WO2014199095A1

WO2014199095A1 - Refillable fluid product dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2014199095A1
Application number: PCT/FR2014/051442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Denis Croibier; Jean-Jacques Ligny; Céline RAPHANEL
Original assignee: Aptar France Sas
Priority date: 2013-06-14
Filing date: 2014-06-12
Publication date: 2014-12-18
Also published as: FR3007007B1; FR3007007A1

Abstract

A fluid product dispenser comprising a dispensing member (A1) incorporating a manual pump (A11) forming an inlet (A12), the dispensing member (A1) being removably mounted on a refillable fluid product tank (R1) comprising a bottle (F1) provided with a connection end-piece (E1) defining a fluid product filling conduit (E11), an air outlet channel (E15) and a fluid product dispensing conduit (E11), characterised in that the connection end-piece (E1) comprises both: - connection means (E111) for axially receiving, directly and removably, an outlet (S12) of the fluid product filling source (S1) in order to fill the bottle (F1) with fluid product through the filling conduit (E11), and - assembly means (E19) for axially receiving, directly and removably, the inlet (A12) of the manual pump (A11) for drawing the liquid product through the dispensing conduit (E11).

Description

Refillable fluid product dispenser

The present invention relates to a refillable fluid reservoir comprising a vial that can be emptied of its contents and then refilled. The preferred fields of application of the present invention are those of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy, without forgetting the related fields.

It has long been known to fill the reservoir with a fluid dispenser by first removing the dispensing member (pump, valve, roll-on, etc.) so as to clear the opening of the reservoir. Then, the content of a filling source can be poured by gravity into the opening of the tank until it is completely or partially filled. The final step is to replace the dispenser member to reconstitute the dispenser. This ancestral method, however, has various disadvantages. First, it sometimes happens that fluid is poured next to the opening, which requires cleaning. Then there is always a risk of spilling fluid when the tank is full. In the case where the opening of the reservoir has a reduced diameter, it sometimes happens that the pouring of the fluid product is thwarted or prevented by the outlet of the air present in the reservoir, which also leads to a leakage of fluid product.

In the prior art, there are also refillable dispensers whose reservoir is provided with a filling valve, often arranged at the bottom of the tank. This type of refillable dispenser makes it possible to avoid the operation of filling the reservoir by pouring. However, it is extremely difficult to fill the tank through the filling valve without contaminating the surroundings of the valve, which is detrimental. In addition, it is necessary to provide a particular reservoir capable of receiving the filling valve.

In the prior art, there are also refillable dispensers by means of a depression generated inside the reservoir, for example using a pump without air intake (airless). Again, the results are unsatisfactory in terms of cleanliness at the fill port.

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining not a refillable dispenser, but a refillable fluid reservoir, that is to say a reservoir devoid of dispensing member (pump, valve, roll-on, etc.). We return somewhat to the ancestral method that had been abandoned for more complicated processes, but still having disadvantages.

To do this, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing member incorporating a manual pump forming an inlet, the dispensing member being removably mounted on a refillable fluid reservoir comprising a bottle provided with a connecting end defining a fluid product filling duct, an air outlet duct and a fluid product distribution duct, characterized in that the connection piece comprises at the same time:

connecting means for axially, directly and removably receiving an outlet of the filling source of fluid product for filling the bottle with fluid product through the filling duct, and

- Mounting means for receiving axially, directly and removably the inlet of the manual pump to withdraw fluid through the distribution conduit.

The originality of the present invention is to provide a bottle, for example conventional, a dispensing nozzle incorporating both the transfer functions by cross flow of air and fluid and the mounting features to receive in a manner. Removable pump, valve, roll-on, pourer, etc. The connection tip of the invention is integrated in the reservoir and constitutes an integrated interface between the bottle and the fluid product filling source and the dispensing member. The user can easily remove the organ distribution, report the filling source fluid product to fill the vial through the connection tip, without risk of pouring side or overflow. Finally, the user can remove the source and replace the dispenser member to reconstitute the dispenser.

Advantageously, the bottle comprises an integrated bottom and a neck defining a single opening, the bottle being advantageously made in one piece. This means that the tank can be made from a standard or conventional bottle which is associated with the connection tip according to the invention. The connection tip can thus constitute a separate piece attached fixedly on the neck of a conventional bottle. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to integrate the connection tip to the bottle.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the mounting means may comprise a mounting ring adapted to removably receive a dispensing member connected to the fluid dispensing conduit. This mounting ring can be a snap ring, screwing, bayonet, etc. All conventional removable mounting techniques are conceivable within the scope of the invention.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the fluid product distribution duct forms an outlet sleeve for sealing engagement of an inlet of a dispenser member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fluid dispensing conduit may comprise a dip tube which extends into the bottle.

In another advantageous aspect, the connection piece comprises a movable member which is axially displaceable to cause the filling of the bottle from the filling source. According to one embodiment, the movable member may be a shut-off valve capable of selectively closing an outlet of the air outlet channel and / or an inlet of the fluid filling duct. Alternatively, the movable member may vary the volume of a fluid suction chamber. The invention also defines a fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing member, incorporating for example a pump, a valve, a roll-on, a pouring cap, etc., removably mounted on a refillable fluid reservoir such as defined above.

The spirit of the invention is to equip a bottle with a universal connection tip which can temporarily receive a filling source for filling the bottle and a pump, a valve, a roll-on, etc. removably to thereby constitute a conventional fluid dispenser.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting examples, several embodiments of the invention.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid dispenser incorporating a refillable reservoir according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the distribution member alone,

FIG. 3a is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the refillable reservoir in a certain orientation,

Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view through the reservoir of Fig. 3a at section line A-A;

FIG. 4a is a view similar to that of FIG. 3a with an orientation turned at 90 °,

Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view along section line B-B of Fig. 4a,

FIGS. 5a to 5d are very schematic views showing various possible configurations for the upper side outlet of the air outlet channel,

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the refillable reservoir of the preceding figures engaged with a source of fluid filling to illustrate the filling operation,

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through a rechargeable reservoir according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid dispenser incorporating a refillable reservoir according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the dispensing member of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the rechargeable reservoir according to this first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 11 is a view showing the tank R3 ready to be connected to a source of fluid filling,

FIG. 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 11 showing the suction chamber of the reservoir being filled,

FIG. 13 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 showing the bottle of the tank being filled from the suction chamber,

FIG. 14 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through a distributor incorporating a reservoir according to a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser member of FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the reservoir of the dispenser of FIG. 14,

FIG. 17 is a view showing the reservoir connected to a source of fluid filling during the filling operation of the suction chamber, and

Figure 18 is a view similar to that of Figure 17 with the suction chamber filling the vial of the reservoir.

Reference will firstly be made to FIGS. 1 to 6 to describe in detail the structure and operation of a dispenser incorporating a refillable reservoir according to the first embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1, the dispenser is shown assembled or assembled. It essentially comprises two distinct subsets, namely a fluid dispenser A1 and a refillable fluid reservoir R1. When these two elements are assembled, as shown in Figure 1, together they constitute a fluid dispenser ready to use. The main function of the dispensing member A1 is to take fluid from the tank R1 and distribute it in any form, such as for example a spray, a jet, a drop, a hazelnut, or a direct application. on an application surface such as the skin. The dispensing member A1 may for example incorporate a pump A1 1, which is not shown in detail, since it does not constitute a critical element of the present invention. It may for example be a quite conventional pump comprising a fluid product inlet A12 which communicates with a pump chamber whose volume varies by displacement of a piston actuated by a pusher which can integrate a dispensing orifice . This is a quite conventional design for a hand pump frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pump A1 1 can be mounted in a socket A13 which is itself fixedly mounted in a mounting cylinder A14 which has mounting tabs A15. Optionally, a dressing case A16 envelops the mounting cylinder A14: this case A16 having one or two notches (s) A17 to allow the gripping of the tank R1 for insertion and removal of the case A16. Indeed, as can be seen in Figure 1, the tank R1 can be integrally received inside the case A16 with its upper end in sealing engagement with the fluid product inlet A12. It may also be noted that the mounting tabs A15 are engaged with a mounting ring E19. In this way, the tank R1 is removably mounted and sealingly connected within the dispensing member A1. The grip and force necessary to introduce the reservoir R1 and extract it from the case A16 can be applied through the notches A17. The refillable reservoir R1 comprises two constituent elements, namely a flask F1 and a connecting tip E1 which is associated with the flask F1.

The F1 bottle can be of a type quite conventional. It can for example be made in one piece in a suitable material, such as glass, a suitable plastic material, metal, etc. The flask F1 comprises a bottom F1 1, and at its opposite end, a neck F12, which can be formed with a protruding external lateral reinforcement, in a completely conventional manner.

The connection tip E1 is the essential element of the invention, and more particularly of the refillable tank R1. This connection tip E1 can be made from several pieces of plastic material that can be injected / molded. The connection tip can for example be made with two or three parts, except for the return spring E18.

The connection tip E1 comprises a fixed part which is fixedly mounted on the flask F1, and more particularly on its neck F12. In addition, the connecting end E1 comprises a movable member which is movable axially around the fixed portion against the return spring E18 which returns it to a rest position. This movable member is here in the form of a shutter valve E17 which is intended to selectively close at least one lateral air outlet E151. In the embodiment of the figures, the connecting piece comprises two upper lateral air outlets 151. More specifically, the fixed part of the connecting end E1 comprises two concentric tubes E12 and E16, the inner tube E12 being disposed inside the outer tube E16. The inner tube E12 internally defines a conduit E1 1 which serves to fill the flask F1 with a fluid product and the distribution of fluid product in the direction of the pump A1 1 of the dispensing member A1. It can thus be said that the duct E1 1 is a double function duct for filling and dispensing fluid product. At its upper end, the inner tube E12 forms a receiving sleeve E1 1 1 for the fluid product inlet A12 of the pump A1 1. This sleeve E1 1 1 may have a somewhat flared frustoconical shape to facilitate the introduction of the input A12. The inner tube E12 also defines a check valve seat E123 and a tube holder E121 for supporting a dip tube E14 which extends into the flask F1 to near its bottom F1 1. A check valve 124, for example in the form of a ball, is disposed inside the conduit E1 1 below the seat E123 and above the upper end of the dip tube E14. The inner tube E12 is connected to the outer tube E16 at their respective upper ends, and at two radial spacers E126 which are arranged in the same vertical plane diametrically opposite. In this way, two semi-cylindrical channels E15 are formed between the two tubes E12 and E16. At their lower ends, these channels are open in the neck F12 of the flask F1, and at their upper ends, they open laterally at the high side outlets E151 formed in the outer tube E16. For the sealing of these upper side outlets E151, the outer tube 16 forms a valve seat E162 around the outputs E151. Furthermore, the fixed part of the dispensing nozzle E1 forms a mounting ring E19 which allows the removable reception of the tabs A15 of the dispensing member A1, as shown in FIG. In addition, this mounting ring E19 comes into fixed and sealed engagement with the neck F12 of the flask F1. Advantageously, the outer tube E16 extends downwardly inside the neck F12 in the form of a sealing lip E161. The return spring E18 is supported on the mounting ring E19 and urges the shutter valve E17 upwards so as to close the two upper lateral outlets E151. A stop is provided at the outer tube E16 to limit the stroke of the shutter valve E17.

Thus, the flask F1 can communicate with the outside through the dip tube E14 and the duct E1 1 on the one hand, and secondly through the two air outlet channels E15 which are selectively closable by the flapper shutter E17 which moves axially around the outer tube E16 against the return spring E18. Advantageously, the shut-off valve E17 defines an external peripheral sealing wall E171 which is intended to come into direct sealed contact with the output S12 of the source S1. Preferably, this outer sealing wall E171 is formed with steps of increasing diameter thus making it possible to receive outputs S12 of different diameters. This provides a great modularity to the connection tip E1 which can receive filling sources S1 of different type and diameter.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the upper lateral outlets E151 of the two air outlet channels E15 have an axially elongated shape, so that their axial height is greater than their radial width. In Fig. 5a, a high side exit E151 of Fig. 4a is magnified. It can clearly be seen that the output E151 has an axially elongated triangular shape. As a result, this elongated outlet will be progressively released by the shut-off valve E17 as it is moved axially downwards against the return spring E18. When the shut-off valve E17 is moved a short distance, only an upper part of the upper outlet E151 will be disengaged and the air flow will be low. On the other hand, when the shut-off valve E17 is moved all the way down, the entire upper outlet E151 is disengaged, and the air flow rate is then maximal. In Figures 5b, 5c and 5d, there is shown other possible forms for the upper side outlet of the air outlet channels E15. For example, in Figure 5b, the high side exit E151b is in the form of an axially elongated rectangle. In FIG. 5c, the high lateral exit E151c is in the form of three axially aligned holes, which furthermore have increasing diameters. In Figure 5d, the high side exit E151 d is in the form of a stepped pyramid. The configurations of FIGS. 5a, 5c and 5d make it possible to increase exponentially the air outlet flow rate during the axial displacement of the shut-off valve E17. The configuration of Figure 5b shows a greater proportionality. Reference will now be made to FIG. 6 to explain how the tank R1 is filled. The tank R1 is arranged upright, that is to say with the connection tip E1 located above the flask F1. A filling source S1, which may also be referred to as a refill, is arranged upside down on the connection tip E1. This source S1 can define a body having a large storage volume, as well as a collar that acts as a fluid outlet S12. The neck may for example be threaded externally to receive a screw cap. To arrive at the configuration shown in Figure 6, it starts with the source S1 disposed at the place and the reservoir R1 is reported upside down on the neck S12 of the source. Then, we reverse the assembly so as to arrive in the configuration shown in Figure 6, with the source S1 disposed above the tank R1. From this moment, the source S1 is pressed downwards against the shut-off valve E17, which will then move axially downwards against the return spring E18. This has the effect of at least partially clearing the upper side outlets E151 of the air outlet channels E15 so that the air contained in the flask F1 can escape and return through the contents of the source S1 under the form of bubbles. Simultaneously, the fluid stored in the source S1 flows through the conduit E1 1, around the ball E124, then through the dip tube E14 to finally reach the F1 bottle. The flows of fluid and air intersect, with the flow of air flowing concentrically around the flow of fluid, due to the concentric arrangement of the channels E1 1 and E15. It is thus possible to partially or completely fill the flask F1 of the tank R1. When the upper side outlets E151 have an axially elongated configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d, the user can accurately control the filling rate by varying the air outlet flow rate. The user can, for example, strongly press the source S1 at the beginning of filling to accelerate the filling speed, and reduce it for example at the end of filling by releasing the pressure on the source S1 so that the shutter valve E17 partly masks the high side outlets 151. The filling is stopped when the shutter valve E17 completely masks the upper side outlets E151.

Once the reservoir R1 filled, the user returns to the assembly so as to have the tank R1 above the bottle S1. It can then remove the tank R1 from the source S1 without risk of leakage, since the non-return valve or ball 124 is then plated on its seat E123. On the other hand, the high side outlets E151 of the air channels E15 are closed by the shutter valve E17. The user can then safely return the reservoir R1 upright and insert it into the case A17 so as to connect it sealingly to the fluid inlet A12 of the pump A1 1. At the same time, the legs A15 engage around the mounting ring E19.

With the connecting end E1, the reservoir R1 can be easily filled by gravity by connecting it to a filling source S1, and can also directly receive a distribution member A1 so as to constitute a conventional product distributor fluid.

Referring now to Figure 7 to describe the features of a second embodiment for a refillable tank R2. The flask F1 may be identical to that of the first embodiment. In its overall design, the connection tip E2 is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. Parts or similar or identical parts have been referenced correspondingly with a dozen added. Thus, the inner tube E22, which internally defines the conduit E21, is surrounded by the outer tube E26 which connects to the inner tube E22 by the same radial spacers E126 as in the first embodiment. In this way, the inner tube E22 is surrounded by two semi-cylindrical channels, namely an air outlet channel E25 and a fluid product filling duct E23. It can thus be said that the subdivision of the air outlet channels E15 of the first embodiment has been used to define an air outlet channel E25 and a fluid product filling duct E23, this channel E25 and this conduct E23 concentrically surrounding the conduit E21 which is a conduit of fluid dispensing. Consequently, in this second embodiment, the fluid product filling duct E23 is completely distinct from the fluid product distribution duct E21. We are here in the presence of three separate channels or channels, namely E21 for fluid dispensing, E25 for the air outlet and E23 for fluid filling. In order to distinguish the air outlet channel E25 from the fluid filling duct E23 and thus to induce the flow flows, the outer tube E26 extends inside the bottle F1 at the level of the fluid filling duct E23 in the form of an extension E262. In this way, the air flows automatically through the channel E25 and the fluid flows automatically through the conduit E23.

Another particularity of this second embodiment lies in the formation of two valve seats E223 and E241 for the non-return valve E224, which can be in the form of a ball. When the ball E224 rests on the lower seat E241, it prevents any fluid entry into the interior of the flask F1. On the other hand, when the ball E224 is on its upper seat E223, which corresponds to an inverted position of the tank R2, any fluid product outlet is prevented through the dip tube E24. The sealed contact of the ball E224 on its lower seat E241 is effective during the filling phase, as shown in Figure 6. The fluid product from the source S1 can not penetrate inside the bottle F1 through the leads E21. On the other hand, the fluid product coming from the source can enter the bottle through the filling duct E23, since the inlet S12 of the source S1 has displaced the shutter valve E27 so as to release at least partially the E251 high side exit of the E25 channel and the E233 high side entrance of the E23 conduit, respectively. In this regard, it should be noted that the high side exit E251 and the upper side entrance E231 can be made with geometric configurations identical or similar to those shown in Figures 5a to 5d. Another feature of this second embodiment lies in the presence of a magnet E272 which is integral with the shutter valve E27. When the ball E224 is made of steel, which is quite conventional, the magnet E272 attracts the ball E224, and causes it in its axial displacement. In the rest position shown in FIG. 7, the magnet E272 holds the ball E224 close to the upper seat E223, whereas the ball should normally rest, in the absence of a magnet, on its lower seat 241. On the other hand, when the shut-off valve E27 is lowered against the return spring, the magnet E272 is moved downwards, thereby causing the ball 224 to press it firmly against its lower seat 241. Thus, the magnet E272 further contributes to the sealing of the ball E224 on its lower seat E241, in particular during the filling operation, as can be seen in FIG. 6. The magnet and the steel ball may also be to be implemented in the first embodiment.

Thanks to the invention according to these first two embodiments, there is a gravity rechargeable reservoir which is completely autonomous, since it incorporates the functionalities necessary for its filling and its connection to any distribution member.

Referring first to Figures 8 to 13 to describe the third embodiment for a refillable fluid reservoir R3 according to the invention. In FIG. 1, the tank R3 is associated with a distribution member A3 which here integrates a pump A31. However, instead of the pump, it can also provide a valve, a roll-on, a dispenser cap, etc. In this third embodiment used to illustrate the present invention, the pump A31 comprises an inlet A32 which is provided with a needle A321 which projects downwards. The pump also comprises a piston A35 which moves axially to reduce the volume of a pump chamber, and thus put a dose of fluid under pressure. A dispensing port A36, which may be a nozzle, is in communication with the outlet of the pump chamber to dispense the fluid. This is a known design for a pump in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. On the other hand, the dispensing member A3 forms a circular fastening flange A33 which extends downwards. The dispensing member A3 also comprises one or more sealing ring (s) A34. The dispensing member A3 also comprises a case A36 which is widely open at its lower end. At its opposite end, the fastening flange A33 and the sealing rings A34 protrude inside the case. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the dispensing member A3 could be devoid of case A36.

The rechargeable fluid reservoir R3 comprises a bottle F3 which is associated with a connection tip E3.

The bottle F3 can be made from a barrel F32 which is closed by an integrated bottom F31. At its opposite end, the barrel F32 forms an opening in which is engaged an insert F34 which forms a receiving groove F37 for a spring, a projecting collar F36 and a neck F35 which acts as a sealing lip. This is a particular design for the F3 bottle which is not, however, limiting.

The connection tip E3 comprises a fixed body E31 which is fixedly mounted on the bottle F3. More specifically, this fixed body E31 comprises a cylindrical section E31 1 which is engaged in engagement, or more generally fixing, with the flange F36 of the insert F34. It may be noted that this cylindrical section E31 1 is pierced with a vent hole E312 close to the flange F36. At its upper end, the body E31 forms a fixed upper wall E313 which defines a mounting ring E314 which is adapted to come into removable engagement with the fastening flange A33 of the dispensing member A3. In addition, this fixed upper wall E313 forms a central opening E315 in the form of a sealing lip.

The connection tip E3 also comprises a movable member E31 which is movable axially back and forth against a return spring E36 which bears in the receiving groove F37 of the insert F34. This mobile member E32 comprises an upper tube E321 which internally defines a fluid product inlet E320 and which contains a non-return valve E33 which is resiliently biased against a formed seat E323 inside the E321 tubing. This non-return valve E33 is intended to be urged out of contact with its seat E323 by the needle A321 of the pump A31, as can be seen in FIG. 8. A fluid communication is thus established on both sides. valve E33 inside the fluid inlet E320. E321 tubing is pierced near its lower end by a passage hole E322 which opens into a suction chamber E34 formed inside the body E31. At its upper end, this suction chamber E34 is closed by the sealed engagement of the tubing E321 in the central opening E315, and at its lower end, the chamber E34 is closed by a corona E326 which extends radially towards the outside and which ends with a piston lip E327 which comes into sealed sliding inside the cylindrical section E31 1. A vented space E38, formed between the corona E326 and the insert F34, communicates with the flask F3 through a second vent hole E329 and with the outside through the first vent hole E312. In the position shown in Figure 8, the piston lip E327 closes the vent hole E312 and the neck F35 closes the second vent hole E329, thus isolating the vented space E38.

The suction chamber E33 freely communicates with the fluid product inlet 320 but also with a fluid product outlet 324 which extends downwards in the form of a cannula E328 which is pierced by the second vent hole E329 . This cannula E328 contains a dip tube E39 whose upper end supports a second non-return valve E35 adapted to come into sealed contact with an E325 seat formed where the tubing E321 is connected to the cannula E328. Around the dip tube E39 inside the cannula 328 is formed an annular cylindrical vent pipe E398 which communicates with the second vent hole E329.

In Figure 8, the E321 tubing is pressed as far as possible inside the body E31 to allow the attachment of the mounting ring E314 with the attachment ring A33. It may be noted that the upper end of the mounting ring E314 comes into contact with a sealing ring A34, while another sealing ring comes into contact. tight around the upper end of the E321 tubing. In this so-called depressed configuration, the suction chamber E34 has a maximum volume. The first non-return valve E33 is pushed into the open position by the needle A321. The piston lip E327 comes into contact with the flange F36 and closes the vent hole E312. On the other hand, the vented space E38 which is formed between the corona E326 and the insert F34 has a minimum volume, and the spring E36 is compressed to the maximum. The second non-return valve E35 is located away from its seat E325. The pump A31 can then be actuated and fluid from the bottle F3 can reach the pump A31 through the dip tube E39, around the second non-return valve E35, through the fluid outlet E324 the fluid product inlet E320, around the first non-return valve E33 to reach the pump inlet A32. The suction chamber 34 is completely switched off, since the piston lip E327 remains permanently static.

On the other hand, when the connecting end E3 is separated from the distribution member A3 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable member E32 is pushed into the extended position by the return spring E36. The tubing E321 then extends at most out of the opening E315. Corolla E326 is pushed into contact or in direct proximity to the fixed upper wall E313. The volume of the suction chamber E34 is then minimal. Symmetrically, the vented space E38 has a maximum volume. The spring E36 is relaxed to the maximum. The first non-return valve E33 is resiliently biased against its seat E323. Even if we turn the tank R3, there is no leakage, because of the presence of check valves E33 and E35.

The tank R3 is shown in the reverse position in FIG. 11, just before being associated with a source of fluid filling S3. This source comprises a fluid product outlet S31 which may optionally be equipped with a valve S32. Before coming into contact, as represented in FIG. 11, the reservoir R3 is in the same condition as that represented in FIG. 10. In FIG. 12, the output S31 of the source S3 is pressed inside the pipe E321 so as to urge the first non-return valve E33 in the open position. The tubing E321 has been moved by leaktight sliding inside the body E31 in such a way as to increase the volume of the suction chamber E34 in which a vacuum is generated which has the effect of drawing fluid from the source S3 to through the tubing 321 and the passage 322 inside the suction chamber E34. This is clearly shown in Figure 12. The suction chamber E34 is filled to the maximum when the piston lip E327 abuts against the insert F34. It is then in the same configuration as that of Figure 8. However, the suction chamber E34 is then filled with fluid. Then releasing the pressure on the fluid outlet S31, the first non-return valve E33 closes and the piston lip E327 is pushed by the return spring to the upper fixed wall E313. The volume of the suction chamber 34 decreases, which has the effect of discharging its contents through the passage E322 and then to the fluid product outlet E324 and through the dip tube E39. This is clearly shown in FIG. 13. The vented space 38 during displacement of the movable member is not pressurized since it freely communicates with the outside through the vent hole E312. In addition, the air initially contained in the flask F3 can be discharged through the vent duct E398 which communicates with the dead space E38 through the second vent hole E329.

Thus, by operating only once or sometimes the movable member of the connection tip E3, it is possible to fill the bottle F3. In Figures 1 1, 12 and 13, the tank R3 has been shown upside down, but it is also conceivable to have the source S3 above the tank R3 for the filling operation of the bottle F3.

In this third embodiment, the suction chamber E34 has a minimum volume when the movable member E31 is at rest, biased by the return spring E36 against the upper wall E313. In contrast, the vented space E38 has a maximum volume at rest. It may be noted that the reservoir R3 can easily receive, quite temporarily, a source of fluid S3, as well as a dispensing member A3 which has the effect of rendering inoperative the suction chamber E34.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 14 to 18 to describe the fourth embodiment of a refillable reservoir R4 according to the invention. In FIG. 14, the tank R4 is associated with a dispensing member A4 which integrates a pump A41 having a fluid product inlet A42. The dispensing member A4 also comprises a case A46 which is internally provided with a latching groove A47.

The tank R4 comprises a bottle F4 which may have a completely conventional configuration: it may for example be made integrally of glass, plastic, metal, etc. It includes an integrated bottom and a classic collar.

The tank R4 also comprises a connection tip E4 which is associated with the bottle F4. The connection tip E4 comprises an envelope E41, a body E42, a movable member E43, a non-return valve E45, a return spring E46, a dip tube E47 and a venting tube E48.

The envelope E41 is fixedly mounted around the bottle F4. At its upper end, the envelope E41 forms a re-entrant shoulder E412 which rests on the bottle. At its lower end, the envelope E41 forms a fixing ring E41 1 provided with a ratchet cord E417 intended to come into removable engagement inside the latching groove A47. The envelope E41 is immobilized on the bottle F4 using the body E42 which comprises an attachment skirt E423 engaged with the neck of the bottle F4. The body E42 defines a fluid product outlet E421 which is extended by a connecting sleeve E421 which is connected to the dip tube E47. The connecting sleeve E421 defines at its upper end a valve seat E422 intended to cooperate with the non-return valve E45, when the tank is overturned. The body E42 also defines a venting channel E424 to which the venting tube E48 is connected. The canal E424 opens laterally and can communicate with the outside through an E433 vent hole, as will be seen below. The body E42 also defines a fixed bottom wall E425 which forms a piston lip E426.

The movable member E43 is substantially in the form of an inverted cup having a substantially cylindrical section pierced by the vent hole E434, forming a shoulder 434 for the support of the return spring E46 which bears on the ring of mounting 41 1, and an axial window E435 for the axial displacement of the same mounting ring E41 1. At its upper end, the movable member E43 forms an upper wall E432 defining a fluid product inlet E431.

In the configuration shown in Fig. 14, the lower fixed wall E425 is in contact with the upper wall E432. The E46 spring is compressed to the maximum. The detent cord E417 is detachably engaged in the latching groove A47. The inlet A42 of the pump A41 is sealingly engaged inside the inlet E431. It can thus be said that the mounting of the tank R4 inside the dispensing member A4 has the effect of constraining the connecting end E4.

As soon as the reservoir R4 is separated from the dispensing member A4, as represented in FIGS. 14 and 15, the spring E46 returns the movable member E43 in its rest position in which a suction chamber E44 has a maximum volume. It can be said that this suction chamber E44 is formed between the walls E425 and E432 and has a fluid product inlet E431 and a fluid product outlet E420. When the bottle F4 is empty, the suction chamber E44 is also empty. To fill the bottle F4, the user reports the tank R4 on the outlet S41 of a source of fluid S4, as shown in Figure 17. The suction chamber E44 is always empty. However, by performing a first complete actuation, the chamber E44 will fill with fluid product from the source S4, and from the second actuation, the contents of the suction chamber E44 will be discharged through the dip tube E47 in the F4 bottle. Simultaneously, the air contained in the flask F4 is discharged through the venting tube E48 and the channel vent E424 out through vent hole E433. Thus, in one or a few operations, one can fill the bottle F4. It is preferable that the source S4 be provided with a check valve S42, in order to prevent fluid backflow from the suction chamber E44 to the source S4. When filling the F4 bottle is complete, it is sufficient to separate the tank R4 from the source without risk of losing fluid, because of the non-return valve E45 which then rests on its seat E422. The tank R4 can then again be mounted or associated with the dispensing member A4, as shown in FIG.

In this fourth embodiment of the invention, the suction chamber has a maximum volume at rest. There is no stale space, as in the first embodiment.

It should be noted that in the last two embodiments of the invention, the tank incorporates a suction chamber which allows to draw fluid from a source and discharge this fluid into the bottle. The suction chamber is distinct from the bottle, and totally inoperative when the dispenser is constituted. It may be noted that the connection tip allows both the connection of a fluid filling source and a dispensing member.

In the four embodiments that have just been described, it can be considered that the connection ends E1, E2, E3 and E4 form a fluid product filling duct, a fluid dispenser duct and a duct outlet channel. 'air. Indeed, in the third and fourth embodiments, the inlet and the outlet of the suction chamber form merging conduits for filling and dispensing fluid, while the venting tube or cannula form air outlet.

In the four embodiments, the flasks F1, F2, F3 and F4 have an integrated bottom and can be made of glass.

In the four embodiments, the connection ferrules E1, E2, E3 and E4 form connection means in the form of outlet sleeves for the sealed engagement of the inputs of the filling sources. In the four embodiments, the connection ferrules E1, E2, E3 and E4 form moving members (shut-off valve E17 and E27, movable members E32 and E43) which is axially displaceable to cause the filling of the flask from the filling source.

Finally, in the four embodiments, the connecting tips E1, E2, E3 and E4 can receive both a filling source and a dispensing member.

Claims

claims

1. - Fluid product dispenser comprising a dispensing member (A1; A3; A4) incorporating a hand pump (A1 1; A31; A41) forming an inlet (A12; A32; A42), the dispensing member (A1; A3; A4) being removably mounted on a reservoir (R1; R2; R3; R4) of refillable fluid comprising a flask (F1; F2; F3; F4) provided with a connection tip (E1; E2; E3; E4 ) defining a fluid duct (E1 1; E23; E320, E431) of fluid product, an air outlet duct (E15; E25; E398; E48) and a fluid product delivery duct (E1 1; E23; E320; E431),

characterized in that the connection tip (E1; E2; E3; E4) comprises at one and the same time:

connecting means (E1 1 1, E21 1, E320, E431) for axially, directly and removably receiving an outlet (S12; S31; S41) of the filling source (S1; S3; S4) into a fluid product; for filling the flask (F1; F2; F3; F4) with fluid product through the filling duct (E1 1; E23; E320; E431), and

- Mounting means (E19; E29; E314; E41 1) for receiving axially, directly and removably the inlet (A12; A32; A42) of the hand pump (A1 1; A31; A41) for taking the product fluid through the distribution duct (E1 1; E23; E320; E431).

2. - Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the bottle (F1; F2; F3; F4) comprises an integrated bottom (F1 1; F21; F31; F41) and a neck (F12; F22; F35; F42) defining a single opening, the bottle (F1; F2; F3; F4) being advantageously made in one piece.

3. - A dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting piece (E1; E2; E3; E4) is a separate piece attached fixedly on a neck (F12; F22; F35; F42) of the bottle (F1; F2; F3; F4).

4. - Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting means comprise a mounting ring (E19; E29; E314; E41 1) adapted to removably receive a dispensing member (A1; A3; A4). ) connected to the dispensing duct (E1 1; E23; E320; E431) of fluid product.

5. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid dispensing duct (E1 1; E23; E320; E431) forms an outlet sleeve (E1 1 1; E21 1; E320, E431) for the sealed engagement of an input (A12; A32; A42) of a distribution member (A1; A3; A4).

6. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution duct (E1 1; E23; E320; E431) of fluid product comprises a dip tube (E14; E24; E39; E47) which extends into the flask (F1, F2, F3, F4).

7. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting piece (E1; E2; E3; E4) comprises a movable member (E17; E27; E32; E43) which is axially displaceable to generate the filling of the flask (F1; F2; F3; F4) from the filling source (S1; S3; S4).

8. - Dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the movable member is a shutter valve (E17; E27) adapted to selectively close an outlet (E151; E251) of the air outlet channel (E15; E25) and or an inlet (E231) of the filling duct (E23) in fluid product.

9. - Dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the movable member (E32; E43) varies the volume of a suction chamber (E34; E44) of fluid product.

10. - Fluid dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir contains perfume or a cosmetic product.