FR2859461A1 - Fluid product e.g. soap solution, distribution device, has coating unit containing product dose and depositing product film on reception unit when reception unit contacts external surface of application unit and moves relative to reservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a unit (5) that applies fluid product e.g. soap solution, to a reception unit from a reservoir (3). An external surface of a wall of the application unit moves relative to the reservoir. A coating unit (8) containing dose of product deposits a film of product on the reception unit when the reception unit contacts the surface and moves relative to the reservoir.

Description

DEVICE FOR DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCT

  The present invention relates to the general technical field of fluid dispensing devices of the detergent type, and for example liquid soap.

  The present invention more particularly relates to a fluid dispenser device intended to be mounted on a base, and comprising: - a fluid reservoir, provided with a dispensing orifice, - fluid application means fed with fluid product 10 from the reservoir.

  It is already known to produce fluid dispensing devices, and for example dispensers of liquid product, of the liquid soap dispenser type, in the form of a reservoir containing the liquid product, the reservoir being provided with a pumping system allowing, by actuation, to deliver a dose of product on a receiving element such as a sponge or the hand. According to a variant of these devices, the pumping system can be replaced by a simple closure system, in the form of a plug that can take two positions, namely an open position, in which the product can be used. flow out of the tank with a simple pressure exerted by the user on the walls of the tank, and a closed position ensuring the tightness of the tank.

  However, such devices generally suffer from several drawbacks related first of all to their often inaccurate and difficult to control distribution mode.

  Thus, these devices generally do not allow precise control of the quantity of product delivered, and can lead to excessive and inappropriate consumption of the product, the user being unable to choose and adjust the dose product delivered according to its actual needs.

  Furthermore, these devices ensure the deposition of the product in a very localized and punctual manner, so that the user must, in specific situations or applications, perform an additional operation to distribute the product over substantially the entire surface of the product. receiving element.

  This step may consist, in the case where for example the receiving element is a sponge, in a kneading step for distributing the product over substantially the entire surface of the sponge.

  In addition, these devices, commonly intended to be placed near a sink, often generate a footprint that is incompatible with the lack of available space on the contour of standard sinks.

  To overcome these disadvantages, it is known, in particular US-4,625,896 and US-5,114,048, devices for dispensing liquid soap integrated into a valve. These devices generally comprise a pump system connected to a tank, the tank being most often mounted under the sink so as not to clutter the latter.

  These devices, if they make it possible to limit the problems related to the bulkiness of the sink, are however not able to solve the problems related on the one hand to the imprecise dosage and on the other hand to the too punctual deposit of the product.

  In addition, these devices often suffer from the fact that they generally require complex mounting, and can not be easily mounted on standard or non-standard valve models, at least without substantial modification of the existing faucet.

  Furthermore, with the devices of the prior art, the user usually needs both hands simultaneously to deposit the product on the receiving element, namely a first hand to bring the receiving element under the orifice distribution of the device, and a second hand to operate the device and deliver the product with a series of successive manipulations, so that these devices are often impractical to use.

  The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim at proposing a new fluid dispenser device that does not have the drawbacks described above and that makes it possible to deliver a quantity of product which can be controlled and adjusted to the needs of the user while being easy handling.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new fluid dispenser device allowing, through a reduced manipulation of the user, to deliver one or more doses of product.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for distributing fluid product capable of ensuring a good distribution of the product on a receiving element.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a novel fluid dispenser device which is simple in design and low cost.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new fluid dispenser device that is easily recharged.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a new fluid dispenser device for limiting the size on the contour of a sink.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for dispensing fluid product reducing the manipulations necessary for the operator to deposit the product on a receiving element.

  The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a fluid dispenser device intended to be mounted on a base, and comprising: a fluid product reservoir, provided with a dispensing orifice; means for applying the fluid product supplied with fluid from the reservoir, said device being characterized in that the application means comprise: a substantially rigid wall provided with a substantially smooth outer surface and movable relative to the reservoir; coating means, formed through said outer surface, and capable of containing a dose of product to ensure the deposition of a film of fluid on a receiving member independent of the device, when said receiving element is brought into contact with of the outer surface and animated with a translation movement relative to the reservoir.

  Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the attached description, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, for purely illustrative and informative purposes, among which: FIG. , in a perspective view, a first variant of a fluid dispenser device according to the invention.

  - Figure 2 illustrates, in a front view, a second variant of a fluid dispenser device according to the invention mounted on the end of a valve.

  - Figure 3 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, an embodiment of a fluid dispenser device according to the invention.

  - Figure 4 illustrates, in a front view in section, a detail of embodiment of a fluid dispenser device according to the invention.

  Figures 1 to 4 show a fluid dispensing device 1.

  For the purposes of the invention, the term "fluid product" denotes a substance in a liquid or powdery form, this substance being capable of flowing or discharging, substantially freely, within the dispensing device 1, when last is actuated to deliver the product.

  According to the invention, the fluid dispensing device 1 is intended to be mounted on a base 2, for example a tap.

  Advantageously, the fluid dispensing device 1 comprises a reservoir 3 delimited by walls 3A, intended to contain the fluid product, the reservoir 3 being provided with a dispensing orifice 4 (FIG. 4) through which the fluid product is likely to drain or evacuate.

  According to the invention, the fluid product dispensing device 1 also comprises means 5 for applying the fluid product, which are preferably arranged under the reservoir 3 so that the product can flow, for example by gravity, through the dispensing orifice 4 of the reservoir 3 to the application means 5.

  Advantageously, the dispensing orifice 4 communicates with the application means 5 so that the latter are supplied with fluid from the reservoir 3.

  According to the invention, the application means 5 comprise a substantially rigid wall 6, provided with an outer surface 7 that is substantially smooth and movable relative to the reservoir 3.

  According to the invention, the application means 5 also comprise coating means 8 formed through the outer surface 7. The coating means 8 are made to contain at least one dose of fluid to ensure depositing a film of product on a receiving element (not shown in the figures) independent of the device 1, for example a sponge, when the receiving element is brought into contact with the outer surface 7 and driven by a translation movement in relation to the tank 3.

  Advantageously, the deposited film of fluid product may be in the form of a strip of product. It may of course be in a completely different aspect directly related to the shape of the coating means 8.

  According to a first variant embodiment of the object of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the application means 5 comprise a compressible element 9 that can be refilled with fluid and intended to be interposed between the reservoir 3 and the rigid wall. 6.

  Particularly advantageously, the compressible element 9, which may be in the form of a foam, is capable of passing from a state of rest to a compressed state under the effect of the translational movement of the receiving element (not shown) Thus, when the latter comes into abutment against the outer surface 7 of the rigid wall 6 and is driven by a translation movement capable of bringing the latter closer to the reservoir 3, the compressible element 9 is compressed between the rigid wall 6 and the tank 3.

  By way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, the rigid wall 6 can be fixed to the reservoir 3 by means of elastic means 10, like springs, or with the aid of a bellows which, in the rest position of the compressible element 9 has an unfolded shape and, in the compressed position of the compressible element 9, has a folded shape.

  Advantageously, the compressible element 9, when in the idle state, can be charged with fluid from the reservoir 3. On the contrary, when it is in the compressed state, it can deliver, through coating means 8, a film of fluid product on the receiving element.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the coating means 8 are advantageously formed by openings 11 formed through the entire thickness of the rigid wall 6. Thus, when the receiving element, for example a sponge, is brought into contact with the outer surface 7 of the rigid wall 6, and animated with a translation movement such that it allows the receiving element of the reservoir 3 to be brought closer together, the fluid product contained in the compressible element 9 is expelled , and can flow through the openings 11 distributed substantially evenly over the outer surface 7 of the rigid wall 6. In this way, the fluid is deposited at several places on the surface of the receiving element, so that no further manipulation to distribute the product on the surface of the receiving element is necessary.

  Particularly advantageously, is that shown in Figure 1, the openings 11 preferably have a substantially rectangular section.

  According to a preferred variant of the invention shown in Figures 2 to 4, the application means 5 are formed by a cylinder 20 mounted to be movable with a possibility of rotation relative to the reservoir 3 and the dispensing orifice 4. The wall Lateral of the cylinder 20 then forms the outer surface 7 of the application means 5. The cylinder 20 extends longitudinally between two ends 20A, 20B.

  Alternatively, the cylinder may be full but is preferably hollow, to make it lighter.

  Particularly advantageously, the coating means 8 are formed by at least one cavity 21 and preferably by several cavities formed in the outer surface 7 of the cylinder 20 (Figures 3 and 4).

  Advantageously, when the receiving element (not shown in the figures) is brought into contact with the outer surface 7 of the cylinder 20, and moved in translation relative to the reservoir 3, the cylinder 20 is itself driven into a rotational movement about an axis X-X '. In this way, the coating means 8, and in particular the cavity 21, can be loaded into product at a deposition zone 22 situated substantially opposite the dispensing orifice 4. Then, when the cylinder 20 rotates, and for example a rotation of 180 about the axis X-X ', the coating means 8, and in particular the cavity 21 previously filled with product, find themselves positioned at opposite the deposition zone 22, precisely at a coating zone 23, thus allowing the coating of the receiving element with the amount of fluid contained in the coating means 8, in particular in the cavity 21.

  Particularly advantageously, the cavity 21 will preferably be formed by one or more grooves or grooves, but may also take another form, such as that of a well of substantially circular section or geometric shape more complex.

  Preferably, the cavity 21 is rectilinear, and extends substantially longitudinally along the axis X-X ', on the outer surface 7 of the cylinder 20.

  In a particularly advantageous manner, the coating means 8 are formed by a plurality of cavities 21 formed at substantially regular intervals on the outer surface 7 of the cylinder 20.

  The cavities 21 may advantageously be formed by several grooves of substantially rectangular cross-section, capable of depositing a series of strips of product on the receiving element, when the latter is moved in translation relative to the reservoir 3. Depending on the amount of desired product, the user can thus choose to deposit one or more strips of product on the receiving element.

  According to a preferred variant of the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the device 1 comprises a support element 30, intended to support on the one hand the reservoir 3, and on the other hand the means of application 5, in particular the cylinder 20.

  According to this variant, the support element 30 is preferably interposed between the cylinder 20 and the reservoir 3. Thus, the cylinder 20 is preferably mounted movably with a possibility of rotation on the support element 30, and the reservoir 3 comes , through the dispensing orifice 4, sealing against the support member 30 (Figure 4). The support element 30 is advantageously traversed by a lumen 31 opening on the one hand substantially opposite the dispensing orifice 4 of the reservoir 3, and on the other hand facing the cylinder 20. Thus, the light 31 makes it possible to ensure communication between the reservoir 3 and the application means 5, in particular the coating means 8 formed on the cylinder 20.

  Advantageously, the support element 30 is provided with scraping means 32 arranged in such a way that, during the rotation of the cylinder 20, they scrape the outer surface 7 so as to remove the excess fluid deposited on said outer surface 7 .

  Preferably, the scraper means 32 are made in such a way that they can not penetrate inside the cavities 21 and can not therefore remove the product contained in the cavities 21.

  Particularly advantageously, the scraping means are formed by at least one scraper 32 preferably mounted around the opening 31 formed through the inner wall 33 of a substantially open housing 34 formed on the support member 30 and shaped so to receive the cylinder 20 (Figure 3).

  Advantageously, the scraping means 32 also form sealing means on the support member 30 when they are interposed between the inner wall 33 of the housing 34 and the cylinder 20, so as to seal the device 1 when the cylinder 20 is mounted inside the housing 34. These sealing means 32 are intended to prevent the leakage of the product 2859461 from the tank 3 out of the device 1 distribution, especially when the latter is not used .

  According to a preferred variant of the invention, the scraping means and the sealing means 32 are formed by a one-piece scraper seal, which is mounted on the inner wall 33 of the housing 34 (FIG. 3). The wiper seal 32 may for example be introduced into a groove on the inner wall 33 of the housing 34. It may also be bonded to said inner wall 33. The wiper seal 32 advantageously makes it possible to seal the device 1 and to avoid the use of an additional closure system, of the plug type. The wiper seal 32 is preferably composed of a conventional material for seal, of the rubber type, or of a material based on synthetic polymers having a good resistance to aggressive products such as detergents.

  Of course, the sealing means 32 may also be formed by several seals, for example two seals (not shown in the figures) capable of sealing the device 1 at the two ends 20A, 20B of the cylinder 20. two joints are then preferably mounted in an arc on the inner wall 33 of the housing 34, each vis-à-vis an end 20A, 20B of the cylinder.

  As an illustrative and nonlimiting example, the support member 30 comprises three parts. Thus, the support element 30 preferably comprises a first portion, formed by a half-shell 35 having an inner surface 35A, the reservoir 3 being able to fit into said half-shell 35 to bear against the element support 30. The walls 3A of the reservoir 3 are preferably shaped so as to come into intimate contact with the inner surface 35A of the half-shell 35.

  In a particularly advantageous manner, the dispensing orifice 4 of the reservoir 3 is able to slip substantially sealingly onto a tip 36 formed on the inner surface 35A of the half-shell 35. The tip 36 is then advantageously crossed by the light 31.

  According to this exemplary embodiment, the support element 30 also comprises a second part within which the housing 34 is formed and on which are mounted, on either side of the housing 34 and in alignment with respect to the housing. other, two substantially cylindrical studs, not shown in the figures, on which the cylinder 20 is capable of being fitted with a possibility of rotation.

  Such an assembly of the cylinder 20 thus makes it possible to close the housing 34 in a substantially watertight manner by means of the wiper seal 32. Each of the ends 20A, 20B of the cylinder 20 is preferably provided with a hole shaped so as to receive a stud cylindrical.

  Advantageously, the support element 30 also comprises a third portion located between the first and the second part, through which is formed the light 31 ensuring the communication between the reservoir 3 and the application means 5 of the fluid, in particular the cylinder 20.

  According to a preferred variant of the invention, the fluid dispenser device 1 comprises removable attachment means so as to be removably mounted on the distal end 40A of a valve 40, the latter then constituting the base 2 (Figure 2).

  In a particularly advantageous manner, the removable attachment means are formed by an arm 41 secured to the support member 30, and a tab 42 integral with the arm 41. The tab 42 is preferably capable of being removably and movably adapted. in rotation on a coupling 43, the coupling 43 being designed to be mounted on the valve 40, for example by screwing (FIGS. 2 and 3).

  Advantageously, the removable attachment means will preferably be designed to be adapted to different types of faucet, and for example to large faucets, or to faucets type gooseneck.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reservoir 3 is removably mounted on the support member 30, for example by means of locking clips, so as to form an interchangeable cartridge. The clips (not shown in the figures) may for example comprise a lug and a corresponding slot formed vis-à-vis respectively on the walls 3A of the tank 3 and on the inner surface 35A of the half-shell 35.

  Of course, the clip system can be replaced by any other fastening means well known to those skilled in the art.

  The fluid dispenser device according to the invention therefore allows a controlled distribution and a precise dosage of the product.

  Another advantage of the fluid dispenser device according to the invention is that it is self-sealing, and therefore does not require additional cap when not in use.

  Another advantage of the fluid dispenser device according to the invention is that it allows significant space saving, especially on the contour of the sink.

  Another advantage of the fluid dispenser device according to the invention is that it can be reloaded easily.

  The use and operation of the fluid dispenser device according to the invention will now be described.

  The fluid product dispensing device according to the invention is preferably mounted on a valve 40, preferably on the end 40A of the valve 40, by means of removable attachment means. The removable attachment means are arranged in such a way that the fluid dispenser device 1 is able to rotate around the end 40A of the valve 40, thus conferring on the device 1 a certain freedom of movement and positioning.

  It is obviously possible to simply put the device 1 on any support.

  The fluid dispensing device 1 may for example be used to deliver liquid soap or any type of detergent for domestic or industrial use.

  The user wishing to deposit a certain quantity of product on a receiving element, for example a sponge, preferably carries with one hand, the receiving element in contact with the outer surface 7 of the cylinder 20, and anime the receiving element of a translational movement adapted to rotate the cylinder 20 about the axis X-X '.

  If the desired amount of product is small, the translational movement will preferably be of low amplitude so that only one product strip, corresponding to a dose of product, is deposited on the receiving member.

  On the contrary, if the desired amount of product is large, the magnitude of the translational movement will preferably be greater, so that the cylinder 20 rotates at an angle sufficient to coat the receiver element substantially its surface using several strips of product distributed in a substantially regular manner. With such a distribution mode, the user does not need to distribute the product himself on the receiving element.

  Of course, if the cavities 21 are not rectangular grooves, but for example wells of substantially circular section, the film of product deposited on the receiving element will be in the form of one or more product piles preferably distributed regularly on the surface of the receiving element.

  Thus, as the cylinder rotates about the axis X-X ', the product is deposited substantially continuously on the outer surface 7 of the cylinder 20 located in the deposition zone 22. The scraping means, in particular, the wiper seal 32 then makes it possible to eliminate the excess of fluid deposited on the outer surface 7. In this way, on the part of the cylinder 20 situated in the coating zone 23, only the product contained in the coating means 8, in particular in cavities 21.

  When the reservoir 3 is empty, it can either be recharged, for example by filling through the dispensing orifice 4, or replaced, in which case it is in the form of an interchangeable cartridge.

Claims (3)

16 CLAIMS   1 - Fluid dispensing device intended to be mounted on a base (2), and comprising: - a reservoir (3) of fluid product, provided with a dispensing orifice (4), - application means ( 5, 20) fluid product supplied fluid from the reservoir (3), said device being characterized in that the application means (5, 20) comprise: - a substantially rigid wall (6) provided with a outer surface (7) 10 substantially smooth and movable relative to the reservoir (3), - coating means (8, 11, 21) formed through said outer surface (7) and capable of containing at least one dose of product to ensure the deposition of a film of fluid product on a receiving element independent of the device, when said receiving element is brought into contact with the outer surface (7) and moved in translation relative to the reservoir (3) .   2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the application means (5, 20) are formed by a cylinder (20) movably mounted with a possibility of rotation relative to the reservoir (3), the side wall of said cylinder (20). ) forming the outer surface (7) of the application means (5, 20).   3 - Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the coating means (8, 11, 21) are formed by at least one cavity (21).   2859461 17 4 - Device according to claim 3 characterized in that said at least one cavity (21) is rectilinear, and extends substantially longitudinally on the outer surface (7).   - Device according to claim 3 or claim 4 characterized in that the coating means (8, 11, 21) are formed by a plurality of cavities (21) provided at substantially regular intervals on the outer surface (7). 6 - Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 characterized in that it comprises a support member (30), capable of being interposed between the cylinder (20) and the reservoir (3), so that the cylinder (20) is mounted movably with a possibility of rotation on said support member (30), and that the reservoir (3) comes, via the dispensing orifice (4), sealingly against the element support (30), said support member (30) being traversed by a lumen (31) opening on the one hand substantially vis-à-vis the dispensing orifice (4) of the reservoir (3), and other apart from the cylinder (20).   7 - Device according to claim 6 characterized in that the support member (30) is provided with scraping means (32) capable, during the rotation of the cylinder (20), scrape the outer surface (7) so as to removing excess fluid deposited on said outer surface (7).   8 - Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the scraping means are formed by at least one scraper (32), which is mounted on the inner wall (33) of a housing (34) substantially open and formed on the support member (30), said housing (34) being shaped to receive the cylinder (20).   2859461 18 9 - Device according to one of claims 6 to 8 characterized in that the support member (30) is provided with sealing means (32), which are interposed between the inner wall (33) of the housing (34). ) and the cylinder (20), so as to seal the device (1) when the cylinder (20) is mounted inside the housing (34).   - Device according to claim 9 characterized in that the sealing means are formed by a plurality of seals, for example two seals, capable of sealing the device (1) at both ends (20A, 20B) of the cylinder (20), said seals being mounted in an arc on the inner wall (33) of the housing (34), each vis-à-vis one end (20A, 20B) of the cylinder (20).   11 - Device according to claim 9 or 10 characterized in that the scraping means and the sealing means are formed by a wiper seal (32) monobloc, which is mounted on the inner wall (33) of the housing (34).   12 - Device according to claim 11 characterized in that the support member (30) comprises three parts: a first portion formed by a half-shell (35), wherein the reservoir (3) is likely to fit to come resting against the support element (30), the dispensing orifice (4) of the reservoir (3) sealingly engaging a nozzle (36) formed on the inner surface (35A) of the half-shell ( 35), said tip (36) being traversed by the lumen (31), a second part, in which the housing (34) is formed, and on which are mounted, on both sides of said housing (34) and in alignment with respect to one another, two cylindrical studs on which the cylinder (20) is adapted to be fitted with a possibility of rotation, so as to close the housing substantially sealingly with the aid of wiper seal (32), a third part, located between the first and the second part, to be the light (31) providing the communication between the reservoir (3) and the application means (5, 20) of the fluid product is arranged.   13 - Device according to one of claims 6 to 12 characterized in that it comprises removable attachment means so as to be removably mounted on a valve (40).   14 -Dispositif according to any one of claims 6 to 13 characterized in that the reservoir (3) is removably mounted on the support member (30), for example by means of clips.   - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the application means (5, 20) comprise a compressible element (9) rechargeable fluid product, interposed between the reservoir (3) and the rigid wall (6), and likely to transition from a state of rest to a compressed state under the effect of the translational movement of the receiving element, so that in the state of rest, it can be loaded with fluid from the reservoir (3) and that, in the compressed state, it can deliver, by means of the coating means (8, 11, 21), a film of fluid product on the receiving element.   16 - Device according to claim 15 characterized in that the coating means (8, 11, 21) are formed by openings (11) formed through the entire thickness of the rigid wall (6).