Pump for cosmetic product vial, sealed under low-pressure conditions

A pump for a vial intended to contain a cosmetic product. The pump includes a dosing chamber with a variable volume defined at least partially by a deformable element between an initial state and a deformed state. The pump further includes a guiding rod passing through the deformable element, the latter sliding along the rod when it undergoes a deformation. The deformable element includes an outlet lip delimiting an outlet orifice, surrounding a section of the rod, and bearing in a sealed manner against the rod or deviating from the rod according to the pressure in the chamber. A clamping edge extending from the rod maintains the outlet lip bearing in a sealed manner against the rod when the membrane is in the initial state thereof whatever the pressure in the chamber and whatever the pressure around the pump.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to French patent application number 1874127, filed on Dec. 24, 2018, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a pump for a cosmetic product vial which remains sealed, even in case of low-pressure conditions. The invention also relates to a vial comprising such a pump.

Description of the Related Art

Certain cosmetic product vials are provided with a pump configured to suction the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir of the vial in order to dispense it, for example, by means of a nozzle or by a single opening. The product can thus be extracted or sprayed from the vial in order to make the application thereof possible. The pump is often actuated by means of a pushbutton on which the user exerts a pressure to trigger the functioning of the pump. A pump comprises, in particular, a dosing chamber, of which the volume varies to make it possible to suction the product in the chamber through an inlet orifice, when the volume increases, then the expulsion thereof outside of the chamber through an outlet orifice, when the volume of the chamber decreases. The product exits from the chamber in a dispensing conduit, which brings it to the opening or to the nozzle usually arranged on the pushbutton.

A pump equipped with a deformable membrane made of one single piece is known, of which the deformation is guided to ensure optimal folding, without needing to constrain the membrane in a compartment or give it a complex shape.

More specifically, fluid product dispensers comprising an elastic membrane pump and a rod passing through the membrane at the level of an elastic annular lip are known. This annular lip in contact with the rod forms an outlet valve for the pump, the rod forming the seat of the valve. In the idle position, the actuation button is maintained in a high abutment under the effect of the elasticity of the membrane, and the annular lip is in contact with the rod and ensures a sealed closing of the outlet valve. When the button is actuated, the volume of the dosing chamber of the pump decreases which leads to an increase in pressure of the fluid product within the chamber. The outlet valve is opened by deformation of the elastic lip and the product is dispensed.

The main disadvantage is that the outlet valve, in the idle position of the pump, does not offer satisfactory sealing under low pressure conditions, met for example during aircraft transportation. Under these conditions, the contact between the lip and the rod can be broken at least locally by deforming the lip and the product can be emptied for example into the handbag of the user. Generally, any depression conditions external to the vial risks causing the opening of the outlet valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantage stated above, by means of a device making it possible to neutralise the outlet valve during any depression condition external to the vial, so as to preserve an optimal sealing of the vial.

This aim is achieved, thanks to a pump for vial intended to contain a cosmetic product, said pump comprising a dosing chamber with a variable volume defined at least partially by a deformable element, the pump functioning by making the volume of the chamber vary by elastic deformation of a membrane of the deformable element between an initial state wherein the chamber has a maximum volume and a deformed state, wherein the volume of the chamber is minimal, the chamber being equipped with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice for the product, the pump comprising a means for deforming the membrane configured to exert a pressure on the membrane, the pump further comprising a guiding rod passing through the deformable element, the deformable element sliding along the rod when the membrane undergoes said deformation, the deformable element comprising an outlet lip delimiting said outlet orifice and surrounding a section of the rod, said outlet lip bearing in a sealed manner against the rod or deviating from the rod according to the pressure in the chamber.

The pump is characterised mainly in that said rod comprises means for maintaining the outlet lip held sealed against the rod when the membrane is in the initial state thereof whatever the pressure in chamber and whatever the pressure around the pump.

A “lip” corresponds to a flexible portion, often slightly tapered, of a pad or a skirt, or any other element, which tends to be flattened against a surface to achieve sealing. The lip can be deformed, and in particular bend, so as to deviate from said surface under certain conditions, for example, when there are differences in pressure on either side of the lip, thus breaking the sealing.

The main idea of this invention consists of preventing the outlet lip from being able to be deformed from the moment when the membrane is in the initial state thereof, i.e. from the moment when the volume of the dosing chamber is maximal. The outlet lip is thus maintained bearing in a sealed manner against the rod, to avoid any deformation, whatever the pressure conditions. It can be, for example, an overpressure in the chamber, or it can be an external low pressure. In any case, the outlet lip is neutralised, and the outlet valve remains closed in a sealed manner Therefore, there is no longer a risk that the outlet lip is deviated from the rod and that the product is emptied involuntarily around the vial.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or separately:a) said means for maintaining the outlet lip consisting of a clamping edge of the outlet lip, said clamping edge extending from the peripheral wall of the rod.b) the clamping edge extends over the whole circumference of the rod.c) the clamping edge is inclined or curved with respect to the rod so as to exert a pressure against the outlet lip.d) the clamping edge has a surface for placing the outlet lip against the rod.e) the clamping edge defines, with the rod, an annular recess, in which the outlet lip is inserted.f) the outlet lip is inserted with force in the annular recess when the membrane is in its initial state.g) the clamping edge is located at an end of the rod.h) the clamping edge belongs to a head of the rod.i) the deformable element has a longitudinal axis, the rod being arranged substantially about said longitudinal axis.j) the membrane has a dome shape in the initial state.k) the deformable element comprises a drum arranged at the top of the dome, the rod passing through the drum such that the drum slides along the rod during the deformation of the membrane.l) the outlet lip is arranged on the drum.m) the outlet orifice is located at the free end of the drum.

The invention also relates to a vial, in particular for cosmetic product, comprising a pump such as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Below in the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same references.

The invention relates to a pump1for a vial comprising a reservoir (not illustrated) intended to contain a cosmetic product. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the pump1comprises a pushbutton2, a deformable element3and a sleeve4acting as a collar.

The pushbutton2has the function of making it possible for the actuation of the pump1by a user. The pushbutton2here has a cylindrical body equipped with an opening for dispensing the product, wherein a nozzle5is located, and an upper support wall8on which the user exerts a pressure to actuate the pump1, the pushbutton2being inserted into the sleeve4during the actuation. Any other pushbutton2could be used.

The pump1further comprises a dosing chamber25with a variable volume defined at least partially by the deformable element3. The pump1functions by making the volume of the chamber25vary by elastic deformation of a membrane33of the deformable element3between an initial state represented inFIG. 2, in which the chamber25has a maximum volume and a deformed state represented inFIG. 4, in which the volume of the chamber25is minimal.

The chamber25has a shape having a longitudinal axis at the initial state. The membrane33here has a rounded dome shape comprising a circular nozzle28and a top29. The deformable element3furthermore has a drum10surmounting the dome. The inner volume of the dome and of the drum10define the dosing chamber25. The longitudinal axis of the chamber25passes substantially through the centre of the base28, through the top29of the dome, and through the drum10.

The deformable element3here is formed of one single elastic material, preferably a polymer material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It comprises more or less flexible zones according to the thicknesses thereof.

The sleeve4is mainly composed of an upper collar4b, a lower collar4a, and a support23on which the membrane33is positioned. In the embodiment presented here, an intermediate part7is fixed between the deformable element3and the support23of the sleeve4. This intermediate part7is snap-fitted both to the support23and in the deformable element3. More specifically, the base28of the deformable element3is provided with an inner edge19capable of being snap-fitted under a first outer edge of the intermediate part7. Likewise, the support23is provided with an inner edge capable of being snap-fitted under a second outer edge of the intermediate part7. Any other type of joining can be considered. It must be noted that the support23and the intermediate part7could only constitute one piece.

The upper collar4bis used as a means for guiding the pushbutton2, and extends from this support23. Indeed, the cylindrical body of the pushbutton2slides inside the sleeve4and in particular, against the peripheral wall of the upper collar4b. By measuring safety, to avoid any exiting of the pushbutton2with respect to the sleeve4, the cylindrical body of the pushbutton2is provided with a circumferential shoulder30capable of abutting against an inner edge31localised at the free end of the peripheral wall of the upper collar4bof the sleeve4.

From the support23of the sleeve4, a lower collar4aalso extends, directed towards the reservoir. The inner surface of the peripheral wall of the lower collar4acomprises a thread, for example in order to be able to be screwed on the collar of a reservoir. Snap-fitting of the sleeve4on the collar of the reservoir could also be considered. Any other type of joining can be considered.

The intermediate part7has a wall17on which the deformable element3rests at least partially. In particular, the deformable element3comprises an inlet lip18in the vicinity of the base28which rests on the wall17. This wall17comprises at least one through bore27which makes it possible for the passage of the product from the reservoir to the dosing chamber25. This bore27is covered by the inlet lip18of the deformable element3when the latter is mounted on the intermediate part7.

This inlet lip18is flexible and has a tapered thickness with respect to the base28, in order to have more flexibility. Thus, the inlet lip18can be raised to let the product enter into the chamber25.

In the example shown inFIGS. 1 to 9, the wall17is obliquely oriented inwards from the sleeve4, therefore even more so inwards from the deformable element3, and forms a cone frustum in the proximity of the rod. The inlet lip18rests on the cone frustum, and thus rises back inside the dosing chamber25.

However, it is quite conceivable that the wall17is flat, or is oriented differently, as this is, for example, the case inFIG. 10. In thisFIG. 10, the wall17is inclined and forms a U-shaped well, limited near the axis of the pump by a wall37localised in the proximity of the rod, conversely the cone frustum. The inlet bore27is localised on an inner peripheral face of said well. The inlet lip18therefore covers this inclined wall17, and covers the inlet bore27of the product to the dosing chamber25. The presence of this well makes it possible to increase the volume of the dosing chamber25and consequently, the volume of the dose dispensed.

The support23of the sleeve4has a central funnel24inside or outside of which can be inserted a tube for suctioning product contained inside the reservoir. The product passes therefore inside this tube, then arrives in a space created between the intermediate part7and the support23, then follows the path thereof until arriving at the level of the bore27made in the wall17of the intermediate part7. When the inlet lip18is raised, as will be seen in the description below, the product can thus go back inside the dosing chamber25.

The wall17and the inlet lip18form what is called an inlet valve for the product. The support wall17acts as a seat, and the inlet lip18consists of a deformable inlet lip capable of being flattened, or not, on the seat according to the pressure present inside the dosing chamber25. When the inlet lip18is flattened on the wall17, the dosing chamber25is sealed with respect to the reservoir containing the product.

According to the invention, the sleeve4is provided with a rod6for guiding the deformable element3, which extends from the intermediate part7. The rod6and the intermediate part7can consist of two different parts, or of a single part. In the embodiment shown the rod6and the intermediate part7are two different parts. A first end15of the rod6is fitted into a central socket16of the intermediate part7.

In the embodiment represented, the upper collar4b, the lower collar4a, the support23and the funnel24form a single part termed sleeve4. The rod6and the intermediate part7could also form part of this sleeve4made of one single part. Conversely, it could be an assembly of several parts to form the sleeve4.a) The rod6is arranged substantially about the longitudinal axis of the deformable element3, which is coaxial with the central axis of the sleeve4, as well as the central axis of the pushbutton2. This guiding rod6passes through the deformable element3, such that the latter slides along the rod6when it undergoes a deformation, the rod6passing through the chamber25substantially about the longitudinal axis of the chamber25. A second end of the rod6is localised at the level of the end of the drum10of the deformable element3. Indeed, the top29of the dome and the drum10form a through channel, which makes it possible for the rod6to pass through this channel and therefore through the deformable element3. The upper end of the drum10comprises a tapered portion forming a flexible outlet lip11delimiting an outlet orifice for the fluid contained in the dosing chamber25. This escape lip11surrounds a section of the rod6and is flattened against the rod6.

This rod6has the function of guiding the membrane33when it passes from the initial state to the deformed state, then from the deformed state to the initial state. The membrane33is thus configured to be able to fold the top29thereof to the base28thereof, the drum10of the deformable element3is also moved towards the base28along the rod6. Thanks to the rod6, the membrane33remains centred about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve4. Thus, the risk of an incorrectly controlled folding of the membrane33is thus avoided.

The outlet lip11and the rod6form what is called an outlet valve for the fluid product. The seat of this valve is constituted by the body of the rod6on which the outlet lip11is flattened. When an increase in pressure is produced within the dosing chamber25, the outlet valve is opened by elastic deformation of the outlet lip11and the product can thus escape from the dosing chamber25to arrive up to the nozzle5in order to be dispensed. More specifically, the deformation of the outlet lip11induces the creation of a few spaces between the rod6and the lip11through which the fluid product can pass and therefore escape from the dosing chamber25.

When low pressure occurs all around the pump1, for example when it is located in the mountains or in a storage hold of an aircraft, the difference in pressure between the outside and inside of the dosing chamber25increases and such that there is an overpressure phenomenon which is ultimately created, which leads to the deformation of the outlet lip11and therefore a flow of product via the outlet valve, while this is not desired by the user. This overpressure phenomenon within the pump can also occur when the dispenser is left in the sun.

To avoid any deformation of the outlet lip11when the pump1is in the idle position, i.e. when the volume of the chamber25is maximal, the rod6is provided with means for maintaining the outlet lip11. These maintaining means consist of a clamping edge12of the outlet lip11, extending from the second end of the rod6. More specifically, this second end of the rod6is equipped with a rod head13from which extends a clamping edge12curved in the direction of the first end15of the rod6, so as to create an annular recess28′ between the rod6body and the clamping edge12. The outlet lip11of the deformable element3can thus be inserted inside this annular recess28′. When the dosing chamber25has a maximum volume, the membrane33is deployed to the maximum, and the outlet lip11is inserted with force into the recess28′. The clamping edge12is inclined or curved so as to exert a force for placing the outlet lip11against the body of the rod6. More specifically, the inner surface of the clamping edge12comes into contact with the outer surface of the outlet lip11to press the latter against the rod6body. In this manner, even in case of depression outside of the vial, the outlet lip11cannot be deformed as it is completely surrounded and maintained inside the recess28′ thanks to the clamping edge12.

This clamping edge12extends over the whole circumference of the rod6so as to surround all of the outlet lip11.

Preferably, the thickness of the outlet lip11is greater than the width of the recess28′, thus the outlet lip11is inserted by force without reaching the bottom14of the recess28′. This makes it possible to ensure a good sealing.

To deform the deformable element3, the pump1comprises a deformation means arranged outside of the chamber25and configured to exert a pressure on the membrane33when the pushbutton2is actuated. This deformation means is a dispensing conduit9having an open end in contact with the membrane33. The dispensing conduit9here forms part of the pushbutton2, the conduit9extending inside the pushbutton2from the inner face of the upper wall8. The dispensing conduit9has the function of bringing the product exiting from the dosing chamber25up to the opening and the nozzle5of the pushbutton2. The dispensing conduit9is in sealed contact with the deformable element3. For this, the drum10is inserted in the dispensing conduit9, the conduit9resting on the membrane33. The drum10is furthermore equipped with an outer bulge32which makes it possible, on the one hand, to block in the conduit9, and on the other hand, to ensure sealing in contact with the dispensing conduit9. The bulge32goes around the drum10, here at the junction with the membrane33, and is sized substantially to the dimensions of the open end of the dispensing conduit9.

Below, the functioning of the pump1will be described.

InFIG. 2, the pump1is in the idle position. In this position, the pump1is sealed. Indeed, the elastic reaction of the pre-constrained membrane33tends to push the outlet lip11upwards and wedge it under the rod6head, i.e. under the clamping edge12. This outlet lip11is thus located clamped in the rod6head. The product outlet valve is thus closed and sealed. The dosing chamber25has a maximum volume. The circumferential shoulder30of the pushbutton2is abutted against the inner edge31of the peripheral wall of the upper collar4bof the sleeve4. The inlet lip18of the deformable element3rests in a sealed manner on the wall17of the intermediate part7. The product inlet valve is thus closed.

InFIG. 3, a user presses on the pushbutton2. The pushbutton2thus slides inside the sleeve4and is directed towards the support23of the sleeve4. In the course thereof, the pushbutton2drives the descent of the drum10from the deformable element3in the direction of the support23. The outlet lip11slides along the rod6and is put at a distance from the rod head13. The outlet lip11is therefore no longer engaged with the clamping edge12. The dispensing conduit9of the pushbutton2bears in parallel on the membrane33so as to deform it by folding it inwards. The top of the dome of the membrane33is thus flattened. The volume of the dosing chamber25thus starts to decrease and the pressure increases in the dosing chamber25. This overpressure in the dosing chamber25leads to the deformation of the outlet lip11, which is deviated from the rod6beyond a threshold constraint, which is represented by small arrows. The pressurised product in the dosing chamber25thus escapes via the outlet valve and enters into the dispensing conduit9of the pushbutton2until arriving at the dispensing nozzle5, which is represented by large arrows. The diffusion of the product is thus conditioned to a minimum pressure to arrive at the nozzle5.

In the end position, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the cylindrical body of the pushbutton2arrives abutted against the support23of the sleeve4, while the dispending conduit9has deformed the membrane33to the maximum, and the volume of the dosing chamber25is minimal. A maximum amount of product contained in the chamber25exits via the outlet valve. Since there is no longer pressure in the dosing chamber25, the outlet lip11is again flattened against the rod6body.

It is possible that residual air is contained in the dosing chamber25. This air can have been trapped in the reservoir at the moment when the dispensing system is fixed on the product-filled reservoir, if this is an airless pump, or this air can come from an airless system, if it is an atmospheric pump, i.e. with air in the reservoir, or this air can be present in the suctioning tube before a first use.

In this low position such as illustrated inFIG. 4, the residual air is compressed in the dosing chamber25, but without creating a sufficient overpressure at the opening of the outlet valve to make this residual air exit. A draining system therefore has been provided in the form of at least one axial decompression kerf26which extends along a section of the rod6. In this case, this is the section against which the outlet lip11is in contact when the membrane33is compressed to the maximum and that the pushbutton2is abutted against the support23of the sleeve4. In the example presented, there are two diametrically opposed axial kerfs26, as is illustrated in particular inFIGS. 5 and 6. At the level of these axial kerfs26, the outlet lip11is thus not in contact with the rod6body, in this case with the bottom of the kerf26, and a small space is created between the outlet lip11and the bottom of the kerf26, space through which the residual air from the dosing chamber25can escape.

These axial kerfs26can be replaced by axial ridges. In this case, the outlet lip11is put at a distance from the rod body when it passes above a ridge. A space is thus created between the outlet lip11and the rod body to the right and to the left of the ridge.

One single decompression kerf26is sufficient to make it possible for air to escape. It is also possible to consider two, three, four, or n kerfs26.

Each axial kerf26extends over an axial length at least greater than the length of the outlet lip11of the outlet valve, such that air can enter into the kerf26. It is also essential that these kerfs26open directly into the dosing chamber25at the level of the drum10of the deformable element3. It must be noted that the drum10of the deformable element3, outside of the outlet lip11, has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the rod6. Preferably, each axial kerf26extends over an axial length corresponding to the total length of the drum10of the deformable element3.

When the pump1is in the maximum activation position, the outlet lip11of the outlet valve is located around the decompression kerfs26of the rod6. There is thus a sealing break and a fall in pressure in the dosing chamber25, therefore air escapes, as is illustrated by the arrow. This can also be produced in the initiation phase of the pump1.

In the maximum activation position, the dosing chamber25, initially over-pressured, is arranged in communication with the atmosphere. The pressure in the dosing chamber25falls, which has the effect of immediately stopping the end of dispensing product. Thus, avoiding the ends of dispensing, comprising large drops, provided by conventional dispensing systems.

InFIG. 7, the user releases the pressure exerted on the pushbutton2, and the latter thus starts the rising thereof towards the idle position thereof, thanks to the elastic reaction of the membrane33. The outlet lip11is also pushed by the membrane33in the direction of the rod6head. This small course of the outlet lip11, between a low position in a section of the rod6with decompression kerfs26and an intermediate position in a section of the rod6, smooth and round without any kerf, makes it possible for a slight suction at the outlet of the nozzle5, and to avoid a drop from forming at the level of the outlet of the nozzle5.

This rising of the membrane33and from the drum10leads to the increase in volume of the dosing chamber25, which leads to an inner low pressure within the dosing chamber25. This low pressure, associated with the thrust of the product from the reservoir, causes the opening of the inlet valve of the product. In this case, the inlet lip18moves away from the wall17(as illustrated by small arrows), and the product can thus pass from the reservoir to the dosing chamber25through the bore27of the intermediate part7(as illustrated by a large arrow). This suctioning of the product is followed until the outlet lip11arrives abutted at the bottom14of the recess28′ of the rod6head. The outlet lip11is thus again in the initial position and surrounded around the rod6thanks to the clamping edge12. InFIG. 8, it can be seen, that the outlet lip11is in sealed contact with the rod6. The product outlet valve is thus closed during the rising of the pushbutton2.

The deformable element3is equipped with a lip for recovering localised air20in the vicinity of the base28, and which engages with the support23of the sleeve4. More specifically, the support23comprises an outer ring21and an inner ring22, which surrounds the intermediate part7, as is illustrated inFIG. 11, the inner ring22is discontinuous so as to form passages34. An annular gap35is formed between the two rings21,22. The lip for returning air20from the deformable element3is housed in this gap35and is capable of being flattened against the inner surface of the outer ring21, so as to form a valve for returning air, the outer ring21thus forming a seat against which the lip for returning air20is flattened sealed. This lip20is tapered and is therefore flexible. The placing of the lip for returning air20against the outer ring21makes it possible to achieve a sealing to air between the outside of the reservoir and the inside of the reservoir.

During the rising of the pushbutton2, the product inlet within the dosing chamber25leads to a depression within the reservoir containing the product, which causes a suctioning of air permitted via this valve for returning air. In particular, the suctioning of air will tend to deviate the lip for returning air20with respect to the outer ring21and to get it closer to the inner ring22(as illustrated by small arrows). The sealing is thus broken and air can pass between the lip for returning air20and the outer ring21then in the passages34of the inner ring22, then between the intermediate part7and the support of the sleeve4, until arriving within the reservoir. Air initially comes from the outside of the vial and passes between the pushbutton2and the sleeve4before arriving at the level of the valve for returning air. This conveyance is illustrated by a large arrow inFIG. 7.

InFIG. 9, the pump1is returned into the initial idle state thereof, as inFIG. 2. The elastic reaction of the pre-constrained membrane33tends to push the outlet lip11to the top and to wedge it under the rod6head. This is thus located clamped in the rod6head. The depression being stopped inside the dosing chamber25, the product inlet valve is closed, as the inlet lip18is re-flattened on the bore27of the intermediate part7, through the intrinsic elasticity of the TPE material of the deformable element3.

The lip for returning air20comes back into place against the outer ring21. The valve for returning air is thus closed and the reservoir is sealed to air. The dosing chamber25contains a new product dose ready to be delivered.

The inlet lip, the outlet lip, and the lip for returning air all have a collar shape, since they extend peripherally into the deformable element which is a revolution part.

The configurations shown in the figures cited are only possible examples, not at all limiting, of the invention which surrounds, on the contrary, the shape and design variants in the scope of a person skilled in the art.