on each side of the central portion 41. Can do. The three elements can be manufactured from, for example, an injection-molded plastic material. The central portion 41 is formed with a deep and elongated notch, in which the reservoir 1 is arranged. The central portion 41 forms part of the risers 44 and 45. The side walls 42, 43 serve to complete the central portion, thereby forming two risers 44, 45 and a base 46. For example, the fixing of the side walls 42 and 43 to the central portion can be performed using a snap fastening system, a heat sealing process, an adhesive, or the like. The dispenser shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the dispenser in FIG. Thus, as can be seen, the side walls 42, 43 can be manufactured in the form of a flat plate and mounted on the central portion 41 thereon. An opening 421 is formed in the side wall 42, and the dispenser outlet 2 is arranged behind the opening 421. The detailed structure of the dispenser outlet and the dispenser means will be described below with reference to FIG. Extending from the side wall 42 is a bottom wall 422 made to support the electronic control circuit 7. As far as the side wall 43 is concerned, this is formed with a hole 431 in which the drive button 3 is fitted. The type of drive button can be a touch sensitive switch. Together with the central part 41, the side wall 43 forms a side riser 45. The side riser 45 serves as a housing for the drive button and its associated mechanism and for the battery 5. Of course, one battery or some other power supply means (eg a rechargeable battery connected to a solar panel or, more simply, a power cable for connection to a power supply) is also conceivable. In the side riser 44 formed by attaching the side wall 42 to the central portion 41, a duct 412 that is open at the lower end portion 413 and the upper end portion 414 is formed in the central portion 41. The duct 412 is designed to have a capillary core 6 therein. The duct 412 is connected to the chamber 411 at its lower end, which in turn is connected to the opening 12 of the reservoir 1. As an advantageous configuration, a controlled closure system can be placed at the location of the opening 12 (eg, inside a sleeve 16 fitted into the opening 12). Therefore, the fluid 15 stored in the reservoir 1 can flow into the chamber 411 by gravity only at a predetermined time. As an effective configuration, the chamber 411 can be bubbled to allow a predetermined amount of fluid to be retained by impregnation. Thus, when fluid from the reservoir 1 reaches the chamber 413, the fluid penetrates into the capillary core 6, thereby causing the fluid to move up the capillary core 6 to its upper end 414. As mentioned above, the duct 412 is open in the vicinity of the upper end 414 in direct communication with the dispenser means 2. The dispenser means is more clearly shown in FIG.
[0020]
Also in this particular embodiment, the dispenser means can be similar or identical to that described in the patent publication: EP-0 615 470. In this case, the dispenser means used in the dispenser of the present invention comprises a plate or membrane 21 which is perforated in a form with a plurality of dispenser holes 22, which together form a dispenser outlet. To do. The membrane 21 is associated with vibrator means, which in the form of a substrate 23 to which a vibrator element 25 (for example a piezoelectric element) is added. More precisely, the substrate 23 is provided in the form of a disk or washer with a circular opening 232 formed in the center. The vibrator element 24 is also provided in the form of a washer attached to the annular substrate 23. The perforated film 21 covers the central opening 232 of the substrate 23. When a voltage is applied to the vibrator element 24, the membrane 21 starts to vibrate, whereby the fluid immediately after it can be ejected in the form of fine droplets. Such administration techniques are clearly defined in their entirety in the above prior art documents.
[0021]
In the present invention, the substrate 23 is installed on the support element 25, and the shape of the support element is annular, and more generally speaking, is the same shape as the substrate 23. The shape of the substrate 23 may be a square or a rectangle. The support element 25 is made of a material that can achieve both sealing of the liquid and damping of vibration generated in the vibrator element 24. In this particular shape of the dispenser means, the dispenser outlet forms an integral part of the dispenser means. A support element 25 with a substrate, its vibrator element and its perforated membrane are arranged in the riser 44 at the location of the upper opening of the duct 412 so that the dispenser of the perforated membrane 21 The hole 22 comes to a position facing the opening 421 formed in the side wall 42 attached to the central element 41. The support element 25 seals the outlet opening 414 of the duct 412 because it is carried here by the capillary core 6 so that the fluid is present here and the substrate 23 and the perforated membrane 21. Is in contact with. The capillary core 6 may be formed directly from the perforated membrane 21, but as a modified example, a bubble may be sandwiched between the vibrator membrane 21 and the capillary core 6. The support element 25 is installed in the riser 44 so as to be packed between the opening 414 of the duct 412 and the inner surface around the opening 421 of the side wall 42. This ensures that element 25 is firmly positioned within the dispenser and prevents vibrations generated in vibrator element 24 from propagating throughout the dispenser. In this way, the fluid stored in the reservoir 1 can be carried to the inner wall of the vibrator membrane 21 via the chamber 413 and the capillary core 6 without risk of leakage. Downstream, a sleeve 16 fitted to the reservoir neck 12 provides a seal at the central portion 21 at the bottom of the notch, and upstream, a support element 25 provides a seal at the outlet.
[0022]
The vibrator element 24 requires a supply of voltage and for this reason is electrically connected to the electronic control circuit 7 by means of a power supply cable 27. In a manner corresponding to this, the contact mechanism of the drive button 3 and the battery 5 are connected to the electronic control circuit 7 by power supply cables 47 and 57.
By means of the capillary core system 6, fluid is supplied to the perforated membrane 21, which can be vibrated by applying a voltage to the vibrator element 24. When the drive button 3 is pressed, a supply voltage is supplied, which closes the circuit through the electronic control system 7. Thus, the fluid is dispensed in the form of fine droplets without interruption and is sprayed from the dispenser outlet through the array of holes 22 formed in the perforated vibrator membrane 21. As long as the user simply presses the drive button 3, a fluid jet is generated and sprayed from the outlet 2. The effect of surprising the eyes involved in inserting the reservoir 1 (preferably transparent) can be easily and immediately seen by the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fluid dispenser of the present invention.
2A is a side view showing an embodiment which is a modification of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
(B) It is a side view which shows embodiment which becomes a deformation | transformation of the dispenser shown in FIG.
[0024]
(C) It is sectional drawing in the sectional line of FIG.2 (b).
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG.
4 is a view showing a dispenser means and a dispenser opening of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 in a greatly enlarged manner.

Claims (17)

A fluid reservoir (1);
A dispenser outlet (22);
A dispenser means (2) for dispensing fluid through the dispenser outlet; and
A fluid dispenser having a drive button (3) for driving the dispenser means,
The feature is
The reservoir is visible, and
The dispenser outlet (22) and the drive button (3) are located on each side of the reservoir (1) and the reservoir extends between the dispenser outlet and the drive button. ,
The fluid dispenser characterized by the above. It has two side risers (44, 45) extending on each of the sides of the reservoir (1), one riser (44) holding the dispenser outlet (22) and the other riser (45) Holding the drive button (3),
The dispenser according to claim 1. The reservoir (1) is made of a transparent or translucent material;
The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2. The risers (44, 45) are connected at the position of the base (46);
The dispenser according to claim 2 or 3. The riser and base are made in the form of the body (4),
The dispenser according to claim 4. The riser forms a deep and long notch (47) between the two, the notch being defined by the riser (44, 45) on the side and the base (46) on the bottom, the reservoir (1) Contained in the notch (47),
The dispenser according to claim 4 or 5. The base (46) is formed with a seating surface (415), and the dispenser is placed in a stable state with the surface down so that the risers (44, 45) are in a substantially vertical orientation. Being able to stand,
The dispenser according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The risers (44, 45) each have one end connected to the base and free ends (441, 451);
The dispenser according to any one of claims 4 to 7. The reservoir (1) has an opening (12) disposed in the base (46) and an end wall (10) located substantially at the free ends (441, 451) of the riser;
The dispenser according to claim 8. The dispenser outlet (22) defines the dispenser axis, the drive button (3) defines the thrust axis, the dispenser axis and the thrust axis are parallel, and it is effective that they coincide,
The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The dispenser outlet (22) and the drive button (3) are located near the free ends (441, 451) of the riser;
The dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that. The dispenser outlet has a vibrator plate (21) perforated in a shape with a plurality of outlet holes (22);
The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The dispenser means comprises drive means (24) for vibrating the perforated plate (21);
The dispenser according to claim 12. Having a capillary system (6) for supplying fluid to carry fluid from the reservoir (1) to the perforated plate (21);
The dispenser according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: Inside the riser (44) holding the outlet dispenser (22) is a capillary core (6) connecting the reservoir (1) to the perforated plate (21);
The dispenser according to claim 14. The reservoir is removable,
The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The reservoir has a circular cross section,
The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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