EP0899213B1 - Pump-type packaging unit for a liquid or semi-liquid product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging and distribution assembly of a liquid or semi-liquid product, of the type comprising a pump manual actuation. The invention is particularly suitable for packaging and spraying of liquid products used in the field cosmetics, or dermato-pharmacology, such as perfumes.

Liquid spraying devices, by means of an actuating pump manual, have been the subject of numerous descriptions in the patent literature.

By way of example, the request for a certificate of utility FR-A-2 682 937 describes a device pump type spray, comprising a pump mounted on a bottle, and having a hollow rod which serves as an outlet conduit and a member actuation, and is movable in the pump body against the action of a spring. A dispenser cap is mounted on the bottle above the pump, and comprises a pressure actuating element provided with means mechanical coupling with the hollow rod. The cap includes also a spray nozzle and an internal channel which opens into the nozzle, as well as connecting means for bringing the hollow rod into communication with the internal channel of the cap. According to this document, connection means comprise a flexible tubular element coupled to one end of the hollow rod and at the end opposite the internal channel of the dispenser cap. To dispense product, push the element pressure actuation, which causes the pump to operate and the liquid outlet through the outlet nozzle via the hollow rod, the element flexible tubular, and the internal canal. Under the effect of the actuation pressure, the upper part of the cap, carrying the nozzle, flexes at an area of link located under the nozzle. The major drawback of such a device is essentially the fact that actuation of the pump causes a change substantial position of the nozzle (by pivoting), which modification causes a change in the orientation of the sprayed liquid. Inevitably, if care is not taken, the product will not be sprayed at the desired location. Another device of the same type, and therefore with the same drawbacks, is described in the Patent application EP-A-0 747 131.

In patent application EP-A-0 385 077, the actuation of the pump causes axial displacement of the outlet nozzle, which, in the same way as for the previously discussed device, must be taken into account in positioning of the spray device relative to the surface to be treated, so that the product is sprayed exactly where you want it. Furthermore, such design requires an oblong hole to be made opposite the nozzle, the axial height depends on the amplitude of the axial movement of the nozzle. Such elongated hole significantly affects the aesthetics of the device.

In another field, namely the field of aerosols, of the type comprising a pressurized container surmounted by a valve, it is known to connect the valve stem to a substantially axially fixed outlet orifice, via a conduit having a some flexibility, so as to absorb all or part of the related axial displacement when the pump is actuated. Such aerosol devices are described in particular in documents FR-A-2 391 625, FR-A-2 271 995, FR-A-1 258 884, DE-A-26 55 777, US-A-3 907 175, US-A-3 189 232, or US-A-5 154 323. However, in the aerosol field, the stroke required to actuate the valve is the order of a few hundredths of a millimeter. In the case of a pump, the stroke actuation is of the order of several millimeters. Typically the race actuation is of the order of 6 to 7 mm. Thus, the constraints to be taken into account account for this type of technology have nothing to do with the constraints encountered in aerosol devices. Therefore, for a good number of devices described in these documents, the structure of the dispensing head should be completely redesigned to adapt to head technology pump type distribution, therefore requiring intellectual effort not negligible. In addition, for certain products, in particular perfumes, it is desirable not to package them in pressurized form.

Document US-A-3 640 274 describes a device for spraying a product in the eyes, especially eye drops. The device is equipped with a pump, the outlet is connected to a fixed orifice via a flexible conduit making a full turn around the pump rod. The outlet is surrounded by a mounted mirror fixedly on the container so as to facilitate the application of the product exactly where you want it.

Document GB-A-2 098 281 describes a beverage dispenser, in particular of hot drink, equipped with a pump whose axis is closer to the orifice of output that is not the axis of the device. A flexible connector is arranged between the pump and outlet. In the same way as for the previous document, especially when the device has a small cross-section, the absorption of movement of the actuating member through the flexible conduit is insufficient, and the bending stresses undergone by the flexible conduit can cause the anticipated fatigue, even rupture.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a device equipped with a pump, for the packaging and distribution of a product, in particular by spraying through an outlet member whose position is substantially fixed, in particular when the pump is actuated.

It is another object to provide a pump device, of improved aesthetics, and which is simple and economical to carry out industrially.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail in the description following.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a set of packaging and distribution of a liquid or semi-liquid product comprising a body of axis X, forming a reservoir for the product, said reservoir being surmounted by a pump actuable by an actuating member, the product exiting through at least one orifice formed in an outlet member connected to the pump by a conduit forming a flexible coupling, the outlet member being held substantially stationary on a fixed portion of the body surmounting the reservoir, the actuator being mounted so independent from said fixed portion of the body. According to the invention, La pump is offset from the X axis, so as to improve absorption of the movement of the actuating member through the conduit. This characteristic is advantageous insofar as the actuation stroke of the pump rod is relatively large. The height of the dispensing head is also reduced.

Thus, according to the invention the only coupling existing between the output member and the member mobile actuation, is done via a conduit forming a flexible coupling. The flexibility of the coupling absorbs substantially all of the movement of said organ actuation so that, upon actuation of the pump, the exit does not move significantly.

Advantageously, the outlet member is a nozzle for spraying a liquid product such as a perfume. Such a nozzle is of known configuration, and does not therefore requires no detailed description.

According to a first embodiment, the body comprises a transverse partition separating a first volume, defining said reservoir, from a second volume, surmounting the first, said second volume containing the pump mounted on a orifice in said partition, the actuating member mounted on said pump, the outlet member, as well as the conduit forming said flexible coupling.

Advantageously, the outlet nozzle is disposed substantially stationary in the bottom of a recess formed in a side wall of the second volume, said offset leading to a free edge of the second volume, located opposite of the transverse partition. Keeping the nozzle stationary in the bottom of the offset (in particular its positioning perpendicular to the axis of the device) can be improved by providing inside said side wall, alignment with the bottom of the recess, an extra thickness which increases the nozzle support width.

The output member can be mounted inside a communicating chamber with the conduit forming the flexible coupling, the actuating member, the chamber, as well as the flexible conduit forming a single piece and are obtained by molding of a thermoplastic material. By way of example, said thermoplastic material is a low density polyethylene (LDPE), or a mixture of low polyethylene density (LDPE) / high density polyethylene (HDPE) with HDPE content at more equal to 25% of the mixture. Such a characteristic contributes to the reduction sensitive to the cost of manufacturing the assembly according to the invention.

In particular in the event that the actuator is obtained by molding, the bearing surface on which the actuating pressure is exerted, consists of an attachment. This facilitates the release of the organ actuation. The insert can be mounted by snapping, gluing, or welding.

According to another embodiment, the conduit forming said flexible coupling forms a bellows. This characteristic is particularly advantageous when the product to be distributed, due to its nature, requires to use for the conduit of connecting a material that does not have sufficient inherent flexibility. In this case we overcome this lack of flexibility by giving the conduit a flexible configuration

According to a preferred embodiment, the body is formed in one piece. AT as an example, the body is obtained from molding of a thermoplastic material chosen from polypropylenes (PP), polyethylene terephthalates (PET), etc. The thermoplastic material can be introduced into the mold by injection.

According to a particular embodiment, the pump comprises a supply channel opening into the interior of the first volume, and a hollow outlet rod, one of which free end leads into the second volume, and on which is mounted the actuating member, the outlet rod being, in the mounted position of the member actuation on the pump, in communication with an orifice provided in said actuator, and opening onto the conduit forming said coupling flexible.

The output member is, in a particular embodiment, located substantially at the same level as said free end of the outlet rod. In reality, with the mounting according to the invention, it can be placed substantially anywhere or relative to at the free end of the pump rod. It can in particular be placed below from the free end of the pump rod, thereby reducing the axial height of all.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the second volume has one end opposite to said partition, said end being closed by a protective element of which at least a part, located opposite the member actuation, is made of a flexible material, so that it can actuating said actuating member through said protective element. This protective element makes it possible to create a closed, aesthetically pleasing set remarkable. As will be seen later, this protective element can also participate in maintaining the output member in a fixed position relative to to the body of the device.

Such a protective element may include a carcass in the form of a part rigid or semi-rigid annular, said protective element being maintained in position on said end of the second volume by means of a covering external covering said assembly over substantially its entire height, an orifice being arranged in said external covering opposite the outlet member, said external covering having opposite said end of the second volume, a bottom with a cutout opposite the actuator. Advantageously, locating means, of the polarizing type, can be designed to allow good angular positioning of the covering relative to to the rest of the body.

The rigid or semi-rigid annular part may comprise a leg portion of which the free end is intended to come to bear on the outlet nozzle so as to immobilize the latter at the bottom of the recess. Such an arrangement allows simple and economical assembly of the assembly, as well as good support in the stationary position of the outlet nozzle.

The covering may, at least in the vicinity of one end of the first volume, opposite to said partition, be self-tightening on the body of said assembly. Self-tightening can be made by axial grooves on the surface external of the body, and / or on the internal surface of the covering. The dressing can be made of metal or plastic. The fitting of the covering on the body can be do so by any other appropriate means. As an indication, the cover can be screwed on, welded, or slammed on the body.

The protective element can be formed by bi-injection of two materials compatible, a first rigid or semi-rigid material, forming the part annular, a second flexible material, forming the part located opposite the actuator. Two compatible materials means two materials which, at the injection temperature, are capable of forming bonds physico-chemical between them. By way of illustration, the first material is a polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), the second material being SEBS.

According to a preferred embodiment, the reservoir has an added bottom, tightly mounted on the body. This feature is all particularly advantageous in the case where the body of the assembly is obtained from molding, in one piece. In addition, it allows filling from the bottom of the tank.

Said added base may have an orifice for filling the reservoir, said orifice being closed after filling with a sealing element. This orifice diameter limited in relation to the tank section, allows to reduce considerable risk of product spillage and loss overboard of the tank, during jerky handling by industrial tools, the assembly filled with product, before closing the bottom of the tank.

Advantageously, the seal is ensured in at least two offset zones axially. A first sealing zone can be produced by at least one snap cord. The second sealing zone can be achieved by self-tightening assembly of a portion of the base attached to the internal walls of the body.

Advantageously also, a third sealing zone is produced between the first two, said third sealing zone being produced by means of a O-ring placed in the bottom of a groove in a side wall of the background reported.

Such a seal can be made of a material such as butyl or EPDM (terpolymer of propylene ethylene and a diene).

The added base can meanwhile be made of a material chosen from polypropylenes (PP), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT), polyethylenes high density (HDPE), etc.

The product can be a pharmaceutical, dermato-pharmaceutical, or cosmetic, in particular a perfume.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention;
• - la figure 2 représente une vue éclatée de l'ensemble représenté à la figure 1;
• les figures 3A et 3B représentent deux vues en coupe du mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2; et
• la figure 4 illustre une variante du premier mode de réalisation représenté aux figures 1, 2, et 3A-3B.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of the packaging and distribution assembly according to the invention;
• - Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the assembly shown in Figure 1;
• Figures 3A and 3B show two sectional views of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2; and
• Figure 4 illustrates a variant of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3A-3B.

As shown in overview in Figure 1, the set of packaging and distribution 1 is in the form of a straight cylinder completely covered with an outer covering 2, made of metal, such as aluminum or a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. The exterior cladding covers the entire height of the device, and at its lower open end so as to allow the device to be inserted therein, through said open end. The upper end is closed by a bottom 5 presenting on a substantial part of its section, a bevel cut 6, from which a flexible part of a protective element emerges 7. The actuation of the device for spraying product is achieved by pressing a push button contained inside the covering, through the flexible part. An orifice 8 is formed in the covering, opposite a nozzle 9 contained also inside the outer casing.

Figures 2 and 3A-3B illustrate in detail a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. The device comprises a cylindrical body 10 comprising two parts 50, 51 separated by a transverse wall 11. The wall transverse delimits in the lower part 50 of the body, a first volume 12 forming a reservoir for the product to be dispensed, and in the upper part 51 of the body, a second volume 13, containing, as will be seen in more detail below, all of the elements necessary for the distribution of the product.

The body is made of a single piece obtained from molding (by injection by example) of a material which, advantageously, is polyethylene terephthalate. The lower end 14 of the body 10 is closed by an attached bottom 15. The bottom insert 15 includes a first annular portion 17 whose external surface is provided with several beads or rods 18, capable of cooperating by snapping with corresponding beads provided on the inner surface of the body 10 in the vicinity of its lower end 14. The bottom 15 has a second annular portion 19 capable of coming to forcibly engage in the opening delimited by the free edge of the body 10. A part 16, of external diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the body 10 is located under the annular portion 19, so to limit the insertion of the plug 15 into the body. A groove 20 is arranged between the two annular portions 17, 19, so as to receive an O-ring 21 in butyl, in order to perfect the tightness of the mounting of the bottom 15. The bottom 15 comprises a central orifice 22, through which the reservoir 12 is filled, after having mounted the added base 15. Fins 23 are arranged radially in the volume formed by the bottom 15, so as to stiffen the structure. The orifice central is closed by a plug 24 comprising an axial portion 25 of diameter external substantially equal to the internal diameter of the orifice 22, and a wall transverse 26 of external diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the body 10. The stopper is held by force, or by snapping in the orifice. As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 3A, the plug 24 defines with the added back 15, an annular space 27, in which can be disposed advantageously an annular ballast (not shown).

The transverse wall 11 forms a recess 28, in the bottom of which is provided an orifice 29 for mounting a pump 30. As it appears clearly in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recess 28 and the orifice 29 are offset relative to the X axis of the device. Installation of the pump in the recess 28 is advantageously produced in the manner described in detail in the patent French FR 2 669 244, i.e. via an intermediate piece 31 annular, on the free edge of which the pump 30 is crimped. During assembly, the pump 30 is first crimped on the intermediate piece 31. The assembly is then mounted by snap in the recess 28 through the orifice 29. A tube plunger 32 descends into tank 12, its free end being located substantially in the vicinity of the bottom 15 of the tank.

The pump 30 comprises a hollow pump rod 33, the free end of which emerges in the upper volume 13 delimited by the transverse wall 11. In its upper end 35, the free edge of the body 10 is straight for about a third of its section 36 (front part of the body) and cut in a bevel on the rest of its section 37 (rear part of the body). On the free end of the rod 33, is mounted a push button 34 of which a bearing surface 38 emerges from the cut edge 37 and is located substantially at the level of the straight edge portion 36. The button pusher 34 is disposed in a chimney 39 which extends the upper part of the recess 28. The manually actuated pump is entirely conventional and therefore, does not require any detailed description.

The chimney 39 has a notch 40 for the passage of a flexible conduit connecting an internal channel 52 formed in the push button to an outlet nozzle 9 mounted in a chamber 44, and kept immobile in the bottom of a notch 42, opening onto the right edge portion 36 of the body 10. The notch 42 is located substantially opposite the notch 40.

The duct 41 has characteristics of suppleness and flexibility, or even of elasticity, which are such as the actuation movement of the push button does not cause any significant movement of the outlet nozzle. In reality, in depending on the method of mounting the nozzle in the bottom of the notch 42, it can there is a slight setback or a slight tilting of the nozzle. These movements are barely noticeable to the naked eye.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conduit 41, the chamber 44, and the button plunger 34 is obtained from one-piece molding, made of low polyethylene density. In reality, only the support plate 38 is attached and mounted by click on the push button 34. The support plate is made of a material more rigid than the material of the rest of the push button. Advantageously, the support plate 38 is made of high polyethylene density or polypropylene. The outlet nozzle 9 consists of a piece made of acetate mounted in force in chamber 44.

Thus, as it appears in Figure 3B, the actuation movement of the button pusher 34 results in a displacement of the flexible conduit 41, which displacement may be accompanied by an elongation of the duct, in the case in particular of an elastomeric material or in the case of a bellows such as shown in Figure 4. The chamber 44 is also made of material flexible, the end of the chamber 44 adjacent to the duct 41 can optionally tilt slightly. On the other hand, the outlet nozzle, located in the front part of the chamber 44, held tight in the bottom of the notch 42, is substantially immobile, which significantly facilitates spraying of the product exactly where you want it.

Other materials or arrangements can be used to make the flexible coupling between the push button 34 and the outlet nozzle 9. As for example, the conduit 41 can be made of elastomeric material (SEBS, EPDM). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the flexible coupling is carried out by means of a conduit forming over at least part of its length, a bellows 43. This characteristic contributes to further isolating the nozzle 9 from the push button, which significantly reduces stress exerted on the nozzle 9 when the push button 34 is actuated. The mode of embodiment of Figure 4 is also identical in all respects to the mode of realization of Figures 2 and 3A-3B.

The outlet nozzle, 9 disposed inside a chamber 44 extending the flexible conduit 41 is held stationary in the bottom of the notch 42 at by means of a tab 45 carried by the annular carcass 46 of an element of protection 47. The annular carcass, made for example of polypropylene, has a profile which generally follows the profile of the edge of the upper end 35 of the body 10. The opening bounded by the upper edge of the carcass annular 46 is closed by a flexible membrane 7 intended to be positioned opposite push button 34. The flexible membrane is made advantageously in SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene copolymer sequenced), and can be performed by bi-injection with the carcass in polypropylene. When mounting, the protective element is placed on the end upper 35 of the body 10, the internal diameter of the annular carcass 46 being slightly greater than the external diameter of the body 10. The tab 45 comes to bear on the upper part of the chamber 44 containing the nozzle 9, which is thus immobilized. Keeping the chamber 44 and therefore the nozzle 9 immobile can be improved by providing on the inner wall of the upper volume 13, a extra thickness in alignment with the bottom of the notch 42 so as to ensure better positioning of the chamber 44.

The assembly thus described is intended to be mounted inside an external covering 2 in aluminum for example. As mentioned with reference to Figure 1, the bottom 5 of the outer covering has a profile cut similar to the cutting the upper end 35 of the body 10, as well as the cut formed by the upper edge of the annular carcass of the protective element 47. The shape of the cutout 6 in the outer covering 2 is such that it coincides substantially with the flexible membrane 7 of the protective element 47.

The assembly of the assembly is carried out as follows. First, the pump is mounted in port 29; body 10 is turned over and filled from the bottom through the orifice 22, which is then closed by the plug 24; the button pusher 34, equipped with its flexible conduit 41 and the outlet nozzle 9 inside from chamber 44, is mounted on the outlet rod 33 of the pump; the element of protection 47 is placed on the upper end 35 of the body; external cladding is then threaded onto the assembly, locating means (of the axial groove type) ensuring good angular positioning of the body relative to the covering exterior 2. The body 10 is of slightly increasing section in the direction of its lower end 14 so that at least in the vicinity of its end lower 14, the body is kept tight inside the outer casing 2. In mounted position, as it appears clearly in Figures 3A and 3B, the edge of the protective element 47 is held between the outer wall of the body 10 and the inner wall of the covering 2. The device is then ready to be used.

Alternatively, it is possible to mount the protection element alone in the covering 2, via the cutout 6, then to mount the body of the device inside of the dressing.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (28)

1. Packaging and dispensing unit (1) for a liquid or semi-liquid product comprising a body (10) of axis X, forming a reservoir (12) for the product, the said reservoir (12) being surmounted by a pump (30) that can be actuated by an actuating member (34), the product leaving through at least one orifice formed in an outlet member (9) connected to the pump (30) by a duct (41) forming a flexible coupling, the outlet member (9) being held essentially immobile on a stationary portion (51) of the body (10) surmounting the reservoir (12), the actuating member (34) being mounted independently with respect to the said stationary portion (51) of the body (10), characterized in that the pump (30) is offset from the axis X of the said body (10) so as to improve the absorption of the movement of the actuating member by the said duct (41).
2. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the product is contained directly inside the body (10).
3. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet member (9) is a nozzle for turning a liquid product into a spray.
4. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the body (10) has a transverse partition (11) separating a first volume (12), defining the said reservoir, from a second volume (13) surmounting the first, the said second volume (13) containing the pump (30) mounted on an orifice (29) formed in the said partition (11), the actuating member (34) mounted on the said pump (30), the outlet member (9) and the duct (41) forming the said flexible coupling.
5. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (9) is arranged essentially immobile in the bottom of a notch (42) formed in a side wall of the second volume (13), the said notch (42) opening onto a free edge of the second volume (13) located away from the transverse partition (11).
6. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outlet member (9) is mounted inside a chamber (44) in communication with the duct (41) forming the flexible coupling, the actuating member (34), the chamber (44) and the flexible duct (41) forming a single piece obtained by moulding of a thermoplastic material.
7. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 6, characterized in that the actuating member (34) has a bearing surface (38) on which actuation pressure is exerted, the said bearing surface being added on.
8. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said thermoplastic material is a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or a blend of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) with an HDPE content of at most 25% of the blend.
9. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the duct (41) forming the said flexible coupling forms a bellows (43).
10. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the body (10) is formed of a single piece.
11. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the body (10) is obtained by moulding of a thermoplastic material, particularly a polypropylene (PP) or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
12. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any, one of Claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the pump (30) comprises a conveying passage (32) opening into the inside of the first volume (12), and a hollow outlet stem (33), a free end of which opens into the second volume (13) and on which the actuating member (34) is mounted, the outlet stem (33) being, when the actuating member (34) is mounted on the pump (30), in communication with an internal passage (52) provided in the said actuating member (34) and opening onto the duct (41) that forms the said flexible coupling.
13. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that the outlet member (9) is located axially below the free end of the outlet stem (33) at roughly the same level as the said free end of the outlet stem, or above the said free end.
14. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the second volume (13) has one end (35) away from the said partition (11), the said end being closed by a protective element (47) of which at least a part (7), located facing the actuating member (34), consists of a flexible material, so that the said actuating member (34) can be actuated through the said protective element (47).
15. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 14, characterized in that the protective element (47) comprises a carcass in the form of a rigid or semirigid annular part (46), the said protective element (47) being held in position on the said end (35) of the second volume via an external covering (2) covering the said unit over roughly its entire height, an orifice (8) being formed in the said external covering opposite the outlet member (9), the said external covering having, facing the said end of the second volume, an end wall (5) which has a cutout (6) facing the actuating member (34).
16. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 15, characterized in that identification means are provided on the external covering (2) and/or on the body (10) so as to ensure correct angular positioning of the outer covering with respect to the body.
17. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 5 and all the claims dependent thereon, and 15 or 16, characterized in that the rigid or semirigid annular part (46) of the protective element comprises a tab portion (45), a free end of which is intended to come to bear against the outlet nozzle (9) so as to immobilize the latter in the bottom of the notch (42).
18. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the covering (2), at least near one end (14) of the first volume away from the said partition (11), grips automatically onto the body (10) of the said unit.
19. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the protective element (47) is formed by a two-shot injection moulding of two compatible materials - a rigid or semirigid first material forming the annular part (46) and a flexible second material forming the part (7) located opposite the actuating member (34).
20. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 19, characterized in that the first material is a polypropylene (PP) or a high density polyethylene (HDPE), the second material being SEBS.
21. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 4 to 20, characterized in that the first volume has one end (14) away from the said partition (11), the said end being closed by an attached end wall (15) mounted on the body in a sealed fashion.
22. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 21, characterized in that the said attached end wall (15) has an orifice (22) for filling the reservoir, the said orifice (22) being stoppered with a stoppering element (24) after filling.
23. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 21 or 22, characterized in that sealing is provided at least at two axially offset zones (17, 19).
24. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 23, characterized in that a first sealing zone (17) is achieved by at least one snap-fastening bead (18) and in that a second sealing zone (19) is achieved by a self-closing fit.
25. Packaging and dispensing unit according to Claim 24, characterized in that a third sealing zone is produced between the first two (17, 19), the said third sealing zone being achieved by means of an O-ring (21) placed in the bottom of a groove (20) formed in a side wall of the attached end wall (15).
26. Packaging and dispensing unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the seal (21) is made of a material such as a butyl or an EPDM.
27. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the attached end wall (15) is made of a thermoplastic material chosen, in particular, from polypropylenes (PP), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT) or high density polyethylenes (HDPE).
28. Packaging and dispensing unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the product is a pharmaceutical, dermopharmaceutical or cosmetic product, particularly a scent.

Images