WO2019237163A1

WO2019237163A1 - Dispensing system with double actuation system

Info

Publication number: WO2019237163A1
Application number: PCT/BR2018/050191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronaldo de Pontes Junior; Edenilson ALDO FADEL
Original assignee: Albea Do Brasil Embalagens Ltda
Priority date: 2018-06-13
Filing date: 2018-06-13
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: BR112020025386A2

Abstract

Dispensing system (1) for delivering a fluid product and configured to be mounted on a reservoir, said dispensing system comprising: - a metering pump (3) capable of pumping and delivering said product under the action of an actuation system, - a first actuation system (10) being actuated so as the dispensing system (1) can dispense a dose of product, - a second actuation system (40) being actuated so as the dispensing system (1) can dispense a dose of product.

Description

Dispensing system with double actuation system

The invention relates to a dispensing system for delivering a fluid product.

The fluid product is of the lotion, gel, perfume, or cream type, for example, for cosmetic use or for pharmaceutical treatments.

By definition, a dispensing system, such as for example an atomizer producing a fine spray, denotes an apparatus that forces a liquid to pass through an opening. Dispensing system for cosmetic products can present several shapes which depend on the type of use. A shape particularly appreciated by the customers, in particular for perfume delivery, is a dispensing system comprising a bulb actuation system. The consumer manually compresses the bulb in order to deliver the cosmetic product. When the consumer compresses the bulb, the internal pressure of said bulb rises and the product is delivered by Venturi effect.

However, the bulb may be damaged by the customer during the use as it is a sensible part of the dispensing system. If the bulb actuation system breaks, the pump can no longer be actuated and the consumer has to replace the entire dispensing system.

Consequently, the invention aims to solve the technical problem of providing a dispensing system comprising a first actuation system, such as a bulb actuation system, with a second actuation system, such as a pump, that can still be actuated if the bulb actuation system is damaged.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a dispensing system for delivering a fluid product and configured to be mounted on a reservoir, said dispensing system comprising:

- a metering pump capable of pumping and delivering said product under the action of an actuation system,

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) - a first actuation system being actuated so as the dispensing system can dispense a dose of product,

- a second actuation system being actuated so as the dispensing system can dispense a dose of product.

In such dispensing system, even if the bulb is damaged and the first actuation system is inoperative, the pump can still be actuated by the second actuation system. Thus, even if the mechanism inside the bulb breaks, the pump continues to work and the customer has another alternative of use for dispensing the product.

The invention can also comprise any of the following features taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

- the dispensing system is an atomizer.

- the first actuation system is different from the second actuation system.

- the first actuation system comprises a bulb and is driven from a rest position to a compressed position by an activation force applied on the bulb so as the dispensing system can dispense a dose of product and the second actuation system comprises an actuator driven from a released position to a dispensing position by an activation force applied on the actuator so as the dispensing system can dispense a dose of product.

- the first actuation system is coupled to the second actuation system such that an actuation of the first actuation system causes an actuation of the second actuation system in order to activate the metering pump,

- the first actuation system comprises transforming means for driving said actuator of the second actuation system from the released position to the dispensing position,

- the metering pump comprises a central X axis, the second actuation system extending from the metering pump along the X axis,

- the first actuation system extends from the metering pump along an Y axis directed transversely to the X axis,

- the actuator of the second actuation system is axially mobile in translation along the X axis between its released position and its dispensing position,

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) - the dispensing system comprises a sleeve able to be mounted on a neck of the reservoir, said sleeve accommodating the metering pump and being coaxial with the metering pump along the X axis,

- the first actuation system is transversely mounted on an external peripheral wall the sleeve,

- the second actuation system is axially mounted on the sleeve,

- the first actuation system comprises a stem extending and moving transversely along the Y axis between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system,

- the peripheral wall of the sleeve is provided with an orifice through which passes the stem,

- the stem is coupled to the actuator by transforming means able to transform a transversal movement of the stem into an axial movement of the actuator,

- the transforming means comprise a handle having upper lateral pawns rotationally connected to the actuator and lower lateral pawns inserted into guiding side rails provided on the peripheral wall of the sleeve,

- the lower lateral pawns are linked by a rod in contact with a first end of the stem, the transversal movement of the stem pushing transversely the rod so as the lower lateral pawns slides into the side rails from a first end position where the actuator is in its released position, to a second end position where the actuator is in its dispensing position,

- the side rails have a helicoidal shape so as the lower lateral pawns change their axial position along the X axis when sliding into the side rails,

- the first end of the stem is provided with a slope on which slides the rod of the handle during the movement of the stem,

- the first actuation system comprises a bulb extending along the Y axis and accommodating the stem, said bulb being provided with two lateral buttons able to get closer under the activation force applied on the bulb and directed along a Z axis perpendicular to the X axis and Y axis, resulting in the compressed position of the first actuation system,

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) - the first actuation system comprises a cam device arranged between the buttons and the stem,

- the cam device comprises two arms, each arm extending from a lateral button in a direction parallel to the Z axis and having a free end provided with a pin,

- the cam device comprises two grooves located in a second end of the stem, opposite to the first end, and arranged in a plane comprising the Y and Z axis,

- each pin is inserted into a groove, both grooves extending from the second end of the stem toward the first end of the stem with an angle relative to the Y axis, both grooves having a first ends proximal to each other and second ends distal to each other, each pin sliding into the corresponding groove from the first end to the second end when the buttons are moving from the rest position to the compressed position,

- the stem comprises a central guiding groove co-operating with a guiding pin of a cap of the bulb, the shape of said central guiding groove defining the transversal movement of the stem between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system,

- the sleeve, the buttons and the cap of the bulb comprise a plurality of assembly points such that the cap remains motionless in relation to the sleeve between the rest position and the compressed position,

- the actuator corresponding to a push button presenting an upper surface on which an activation force can be applied.

The invention will be better understood on the light of the following description which is only indicative and which is not intended to limit said invention, accompanied with the following figures:

- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 2 is a partially transparent perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first actuation system is in a rest position,

- Figure 3 is a sectional view from above of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first actuation system is in a rest position,

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) - Figure 4 is a partially transparent perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first actuation system is in a compressed position,

- Figure 5 is a sectional view from above of dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first actuation system is in a compressed position,

- Figure 6 is a partially transparent perspective view of a part of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second actuation system is in a released position,

- Figure 7 is a sectional side view of a part of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second actuation system is in a released position,

- Figure 8 is a partially transparent perspective view of a part of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second actuation system is in a dispensing position,

- Figure 9 is a sectional side view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second actuation system is in a dispensing position.

As illustrated in figures 1 to 9, the invention relates to dispensing system 1, in particular an atomizer 1, for delivering a fluid product and configured to be mounted on a reservoir. The reservoir and the fluid product are not represented in the figures. Said reservoir may be any suitable container for containing cosmetic or pharmaceutical fluid product.

As illustrated in figure 1, the atomizer 1 comprises a metering pump 3. The metering pump 3 is capable of pumping and delivering a predetermined quantity of fluid product under the action of an actuation system. Said metering pump has a central (X) axis.

The atomizer 1 according to the invention comprises a first actuation system 10 and a second actuation system 40. Said actuation systems are configured to actuate

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) the pump 3, under the action of an activation force, such that the atomizer 1 dispenses a dose of fluid product.

The presence of a second actuation system 40 allows activating the pump 3 even if the first actuation system 10 breaks. Thus, the customer has another alternative of use for dispensing the product.

The atomizer 1 also comprises a sleeve 50. Said sleeve 50 is able to be mounted on a neck of the reservoir. As it can be seen on figures 6 to 9, said sleeve 50 accommodates the metering pump 3. Said sleeve 50 is coaxial with the metering pump 3 along the (X) axis.

The sleeve 50 comprises an external peripheral wall 52. Said peripheral wall 52 comprises an orifice 54. Said peripheral wall 52 also comprises guiding side rails 56. Said guiding side rails 56 may have a helicoidal shape.

The second actuation system 40 comprises an actuator 42. Said second actuation system 40 is driven from a released position by an activation force applied on the actuator 42 so as the atomizer 1 can dispense a dose of product. The second actuation system 40 in its released position is illustrated in figures 6 and 7. The second actuation system 40 in its dispensing position is illustrated in figures 8 and 9.

The second actuation system 40 extends from the metering pump along the (X) axis. Said second actuation system 40 is axially mounted on the sleeve 50.

The actuator 42 is axially mobile in translation along the (X) axis between its released position and its dispensing position.

Said actuator corresponds to a push button 44 presenting an upper surface on which an activation force can be applied. The activation force applied on the push button 44 is represented by a large arrow on figure 8.

When an activation force is applied on the actuator 42, said actuator moves along the (X) axis, in direction of the pump 3, and actuates said pump 3 such that the atomizer dispenses a dose of product.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) According to an embodiment, the second actuation system 40 can be actuated independently from the first actuation system 10. In other words, the second actuation system 40 does not act on the first actuation system 10.

The first actuation system 10 comprises a bulb 11. Said first actuation system 10 may be driven from a rest position to a compressed position by an activation force applied on the bulb 11 so as the atomizer 1 can dispense a dose of product. The first actuation system 10 in its rest position is illustrated in figures 2 and 3. The first actuation system 10 in its compressed position is illustrated in figures 4 and 5. The activation force is represented by large arrows at the figures 2 and 4.

The first actuation system 10 extends from the metering pump 3 along an (Y) axis directed transversely to the (X) axis. Said first actuation system 10 is transversely mounted on the external peripheral wall 52 of the sleeve 50.

The bulb 11 may have the shape of a pear. Any other suitable shape appreciated by the consumer may be considered. Said bulb 11 comprises actuation buttons 12. Said buttons represent a portion of the external surface of the bulb. Said buttons 12 are able to get closer under an activation force applied on the bulb. The activation force applied on the bulb is represented by large arrows in figures 2 and 4. The thin arrows in figure 4 and the thin horizontal arrows in figure 5 represent the movement of the buttons 12.

According to an embodiment, the buttons 12 are lateral buttons and are movable along a (Z) axis perpendicular to the (X) axis and the (Y) axis. The orientation of the button is not limitative as they could have been an upper and lower buttons and still having the same function.

The bulb 11 comprises a cap 13. The cap 13 may comprise an upper part and a lower part. Said cap 13 may also comprise a guiding pin 14.

The buttons 12 and the cap 13 of the bulb 11 comprise a plurality of assembly points such that the cap 13 remains motionless in relation to the sleeve 50 between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system. On the

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) contrary, the buttons 12 are movable in relation to the sleeve 50 between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system.

The first actuation system 10 comprises a stem 15. The stem 15 presents a first end 16 and a second end 18.

The first end 16 of the stem 15 may have the shape of a fork with two branches. Said first end 16 of the stem 15 is provided with a slope 17.

The stem may also comprise a central guiding groove 19 in which is accommodated the guiding pin of the cap 13.

As it can be seen on figures 2 to 5, the stem 15 extends transversely along the (Y) axis. Said stem 15 moves transversely along the (Y) axis between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system 10. The thin vertical arrow in figure 5 represents the movement of the stem 15.

The stem passes through the orifice 54 of the sleeve 50. The stem 15, or at least its second end 18, is accommodated inside the bulb 11 of the first actuation system 10.

The first actuation system 10 also comprises a cam device 20. Said cam device 20 allows transforming a movement of the buttons 12 along the (Z) axis into a movement of the stem 15 along the (Y) axis.

The cam device 20 is arranged between the buttons 12 and the stem 15.

Said cam device 20 comprises two arms 22 extending from lateral buttons 12 in a direction parallel to the (Z) axis and having a free end provided with a pin 24.

Said cam device 20 also comprises two grooves 26 located in the second end 18 of the stem 15, opposite to the first end 16. Said grooves 26 may be arranged in a plane comprising the (Y) and the (Z) axis. The grooves 26 extend from the second end 18 of the stem 15 towards the first end 16 of the stem 15 with an angle relative to the Y axis. Both grooves 26 have first ends 27 distal to each other and second ends 28 proximal to each other. These two grooves 26 form a V-shape.

The pins 24 are mounted inside the grooves 26. As shown in figure 3, when the first actuation system 10 is in the rest position, the pins 24 are located in the first ends

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) 27 of the grooves 26. As shown in figure 5, when the first actuation system 10 is in the compressed position, the pins 24 are located in the second ends 27 of the grooves 26.

Each pin 24 slides into the corresponding groove 26 from the first end 27 to the second end 28 when the buttons 12 are moving from the rest position to the compressed position.

When an activation force is applied on the buttons 12 of the bulb 11, the cam device 20 transforms the movement of the buttons 12 along the (Z) axis into a movement of the stem 15 along the (Y) axis. Then, the stem 15 moves along the (Y) axis in direction of its first end 16.

By this movement, the stem 15 is able to activate the pump, either independently from the second actuation system 40 (first variant), either dependently from the second actuation system 40 (second variant).

In the first variant, not represented on the figures, the first actuation system 10 may also comprise a second cam device and a trigger.

The trigger extends from the metering pump along the (X) axis. Said trigger is axially mounted on the sleeve 50 and is axially mobile in translation along the (X) axis between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system 10.

The second cam device allows transforming a movement of the stem 15 along the (Y) axis into a movement of the trigger along the (X) axis.

When an activation force is applied on the buttons 12 of the bulb 11, the cam device 20 transforms the movement of the buttons 12 along the (Z) axis into a movement of the stem 15 along the (Y) axis. Then, the stem 15 moves along the (Y) axis in direction of its first end 16. The second cam device transforms the movement of the stem 15 along the (Y) axis into a movement of the trigger along the (X) axis. Then, said trigger actuates the pump 3 such that the atomizer dispenses a dose of fluid product.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) In this embodiment, the first actuation system 10 and the second actuation system 40 are independent to each other. That is to say, an actuation the first actuation system 10 allows the atomizer to dispense a dose of product without actuation of the second actuation system 40.

In the second variant, as represented in figures 1 to 9, the first actuation system 10 is coupled to the second actuation system 40. Therefore, an actuation of the first actuation system 10 causes an actuation of the second actuation system 40 in order to activate the metering pump 3 so as the atomizer 1 can dispense a dose of product.

In such an embodiment, the first actuation system 10 comprises transforming means 30 for driving the actuator 42 of the second actuation system 40 from the released position to the dispensing position. In other words, when an activation force is applied on the bulb 11, the first actuation system 10 does not directly actuate the metering pump 3 but acts on the second actuation system 40. Then, the second actuation system 40 actuates the metering pump and the atomizer 1 dispenses a dose of product.

As shown in figure 1, transforming means 30 comprise a handle 32. Said handle 32 has upper lateral pawns 34. Said upper lateral pawns 34 are rotationally connected to the actuator 42 of the second actuation system 40. The upper lateral pawns 34 are movable, along the (X) axis, in relation to the sleeve 50.

The handle 32 also comprises lower lateral pawns 36. Said lower lateral pawns 36 are inserted into the guiding side rails 56 of the peripheral wall 52 of the sleeve 50. The lower lateral pawns 36 are movable between a first end position where the actuator 42 is in its released position, to a second end position where the actuator 42 is in its dispensing position. The lower lateral pawns 36 in the first end position are represented on figure 6. The lower lateral pawns 36 in the second end position are represented on figure 8. The thin arrows in figure 8 represent the movement of the upper lateral pawns 34 and the lower lateral pawns 36.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) The lower lateral pawns 36 are linked by a rod 38. Said rod 38 is in contact with the first end 16 of the stem 15. A transversal movement of the stem 15 along the (Y) axis pushes transversely the rod 38 such that the lower lateral pawns 36 slides into the side rails 56 from the first end position to the second end position. The lower lateral pawns 36 change their transversal position in relation to the (Y) axis under the action of the stem 15.

The movement of the lower lateral pawns 36 is defined by the shape of the side rails 56 of the sleeve 50. In the case where the side rails 56 have a helicoidal shape, the lower lateral pawns change their axial position in relation to the (X) axis. In other words, the lower lateral pawns simultaneously change their axial position in relation to the (X) axis and their transversal position in relation to the (Y) axis.

The rod 38 of the handle 32 also slides on the slope 17 of the first end 16 of the stem 15 during the movement of the stem 15. Thus, the movement of the lower lateral pawns 36 is also defined by the slope 17.

When an activation force is applied on the buttons 12 of the bulb 11, said buttons 12 move along the (Z) axis so as to get closer to each other.

When the buttons 12 get closer to each other, the pins 24 of the arms 22 of the cam device 20 slide into the grooves 26 from their first ends 27 to their second ends 28. Simultaneously, the guiding pin 14 of the cap 13 slides into the central guiding groove 19 of the stem 15 and the stem 15 moves transversely along the (Y) axis in direction of its first end 16.

When the stem 15 moves transversely along the (Y) axis in direction of its first end 16, said first end 16 pushes the rod 38 of the handle 32 such that said rod 38 slides along the slope 17. Simultaneously, the lower lateral pawns 36 of the handle 32 slide into the side rails 56 from the first end position to the second end position.

When the lower lateral pawns 36 slide into the side rails 56 from the first end position to the second end position, the upper lateral pawns 34 and the actuator 42 to which the upper lateral pawns 34 are rotationally connected move along the (X) axis, in direction of the pump 3. Consequently, said actuator 42 actuates said pump 3 so that the atomizer 1 dispenses a dose of product.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) In order to deliver a fluid product, the metering pump (3) of the atomizer (1) can be actuated by a first actuation system (10) or a second actuation system (40). The first actuation system (10) comprises a bulb (11) whose volume changes from a first volume VI at the rest position to a second smaller volume V2 at the compressed position when the two lateral buttons (12, 12') get closer under the activation force applied on the bulb (11). On the contrary, the second actuation system (40) does not create a change of volume when it is actuated.

Although the dispensing system of the invention has been described above by reference to a specific embodiment shown in the drawing figures, it should be understood that modifications and variations could be made to the first and second actuation systems without departing from the intended scope of the following claims.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

Claims

1. Dispensing system (1) for delivering a fluid product and configured to be mounted on a reservoir, said dispensing system comprising:

- a metering pump (3) capable of pumping and delivering said product under the action of an actuation system,

- a first actuation system (10) being actuated so as the dispensing system (1) can dispense a dose of product,

- a second actuation system (40) being actuated so as the dispensing system (1) can dispense a dose of product.

2. Dispensing system (1) according to the claim 1 wherein the first actuation system (10) is different from the second actuation system (40).

3. Dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first actuation system (10) comprises a bulb (11), said first actuation system being driven from a rest position to a compressed position by an activation force applied on the bulb (11) so as the dispensing system (1) can dispense a dose of product, and wherein the second actuation system (40) comprises an actuator (42), driven from a released position to a dispensing position by an activation force applied on the actuator (42) so as the dispensing system (1) can dispense a dose of product.

4. Dispensing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first actuation system (10) is coupled to the second actuation system (40) such that an actuation of the first actuation system (10) causes an actuation of the second actuation system (40) in order to activate the metering pump (3).

5. Dispensing system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first actuation system (10) comprises transforming means (30) for driving said actuator (42) of the second actuation system (40) from the released position to the dispensing position.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

6. Dispensing system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the metering pump (3) comprises a central X axis, the second actuation system (40) extending from the metering pump (3) along the X axis, whereas the first actuation system (10) extends from the metering pump (3) along an Y axis directed transversely to the X axis.

7. Dispensing system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the actuator (42) of the second actuation system (40) is axially mobile in translation along the X axis between its released position and its dispensing position.

8. Dispensing system (1) according to claims 6 to 7, wherein it comprises a sleeve (50) able to be mounted on a neck of the reservoir, said sleeve (50) accommodating the metering pump (3) and being coaxial with the metering pump along the X axis, the first actuation system (10) being transversely mounted on an external peripheral wall (52) of the sleeve (50), and the second actuation system (40) being axially mounted on the sleeve (50).

9. Dispensing system (1) according to claims 6 to 8, wherein the first actuation system (10) comprises a stem (15) extending and moving transversely along the Y axis between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system, said peripheral wall (52) of the sleeve (50) being provided with an orifice (54) through which passes the stem (15), said stem (15) being coupled to the actuator (42) by transforming means (30) able to transform a transversal movement of the stem (15) into an axial movement of the actuator (42).

10. Dispensing system (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said transforming means (30) comprise a handle (32) having upper lateral pawns (34) rotationally connected to the actuator (42) and lower lateral pawns (36) inserted into guiding side rails (56) provided on the peripheral wall (52) of the sleeve (50), said lower lateral pawns (36) being linked by a rod (38) in contact with a first end (16) of the stem (15), the transversal movement of the stem (15) pushing transversely the rod (38) so as the lower lateral pawns (36) slides into the side rails (56) from a first end position where

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) the actuator (42) is in its released position, to a second end position where the actuator (42) is in its dispensing position.

11. Dispensing system (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the side rails (56) have a helicoidal shape so as the lower lateral pawns (36) change their axial position in relation to the X axis when sliding into the side rails (56).

12. Dispensing system (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the first end (16) of the stem (15) is provided with a slope (17) on which slides the rod (38) of the handle (32) during the movement of the stem (15).

13. Dispensing system (1) according to claims 9 to 12, wherein the first actuation system (10) comprises a bulb (11) extending along the Y axis and accommodating the stem (15), said bulb (11) being provided with two lateral buttons (12, 12') able to get closer under the activation force applied on the bulb (11) and directed along a Z axis perpendicular to the X axis and Y axis, resulting in the compressed position of the first actuation system (10).

14. Dispensing system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first actuation system (10) comprises a cam device (20) arranged between the buttons (12, 12') and the stem (15).

15. Dispensing system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said cam device (20) comprises:

- two arms (22, 22'), each arm extending from a lateral button (12) in a direction parallel to the Z axis and having a free end provided with a pin (24);

- two grooves (26, 26') located in a second end (18) of the stem (15), opposite to the first end (16), and arranged in a plane comprising the Y and Z axis;

each pin (24) being inserted into a groove (26), both grooves (26) extending from the second end (18) of the stem (15) toward the first end (16) of the stem (15) with an angle relative to the Y axis, both grooves (26) having a first ends (27) distal to each other and second ends (28) proximal to each other, each pin (24) sliding into the

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) corresponding groove (26) from the first end (27) to the second end (28) when the buttons (12) are moving from the rest position to the compressed position.

16. Dispensing system (1) according to claims 9 to 15, wherein the stem (15) comprises a central guiding groove (19) co-operating with a guiding pin (14) of a cap (13) of the bulb (11), the shape of said central guiding groove (19) defining the transversal movement of the stem (15) between the rest position and the compressed position of the first actuation system (10).

17. Dispensing system (1) according to claims 13 to 16, wherein the sleeve (50), the buttons (12) and the cap (13) of the bulb (11) comprise a plurality of assembly points such that the cap (13) remains motionless in relation to the sleeve (50) between the rest position and the compressed position.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)