FR2929861A1 - Cartridge for use in piezoelectric spraying apparatus to spray perfume on skin, has support supporting membrane and supply system, where support maintains membrane and system in predefined configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The cartridge has a membrane (130) vibrated for spraying a composition such as product (P), contained in a reservoir (100). A supply system i.e. capillary tube (140), plunges into the reservoir for supplying the membrane with the composition, and a support (110) is formed from a single piece in elastomer by molding. The support supports and maintains the membrane and the supply system in a predefined configuration. The support elastically solicits the supply system in support against the membrane, where a capillary conduit is formed with the support. An independent claim is also included for a piezoelectric spraying apparatus comprising a housing.

Description

The present invention relates to piezoelectric spraying devices and more particularly, but not exclusively, a cartridge (sometimes called a refill) for such a device, containing the product to be sprayed. It is known to diffuse a product by bringing a capillary wick into contact with a piezoelectric sputtering element. A disadvantage of this mode of supply of the piezoelectric spraying element is the contact force which must be controlled. The manufacturing tolerances of the wicks lead to implement elastic systems to support the wick on the piezoelectric element. However, too much or too little pressure can cause flow variations. EP 1 305 120 81 discloses a cartridge for a spraying device, comprising a plug arranged to attach to a neck of the cartridge body, this plug having a central portion supporting a capillary wick. When the cartridge is in place in the device, the wick is applied against a piezoelectric sputtering element of the device. WO 03/099458A2 discloses a similar cartridge. WO 03 / 068413A1 discloses a piezoelectric sputtering device in which a piezoelectric sputtering element is resiliently supported by a flexible member and bears against a wick of a cartridge containing the product to be sprayed. There is a need to further improve the piezoelectric spraying devices. The object of the invention is, according to one of its aspects, a cartridge for a piezoelectric spraying device, comprising: - a reservoir containing a composition (also called a product) to be sprayed, - a membrane, (sometimes called a grid) intended to be vibrated to spray the composition contained in the reservoir; - a feed system dipping into the reservoir to feed the spray composition membrane; - a one-piece support for supporting the membrane and the spray system; power supply, and maintain them in a predefined configuration.

Thanks to the invention, there is a cartridge that is both reliable, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and able to work with different products. The support may be arranged to elastically bias the supply system against the membrane. This makes it possible to overcome the manufacturing tolerances of the support. The feed system may be a capillary feed system and may include a wick or a capillary tube. This wick or this capillary tube can support, preferably elastically, against the membrane. A capillary duct may also be formed with the support, this capillary duct may come into contact with the membrane.

The support may also be produced by molding, in particular in an elastomer, monolithically with a tube, in particular a capillary tube, immersed in the product contained in the reservoir. The support can define a feed chamber under the membrane. The aforementioned capillary duct may in this case not come into contact with the membrane. The volume of the chamber is for example between 0.1 mm3 and 30 mm3. The distance between the orifice of the support opening into the chamber and communicating with the supply system and the membrane is for example between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The support may comprise, on the one hand, an elastic member supporting the supply system and, on the other hand, a part for fixing on the reservoir and for holding the membrane, this fixing part being made in a material different from that the elastic member, for example being overmolded on the elastic member. The support may comprise an end piece for fixing a capillary tube 25 or a wick of the supply system, for example a female endpiece open towards the inside of the reservoir, into which the tube or wick can be inserted. . The support can contribute to the sealing of the closure of the reservoir, for example by allowing an exchange with the outside only through orifices of the membrane. The contact between the support and the reservoir may be a sealed contact, linked to the use of an elastomer or other elastically deformable plastic material to produce the support.

The support may comprise a peripheral output fixed on the reservoir. The cartridge may include a piezoelectric transducer. The peripheral portion may comprise on its radially inner surface a groove for fixing the piezoelectric transducer. The peripheral portion may include an interruption for the passage of a power supply of the piezoelectric transducer. The support may comprise, at this interruption, a separator and the power supply of the transducer may comprise wires arranged on either side of the separator. The membrane may be attached to the piezoelectric transducer, for example on the transducer face towards the reservoir, the transducer may have an annular shape. The support may comprise at least three branches connecting a holding portion of the feed system to the peripheral portion. The branches may have a width that decreases toward the center of the support. The support can be made in one piece in a single material. Alternatively, the support can be made in one piece with an insert, which is for example the aforementioned elastic member, and comprises for example a metal element on which is molded the rest of the support. The insert may for example connect the power system to the aforementioned peripheral portion. The insert may be elastically deformable, so as to urge the supply system bearing against the membrane.

The membrane may include an air intake vent, as detailed below. The support may be perforated under the membrane around the supply system so as to allow the unsprayed product, located between the membrane and the support, around the feed system, to regain the reservoir. The feeding system may comprise as indicated above a capillary tube or a wick. The capillary tube may have a single lumen or multiple lumens. The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a spraying apparatus comprising a housing for receiving a cartridge as defined above and a power supply system of a piezoelectric transducer, arranged to vibrate the membrane, for example at a frequency between 20 and 200 kHz.

The piezoelectric transducer may belong to the apparatus and come into contact with the membrane. Alternatively, the piezoelectric transducer may belong to the cartridge. Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a piezoelectric sputtering device membrane, especially as defined above, intended to be vibrated by a piezoelectric transducer, comprising: one or more orifices in a region opening onto a supply channel of product to be sprayed, - at least one air intake vent, located outside said channel.

The membrane may be made of a metal, for example nickel or stainless steel. The membrane may be integral at its periphery with a piezoelectric transducer, which has, for example, an annular shape. The supply channel may be defined by a conduit which is biased resiliently against the membrane.

The vent is located outside this conduit. The diameter of the vent is for example between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. The diameter of an outlet of the product of the membrane is for example between 2 mm and 100 mm. The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. schematically, in longitudinal section, a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the invention, - Figures 2 to 5 schematically show other examples of media, - Figure 6 schematically shows, in FIG. 7 is a partial view of the assembly of FIG. 6, after complete insertion of the cartridge into the housing of the apparatus, FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the assembly of FIG. a similar view of FIG. 7, after complete insertion of the cartridge into the device; FIG. 9 illustrates the engagement of the cartridge in a position that does not allow it to be completely inserted into the corresponding housing of the device, - FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 represent the cartridge in perspective, - FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the cartridge, FIG. 13 is a top view of the cartridge, FIG. in perspective, the electrical circuit of the cartridge, - Figure 15 is a longitudinal section, schematic and partial, of the cartridge according to XV-XV, - Figure 16 represents in isolation the upper body of the cartridge, - Figure 17 represents, in cross-section, the reservoir of the cartridge, - FIG. 18 represents, in isolation, a variant embodiment of the support, FIG. 19 represents a view from below of the support of FIG. FIG. 20 is an axial section of the support, along XX-XX of FIG. 18, FIG. 21 represents a side view of the support, according to XXI of FIG. 19, and FIG. 22 represents a view from above. , schematically , an example of a membrane. The cartridge shown very schematically in Figure 1 comprises a reservoir 100 containing a product to be sprayed, for example a perfume. A support 110 is fixed on the reservoir 100, supporting a piezoelectric transducer 120, the latter being integral with a membrane 130 to which it transmits vibrations when electrically excited, for spraying the product P in the form of fine droplets. The membrane 130 has one or more outlet orifices 131, preferably located in a central region of the membrane, as illustrated. The product is for example brought in the vicinity of the membrane 130 by a capillary tube 140, which plunges into the reservoir 100 to near its bottom.

The capillary tube 140 is carried by the support 110. In the example shown, the tube 140 is attached and passes through a central portion 142 of the support 110. The latter comprises a peripheral portion 115, of generally annular shape, by which it is fixed on the tank 100.

The central and peripheral parts 115 and 140 are connected by an intermediate portion 116, which is for example in the form of a wall of revolution about the longitudinal axis X of the cartridge, or alternatively in the form of a or several radial branches. The peripheral portion 115 has a groove 117 open radially inwardly, which is used for fixing the piezoelectric transducer 120, which is for example in the form of a ring, as illustrated. In the example considered, the capillary tube 140 bears against the lower face 132 of the membrane 130, facing at least one outlet orifice 131. The capillary tube 140 has, for example, an external diameter of approximately 1 mm and a internal diameter of 0.5mm. The inner diameter of the capillary tube is adapted to the height of the container. The intermediate portion 116 ensures, thanks to its elasticity, an elastic retention of the capillary tube 140 against the membrane, despite manufacturing tolerances. FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the support 110, in which the tube 140 no longer comes into contact with the membrane 130. The central portion 142 of the support 110 comprises a duct 144 which is formed in one piece by molding with the central portion 142 and it is this conduit 144 which abuts against the central portion of the membrane 130. In the variant of Figure 3, the capillary tube 140 is formed in one piece and in the same material with the support 110. In the variant of Figure 4, the support 110 is made of a piece of several materials and the intermediate portion 116 which connects the tube 140 to the peripheral portion 115 is for example made of a material different from that in which the peripheral portion 115 is formed, for example, the intermediate portion 116 is made of a metal, for example in the form of one or more flexible metal blades, elastically deformable, or in a plastic material. At least the peripheral portion 115 may be overmolded on the intermediate portion 116.

The cartridge can also be produced, as illustrated in FIG. 5, with a chamber 160 under the membrane 130. In this case, there can be no contact of a tube or a capillary wick with the membrane 130. The chamber 160 preferably has a small height, for example a height of 1 mm for a diameter of 10 mm.

The support 110 ensures, thanks to the peripheral portion 115, the maintenance of the piezoelectric transducer 120 on the reservoir and also ensures through the central portion 142 and the intermediate portion 116 the maintenance of the capillary tube 140. The spray assembly 10 shown in Figure 6 comprises a spraying apparatus 11 and an associated cartridge 12, intended to be engaged in a corresponding housing 13 of the device 11. An example of cartridge 12 will be described below being understood to other variants compliant to the teaching of Figures 1 to 5 above are possible. The housing 13 is for example open on the upper face of the apparatus 11, so that the spray can take place upwardly when the apparatus 11 is placed vertically on a horizontal flat surface. In variants not shown, the housing 13 is disposed otherwise, especially if the spray is to the skin, for example. In the example considered, the apparatus 11 houses an electrical generator to produce a supply voltage of the piezoelectric element integrated in the cartridge. This electric generator delivers for example an alternating voltage to a resonance frequency or anti-resonance of the spraying device, for example a frequency greater than or equal to 20 kHz. In a variant, the piezoelectric element is present in the apparatus and comes into contact with the membrane of the cartridge to spray the product. The apparatus 11 may comprise an integrated energy source, for example one or more batteries or accumulators or alternatively be arranged to be connected to the mains, via an adapter if appropriate. The apparatus 11 may also include one or more photovoltaic cells, if any. In the example shown, the apparatus 11 has a parallelepipedal general shape, but other shapes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The apparatus 11 may have an ergonomic shape. The housing 13 extends for example over the entire height of the cartridge 12, so that when it is in place in the device 11, the upper face 17 of the cartridge 12 does not protrude from the upper face 18 of the device. In alternative embodiments not illustrated, it is otherwise and the cartridge may for example project at least partially out of its housing during use. Only the extension may possibly engage in the housing of the device, the reservoir of the cartridge remaining outside the device 11. The device 11 is for example equipped, as in the example shown, d an ejection system of the cartridge, locking and unlocking by pushing, that is to say that when the cartridge 12 is inserted into the device, it pushes an ejection system comprising a spring which locks in the back, when the cartridge is released, so that the cartridge can rest in the housing. When a new thrust is exerted on the cartridge downwards, the locking system is unlocked and the previously compressed spring can relax and eject the cartridge, so that it protrudes sufficiently beyond the device to allow easy gripping by the cartridge. 'user. Such a system is known per se and is not described in more detail.

In the example illustrated, the cartridge 12 comprises a body 20 which can have, as illustrated, a generally conical shape of X-axis revolution. This body 20 is for example molded in one piece from a thermoplastic material, which can to be transparent or not. The body 20 may be covered with a surface coating such as a varnish, for example of black color. In the example considered, the body 20 has a lower end 22 which is closed, being for example of rounded shape, and has a notch 24 above, as can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16. The notch 24 presents by a rectangular shape and allows the outlet 25 of an extension 30 belonging to a subassembly 35 mounted in the body 20. This subassembly 35 comprises a reservoir 40 which, in the example in question, comprises a body 41 having a frustoconical shape, adapted to the conicity of the body 20 of the cartridge, so as to fit into it. The body 41 is closed at its lower end by a bottom 42 provided with an orifice 43 which is closed off by a stopper 44. The body 41 has a recess 105 in the upper part, so that the upper part of the reservoir 40 comes into the extension of the outer surface of the body 20. Where appropriate, the upper portion of the body 20 may bear against this recess. The orifice 43 serves to fill the reservoir 40 before it is mounted in the body 20 of the cartridge 12, and the stopper 44 is fixed, for example, by snapping into the opening 43. In variants, the reservoir 40 is closed otherwise by example by welding or by a drop of resin. In the example considered, the extension 30 comprises two uprights 45 which are molded in one piece with the body 41 of the tank and the bottom 42.

These amounts 45 are joined together by a wall 48, as can be seen in Figure 15 in particular. A partition 50 separates the interior space at the tank 40 containing the product from the defined space out of the tank 40, between the uprights 45. The partition 50 does not extend over the entire height of the uprights 45 from the wall 48, so that to provide a passage 52 for electrical conductors 55 and 56 of the piezoelectric element 120, shown in Figure 14 in particular. The subassembly 35 comprises the support 110 which carries the piezoelectric element 120 on the one hand and on the other hand a capillary feed system of product to be sprayed.

The piezoelectric element 120 carries the membrane 130, which it vibrates in order to eject droplets of product. In the example considered, the capillary feed system comprises a tube 140, which is preferably a capillary tube, and a channel 83 formed inside the support 110, and which is preferably also capillary.

The tube 140 is for example fixed to the support 110 being fitted into a housing 85 of a tip 142 of the support 110. The support 110 may be made of an elastomeric material or any other material compatible with the product to be sprayed. The subassembly 35 may comprise, as illustrated, a cover 90 which engages in a corresponding opening 93 of the body 41 of the reservoir. The cover 90 may comprise, as seen in particular in Figure 13, a portion 95 which engages between the uprights 45 to close the upper housing 410 defined between them. The cover 90 can be glued, snapped or heat-sealed onto the body 41. The cover 90 is provided at its center, in the example considered, with an opening 96 for ejection of the sprayed product by the membrane 130.

The amounts 45 are, for example, with a median plane M of the body 41 of the reservoir, an angle a between 10 and 80 °, for example of the order of 30 °, as can be seen in Figure 17. The sub -Set 35 comprises an electric circuit 430 which has electrical contacts 431 disposed on a wafer 433, for example a printed circuit board. These electrical contacts are intended to cooperate with corresponding electrical contacts of the apparatus 11, in order to allow the electrical supply of the circuit 430 and, where appropriate, the reading of information stored in the cartridge 12, for example in a circuit integrated 434 carried by the printed circuit board 433. The aforementioned conductors 55 and 56 connect the piezoelectric element 120 to the electrical circuit 430 and extend for example substantially perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board 433. The uprights 45 may include, on their facing faces, grooves 438 in which the plate 433 can be engaged, which ensures its maintenance between the uprights 45 while leaving the electrical contacts 431 accessible from outside the cartridge. The electrical conductors 55 and 56 are for example electrically connected to opposite faces 61 and 62 of the piezoelectric element 120, which is for example a ring with an outside diameter of 10 mm, internal diameter of 5 mm, thickness of 1 mm and of PZT26 from FERROPERM.

The piezoelectric element 120, the printed circuit board 430 and the electrical conductors 55 to 56 form a unitary assembly which can be set up in a single operation on the support 110 and the body 41 of the reservoir, the wafer 430 being for example slidably moved between the grooves 438. When mounting the wafer 430 to the body 41, the reservoir 40 may be empty and not disposed in the body 20 of the cartridge. Once the subassembly 35 is made, the reservoir 40 can be filled by the opening 43, then the plug 44 placed and the reservoir 40 can be inserted into the body 20 and the cover 90 fixed thereto.

When the cartridge 20 is introduced into the device 11, the uprights 45 bear against the corresponding surfaces 462 of the device, which converge towards one another. The apparatus 11 comprises electrical contacts which bear against the contacts 431 of the cartridge, these electrical contacts comprising for example spring blades or being pressed against the contacts of the cartridge under the action of at least one spring, to ensure reliable electrical contact between the cartridge and the device. The mechanical force exerted by the device on the electrical contacts 431 of the cartridge is taken up by the faces 460 of the device that bear against the uprights 45, so that no mechanical stress can damage the cartridge or cause jamming in the housing 13 of the device does not occur. The locking and unlocking system by pushing acts at the base of the extension, for example by pressing against the wall 40. As a variant, this ejection system could be supported elsewhere on the cartridge. When the piezoelectric element 120 is not integrated in the cartridge, the device may comprise for example a member which is folded down on a surface of the cartridge comprising a membrane to be vibrated, for example an upper face of the cartridge.

FIGS. 18 to 19 show an exemplary embodiment of the support 110 which is particularly suitable for receiving the electric circuit shown in FIG. 14 and which can be used instead of the support 110 shown in FIG. 15. This support 110 is made entirely of a single piece by molding, monolithically, in an elastomeric material.

The intermediate portion 116 is in the form of three branches whose width, that is to say the circumferential dimension, decreases inwardly. These branches provide between them openings 500 which are three in number in the illustrated example. The peripheral portion 115 may comprise, as in this example, a groove 117 on its radially inner surface, to maintain the piezoelectric transducer 120.

The peripheral portion 115 may comprise as illustrated an opening 510 to allow the passage of the electrical conductors 55 and 56 which connect the piezoelectric transducer 120 to the circuit 430. In the example illustrated, a separator 520 is molded in one piece with the rest of the support 110 so as to ensure electrical insulation, if necessary, between the conductors 55 and 56. This separator 520 has a contour adapted to its engagement between the uprights 45 of the cartridge, in this case a generally trapezoidal shape when the support 110 is observed from above. The central portion 142 may comprise superiorly, as illustrated, a conduit 144 which is intended to bear against the membrane 130 vibrated by the transducer. The central portion 142 comprises below a housing 530 in which can be inserted the capillary tube 140. The peripheral portion 115 can engage in the reservoir bearing by its lower face 540 against a shoulder 590, made in the tank in part The upper part of this, obviously, FIG. 15. FIG. 22 shows a top view of an example of a membrane 130. The diaphragm 130 may include outlet orifices 131 in its central region, opposite the arrival of product, at least one auxiliary orifice 550 for allowing a return air. The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. For example, the cartridge can be made with other shapes. The extension can support electrical contacts on two opposite sides. The support may be overmoulded on the piezoelectric transducer and / or on electrical conductors of the transducer. The electrical conductors can be connected to the same face of the transducer.

In a variant not shown, the tube 140 has several lights. The inner section of the tube 140 may be non-circular, for example elongated shape, in particular rectangular. In the example of FIGS. 18 to 20, the intermediate portions 116 extend perpendicularly to the axis X. As a variant, the intermediate portions 116 extend obliquely with respect to this axis, for example upwards or downwards. .

The product contained in the cartridge may be a perfume or any other cosmetic composition, or even a medicinal composition, deodorization or insecticide. The conical shape of the cartridge body may be replaced by other forms inscribed in the large diameter of the cone, the cartridge being for example maintained by its extension in the apparatus. The support can carry several capillary tubes, if necessary. The phrase "having one" is synonymous with "having at least one". 10

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. Cartridge for a piezoelectric spraying device, comprising: - a reservoir containing a composition to be sprayed, - a membrane (130) intended to be vibrated for spraying the composition contained in the reservoir, - a feed system (140) dipping into the reservoir for supplying the spraying membrane, - a support (110), in one piece, for supporting the membrane (130) and the supply system (140) and maintaining them in a predefined configuration. 2. Cartridge according to claim 1, the support (110) being arranged to elastically bias the supply system (140) bearing against the membrane (130). 3. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a capillary duct (144) formed with the support (110). 4. Cartridge according to claim 3, the conduit (144) bearing resiliently against the membrane (130). 5. Cartridge according to claim 2, the feed system comprising a wick or a capillary tube (140) bearing against the membrane. The cartridge of claim 1, the carrier (110) defining a feed chamber (160) under the membrane. 7. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the support (110) being made in one piece by molding elastomer. 8. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the support (110) comprising an elastic member (116) supporting the capillary supply system and a portion (115) for fixing on the reservoir and holding the membrane , made in a material different from that of the elastic member. 9. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, the support having a peripheral portion (115) attached to the reservoir. 10. The cartridge of claim 9, the peripheral portion having on its radially inner surface a groove (117) for fixing a piezoelectric transducer (120). 11. Cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, the peripheral portion (115) having an interruption (510) for the passage of a power supply of the piezoelectric transducer. 12. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, the membrane (130) having at least one air intake vent (550). 13. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, the support ensuring a tight seal of the reservoir, except the orifices through the membrane. 14. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, the support being perforated under the membrane around the feed system. 15. Spray apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a housing for receiving a cartridge as defined in any one of the preceding claims and a power supply system for a piezoelectric transducer arranged to vibrate the membrane. . 15