DE60202776T2 - FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising a fluid product containing fluid product reservoir advantageously adapted to receive both gas and air, the reservoir comprising a deformable actuating wall, the internal volume of the reservoir being able to be reduced when pressing on this wall, and an output port through which the fluid product is ejected in an atomized form by pressing on the actuating wall, advantageously in a two-phase manner. Such a donor is already out of the FR 2791645 known. In this document, the reservoir is formed of two deformable compliant foils which are welded together at their edges and hold together an elastic material element defining an outlet opening and carrying a porous material located inside the structure Extends reservoir and absorbs fluid product. The two films each form a deformable actuating wall. These two deformable actuating walls are biased by means of elastic means mutually spaced, which have the form of a spring, which can be arranged in the interior of the reservoir, but also outside of the reservoir. As a result, the two actuating walls can be moved towards each other against the action of the spring. This document contains a very interesting feature, which can also be realized in the context of the present invention. Thus, the dispensing opening is closed by a removable obturator when the spring is maximally compressed so that the reservoir defines a minimum volume. This ensures a minimum thickness of the dispenser so that it can be contained in magazines or brochures as a free sample in the form of a veritable atomizer dispenser.

On Reason of the fact that the reservoir consists of two deformable compliant foils is formed, which is biased by a spring However, it is difficult to look aesthetically perfect to ensure the donor. The spring indeed has a tendency to deform the yielding films, when the removable locking member is in position because it compressed maximally is. To this aesthetic Inadequacies too it is preferable to wrap the dispenser in a sheath or to dress up, which gives him a better look.

One The aim of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage of the Prior art overcome and to provide a fluid product dispenser whose appearance does not is affected by the nature of the material that is used the reservoir and in particular its deformable actuating wall or its corresponding Walls too realize.

Around to solve this task beats the invention in that the reservoir has a bottom plate, an intermediate plate that defines an opening, and a cover plate which integrates the actuating wall or contains integral wherein the opening formed in the intermediate plate with the bottom plate and the cover plate determines the useful volume of the reservoir. In contrast to the cited prior art document is the reservoir not just made up of two compliant foils that are together welded are to define an internal volume that serves as a reservoir; Rather, the useful volume of the reservoir through the opening of the Intermediate plate formed by the assignment of two further plates, the bottom plate and the cover plate, is completed. The intermediate plate is rigid or at least substantially rigid and the bottom and cover plates can also be rigid, they can but also be yielding. Preferably, the bottom plate is rigid or substantially rigid and the cover plate may optionally starting from a deformable or substantially deformable Be formed film.

advantageously, Each plate has a wall thickness less than about one Millimeter. Preferably, the intermediate plate has a thickness which is larger, a big enough one Useful volume for the reservoir set. The opening in the intermediate plate has the shape of a punching easier or complex shape. This punching puts a cylinder very low Height, as long as the intermediate plate is not thicker than one millimeter. The bottom and cover plates only close this cylinder such that a reservoir is more cylindrical Shape is obtained.

The actuating wall is integrated in the cover plate; However, it can also be provided be, this actuating wall to integrate in the bottom plate. In addition, can be considered to provide two operating walls, one in the bottom plate and one in the cover plate.

advantageously, the actuating wall is integral with the cover plate formed. In contrast, the actuating wall is preferably in the Cover plate attached, which has a receiving window to a actuator to pick up the actuating wall forms. With this second embodiment can the intermediate plate and the cover plate are realized by Punching very simple plates and realizing the actuator by Molds of plastically deformable material.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment includes the actuating wall elastic means that give her a shape memory that she has in resets a rest position corresponding to the maximum volume of the reservoir. Preferably, the elastic means comprise a resilient blade, into the material of the actuating wall is admitted. The elastic means are thus not in contact with the fluid product contained in the reservoir so that no interaction between the flexible blade and the Fluid product possible is. Furthermore the flexible lamella is not visible from the outside, whereby the actuating wall gives a better look. Further, the compliant Slat inside the thickness of the operating wall perfectly protected.

In accordance containing another feature the reservoir made of element of porous Material capable of retaining the fluid product.

According to one Another aspect of the invention is the discharge opening in the cover plate educated. Alternatively, the discharge opening is in the intermediate plate educated.

on the other hand can the discharge opening provided with a removable tight locking member or closure member be that the opening closes before the first use and again after use on the opening is positionable.

According to one interesting feature is the closure member initially around the opening welded and also includes a repositionable adhesive designed to repeated around the opening to stick around. The closure member thus causes security the first use by being initial welded is, and it yields as well a tight seal that is such that the donor is ultimately can be reused without risk of fluid product loss.

According to one Another aspect is the bottom plate, the intermediate plate and the Cover plate on top of each other arranged and fixed to each other, advantageously by welding or Bonding around the opening, which is formed by the intermediate plate.

As in the above-mentioned prior art document can the operating wall be flattened before the first use so that the reservoir in Essentially contains only the fluid product, whereby the donor a has a smaller thickness than about two millimeters.

In accordance with a characteristic for that all embodiments can be common, at least one of the plates is yielding.

According to one Aspect ends the opening in the intermediate plate in an outer edge of the plate.

In a further embodiment the bottom plate and the cover plate are partially fixed to each other.

According to one contains advantageous application the reservoir Furthermore a gas, such as air, so that a two-phase mixture of fluid product and gas at the outlet of the discharge opening is issued.

The The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail, the in non-limiting Examples of two embodiments play.

In show the figures:

1 a vertical sectional view through a first embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention,

2 a similar view as 1 a dispenser according to the invention according to a second embodiment,

3 an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of 1 .

4 an exploded perspective view during the assembly of the dispenser of 1 and 3 .

5 a view of the actuator from below, in the dispenser of 1 is used,

6 a vertical sectional view through the actuator of 5 , and

7 a vertical section through the actuator of 2 ,

In the two embodiments, the dispenser comprises a bottom plate 1 , an intermediate plate 2 , a cover plate 3 , an operating wall 36 and a discharge opening 32 ; 22 , The plates 1 . 2 . 3 and the operating wall 36 put together a fluid product container 13 firmly. The dispenser also includes an item 4 of porous material contained in the reservoir 13 is arranged. Optionally, the dispenser can be fitted with a removable, sealed closure 5 be provided that the discharge opening 22 ; 32 tightly covering.

The embodiments of the 1 and 2 differ from each other only by arranging the discharge opening, that is at the level of the cover plate 3 for the discharge opening 32 from 1 , and at the level of the intermediate plate 2 for the discharge opening 22 from 2 , Another embodiment may be desired, for example, one in which the discharge opening at the level of the bottom plate 1 is arranged. However, it may be advantageous to use the closure opening together with the actuating wall 36 provided.

3 shows six components of the dispenser according to the embodiment of 1 wherein the discharge opening is realized at the level of the cover plate.

The plates 1 . 2 and 3 are preferably plates of relatively rigid plastic material. The cover plate 3 however, it may be a simple compliant foil which in practice serves as a lid to the reservoir 13 to complete that through the intermediate plate 2 and the bottom plate 1 is formed. If necessary, it is conceivable that the bottom plate 1 also realized from a deformable resilient film. Even the intermediate plate 2 can be deformable. It is preferred, however, that at least one of the three plates be rigid or substantially rigid in order to give the dispenser a certain rigidity. In practice, the bottom plate 1 and the intermediate plate 2 relatively rigid plates and the cover plate 3 may optionally be a substantially rigid plate or a deformable compliant foil.

In accordance with another feature, the cumulative thickness of the dispenser is substantially equal to or less than 2 mm for inclusion in magazines or booklets. This implies that each plate has a wall thickness less than about 1 mm. In practice, the intermediate plate 2 the greater thickness while the bottom plate 1 and the cover plate 3 may have a smaller thickness.

Especially with reference to 3 it turns out that the bottom plate 1 is a simple rectangular, very flat and flat element, as long as it has neither a punched nor an opening. The bottom plate 1 For example, it may have the dimensions of a conventional credit card having a thickness less than about 1 mm. It can be realized starting from any suitable material, such as plastic material, paper, metal or a complex thereof. Preferably, the bottom plate 1 realized for practical reasons and cost reasons by punching a large, substantially rigid plastic material film.

The intermediate plate 2 advantageously has the same dimensions as the bottom plate 1 ; it can also have a greater thickness. The intermediate plate 2 can also be realized by punching a large, substantially rigid plastic material plate. Other materials may be considered, such as those for the bottom plate. The intermediate plate 2 is punched such that an opening 21 is formed here in two parts 23 and 24 can be disassembled, which together form a single or the same opening. In the figures, the opening opens 21 not in the edge of the plate; however, this can be considered. The opening thus has the shape of a more or less deep recess.

The cover plate 3 advantageously has the same dimensions as the bottom plate 1 and the intermediate plate 2 , However, it may have a smaller thickness than the intermediate plate 2 and even the bottom plate 1 because it can be realized starting from a simple deformable compliant foil. By contrast, a substantially rigid plate may be preferred. For example, the bottom plate 1 and the cover plate 3 be realized starting from the same film material. In the in 1 . 3 and 4 the embodiment shown is the cover plate 3 also with a discharge opening 32 formed, which crosses the cover plate. In the embodiment of 2 is the delivery opening 22 transversely across the intermediate plate 2 formed: The discharge opening 22 , which defines an exit channel, extends from the opening 21 as far as the outer part of the intermediate plate 2 evident.

In the two embodiments, the deformable actuating wall 36 by an actuator 35 formed, which forms a dome, the operating wall 36 sets. This dome is in a reception center 31 recorded in the cover plate 3 is formed. The actuator 35 This forms a separate part in the reception center 31 the cover plate 3 is appropriate. However, it is also conceivable that the actuating wall 36 integral with the cover plate 3 is formed to the reception center 31 to close. This can be realized by having a thinner wall thickness at the level of the actuating wall 36 is provided. In this case, the cover plate 3 also be produced by punching a flat large plate of plastic material. It is necessary, the cover plate 3 to produce by an injection molding and shaping plate. The formation of the actuating wall by a separate actuator is preferred for reasons of cost and practical reasons, in order to realize the cover by simple punching can. The actuator 35 sets this operation gungsdom 36 firmly, the circumferentially by a collar 37 is limited, under the edge of the reception center 31 to come to rest. This collar 37 also comes in the opening part 23 the opening 21 practically in the intermediate plate 2 to lie. The underside of the collar 37 gets to the plant on the bottom plate 1 , How out 5 and 6 shows, is the bottom of the collar 37 with several passage grooves 38 formed so that a passage is generated even when the collar 37 on the bottom plate 1 is applied.

The operating wall 36 includes resilient means that provide shape memory that return the wall to the convex rest position. In this position, the volume defined under the actuating wall is maximum. By acting on the actuating wall, it is pressed in such a way that the volume defined underneath is greatly reduced. By releasing the pressure on the actuating wall, it returns to the initial convex shape due to the elastic means. In the embodiment of 1 that the 5 and 6 corresponds, these elastic means are formed directly by the material of the actuator, which have shape memory qualities. A thermoplastic material is perfect. In the embodiment of 2 , those of 7 In contrast, the elastic means rule by a resilient blade 361 be completed in the thickness of the operating wall 36 is admitted. The flexible lamella may be at the level of the collar 37 extend as if out 7 evident. Due to the fact that the resilient lamella 361 into the interior of the operating wall 36 is admitted, they can not get in contact with the dispensed fluid product. In addition, it is protected from the outside environment. This flexible, sunken lamella 361 gives or improves the elastic properties of the shape memory of the actuating wall 36 , It is noted that these properties can be realized in any elastically deformable actuating wall, independently of the fact that the dispenser consists of three superimposed plates. This feature therefore claims independent protection.

The element 4 Of porous material can be made of any material that is suitable to be soaked in the fluid product. The shape of the element 4 of porous material is preferably a shape of the opening part 24 the opening 21 adjusted, across the intermediate plate 2 is formed. Besides, the element is 4 made of porous material with a recess 41 formed in which the collar 37 of the actuator 35 can be used. This is clear 4 from which the intermediate plate emerges 2 it can be seen that in contact with the bottom plate 1 is attached, wherein the element 4 of porous material in the opening part 24 to lie down while the actuator 35 in the opening part 23 and in the deepening 41 to come to rest.

The removable, tight closing organ 5 has the shape of a soft band, which is a part 51 for permanent fixing, a closure part 52 that the discharge opening 22 ; 32 tightly covers, and a gripping tongue 53 through which the user the tape 5 is able to draw to the closure part 52 remove the discharge opening. Advantageously, the closure part 52 initially welded around the discharge opening to insulate it in this way. In addition, the closure part 52 provided with a repositionable adhesive, which allows to close the discharge opening after use ultimately. This allows the dispenser to be used several times without the risk of leaking out of product from the dispensing opening. It will be appreciated that such a feature, that is, a heat-sealable and repositionable adhesive closure tongue, can be accomplished on any dispenser provided with a dispensing opening, regardless of the embodiment, of three stacked plates discussed above. This feature therefore claims independent protection.

In accordance with the invention, the intermediate plate 2 with her mouth 21 at the bottom plate 1 along a dense fortification line 19 firmly attached. Advantageously, it is in the technique for the definition of the intermediate plate 2 on the bottom plate 1 is used to heat welding. The bottom plate 1 and the intermediate plate 2 Together define an internal volume, whose peripheral walls through the edges of the opening 21 and the bottom of the bottom plate 1 are formed. The element 4 made of porous material is in the opening 21 at the level of the part 24 arranged. In addition, the actuator is 35 in the opening 24 at the level of the part 23 arranged. The actuator 35 is advantageously by welding to the bottom plate 1 along a fortification line 39 firmly attached, extending over the circumference on the collar 37 extends. In this state, you are in the in 4 shown configuration. Finally, the cover plate 3 in a tight manner on the intermediate plate 2 along a dense fortification line 29 firmly attached, which can also be realized by thermal welding. The positioning of the cover plate 3 on the intermediate plate 2 brings the engagement of the operating wall in the cathedral 36 of the actuator 35 through the reception camp 31 with yourself, in the cover plate 3 is formed. The cover plate 3 is also on the actuator 35 at the level of the fortification line 39 welded.

The superposition of the three plates 1 . 2 and 3 and their mutual tight fixing with the actuator 35 puts a reservoir 13 stuck, extending over the entire extent of the opening 21 the intermediate plate 2 extends, that is, even at the level of the operating wall 36 as well as at the level of the element 4 made of porous material. How out 1 and 2 shows the part of the reservoir, which is at the level of the operating wall 36 is fixed, in conjunction with that part of the reservoir, which is at the level of the element 4 is defined by porous material through the grooves of the passage 38 on the bottom of the collar 37 of the actuator 35 are formed. It is noticed that the element 4 of porous material between the actuating wall 36 and the delivery port 22 or 32 is arranged. The impressions of the actuating wall 36 therefore has the effect that the internal volume of the reservoir 13 is reduced and that fluid product through the element 4 is driven from porous material to be delivered in atomized form at the level of the discharge opening. Preferably, the reservoir contains 13 a small amount of fluid product and gas, for example air. For example, the fluid product may be integral with the interior of the element 4 be contained in porous material, while the part of the reservoir, under the operating wall 36 is fixed, can only be filled with air. By acting on the operating wall 36 is pressed, this has the effect that in this part of the reservoir contained air through the Durchlassnuten 38 , and then through the element 4 is driven from porous material, which is impregnated with fluid product. The two-phase mixture of air and fluid product is thereby discharged or expelled through the discharge opening in the form of an atomized two-phase jet.

According to a further feature of the invention, the actuating wall 36 completely recessed in such a way that the wall 36 in contact with the bottom plate 1 is reset before use. The closure of the discharge opening by means of the closure member 5 prevents ingress of air into the interior of the reservoir 13 which contains no or almost no fluid product. Accordingly, in the stored condition prior to use, the thickness of the dispenser corresponds to the cumulative thickness of the three bottom, intermediate and top panels, which is advantageously less than about 2 mm. As the removable closure member is withdrawn, air may enter the reservoir and the elastic means of the actuator wall 36 put them in the 1 and 2 shown convex rest position back. After use by pressing the operating wall 36 Thanks to its adhesive properties, the closing organ can be repositioned, which in 1 and 2 is shown.

In a possible embodiment can the cover plate with the bottom plate in certain places be connected. This may be the case in particular if the opening of the Inter mediate plate opens into an edge or in edges of the plate. At this Can place the cover plate and the bottom plate are welded together.

By the invention has the fluid product dispenser sufficiently rigid Behavior, a flat and smooth appearance, a good operation reliability and security over Losses.

Claims (17)

Fluid product dispenser, comprising: fluid product reservoir containing fluid product ( 13 ), wherein the reservoir ( 13 ) a deformable actuating wall ( 36 ), the internal volume of which can be reduced by pressing on it, - a discharge opening ( 32 ; 22 ), through which the fluid product by pressing on the actuating wall ( 36 ) is ejected in atomized form, characterized in that the reservoir comprises: - a bottom plate ( 1 ), - an opening ( 24 ) defining intermediate plate ( 2 ), and - a cover plate ( 3 ), which the operating wall ( 36 ), wherein in the intermediate plate ( 2 ) formed opening ( 24 ) with the bottom plate ( 1 ) and the cover plate ( 3 ) the useful volume of the reservoir ( 13 ). A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each plate has a minimum wall thickness of about 1 mm. Dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating wall ( 36 ) with the cover plate ( 3 ) is integrally formed. Dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating wall ( 36 ) in the cover plate ( 3 ), which is a recording window ( 31 ) for receiving an actuator ( 35 ), which the actuating wall ( 36 ). Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating wall ( 36 ) elastic means ( 360 ), which give it a shape memory, which restores it to the rest position corresponding to the maximum volume of the reservoir. A dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the elastic means insert into the material of the actuating wall ( 36 ) embedded resilient blade ( 360 ). Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container ( 13 ) a porous metal element ( 4 ) which is designed to retain the fluid product. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing opening ( 22 ) in the cover plate ( 3 ) is formed. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing opening ( 22 ) in the intermediate plate ( 2 ) is formed. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing opening ( 32 . 22 ) with a movable tight barrier ( 5 ), which closes the opening prior to the first use and can be repositioned on the opening after use. Dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the obturator ( 5 ) is initially secured around the opening and further comprises a repositionable adhesive adapted to adhere repeatedly in the region of the opening. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom plate ( 1 ), the intermediate plate ( 2 ) and the cover plate ( 3 ) arranged one above the other and, advantageously by gluing or welding, in the region of the opening ( 24 ) which are connected by the intermediate plate ( 2 ) is formed. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating wall ( 36 ) is flattened prior to the first use such that the reservoir substantially contains no fluid product, the reservoir thereby having a minimum thickness of approximately equal to 2 mm. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plates is yielding. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening ( 24 ) in the intermediate plate ( 2 ) opens out at the outer edge of the plate. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom plate ( 1 ) and the cover plate ( 3 ) are partially attached to each other firmly. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir Furthermore contains a gas, such as air, so that a two-phase mixture of the fluid product and the gas is distributed at the outlet of the discharge opening.