FR3008901A1 - LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEM SUCH AS PERFUME AND ASSOCIATED RESERVOIR - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid distribution system comprising: - an apparatus (A) comprising a device (14) for pumping and dispensing the pumped liquid and a hollow needle (50, 52) communicating with the device, - a liquid reservoir (R) which is able, on the one hand, to be introduced into the apparatus to be perforated by the needle in order to suck the liquid and, on the other hand, to be removed from the apparatus, characterized in that the reservoir is able in itself to restore all the liquid contained under the pumping action of the pumping and dispensing device, the hollow needle forming a communication interface between said device pumping and distribution and the tank.

Description

The invention relates to a dispensing system for a liquid such as perfume, comprising a liquid dispensing device and a liquid reservoir. Such liquid distribution systems such as perfume are known and each comprises a device for pumping liquid and dispensing the pumped liquid and a liquid reservoir on which the device is permanently mounted. When the liquid is exhausted, dispose of the device and buy a new one filled with liquid. Also known from FR 2 843 001 is a perfume delivery system which comprises: - a device for pumping and spraying the pumped liquid comprising a sprayer, a pump and a rigid dip tube connected at one end to the pump, a reservoir having a pellet which is pierceable by the second end of the dip tube. The second end of the dip tube forms a perforating member which extends into the bottom of the tank to pump the liquid under the action of the pump. This system is however not satisfactory. Indeed, it requires questioning the design and manufacture of conventional pumping and spraying devices by attaching them to a rigid tube. The reliability over time of the mechanical strength of the tube to the device of such an apparatus is far from proven, in particular because of the multiple withdrawal movements of the reservoir to remove the tube. Moreover, the dimensioning of the rigid tube must be very precise so that the tube is able to reach the bottom of the tank without touching it so as not to damage it. The tube must therefore be shorter than the inner length of the tank, which will therefore not ensure its complete emptying.

Finally, it is difficult to change tank properly, since the liquid on the dip tube may drip. The invention aims to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a new, more reliable liquid distribution system than those of the prior art. The invention thus relates to a liquid distribution system, comprising: - a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a device for pumping liquid and dispensing the pumped liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one hollow needle which communicates with the pumping and dispensing device and - a liquid reservoir which is adapted, on the one hand, to be introduced into said apparatus to be perforated by said at least one hollow needle in order to suck the liquid contained in the reservoir and, on the other hand, to be removed from said apparatus if necessary, characterized in that the liquid reservoir is able to restore all the liquid contained in said reservoir under the action of pumping the device of pumping and dispensing, said at least one hollow needle forming a communication interface between said pumping and dispensing device and the reservoir. The liquid reservoir is not an integral part of the device but is installed in it removably. The reservoir has its own system for returning (or rising) liquid which reacts under the action of a depression caused by the pumping and dispensing device 25 to raise the liquid from the bottom of the tank to the top of the -this. Said at least one hollow needle serves only as an interface for, on the one hand, perforating the reservoir and, on the other hand, allowing the liquid brought from the bottom of the reservoir to exit from the latter and to be conveyed to the pumping and dispensing device. Said at least one hollow needle does not have the function of fetching the liquid at the bottom of the tank as in the prior art and is therefore not part of the liquid recovery system. Thus, it is not necessary to size very accurately a hollow needle so that it can fetch the liquid at the bottom of the tank without damaging it, the latter already being equipped with its own liquid recovery system. When the liquid tank is empty, it is removed from the unit and another full tank is put in its place. The device can therefore be reused a large number of times without having to discard the entire distribution and pumping system (device and tank). The use of a hollow needle, for example of the hypodermic needle type, makes it possible to have a reservoir of liquid which is permanently closed (during transport and use) and which does not need to be opened to be used. Indeed, it is sufficient to introduce the tank into the device and put it in place in use position by pushing it towards the needle so that it pierces the tank (more particularly the means of closing or closing of the reservoir) and that, by actuation of the dispensing device, liquid can be dispensed (eg pulverized). The simple act of removing the empty reservoir from the apparatus disengages the needle from the reservoir and replaces the empty reservoir with a full reservoir. Said at least one needle is not intended to go to the bottom of the tank to the extent that it already incorporates its own system of liquid return (the tank is able in itself to return the entire 20 liquid). Therefore the length of said at least one needle must be sufficient to be able to perforate the reservoir and penetrate inside without having to extend to the bottom as in the prior art. The length of said at least one needle is thus considered small relative to a main dimension of the reservoir, for example with respect to the length or height of the reservoir if the latter has a generally elongate shape, for example substantially cylindrical. Therefore, said at least one needle can be much shorter than the perforating tube of the aforementioned apparatus. As a result, the stroke to be performed by said at least one needle to exit the reservoir is much smaller than in the prior art, which can make the withdrawal movement easier. Moreover, as this needle is short, the risk of breaking it is lower than in the prior art. In addition, the portion of this needle capable of diving into the liquid is low (or zero depending on the arrangement) so that the tank change can be made cleanly, without liquid dripping. Finally, since the needle is short, it is possible to provide a covering to hide it and prevent the user from being injured, whereas in the state of the art, it is impossible to achieve a completely masking liner. needle at the risk of not being able to access the tank. According to other possible characteristics, taken separately or in combination with each other: the tank comprises an internal liquid suction tube which extends towards the bottom of the tank, the system being shaped so that 10 l hollow needle is in fluid communication with the inner suction tube when the liquid reservoir is introduced into the apparatus; this system of integral liquid recovery makes it possible to raise the liquid from the bottom of the tank to the hollow needle under the action of pumping (air pressure communicated inside the tank) of the pumping and dispensing device; such a system is very easy to predict in the tank because widely used in the technical field in question; the inner tube may be flexible, which facilitates its introduction inside the tank to the bottom of it; the flexible plunger tube may be longer than the internal height of the reservoir and, because of its flexibility, it is therefore bent in contact with the bottom of the reservoir, thereby ensuring the complete return of the liquid; the reservoir defines an internal volume containing the liquid and which is deformable under the pumping action of the pumping and dispensing device, the deformation of the internal volume causing the return of liquid out of the reservoir via the hollow needle without resuming the air in said tank; this integral liquid recovery system makes it possible to raise the liquid from the bottom of the tank to the hollow needle under the pumping action of the pumping and dispensing device; the volume may be deformed for example because the reservoir comprises a deformable pocket 30 or because the bottom of the reservoir acts as a piston that pushes the liquid to the top of the reservoir, where the needle perforates said reservoir; said at least one hollow needle is integral with a part of the apparatus which is distinct from the pumping and dispensing device; said at least one needle is not mounted directly on the device for pumping and dispensing liquid but on an intermediate piece; this arrangement thus makes it possible to use a conventional pumping and dispensing device or at least a conventional pumping device without having to question its design and manufacture; Moreover, the mounting of said at least one needle on such a part of the apparatus (forming a needle support) makes it possible to fix said at least one needle more reliably (for example by overmolding) than on the pumping device. and liquid distribution; thus, when the reservoir of the apparatus according to the invention is removed to disengage the needle (at each change of reservoir), the risks of detachment of the needle from the support part over time are reduced by compared to the apparatus of the aforementioned prior art; the apparatus comprises a single hollow needle which is capable of perforating the reservoir of liquid in order to suck up the liquid; such a needle is for example associated with a return air means for the entry of air into the tank during the pumping of liquid; this air intake means is generally provided on the tank, alternatively, the single needle is used with the aforementioned tank whose internal volume is deformable; said at least one needle which is capable of perforating the liquid reservoir in order to suck up the liquid is a main needle, the apparatus comprising at least one other so-called secondary hollow needle which is able to perforate the liquid reservoir of in order to allow the entry of air into said tank during pumping of liquid; the secondary hollow needle forms a means of air intake; - the main needle is disposed in a central position of the apparatus, while the secondary needle is in a peripheral position relative to the central position; the apparatus has an open axial housing and means which permit the axial introduction of the liquid reservoir into said housing and its perforation by said at least one hollow needle; said at least one hollow needle is set back from the opening of the axial housing; thus, said at least one needle is not accessible from the outside of the apparatus in contrast to the apparatus of the aforementioned prior art; the apparatus comprises a body inside which a sleeve piece is arranged and which defines inside the housing for the reservoir 5 of liquid, the piece forming a sleeve being able to slide axially along an internal surface; the body between a first low position in which said piece is at a distance from said at least one hollow needle and, secondly, a high position in which said piece is closer to said at least one hollow needle than in the first position low; it will be appreciated that the body of the apparatus is part of the apparatus part which is distinct from the pumping and dispensing device and on which is mounted said at least one needle; the apparatus comprises means for locking the sleeve piece inside the body in the second high position; - The locking means take the form of a projecting element integral with the sleeve piece or the body and which cooperates with a retaining element integral with the body or the sleeve piece in the second high position; the projecting element is able to cooperate with a ramp during the axial sliding of the sleeve piece inside the body between the first and second positions; the sheath piece comprises an upper part engaged inside the body and a lower opposite part of diameter greater than the diameter of the open end of the body by which said part is axially engaged in said body, the opposite low part having a radial elasticity that allows it to be engaged in force inside the body; a spring is mounted coaxially with the body outside thereof between an upper stop secured to said body and a lower stop which is integral with the opposite lower part of the sleeve piece, the lower stop protruding from the outside the body when said opposite lower part of the part is engaged in force inside the body; - The sleeve member has on its inner surface at least one adhesion zone for axially locking by adhesion the liquid reservoir introduced into the housing; the body comprises a wall disposed above the sleeve piece and said at least one hollow needle is mounted in said wall; the main needle and the secondary needle are mounted in said wall; the reservoir comprises an opening at its upper part and means for blocking the opening, the closure means being able to be perforated by the said at least one hollow needle; - The closure means comprises a central portion made of a material which is intended to be perforated, for example elastomer, thermoplastic, silicone, foam ...; the reservoir comprises an open upper end defining a neck and an insert part which is engaged inside the neck and capped by the closure means, the insert part comprising: a cavity provided in the lower part with a an orifice communicating with the internal liquid suction tube, said at least one hollow needle being intended to pass through the closure means and to enter said cavity, an air intake means allowing the entry of air into the tank when pumping liquid; - The air intake means defines a path for the air inlet into the reservoir which is separated from the path taken by the liquid during its pumping; the two paths are physically dissociated so as to avoid preferentially aspirating air when pumping liquid; - The cavity provided with an orifice communicating with the liquid suction tube being a central cavity, the insert part comprises a peripheral cavity provided in the lower part of an orifice communicating with the upper part of the reservoir; The air intake means is formed by a portion of the closure means comprising a valve element which is able to open or close under the action of an air vacuum in the reservoir when liquid is aspirated by a single hollow needle. ; the valve element is disposed vertically above the peripheral cavity; - The air intake means is formed at least in part by a central portion of the closure means which is intended to be traversed by the single hollow needle, said central portion of the closure means being fit, when traversed by said hollow needle, to deform under the action of an air depression formed in the reservoir when liquid is sucked by said hollow needle, the deformation allowing air to enter said reservoir between said central portion; and said needle; the air intake means is also formed, on the one hand, by at least one passage between the central cavity and the peripheral cavity which is situated in the upper part of the two cavities and, on the other hand, by the peripheral cavity ; - The reservoir comprises a seal member which is pierceable by the needle, deformable under pressure and slidably mounted in the central cavity so as to occupy, on the one hand, a lower position located at a lower dimension than the passage when the needle passes successively through the central portion of the closure means and the seal member and, on the other hand, a high position located at the side of the passage when the needle is withdrawn from the reservoir so as to prevent any passage of air through said at least one passage; this seal member slides within the central cavity by friction between the needle and said member during the insertion or withdrawal movement of the needle; by withdrawing axially the needle (during extraction of the tank of the apparatus) the seal forming element closes the passage or passages, which makes it possible to seal the reservoir; - The central portion of the closure means comprises a membrane which is sufficiently flexible and thin to deform under the effect of pressure and allow air to pass between the needle and the membrane; said at least one secondary needle is intended to penetrate into the closure means and said peripheral cavity so as to allow air to enter the reservoir through said orifice when pumping liquid; a peripheral cavity provided at the bottom with an orifice communicating with the upper part of the reservoir, said at least one other secondary needle being intended to pass through the closure means and to penetrate into said peripheral cavity so as to allow the entry of air into the reservoir through said orifice when pumping liquid. - The insert part and the closure means are separate elements; alternatively they can be part of one and the same element. The subject of the invention is also a liquid reservoir, characterized in that it is sealed and is capable of being perforated by a hollow needle, the reservoir being able to return all the liquid it contains under the action of an air depression communicated inside said tank after perforation by the hollow needle. The reservoir cooperates with the apparatus of the aforementioned liquid distribution system by introduction into the apparatus and engagement of the reservoir on said at least one needle so that it penetrates inside the reservoir in order to suck up the liquid by simply operating the device's pumping device. According to other characteristics taken separately or in combination with each other: the reservoir comprises an internal tube for liquid suction which extends towards the bottom of the tank; the reservoir defines an internal volume containing the liquid and which is deformable under the action of an air depression communicated inside said reservoir after perforation by the hollow needle, the deformation of the internal volume causing the restitution liquid out of the tank via the hollow needle without air intake in said tank; the reservoir comprises an opening at its upper part and means for blocking the opening, the closure means being able to be perforated by the said at least one hollow needle. The invention further relates to a method of installing a liquid reservoir as briefly discussed above in a liquid dispensing apparatus of a liquid dispensing system as briefly discussed above. the method comprising inserting the reservoir into the apparatus and placing it in said apparatus in a use position wherein said at least one hollow needle perforates the liquid reservoir for aspirating the liquid therefrom. The aspiration of liquid is allowed thanks to the presence in the tank of a separate dip tube of said at least one hollow needle. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic overall view in axial section; a liquid distribution system according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the interior of a portion of the lower block 30 of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a half of the block of Figure 2 which has been cut along an axial plane passing through its axis of symmetry S; - Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the sleeve 70 of Figure 1; - Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the inside of a half of the sleeve 70 of Figure 4 which has been cut along an axial plane passing through the longitudinal axis L; FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the tank R of FIG. 1; Figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of the upper end of the reservoir of Figure 6; FIGS. 8a to 8e are successive schematic, transparent, partially cut away perspective schematic views showing, on the one hand, the installation in the use position inside the body 32, the sleeve 70 and the liquid reservoir R inserted into the sheath and, on the other hand, their withdrawal from this position; FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial schematic view in axial section of a liquid distribution system according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 10a and 10b are enlarged partial schematic views in axial section of a system for dispensing a liquid according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; - Figures 11a and 11b are partial schematic partial views in axial section of a liquid distribution system according to yet another embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1 and designated by the general reference number 10, a liquid distribution system such as a perfume comprises: a liquid dispensing apparatus A, a liquid reservoir R which is engaged in part inside a housing provided in the device. In this so-called use position the tank can be used by the apparatus and the dispensing system is operational. Figure 6 illustrates the tank R without the apparatus. The apparatus A has a generally elongate shape along an axis Z (this axis corresponds to the vertical axis when the apparatus is in a vertical position of use as in FIG. 1). The apparatus A comprises, more particularly, an outer casing 12 having a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The casing 12 has two opposite ends 20 open 12a, 12b which are arranged along the longitudinal axis Z. The cylindrical shape of the outer casing 12 extends from its lower end said 12b over almost its entire height. Near the upper end 12a, the casing adopts a truncated cone shape towards the end 12a to form a reduced opening with respect to the opening of the opposite lower end 12b. The apparatus A comprises a device 14 for pumping liquid and dispensing the pumped liquid which is mounted at the upper end 12a of the envelope. The device 14 comprises an upper block 16 which protrudes beyond the opening of the end 12a. This block comprises a first so-called distribution part 18 which extends transversely along most of the diameter of the opening of the upper end 12a. The part 18 is partially recessed in its central part to receive, from below, a second part 20 elongated perpendicularly along the axis Z. The part 18 is provided, in its peripheral part, with a liquid distribution member 22 ( here, it is a spraying member) which opens on the outside. The second piece 20 is pierced along its entire height (along the Z axis) of a central through channel which communicates with the liquid distribution member 22 via internal channels to the piece 18. The block upper 16 is covered, in its portion projecting above the opening of the upper end 12a, a cap 23 which can slide through the opening following a support on said cap.

The apparatus comprises a lower block 30 housed inside the envelope 12 and extending from a low zone located at a distance from the lower end 12b of the envelope to a high zone located in the portion of the envelope in the shape of a truncated cone. The lower block 30 comprises a cylindrical body 32 open at its lower end 32a and closed at its upper end 32b by a transverse wall 34. This wall 34 is surmounted by a hollow neck 36 of diameter less than the diameter of the body 32 and which is extends into the upper zone located in the portion of the truncated cone-shaped envelope. The neck 36 defines an internal housing. A cylindrical piece 20 forming a turret extends axially in the inner housing from the wall 34 and is surmounted by a cylindrical chimney 40. The assembly formed of the body 32 and the neck 36 has axial symmetry relative to to a central longitudinal axis S (fig.2). The lower block 30 is centered inside the envelope 12 and the axis S coincides with the axis Z. The part 38 is eccentric with respect to the axis of axial symmetry S but the stack 40 is aligned. along this axis. The piece 38 is pierced in its height or thickness (Z axis) by two parallel through channels 38a, 38b. The central channel 38a is aligned with the axis S and the chimney 40 which extends it upwards. The eccentric channel 38b is disposed between the central channel 38a and the wall of the neck 36. The channel 38a surmounted by the chimney 40 and the channel 38b each communicate the interior of the body 32 with the internal housing at the neck 36.

The lower block 30 also comprises a piece 42 of generally elongated shape which has a body 42a pierced at its center with an elongated through channel 42b aligned along the axis Z. The part 42 comprises a cylindrical skirt 42c which extends to from an upper end of the body, upwardly away from said body. The skirt is shaped to provide inside said skirt a central cavity 42d aligned with the through channel 42b. The skirt 42c is provided with an external shoulder. The part 42 is engaged inside the inner housing at the neck 36 and is fixed on the part 38 so that the chimney 40 is fitted inside the through channel 42b. The outer shoulder of the skirt 42c rests on a washer 44 which is itself mounted to bear on the upper free edge of the neck 36. A cap 46 has a profile in axial section (FIG. 1) which follows the profile external of the skirt 42c, its shoulder and the washer and covers these elements. The cap 46 is pierced in the middle to allow the second part 20 of the upper block 16 to partially penetrate inside the central cavity 42d. A so-called main hollow needle 50 is fixed, by overmoulding, inside the central channel 38a on the side of the wall 34 which faces the housing internal to the body 32. The main needle 50 thus fixed in the wall 34 of the body it crosses protruded into the abovementioned housing by a free end perforator 50a. Through the communication of the central channel 38a, the chimney 40, the cavity 42d, the channel 20a of the second part 20 and the internal channels to the first distribution part 18, the housing internal to the body 32 is in communication with the liquid dispensing member 22.

Thus, the hollow needle 50 is integral with the body 32 which is a part of the apparatus which is distinct from the pumping and dispensing device 14. A so-called secondary hollow needle 52 is fixed, by overmoulding, inside the canal. device 38b on the side of the wall 34 which faces the housing internal to the body 32. As a variant not shown, each needle 50, 52 can be force-fitted or glued inside its channel. The secondary needle 52 thus fixed in the wall 34 of the body through which it passes protrudes into the aforementioned housing by a free perforating end 52a. The secondary needle 52 puts, for its part, the internal housing at the neck 36 in communication with the housing internal to the body 32 and the outside during the actuation of the pumping device 14. The venting of the housing internal to the neck 36 is made possible in known manner (not shown) as on most pumps used in perfumery.

The secondary needle 52 is also integral with the body 32 which is a separate part of the pumping and dispensing device 14. The needles are for example of the hypodermic type and have for example the same lengths. However, in a variant not shown, their respective lengths may be different from one needle to another. In general, the needles have lengths that are well below the length of the body 32 (and therefore of the apparatus) insofar as they do not have the function of fetching the liquid from the reservoir but only from serve as an interface. As will be seen below the tank itself comprises a system of integral restitution of liquid which acts in response to an air suction created by the pumping device 14. Note that the needles are thus mounted on a separate piece the upper block 16 carrying the pumping device and dispensing. The upper block 16 is axially movable along the axis Z with respect to the fixed lower block 30 when a user exerts pressure on the cap 23. More particularly, the second piece 20 is able to slide inside the cavity 42d, which allows, when the second piece 20 rises, to create a vacuum in the set of aligned channels and in the main needle 50. The body 32 is provided on its outer surface with a flange 60 25 arranged substantially at mid-height and which comes into contact with the inner surface of the envelope 12. A light 62 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is made through the wall of the body 32 and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body . The lumen 62 originates above the collar 60 and, in a first portion 62a, curves away from said flange and then extends axially rectilinearly along a second portion 62b. The lumen 62 then extends substantially parallel to the flange 60 while forming an axial return 62c towards it. The axial return or off 62c is located vertically above the first portion 62a. Longitudinal recesses 64, 66, 68 are provided on the inner surface of the body 32 over a portion of the thickness of the cylindrical wall of said body. These recesses are spaced angularly from one another and extend from the lower free end 32a of the body to a height less than the height at which the flange 60 is arranged. The recesses are each open at their end. lower 64a, 66a, 68a to be able to introduce from below a piece of complementary shape to that of the recess. The recesses are closed at their upper end by a flange 64b, 66b, 68b. The apparatus A also comprises a sleeve piece 70 (FIGS. 4 and 5) which is intended to be engaged inside the body 32 as represented in FIG. 1 in the use position of the apparatus. The part 70, hereinafter referred to as the sheath, has a slightly frustoconical shape with a lower part of diameter slightly greater than that of the upper part. The piece 70 is open at its two opposite ends 70a, 70b and has, at its upper end 70a, an inner flange 71 which reduces the diameter of the opening. In its lower part, the sleeve 70 has several longitudinal cutouts distributed radially along the circumference so as to form tabs having a radial elasticity. The wall of the sleeve in its lower part thus comprises several elastic tabs, for example three 72, 74, 76, which extend from the mid-height of the sleeve to the lower free end 70b and which are spaced apart. each other angularly by rigid cylindrical wall portions 78, 80, 82. The rigid wall portions are provided at their free end with an outer peripheral flange 78a, 80a, 82a. The angular distribution of the tabs corresponds to that of the recesses 64, 66, 68 of the body 32 insofar as the tabs are intended to engage in the recesses when the sleeve is introduced inside the body (FIG. . The elastic tabs 72, 74, 76 are provided on at least a portion of their inner surface, in particular in their lower part, with an adherent coating 84, 86, 88 in the form of an adhesion pad, for example made of rubber. In practice, the adhesion pad extends on the inner surface of each tab in the form of a band that runs halfway up the leg to the free end of the tab and forms a return to the lug. outside passing under said free end. The pads are for example overmolded on the legs and the return of the pad is used for demolding. The pads could however be glued or snapped on the legs. A rectangular window 90 for example is cut in the cylindrical wall of the sheath (under the flange 71). A first elongated lug 92 extends, from a hook in the flange 71, axially inside this window (over part of its height) and is provided at its free end with a return or pin 92a directed outward. The tab 92 and shaped is disposed parallel to the cylindrical wall of the sleeve and has a radial elasticity.

A second elongate tab 94, of the same length as the first tab 92, extends, from the flange 71, inside the window 90 (over part of its height), immediately next to the first tab. 92. The second tab 94 is provided at its free end with a return or lug 94a directed outwards. The second tab is not arranged parallel to the cylindrical wall of the sleeve but is inclined relative thereto. The free end of the second lug 94 projects out of the window 90 in the rest position (FIGS. 4 and 5). The second tab 94 thus shaped has a radial and also lateral elasticity. Note that the lug 94a has a portion which is inclined laterally towards the lug 92a adjacent. The lug 92a has, meanwhile, a recessed or erased portion on the side adjacent the lug 94a to cooperate with the inclined portion of the latter when the second leg 94 is deformed laterally towards the first lug 92 as c is the case during the insertion movement of the reservoir in the sheath (Figures 8a-e). The inclined portion of the lug 94a has for example a cutaway 94a1 and the recessed or erased portion of the lug 92a has a complementary cutaway 92a1, thus promoting a support of the two panels against each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, a spring 93 is mounted coaxially around the body 32 and is held in compression between an upper stop formed by the lower face of the flange 60 and a lower stop formed by the upper face of the end flanges 78a. , 80a, 82a.

The tank R illustrated in Figure 6 has a generally cylindrical shape and is hermetically closed by a closure means. As shown in greater detail and enlarged in Figure 7, the reservoir has an open top end configured as a neck 100 which defines a passage 101 for communicating the interior of the tank with the outside. The reservoir comprises an insert part 102 engaged inside the passage defined by the neck and held there in position. The closure means 104 (shutter piece) of the tank cap the insert 102 to seal the tank. The closure means is configured to be able to be perforated by the needles 50 and 52 of the device. The closure means is for example a membrane made of a material that is piercable by needles 50 and 52. This membrane has a sufficient thickness so that, when the needles are removed, the sealing means seals. The thickness should not be too high, however, so that it can be easily perforated by the needles. The thickness varies in particular according to the nature of the material and the diameters of the needles. For example, the thickness can vary from 1 to 5mm. The constituent material of the closure means is for example made of elastomer (eg rubber). However, the material could be thermoplastic, silicone, foam ... More particularly, the insert 102 comprises a generally cylindrical body which is inserted into the passage of the neck and comprises: a cylindrical central cavity 106 provided with in the lower part of an orifice 106a communicating with a flexible liquid suction tube or plunger tube 108 (this tube 108 extends towards the bottom of the reservoir as illustrated in FIG. 1 and its upper end is forced into a hollow cylindrical protrusion 109 secured to the bottom of the insert, the tube being flexible and longer than the axial internal length of the reservoir, it curves at its lower end to come into contact with the bottom, which allows the reservoir to be completely emptied its liquid), - a peripheral cavity 110 of annular shape, coaxial with the central cavity and which is provided in the lower part with an opening 110a communicating with the upper part of the tank. The two cavities 106 and 110 are isolated from each other. As shown in FIG. 1, it will be noted that the main hollow needle 50 is intended to penetrate into the central cavity 106, whereas the secondary needle 52 is intended to penetrate into the peripheral cavity 110 so as to allow the entrance in the tank through the hole 110a when pumping liquid. The insert 102 has in the upper part of the body a peripheral extension forming a shoulder 102a. A washer 112 is disposed on the upper free edge of the neck 100 and the shoulder 102a rests on this washer. This washer is a seal. The central cavity 106 of the insert 102 is delimited by a central cylindrical portion 102b which is higher than the rest of the body and in particular that the shoulder 102a. This difference in height makes it possible to form a tubular seal between the two cavities 106 and 110. The reliable insulation 20 between the two cavities is thus simpler to obtain than by trying to achieve a plane seal. The closure piece 104 made of elastomer is shaped on its underside so as to fit into the upper part of the insert 102 and, in particular, on the free end of the central cylindrical portion 102b as well as in a groove. 102c annulus of the shoulder 102a. The closure piece 104 has more particularly a disk-shaped central portion 104a which is hollowed out in its lower face to accommodate the upper part 102b of the insert. A peripheral flange 104b surrounds the central portion 104a in its bottom portion and is provided on its underside with an annular flange that extends axially downwardly to engage the annular groove 102c. Note that in a variant not shown the closure piece and the insert part are part of a single piece.

The reservoir R comprises an annular clamping piece 114 which has a generally cylindrical shape 114a surrounding, on the one hand, the neck 100 and, on the other hand, the stack consisting of the washer 112, the shoulder 102a and the the flange 104b. The lower part 114b of the part 114 is crimped into a bearing under an external shoulder of the neck 100. The part 114 forms in the upper part an internal return 114c directed towards the central part 104a and which extends over the shoulder 102a and the collar 104b. The piece 114 forms a crimping cap. The internal return 114c is inclined downwardly towards the flange 104b so as to firmly press said flange. The clamping piece 114 thus encloses the assembly formed by the neck 100 and the stack of the washer 112, the shoulder 102a and the collar 104b. The tank R comprises, around all of the aforementioned elements, a part 116 having a ferrule-like shape 116a. The ferrule 116a has at its upper part an inner rim 116b extending perpendicular to the ferrule towards the central portion 104a. The free inner edge of flange 116b is bent down against flange 104b so as to trap and obscure the formed assembly of members 112, 102a, 114 and 104b. The tank which has just been described (after being filled with liquid and clogged) is suitable for being introduced into the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 5 to be perforated by the needles 50 and 52 of FIG. In the apparatus, the barrel 70 is in a so-called low position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and indicated by the reference 70 (B). When a tank R must be loaded into the apparatus, the user introduces it axially inside the casing 12 (along the longitudinal axis Z) by the end 12b. The reservoir R is inserted partially inside the axial housing delimited by the sleeve located in the lower position 70 (B) until it abuts against the internal face of the collar 71 of the sleeve and adopts the position illustrated in FIG. 8a. In this figure, the envelope 12 of Figure 1 has been removed for the sake of readability. The lower block 30 has been made transparent in order to visualize the sheath engaged in the body 32 of the lower block 30. In this position (FIG. 8a), the lug 94a of the elastic tab 94 is engaged, by its natural advance out of the window 90, in the light 62 facing 5, more particularly, in the first portion 62a thereof. The lug 94a is not elastically deformed in this position. The portions of adhesion formed on the elastic tabs 72, 74, 76 of the sheath play their part by adhering to the external surface of the reservoir, thus blocking the reservoir axially in order to prevent its descent when it is engaged in the sheath. position of use. When the user pushes the tank or cartridge R upwards further along the arrow of FIG. 8a, at the same time he drives, in this upward movement, the sleeve 70 which slides axially along the internal surface of the body 32 (FIG. 8b). During this movement the lug or projecting element 94a is guided in the light 62 by the ramp shape thereof (cam path) along the first and second portions 62a, 62b and laterally deformed towards the paw 92 to follow the ramp. Under the thrust, the assembly constituted by the sheath and the reservoir 20 penetrates further inside the body 32 until the needles 50 and 52 (not shown in FIGS. 8a-e) perforate the shut-off piece 104 and penetrate into the respective cavities 106 and 110 of the insert 102. The assembly is then in the use position. At the same time, the elastically laterally deformed lug 94a reaches the axial dimension of the stall 62c. No longer being forced to deform laterally by the ramp, the lug 94a is resiliently biased towards its undeformed position and engages in the recess 62c which forms a retaining element of the lug of the sheath. However, the lug 94a can not return completely to its undeformed position of Figure 8a and still remains constrained radially by the hook 62c.

The sleeve 70 is thus locked or locked in the high position which is identified by the reference 70 (H) in Figure 8c. The spring 93 is compressed between the upper stops 60 and lower 78a, 80a and 82a. The apparatus A is then ready to be used in the position of use illustrated in FIG. 1. Successive vertical supports of a user on the upper movable block 16 make it possible to slide the second piece 20 into the central cavity 42c and upwardly, to create a suction of liquid (pumping) from the reservoir to the dispensing orifice of the member 22. This rise of liquid is performed via, successively, the plunger tube 108, the central cavity 106 , the main needle 50, the chimney 40, the channel 42b, the cavity 42d, the channel 20a and the internal channels to the first part 18. Note that the flexible plunger tube 108 forms the system of integral reproduction of reservoir liquid (also called feedback rate control system) which, under the action of the pumping device 14 ensures the recovery of the liquid from the bottom of the tank. The secondary needle 52 concomitantly provides an air inlet into the reservoir when pumping the liquid to compensate for the volume of pumped liquid.

It will be noted that when using the pumping device, no force is exerted on the reservoir. Indeed, this is made possible by the structure of the apparatus in which the pumping device is supported on a portion (high) of the fixed lower block 30 while the tank is biased for its insertion, via the sheath, another part (bass) of block 30.

Similarly, during the insertion of the tank there is no thrust exerted on the pumping device. This device structure makes it possible to have a cartridge or refill of simple design which does not require, in particular, a mechanical locking / locking system between the refill and the pumping device.

Tank R is removed when all (or almost all) of the liquid has been consumed or for other reasons (eg the user's desire to change the perfume). To do this, simply press the bottom of the tank as indicated by the arrow in Figure 8c (same movement to be performed as to insert the tank in Figure 8a). Insofar as the upper part of the lug 94a is beveled the movement imposed on the sheath allows the lug 94a to deform radially rearwards in contact with the upper edge of the hook 62c and, thus, to exit off hook (fig.8d). In this position it then comes into contact with the lug 92a of the first lug 92, as indicated above in the description of the arrangement and the respective complementary shapes of the two lugs. The second tab 94 which is then no longer laterally constrained by the hook 62c in the direction of the tab 92 is then resiliently brought back laterally in a position parallel to that of the first tab 92 as shown in FIG. 8e. As a result, the sleeve is no longer locked and the spring 94 is released by pushing the sleeve downwards in the direction indicated by the arrow of FIG. 8e. The tab 94 is, however, always radially constrained by the wall of the body 32 as the descent of the sleeve continues and until reaching the portion 62a of the light 62. The lug 94a then naturally engages elastically to return its undeformed shape of Figure 8a. The reservoir can then simply be removed by the user by pulling with the fingers on the open end. Since the main needle does not soak in the liquid, the withdrawal of the reservoir can be carried out more neatly than in the prior art. Note that the establishment of a liquid reservoir R in the apparatus A to its position of use and its withdrawal are particularly simple for a user. The liquid reservoir does not need to be opened by the user to access the liquid. The device is simple and reliable in design. The needles 50 and 52 are inaccessible from the outside of the apparatus since they are protected by the envelope 12 and the body 32.

More particularly, the needles are disposed at the bottom of the inner housing of the elongate body 32 which is itself set back from the opening of the lower open end 12b of the envelope. Even in the absence of a reservoir, the fingers of a user can not come into contact with the needles. The presence of the sleeve 70 emerged (in the absence of the tank) is also an additional obstacle to the introduction of fingers inside the device. Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged schematic view in axial section of a liquid dispensing system 200 according to another embodiment of the invention. The system 200 comprises a reservoir 202 and an apparatus 204. Only certain parts of the system are shown, the other parts being substantially identical to those of the system 10 of FIG. 1. The reservoir 204 comprises a closure means 206 (ex: membrane ) which differs from the closure means 104 of Figures 1 and 7 by its central portion 206a. This central portion is recessed relative to the central portion of the closure means 104 of FIG. 7. The central portion 206a has a central portion 206a1 with an excess thickness which is introduced into the upper free end of the central cylindrical portion 102b of the insert 102 for fixing the closure means on the insert. The apparatus 204 comprises a single hollow needle 205 identical to the main needle 50 of FIG. 1 and which is mounted identically thereto in the transverse wall 34 of the lower block 30. This needle perforates the central portion of the capping means 104. The central portion 206a is thinned with respect to the central portion of the capping means 104 of FIG. 7. In addition, the central portion 206a has at the periphery of the central portion 206a1 an annular portion 206a2 which, locally, in line with the orifice 110a of the peripheral cavity 110, is hollowed out over part of its thickness. The remaining portion at the bottom of the recess is detached (for example by cutting) from the rest of the central portion except for a fastening zone 206a4. The element 206a3 thus structured has a certain flexibility under the effect of a pressure difference on either side of it and forms a valve or valve. The aspiration of the liquid through the needle 205 creates a vacuum in the reservoir which causes a deformation downward of the valve member 206a3 (shown in dashed lines) and thus the opening of the valve, thereby allowing entry compensation air in the tank. The valve element thus forms a means of air intake. The configuration of the system 200 with a single central hand permits a rotational movement of the reservoir with respect to the apparatus, which is not possible with the two hands of FIG. 1. FIG. 10a illustrates an enlarged schematic view in FIG. axial section of a system 300 for dispensing a liquid according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The system 300 comprises a reservoir 302 and an apparatus 304. Only certain parts of the system are shown, the other parts being substantially identical to those of the system 10 of FIG. 1. The reservoir 304 comprises a closure means 306 (eg: membrane ) which differs from the closure means 104 of Figures 1 and 7 by its central portion 306a. This central portion 306a is thinned with respect to the central portion of the closure means 104 of FIG. 7. The central cavity and the peripheral cavity of the insert member are modified with respect to those of the insert member of FIG. In particular, the central cavity 308 is divided into two parts 308a, 308b in the axial direction (height) by a shoulder 308c formed on the inner walls of the cavity. This shoulder may be formed by a local projecting element which reduces the passage section punctually or, as shown in FIG. 10a, by a reduction of the passage section which extends over the entire height of the lower part 308b. The lower part 308b is provided at the bottom with an orifice 308d, identical to the orifice 106a of FIG. 7. The upper part 308a serves as a housing for a joint member 310 slidably mounted along the internal walls of said housing for adopt, either the upper position of Figure 10a, in the absence of hollow needle 305, or the lower position of Figure 10b, abutting on the shoulder 308c, when the element 310 is traversed by the needle 305 It will be appreciated that the seal member 310 is pierceable by the needle 305 and sufficiently thick to be dimensionally stable under the pressure / vacuum, thereby preventing air from passing around. The peripheral cavity 312 is provided at the bottom with an orifice 312a to communicate with the reservoir as the orifice 110a in FIG. 7. A passage or upper orifice 314 is formed in the central wall 316 which separates the central cavity from the peripheral cavity. This passage 314 is located in the upper part of the housing 308a so that it can be disengaged when the seal member 310 is moved downwards (FIG 10b) and thus allow communication between the two cavities. The central portion 306a of the closure means comprises a membrane which is pierceable by the needle 305 as shown in FIG. 10b. Under the effect of pressure, this membrane is able to deform and let air pass between the needle and the membrane. When the reservoir 302 is introduced into the apparatus 304, the needle 305 passes successively through: the central portion or zone of the central portion 306a which is sufficiently flexible and thin to deform downwards and the element forming seal 310 to enter the lower portion 308b of the central cavity which communicates with the suction port of the liquid. During the insertion movement of the needle through the seal member 310, because of the frictional forces between these two parts the seal member is slid downwardly to abut against the seal member. shoulder 308c. When liquid is drawn in (by pumping on the device), a vacuum is created in the tank. Thanks to the orifice 312a, the peripheral cavity 312, the passage 314, the upper portion of the housing 308a located above the joint member 310 and the deformation capacity of the membrane 306a, this vacuum sucks towards the interior of the reservoir the edges of the portion or central zone of the membrane which define the opening through which the needle passes through said membrane. Thus, air is drawn into the space that forms temporarily (as long as the diaphragm is subjected to vacuum) around the needle 305 and enters the reservoir (to compensate for the aspirated liquid) by the path formed by the upper portion of the housing 308a located above the seal member 310, the passage 314, the peripheral cavity 312, and the orifice 312a.

All of the above elements thus form an air intake means which defines a path distinct from that taken by the liquid sucked (orifice 308d, lower part 308b separated from the upper part 308a by the joint 310 and hollow needle 305). When the reservoir is withdrawn (Fig. 10a) the needle is outside the reservoir and the seal 310 is brought back by friction in the up position to seal said reservoir. Note that the passage 314 may be single or formed of several passages distributed around the housing 308a. This variant has the same advantages as those of the mode of FIG. 9 with respect to the single needle. It will be noted that with a single hollow needle for sucking up the liquid from the reservoir, the sleeve member 70 in which the reservoir is introduced can be engaged and locked differently inside the body 30. It is thus possible in a variant (not shown ) to replace the snap mechanism described with reference to Figures 8a to 8e by screwing the sheath into the body. According to another variant (not shown) the tank can be fixed differently inside the apparatus, for example by screwing on the apparatus with a plug at the bottom of the tank. Figure 11a illustrates an enlarged schematic view in axial section of a liquid dispensing system 400 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

The system comprises an apparatus such as that of FIG. 1 (of which only a perforating needle 401 is shown) and a liquid reservoir 402. The reservoir 402 comprises at a so-called upper end a neck that is sealed by a sealing means 404. (Such as an elastomeric membrane) surrounded by a crimping cap 406 which holds said capping means in place. The closure means is adapted to be perforated by a single hollow needle 401 of the same type as the needles described above. The reservoir 402 has at its opposite end said bottom an attached bottom 403. The reservoir contains a deformable internal pocket 10 which occupies substantially all the inner housing of the reservoir in Figure 11a when the flexible bag is filled with liquid. The bottom is fixed after placing the pocket in the tank. In the position of FIG. 11a, the reservoir has been introduced into the apparatus so that the needle 401 perforates the means for blocking the reservoir. The length of the needle is relatively short but sufficient to perforate the closure means throughout its thickness and open into the liquid-filled pouch 401 in contact with the liquid. When the user presses on the pumping and dispensing device 14 of FIG. 1, an air depression is created, thus causing a suction effect in the internal elements (channels, chimney, etc.) connecting the device. on the needle. The interior of the tank is subjected to the suction action through the needle that enters, thus sucking up the liquid for distribution outside the system. The pocket 410 defines an internal volume of the reservoir which deforms (by compression) under the action of pumping the device 14 so as to restore liquid. The volume of pumped liquid is compensated by the deformation of the pocket. Figure 11b shows the pocket 410 deformed after recovering a portion of the liquid that it initially contained. This integral liquid recovery system does not require a means of air intake. It will be noted that the needle is only an interface which serves only to perforate the reservoir and to pass the liquid out of the reservoir but has no function of restoring the liquid as in the aforementioned prior art.

The various advantages and characteristics peculiar to the system of FIGS. 1 to 8e also apply to the various embodiments and variants described later unless these advantages and characteristics are incompatible with those of the subsequent modes and variants.

Claims (34)

REVENDICATIONS1. Liquid dispensing system, comprising: - a liquid dispensing apparatus (A) comprising a device (14) for pumping liquid and dispensing the pumped liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one hollow needle (50, 52 ) which communicates with the pumping and dispensing device and - a liquid reservoir (R) which is adapted, on the one hand, to be introduced into said apparatus to be perforated by said at least one hollow needle (50, 52) to suck the liquid contained in the reservoir and, on the other hand, to be removed from said apparatus if necessary, characterized in that the liquid reservoir is adapted to return all of the liquid contained in said reservoir under the pumping action of the pumping and dispensing device, said at least one hollow needle forming a communication interface between said pumping and dispensing device and the reservoir. 15 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir comprises an internal liquid suction tube (108) which extends towards the bottom of the reservoir, the system being shaped so that the hollow needle (50, 52) is in fluid communication with the inner suction tube (108) when the liquid reservoir (R) is introduced into the apparatus (A). 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one hollow needle is integral with a part (32) of the apparatus which is distinct from the pumping and dispensing device (14). 4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a single hollow needle (205; 305) which is adapted to perforate the liquid reservoir (202; 302) in order to aspirate the liquid. 5. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one hollow needle which is adapted to perforate the liquid reservoir (R) to aspirate the liquid is a main needle (50) The apparatus comprising at least one other so-called secondary hollow needle (52) which is adapted to perforate the liquid reservoir (R) so as to allow the entry of air into said reservoir when pumping liquid. The system of claim 5, characterized in that the main needle (50) is disposed in a central position of the apparatus while the secondary needle (52) is in a peripheral position relative to the central position. . 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the apparatus has an open axial housing and means which allow the axial introduction of the liquid reservoir (R) inside said housing and 10 perforation by said at least one hollow needle. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one hollow needle is set back from the opening of the axial housing. 9. System according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that the apparatus comprises a body (32) inside which is disposed a sleeve piece (70) which defines inside the axial housing for the reservoir of liquid, the sleeve member being axially slidable along an inner surface of the body between, on the one hand, a first lower position (70B) in which said piece is at a distance from said at least one hollow needle and on the other hand, a high position (70A) in which said piece is closer to said at least one hollow needle than in the first lower position. 10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the apparatus comprises means for locking the sleeve piece inside the body in the second high position. 11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking means take the form of a projecting element (92) integral with the sleeve piece (70) or the body (32) and which cooperates with a retaining element. (62c) integral with the barrel body or piece in the second up position. 12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the projecting element (92) is adapted to cooperate with a ramp (62) during axial elongation of the sleeve piece inside the body between the first and second position. . 13. System according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the sleeve piece (70) comprises an upper part engaged inside the body and a lower opposite portion of diameter greater than the diameter of the open end. of the body by which said part is engaged axially in said body, the lower opposed portion having a radial elasticity which allows it to be engaged in force inside the body. 14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that a spring (93) is mounted coaxially with the body (32) outside thereof between a high abutment integral with said body and a lower stop which is integral with the lower opposite portion of the sleeve piece, the lower stop protruding outside the body when said opposite lower part of the workpiece is forced into the body. 15. System according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the sleeve piece (70) has on its inner surface at least one adhesion zone (84, 86, 88) for axially locking by adhesion a liquid reservoir introduced into the axial housing. 16. System according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the body (32) comprises a wall (34) disposed above the sleeve piece (70) and said at least one hollow needle (50). 52) is mounted in said wall. 17. System according to claims 5 and 16, characterized in that the main needle (50) and the secondary needle (52) are mounted in the wall 25 (34). 18. System according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the reservoir defines an internal volume containing the liquid and which is deformable under the action of pumping the pumping device and distribution, the deformation of the internal volume causing the return of liquid out of the tank via the hollow needle without air intake in said tank. 19. System according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the reservoir comprises an opening (101) at its upper part and an aperture means (104) of the opening, the closure means being adapted to be perforated by said at least one hollow needle (50, 52). 20. System according to claims 2 and 19, characterized in that it comprises an open upper end defining a neck (101) and an insert part (102) which is engaged inside the neck and capped by the means capping (104), the insert part comprising: - a cavity (106) provided at the bottom with an orifice communicating with the internal liquid suction tube (108), said at least one hollow needle being intended to pass through the plug means (104) and to enter said cavity; - an air intake means allowing the entry of air into the tank during the pumping of liquid. 21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that the air intake means defines a path for the entry of air into the reservoir 15 which is separate from the path taken by the liquid during its pumping. 22. System according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, the cavity provided with an orifice communicating with the liquid suction tube being a central cavity (106), the insert part (102) comprises a peripheral cavity. (110) provided in the lower part of an orifice (110a) 20 communicating with the upper part of the tank. 23. System according to claim 4 and one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the air intake means is formed by a portion of the closure means (206a2) having a valve member (206a3) which is adapted to open or close under the action of an air depression in the reservoir when liquid is sucked by a single hollow needle (205). 24. System according to claims 22 and 23, characterized in that the valve member (206a3) is disposed vertically above the peripheral cavity (110). 30 25. System according to claim 4 and one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the air intake means is formed at least in part by a central portion (306a) of the closure means (306) which is intended to be traversed by the single hollow needle (305), said central portion of the closure means being adapted, when it is traversed by said hollow needle, to deform under the action of an air depression formed in the reservoir (302) when liquid is sucked by said hollow needle, the deformation permitting air to enter said reservoir between said central portion and said needle. 26. System according to claims 22 and 25, characterized in that the air intake means is also formed, on the one hand, by at least one passage between the central cavity (308) and the peripheral cavity (312) which is located in the upper part of the two cavities and, on the other hand, by the peripheral cavity. 27. The system of claim 26, characterized in that it comprises a seal member (310) which is perforable by the needle (305), dimensionally deformable under pressure and slidably mounted in the central cavity (308) so as to occupy, on the one hand, a low position located at a lower dimension than that of the passage when the needle passes successively through the central portion (306a) of the closure means and the seal member and, on the other hand, a position high located at the side of the passage when the needle is removed from the tank so as to prevent any passage of air through the at least one passage. 28. System according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the central portion (306a) of the closure means comprises a membrane which is sufficiently flexible and thin to deform under the effect of pressure and let pass from the air between the needle and the membrane. 29. System according to claims 5 and 22, characterized in that said at least one other secondary needle (52) is intended to pass through the closure means (104) and to enter said peripheral cavity (110) so as to allow the air entering the reservoir through said orifice (110a) when pumping liquid. 30. Liquid reservoir (R), characterized in that it is sealed and is able to be perforated by a hollow needle, the reservoir being able to restore all the liquid it contains under the action an air depression communicated inside said reservoir after perforation by the hollow needle. 31. Tank according to claim 30, characterized in that it comprises an internal liquid suction tube (108) which extends towards the bottom of the tank. 32. Tank according to claim 30, characterized in that it defines an internal volume containing the liquid and which is deformable under the action of an air depression communicated inside said tank after perforation by the needle. hollow, the deformation of the internal volume causing the return of liquid out of the tank via the hollow needle without air intake in said tank. 33. Tank according to one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the reservoir comprises an opening (101) at its upper part and a closure means (104) of the opening, the closure means being adapted to be perforated by said at least one hollow needle (50, 52). 34. A method of installing a liquid reservoir according to one of claims 30 to 33 in a liquid dispensing apparatus (A) of a liquid distribution system according to one of claims 1 to 29 the method comprising introducing the reservoir into the apparatus and placing it in said apparatus in a use position in which said at least one hollow needle (50, 52) pierces the liquid reservoir to thereby aspirate the liquid.