Dispensing head for a fluid product and associated fluid product bottle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing head (2) for fluid products, comprising: - a pusher (5) which is manually operable, the pusher (5) being configured to move between a high position (P H ) and a low position (P B ); - a nozzle (10) for dispensing the product, made of an elastic material, the dispensing head (2) being configured so that, during the movement of the pusher (5) between the high position (P H ) and the low position (P B ), the nozzle (10) passes from a closed position, in which it is sealed, to an open position which enables the product to be dispensed by deforming the nozzle (10) under the effect of the stress exerted by the support (4) and / or under the effect of the stress exerted by releasing the pusher (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing head for dispensing fluid products. The invention also relates to a fluid product bottle equipped with such a dispensing head.

[0002] In the context of this invention, a fluid product can be any cosmetic, including any medicated skin lotion or other product. Background Technology

[0003] Fluid product bottles typically include a tank for storing fluid products, the tank having a rigid neck in the upper portion that defines an opening into which a system for dispensing the fluid product is inserted.

[0004] The dispensing system includes a pump that can be operated by a user via a pusher. When the user applies pressure to the pusher, a dose of product is dispensed from a dispensing orifice of a nozzle mounted in the pusher.

[0005] Typically, the dispensing orifice is permanently open. Therefore, between uses (i.e., when the pump is stationary), the product, remaining in the communication channel between the actuator and the pump, comes into contact with the external environment before being dispensed. Consequently, the product may dry out or become contaminated with microbial agents.

[0006] Recently, nozzles that include a groove as a product dispensing orifice have been proposed, with the nozzle opening depending on the pressure applied by the product leaving the pump.

[0007] In this configuration, the tank cannot be completely sealed because the pump cannot be primed and the air contained in the pump and tank heads cannot be expelled during initial use. This is because, in the presence of air, the air pressure increases too little after pump operation to open the tank, preventing the air from escaping and priming the pump. Due to this intentionally incomplete seal, this configuration delays drying but does not completely eliminate it.

[0008] Nozzles that are mechanically controlled to open during operation have also been proposed. Such nozzles, for example, are equipped with a linking mechanism comprising a needle configured to block the product dispensing orifice when the device is stationary and to retract upon operation of the actuator, thereby allowing fluid to be dispensed through the orifice. However, this type of nozzle is more complex in design, has a larger number of components, and is therefore more expensive. Furthermore, this severely limits the design possibilities of the actuator. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention enables the overcoming of the aforementioned drawbacks and provides a dispensing head for fluid products, wherein the opening of the nozzle is independent of the pressure applied by the product from the pump and tank, and its design is simple, requires only a limited number of components, and is inexpensive. In this regard, the invention proposes a dispensing head for fluid products comprising: a manually operable actuator configured to move between a high position and a low position; and a nozzle for dispensing the product made of a material comprising an elastic material.

[0010] The dispensing head is configured such that as the pusher moves between a high position and a low position, the nozzle moves from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the nozzle is sealed, and in the open position, the product can be dispensed by deforming the nozzle under stress applied by the support or by releasing stress applied by the pusher.

[0011] Therefore, the opening of the nozzle of the present invention does not depend on the pressure applied by the product to be dispensed, but rather on the stress applied to the nozzle by the support member or the release of the stress applied by the pusher during the movement of the pusher between high and low positions. Thus, the nozzle can be completely and tightly closed without affecting dispensing. Furthermore, particularly between two uses of the device, the nozzle remains completely sealed because the elastic material used to manufacture the nozzle allows it to return to its initial configuration, i.e., its static configuration, after product dispensing. This protects the interior of the nozzle and the product contained in the bottle from contamination. Moreover, the nozzle according to the invention is simple to manufacture because the opening of the nozzle is "activated" simply by bringing the nozzle into contact with the support member and the resulting stress or the release of the stress applied by the pusher. Therefore, the nozzle of the present invention has a simple design, and thus, with limited cost, the design possibilities for the nozzle are diverse.

[0012] Furthermore, since the fluid product is more specifically a skin care lotion, it is desirable that the fluid product be dispensed before being compressed and / or pressurized. This is because skin care lotions may have fragile formulations that can decompose when placed under pressure. The nozzle according to the invention enables the protection of the skin care lotion regardless of its formulation, because the opening of the nozzle is mechanically controlled, which does not involve pressurization.

[0013] Various features that can be used together or individually according to the present invention:

[0014] - The distribution head includes a support component;

[0015] -The support member is configured to support the pump of the distribution head;

[0016] -The support member supports the pump;

[0017] -The head is configured such that, in a low position, the actuator activates the pump;

[0018] - The actuator is mounted so that it can move axially relative to the pump's support;

[0019] - The actuator is rotatably locked relative to the pump's support;

[0020] - The nozzle protrudes from the outer surface of the actuator;

[0021] - The nozzle includes a groove.

[0022] - The nozzle includes a dispensing portion, which is equipped with the groove and a conduit opening into the groove;

[0023] - The groove is configured to deform, particularly along the circumferential direction, so that the nozzle can rotate from the closed position to the open position.

[0024] - The dispensing head is configured such that the nozzle is subjected to a force in the opposite direction to that of the actuator, so as to open the slot or keep the slot closed by clamping.

[0025] - The nozzle is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material with a Shore A hardness between 15 and 90.

[0026] - The nozzle is attached to the actuator.

[0027] According to the first embodiment, the nozzle is deformed under the stress applied by the support member, thereby causing the nozzle to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

[0028] - The nozzle includes a device called a movable device, which enables the nozzle to move from a closed position to an open position;

[0029] -The movable device consists of a boss located below the nozzle and in contact with the nozzle;

[0030] -The boss is integrated with the nozzle;

[0031] -The boss includes a surface adapted to abut against the support;

[0032] - The nozzle includes a flexible web sandwiched between the upper outer peripheral boundary of the nozzle and the boss;

[0033] - The flexible web includes a groove.

[0034] - The groove extends in a direction that is substantially the same as the direction of movement of the actuator;

[0035] - The groove extends in the extension of the boss;

[0036] - The groove extends substantially vertically;

[0037] - The groove is configured to deform so that the nozzle can rotate from the closed position to the open position under the force transmitted by the boss;

[0038] -The support also includes a device called a fixing device, which enables the nozzle to be rotated from the closed position to the open position;

[0039] -The support includes an upper edge, with the boss facing the upper edge;

[0040] -The fixing device extends from the upper edge;

[0041] - The fixing device and the support are integrated;

[0042] - The actuator includes a receiving and receiving portion for the nozzle;

[0043] -The nozzle is configured to be press-fitted into the receiving portion;

[0044] - The protruding extension of the nozzle basically corresponds to the width of the upper edge of the pump support;

[0045] - The dispensing portion of the nozzle includes two receiving portions extending on both sides of the conduit that opens into the slot;

[0046] - The nozzle includes an elastic member, which includes two flexible legs adapted to be inserted into the receiving portion;

[0047] - The distance between the flexible legs is smaller than the distance between the receiving parts.

[0048] -According to the second embodiment, the nozzle rotates from the closed position to the open position due to the release of stress applied by the actuator.

[0049] The dispensing head also includes an insert configured to apply stress in the opposite direction to the stress applied by the pusher, in order to keep the nozzle closed when stationary.

[0050] The pusher includes a tongue, and the insert is equipped with one or more deformable legs that generate a force such that the insert applies stress to the nozzle in a direction opposite to the stress applied by the tongue.

[0051] - The leg is adapted to deform when pressure is applied to the actuator, and when the actuator is operated, the tongue stops applying stress to the nozzle in the direction opposite to the stress applied by the insert.

[0052] The dispensing head also includes a dispensing pump equipped with a spring having a stiffness constant selected such that, when the actuator is operated, the force applied by the leg is less than the force applied by the spring.

[0053] - The groove extends in a direction that is substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the actuator.

[0054] - The groove passes through a plane called the groove plane, and the direction of the stress applied by the tongue and the leg is orthogonal to the groove plane.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a bottle for dispensing fluid products, the bottle comprising a reservoir and a neck, the product being intended to be contained in the reservoir, the neck being equipped with a dispensing head as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] - Figure 1 A diametrical cross-sectional view of the dispensing head according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the pusher is located in a high position;

[0058] - Figure 2 It shows the equipment Figure 1 Rear view of the nozzle of the dispensing head;

[0059] - Figure 3a It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the distribution head, in which the pusher is in a high position;

[0060] - Figure 3b It shows Figure 1 Perspective views of the distribution head from different angles, with the pusher in a low position;

[0061] - Figure 4a It shows Figure 2 A front view of the nozzle;

[0062] - Figure 4b A front view of a nozzle according to an alternative embodiment consistent with the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0063] - Figure 5 A side view of the dispensing head according to an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0064] - Figure 6a A perspective view of a modified nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0065] - Figure 6b It shows Figure 6a The nozzle shown is a cross-sectional view viewed from above;

[0066] - Figure 7 A diametrical cross-sectional view of the dispensing head according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the pusher is located in a high position.

[0067] Figure 8 is... Figure 7 An exploded view of the distribution head is shown below: Figure 8a The nozzle is shown; Figure 8b The insert is shown; and Figure 8c The actuator is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0068] refer to Figure 1 This invention relates to a dispensing head 2 for dispensing fluid products. The dispensed fluid is, in particular, a liquid, especially a skin care lotion.

[0069] The dispensing head is intended to be fitted to a bottle (not shown) configured to receive the product to be dispensed. The bottle may be oriented "head down" or "head up". Therefore, the terms "head up" or "head down" should not be considered limiting. The accompanying drawing corresponds to the head-up configuration.

[0070] The fluid product can be any cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other product that can be usefully stored in a bottle. The fluid may be in direct contact with the reservoir in the bottle. However, the fluid may be contained in a flexible bag located within the reservoir, such that the fluid is in contact with the flexible bag rather than the reservoir.

[0071] The storage tank can be rigid or deformable. However, the storage tank includes a neck and an opening formed in the neck at its upper position. The neck is preferably rigid.

[0072] The distributor 2 is preferably equipped with a distributor pump 3.

[0073] In the example shown, the dispensing pump 3 includes a metering chamber and a nozzle adapted to move within the metering chamber.

[0074] The dispensing head 2 includes a support 4, a manually operable pusher 5, and a resilient nozzle 10, which will be described in more detail below. Advantageously, the support 4 is used to support the pump 3. The support 4 has a tubular shape, particularly a rotating tubular shape. The support 4 extends along a central longitudinal axis X corresponding to the central axis of the bottle. Furthermore, the support 4 can be used to hold the dispensing pump 3 stationary at the neck position of the tank by an attachment system. Preferably, the attachment system may include a removable attachment device that allows the dispensing head to be easily removed and reinstalled at the neck position, for example, by loosening / tightening and / or locking. The support 4 may be in the form of a ring on which a band 40 is mounted. Alternatively, the support 4 may be in the form of a single ring, i.e., without the decorative band 40, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0075] The actuator 5 is mounted such that it is axially movable relative to the support 4. The actuator 5 leads to the nozzle and can abut against it. Furthermore, a hollow internal volume 42 for receiving the actuator 5 is retained within the support 4. Figure 1 In the middle, the actuator 5 is located at the high position P. H At a high position P H At this location, the pusher 5 is not fully inserted into the empty internal volume 42. Therefore, the pusher 5 protrudes significantly relative to the upper edge 41 of the belt 40, such that only a portion of the volume occupied by the pusher remains in the position of the support. Consequently, the dispensing nozzle 10 is located at a considerable distance from the upper edge 41 of the belt 40. In this configuration, the pump 3 remains stationary because the piston is not requested.

[0076] The actuator 5 is configured to start from the high position P H Switch to low position P B At low position P B At this point, the pusher 5 is fully inserted into the empty volume 42. The pusher 5 protrudes relative to the upper edge 41 of the band 40, but to a lesser extent (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). Therefore, at the low position P B At this position, the dispensing nozzle 10 is in direct contact with the upper edge 41. At the high position P... H At this point, the pusher 5 descends a distance up to the initial distance between the nozzle 10 and the upper edge 41.

[0077] Pusher 5 from high position P H To low position P B The movement of the pump 3 allows it to be activated via the nozzle, enabling the pump 3 to be filled or dispensed with product. In other words, this movement enables the operation of the dispensing head 1. A device for locking the rotation of the actuator 5 may be provided, as will be seen below.

[0078] The nozzle 10 for dispensing the product is in fluid communication with the pump 3 via the outlet conduit 51 of the actuator 5. The actuator 5 includes a receiving portion 52 for receiving the nozzle 10. The receiving portion 52 is appropriately sized so that the nozzle 10 can be forcibly inserted into the receiving portion 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 52 has a substantially tubular shape and is complementary to the outer peripheral boundary 26 of the recessed section 25 of the nozzle 10. In this configuration, when the nozzle 10 is forcibly inserted into the receiving portion 52, the outer peripheral boundary 26 presses against the inner lateral surface of the receiving portion 52. Here, the back surface 27 is spaced apart from the bottom of the receiving portion 52.

[0079] The nozzle 10 is not fully recessed into the receiving and receiving portion 52. In fact, only the recessed section 25 is fully inserted into the receiving and receiving portion 52. The nozzle 10 protrudes relative to the outer surface 50 of the pusher. More specifically, the nozzle 10 includes a section 11 protruding relative to the outer surface 50. The recessed section 25 is located upstream of the protruding section 11 along the product flow direction. (As in...) Figure 2 As best shown, the protruding segment 11 has a substantially elliptical shape, with its minor axis a and major axis b being larger than the diameter d of the recessed segment 25. In the illustrated embodiment example, the nozzle 10 includes two ears 12, 13, which are closed at the front and located on either side of the protruding segment 11. Each of the ears 12, 13 includes recesses 12a, 13a, which allows for limiting the amount of material used in manufacturing the nozzle 10. Each of the ears 12, 13 includes proximal boundaries 12b, 13b configured to abut against the pusher 5, thereby allowing the protruding segment 11 to remain outside the receiving accommodating portion 52.

[0080] The nozzle 10 includes a fluid passage conduit 28 located in an extension of the conduit 51 of the actuator 5. Here, the cross-section of the passage conduit 28 is rectangular, such that the long side of the conduit 28 is oriented along the axis X.

[0081] Figures 1 to 6b A first embodiment of the invention, which will be described in the following sections, is shown.

[0082] Now for reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b The distribution head 2 is configured such that when the pusher 5 is in the high position P H ( Figure 3a (as shown in the diagram) and low position P B ( Figure 3b When the device moves between the positions shown (as illustrated), the resilient nozzle 10 rotates from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the nozzle is sealed, and in the open position, the nozzle 10 can be deformed under the stress applied by the support 4, thereby dispensing the product. Therefore, the opening of the nozzle 10, and thus the dispensing of the product, is controlled solely by the stress applied to the nozzle 10 by the support 4 during the movement of the pusher 5. In other words, the opening of the nozzle 10 is mechanically controlled without any additional components.

[0083] The more the pusher 5 moves towards the support 4, the greater the stress exerted by the support 4. In other words, when the pusher 5 is at a high position P... H At that time, the stress is zero, the nozzle 10 is in the closed position, and when the pusher 5 reaches the low position P... BAs the pusher 5 presses against the support 4, the stress increases, and the nozzle 10 rotates to the open position. The nozzle 10 opens when it contacts the support 4. Continuous pressure can be applied to the pusher 5 to increase the opening section of the nozzle 10. However, opening occurs instantaneously after the nozzle 10 contacts the support 4.

[0084] Advantageously, the dispensing nozzle 10 includes a movable device 14, which enables the nozzle to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The device 14 is called movable because although the device 14 has a fixed position relative to the pusher 5, axial movement of the pusher 5 along the axis X will necessarily cause a change in the relative position of the pusher 5 relative to the support 4 (which is fixed in use).

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable device 14 is formed by a boss. The boss 14 has a curved shape. The boss 14 protrudes along the axis X from the lower wall of the nozzle conduit 28 at its protruding section. Therefore, the boss 14 is oriented towards the support 4. In other words, the boss 14 protrudes in substantially the same direction as the direction of movement of the pusher 5. In a preferred embodiment, the boss 14 is integral with the nozzle 10. In other words, the boss 14 and the nozzle 10 are a single piece, which has the advantage of simplifying the manufacturing method of the dispensing head 2, since the nozzle 10 can be molded into a single component. According to another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the boss 14 may be located below and in contact with the nozzle 10; that is, the boss 14 may not be integral with the nozzle and may not be made of the same material. Alternatively, the boss 14 may still not be integral with the nozzle 10, but may be made of the same material as the nozzle 10.

[0086] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the boss 14 is positioned on the side of the nozzle 10 facing the support 4, specifically on the upper edge 41 of the belt 40. Therefore, when the pusher 5 moves from the high position P... H ( Figure 3a The structure shown is moved to the lower position P. B ( Figure 3b In the configuration shown, the boss 14 must contact the support 4, particularly at the edge 41 of the belt. In this case, the boss 14 includes a surface referred to as the abutment surface 14a, which is adapted to abut against the support 4. The abutment surface 14a forms an abutment portion with the upper edge 41. The value of this particularly advantageous positioning will be better understood in the following sections. It should be noted that, in addition to the two ears 12, 13, the construction of the boss 14 also helps to keep the protruding section 11 outside the receiving and receiving portion 52. The boss 14 has a circular shape, is substantially a quarter circle, or is elliptical.

[0087] In this respect, it can also be noted that the protruding extension of the nozzle 10 can substantially correspond to the width of the upper edge 41. In other words, the radial extension of the boss 14 (relative to axis X) can substantially correspond to the width of the upper edge 41. However, this is not mandatory; the most important thing is that the abutment surface 14a has sufficient dimensions, such as... Figure 3b As shown.

[0088] Particularly advantageously, the nozzle 10 includes a flexible web 15 sandwiched between the boss 14 and the upper outer peripheral boundary 16a of the nozzle 10. In fact, the boss 14, the flexible web 15, and the upper outer peripheral boundary 16a are arranged along the axis X in this order, one above the other. The web 15 is also arranged side-by-side with lateral outer peripheral boundaries 16b, 16c, which extend on both sides of the web 15. The upper boundary 16a and the lateral boundaries 16b, 16c together form the outer peripheral boundary 16 of the nozzle 10. The web 15 is substantially flat and thin, while the outer peripheral boundary 16 forms a thick edge extending rearward to the actuator.

[0089] The web 15 is constructed to deform. This is because the web 15 is thinner than the boss 14 and the upper outer peripheral boundary 16a. Compared to the thickness of the boss 14 and the outer peripheral boundary 16a, the web 15 has a reduced thickness. The thinness of the web 15 imparts flexibility to it. In any case, the web 15 is more flexible than the boss 14 and the upper outer peripheral boundary 16a. Therefore, when the pusher 5 moves from the high position P... H ( Figure 3a The structure shown is moved to the lower position P. B ( Figure 3b In the configuration shown, the web 15 is sandwiched between the boss 14 and the upper outer peripheral boundary 16a. The web 15 is configured to deform under the force transmitted by the boss, which itself is generated by the stress applied to the boss 14 by the pump support 4.

[0090] The flexible web 15 includes a groove 17 extending in a direction substantially the same as the direction of movement of the pusher 5. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the conduit 28 extends directly into the groove 17. The groove 17 extends along the axis X, serving as an extension of the boss 14. The groove 17 extends along the entire length of the flexible web 15, directly contacting the boss 14 and the upper outer peripheral boundary 16a, as shown. Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4a As shown. Therefore, the groove is longer than the nozzle conduit 28. Alternatively, the groove 17 extends partially along the web 15 without contacting the edge of the web 15, as... Figure 4b As shown.

[0091] Due to the construction of the groove 17 on the flexible web 15, the groove 17 deforms along with the flexible web. More specifically, the groove 17 is configured to deform in the circumferential direction, such that under the force transmitted by the boss 14, the nozzle 10 can rotate from the closed position to the open position. Figure 3b As shown, the groove 17 must deform along the circumferential direction because, on the one hand, the groove 17 extends along the direction of movement of the pusher 5, and on the other hand, under the action of the force transmitted by the boss, the groove 17 and the flexible web 15 deform together along the same direction, that is, the direction of movement of the pusher 5.

[0092] Therefore, the elasticity of the nozzle 10, i.e., its ability to deform under stress applied by the support 4, is a key point within the scope of this invention. Advantageously, the nozzle 10 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. Preferably, this material has a Shore A hardness between 15 and 90. The elastic material used to make the nozzle 10 ensures that, particularly between two uses of the device, the groove 17 can maintain a complete seal when the nozzle 10 is not subjected to any stress. Figure 2 Therefore, the product held in the nozzle's conduit 28 between uses is protected from contamination.

[0093] According to another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the support 4 may further include a device referred to as a fixing device, which enables the nozzle 10 to be rotated from a closed position to an open position. The fixing device, by being positioned opposite the nozzle along axis X, has a function similar to (if not identical to) the boss 14. However, unlike the boss 14, the fixing device extends from the support 4. Specifically, the fixing device extends from the outer peripheral edge 41, so the relative position of the fixing device does not change.

[0094] Preferably, the fixing device is composed of a boss. The boss can be integrated with the support member 4. In other words, the boss and the support member 4 form a single component.

[0095] When assembled, the boss on the support is designed to mate with boss 14. Therefore, in this respect, any suitable form can be used to achieve such a mating. Thus, when the pusher 5 moves from the high position P... H ( Figure 3a The structure shown is moved to the lower position P. B ( Figure 3b In the configuration shown, the boss 14 must contact the boss of the support member 4, and in this case, the contact occurs through its abutment surface 14a. In this embodiment, the abutment surface 14a and the boss of the support member 4 form an abutment portion.

[0096] In this respect, the actuator 5 and the pump support 4 are preferably configured such that the actuator 5 is rotatably locked relative to the pump support 4. This configuration has the advantage that the nozzle 10 is always able to remain opposite the boss of the support 4.

[0097] refer to Figure 6a A variation of a nozzle equipped with a dispensing head according to the invention is shown. In this configuration, the nozzle 10 includes a dispensing portion equipped with the groove 17 and a conduit 28 opening into the groove 17. The nozzle 10 further includes an elastic member 30. The elastic member 30 allows for a more effective sealing of the nozzle when stationary. In this regard, the elastic member 30 includes two flexible legs 31a, 31b, which are elastically configured to be inserted between the two receiving portions 18a, 18b of the dispensing portion, respectively. Figure 6b As can be seen more clearly, the lateral receiving portions 18a and 18b are located on both sides of the conduit 28, providing fluid communication between the connecting channel 51 of the actuator and the groove 17.

[0098] Advantageously, the distance d' between the flexible legs 31a and 31b is less than the distance d' between the receiving portions 18a and 18b. In other words, the spacing between the flexible legs 31a and 31b is less than the spacing between the receiving portions 18a and 18b. Therefore, when the flexible legs 31a and 31b are inserted into the lateral receiving portions 18a and 18b, the flexible legs 31a and 31b apply a force oriented towards the center of the dispensing portion (in... Figure 6b (Indicated by the arrow pointing towards conduit 28). This allows for increased stiffness of groove 17 and facilitates tight closure of the groove when at rest. This does not prevent groove 17 from opening, as groove 17 is mechanically controlled.

[0099] Therefore, the distances d' and d'' must be selected so that the flexible legs 31a and 31b can be inserted into the receiving portions 18a and 18b, while also allowing the flexible legs to apply stress to the groove 17. In fact, if the difference Δ between d' and d'' is too large, the flexible legs cannot be inserted, while if the difference Δ is too small, the flexible legs cannot apply sufficient stress to the groove.

[0100] Furthermore, the elastic member 30 preferably includes a conduit 32 that allows fluid to pass between the communication channel 51 of the actuator and the conduit 28 of the dispensing portion. The conduit 32 of the elastic member extends in the extension of the conduit 28.

[0101] The elastic member 30 may also include an outer peripheral boundary 33, thereby preventing any gaps between the dispensing portion and the elastic member. In this respect, the outer peripheral boundary 33 is configured to be positioned on the edge of the dispensing portion. Figure 6bIn the cross-sectional plane shown, the outer perimeter extends around the entire perimeter of the edge of the distribution portion; that is, the outer perimeter extends in a ring-like manner.

[0102] Figures 7 to 8c The distribution head 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0103] refer to Figure 7 In this embodiment, the dispensing head 2 is configured such that when the pusher 5 is in the high position P H and low position P B During movement, the elastic nozzle 10 rotates from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the nozzle is sealed, and in the open position, the nozzle 10 can be deformed by releasing the stress applied by the pusher 5, thereby dispensing the product. Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the opening of the nozzle 10 is mechanically controlled. However, in this second embodiment, when the device is stationary, the pusher 5 applies stress to the nozzle 10, and it is the release of this stress that allows the nozzle to rotate from the closed position to the open position. This facilitates achieving a tight seal in the closed position. The following sections describe in more detail how the stress applied to the nozzle 10 by the pusher 5 is released.

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the pusher 5 includes an outer surface 50 and a tongue 54 protruding from the outer surface 50. The nozzle 10 protrudes radially relative to the pusher 5. When stationary, i.e., when no pressure is applied to the pusher 5, the nozzle 10 rests at least partially on the tongue 54, particularly on the upper surface 54a of the tongue. Figure 8c In other words, when stationary, the nozzle 10 rests on the upper surface 54a. This also means that the tongue 54 applies stress to the nozzle 10.

[0105] Furthermore, the dispensing head 2 advantageously includes an insert 6. The insert 6 is made of a material that is more rigid than the nozzle 10. When at rest, the insert 6 applies stress to the nozzle 10 in the direction opposite to the stress applied by the pusher 5. This is due, on the one hand, to the positioning of the insert 6 relative to the pusher 5 and the nozzle 10, and on the other hand, to the construction of the insert 6 itself.

[0106] In this respect, the insert 6 advantageously comprises a plurality of elastically deformable legs 60. When at rest, at least one leg of the legs 60, and in this example, all of the legs, exert stress on the nozzle 10 in a direction opposite to the stress applied by the tongue 54 of the pusher, by resting on the inner surface of the upper wall 56 of the pusher 5. These two opposing stresses cause the nozzle 10 to be sealed. In fact, as in Figure 8aAs better illustrated in the second embodiment, the nozzle 10 includes a flexible web 15, which includes a groove 17 extending in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the actuator 5. In this case, the groove 17 extends substantially horizontally. Therefore, when at rest, the stresses simultaneously applied by the tongue 54 of the actuator and the deformable leg 60 of the insert are balanced to keep the lips of the groove 17 pressed against each other. This ensures a good seal in the groove.

[0107] exist Figure 8b In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 6 includes four elastically deformable legs 60. The elastically deformable legs 60 are connected and formed in pairs via two spacers 61. Each leg 60 includes an end connected to one of the spacers 61 and an outwardly bent free end. Each elastically deformable leg 60 opens between its end connected to the spacer 61 and its free end, giving each pair of legs a substantially V-shaped shape, the meeting point of the V-shape located at the position of the spacer 61. The free end abuts against the upper wall 56 of the pusher. The insert 6 includes an upper surface with a plurality of openings 62 through which the free end can protrude and bend.

[0108] Each separator 61 is positioned such that the two legs 60 connected thereto apply stress to the nozzle 10 in the direction opposite to the stress applied by the tongue 54. Material segments 61 are positioned on the insert 6 such that each leg 60 applies stress at a position substantially equidistant from the insert 6 in a plane of symmetry passing through the central axis X of the dispensing head 2. This ensures a uniform distribution of stress applied to the nozzle 10. Due to this arrangement, the lip of the groove 17 is uniformly coated along its entire length.

[0109] exist Figure 8b As can be seen, the insert 6 includes an opening 64 for receiving the nozzle 10, which is a radial opening. More specifically, the opening 64 receives a section 19 for connecting the nozzle (in... Figure 8a (See image). Section 19 includes an attachment device 19a that mates with an attachment device 64a of the insert, which ensures proper positioning of the nozzle 10. The insert 6 also includes a generally cylindrical cover 63, the internal dimensions of which are adapted to the dimensions of the upper section of the dispensing pump 3 to accommodate the upper section of the pump. The cover 63 is oriented along the operating axis of the dispensing head. The cover 63 begins on an upper surface including an opening 62. In the illustrated embodiment, a separator 61 also references the upper surface including the opening 62, for example, parallel to the cover 63. The separator 61 is radially offset outward relative to the cover 63. A leg 60 extends from the free end of the separator 61.

[0110] Preferably, the pusher 5 further includes a stationary abutment portion 55, on which the insert 6 can be supported by the lower edge of its outer peripheral wall. Preferably, when stationary, the pump is in the abutment position and does not apply any upward force to the insert 6. The insert 6 is pressed against the stationary abutment portion 55 by the action of the leg 60 engaging with the wall 56. The abutment portion 56 defines an internal volume of the pusher 5 in which the insert 6 can be axially displaced. The outer peripheral wall of the insert 6 extends axially from the upper wall of the insert. The outer peripheral wall of the insert 6 is radially outwardly offset relative to the leg 60.

[0111] Preferably, the pusher 5 includes a rib 57 for angular positioning of the insert 6. The rib extends from the inner side of the pusher 5 and engages with an axially oriented groove 58 located on the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall of the insert 6. The rib 57 and the groove 58 enable guidance of the insert 6 relative to the pusher 5 during relative axial movement of the insert 6 and the pusher 5. Preferably, the groove 58 has an abutment surface 59 extending radially outward to engage with the lower edge of the rib 57 during operation of the pusher 5, and then locks the insert 6 in a high position after the leg 60 bends.

[0112] When the user applies pressure to the pusher, that is, presses it on the outer surface of the upper wall 56, the pusher 5 moves toward the lower position P. B Displacement. As the free ends of the legs 60 bend outward and abut against the upper wall 56 of the pusher, while the other end of the legs 60 is connected to the separator 61, each pair of legs 60 will deform from the essentially V-shaped shape as described above into a flatter V-shaped shape. This V-shaped shape is described as flatter than the original V-shaped shape because the free ends of the flatter V-shaped shape are even further away from the separator 61 compared to the original V-shaped construction.

[0113] Due to this construction, when the user applies pressure to the pusher 5, the leg 60 elastically deforms, causing the insert 6 to move closer to the upper wall 56 of the pusher 5 according to the relative axial movement of the insert 6 relative to the pusher 5. Therefore, with the now-disappeared stress no longer present, the nozzle 10 separates from the tongue 54, particularly from the upper surface 54a of the tongue 54, and the groove 17 opens. Then, the lips of the groove 17 no longer press together.

[0114] It should be noted that the deformation of leg 60 and the failure of the stress applied by said leg are also caused by the fact that the stiffness constant of leg 60 is appropriately selected based on the spring 35 of pump 3. This is because the stiffness constant of pump spring 35 is selected such that when the pusher 5 is operated, the force applied by leg 60 is less than the force applied by pump spring 35. When stationary, since no stress is applied to pusher 5 and the pump is in abutting state, insert 6 applies downward stress to nozzle 10 through leg 60, while tongue 54 applies upward stress in a clamping manner. On the other hand, when pusher 5 is operated, the force applied by pump spring 35 is greater than the force applied by leg 60, and insert 6 moves closer to the upper wall 56 of pusher 5. At the same time, the stiffness of pump spring 35 is suitable for maintaining its compressibility and allows operation of pump 3 so that product is dispensed once slot 17 is opened.

[0115] In any case, by stopping the pressing of the pusher 5, the insert 6 returns to its original configuration, which allows the nozzle 10 to close mechanically. The opening and closing of the nozzle 10, and in particular the opening and closing of the slot 17, depends not on the pressure applied by the fluid, but on the mechanical stress applied to the nozzle 10.

[0116] When the nozzle 10 is lifted relative to the still relatively light tongue 54, the shape of the nozzle 10 is conducive to sealing, and the nozzle 10 is shaped to extend below the groove 17 on the surface of the front portion of the tongue 54.

[0117] The constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely possible examples of the invention and are by no means limiting. On the contrary, the invention covers variations in shape and design within the range available to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A dispensing head (2) for dispensing fluid products, comprising: A manually operable actuator (5), said actuator (5) being configured to operate at a high position (P) H ) and low position (P B Move between ) A nozzle (10) made of elastic material for dispensing the fluid product. The dispensing head (2) is configured such that when the pusher (5) is at the high position (P) H ) and the low position (P) B During the movement between the nozzle (10) and the pusher (5), the nozzle (10) moves from a closed position to an open position, in which the nozzle (10) is sealed, and in which the open position allows the nozzle (10) to be deformed by releasing the stress applied by the pusher (5) to dispense the fluid product. The dispensing head (2) also includes an insert (6) configured to apply stress in the opposite direction to the stress applied by the pusher (5) to keep the nozzle closed when stationary, wherein the insert (6) is received in the internal volume of the pusher (5) and the insert (6) is axially displaceable in the internal volume.

2. The distribution head (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material with a Shore A hardness between 15 and 90.

3. The distribution head (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The pusher (5) includes a tongue (54), and the insert (6) is equipped with one or more deformable legs (60) that generate a force such that the insert (6) applies stress to the nozzle (10) in a direction opposite to the stress applied by the tongue (54).

4. The distribution head (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The deformable leg (60) is adapted to deform when pressure is applied to the pusher (5), and when the pusher (5) is actuated, the tongue (54) stops applying stress to the nozzle (10) in the opposite direction to the stress applied by the insert (6).

5. The dispensing head (2) according to claim 4, wherein, The dispensing head further includes a dispensing pump (3) equipped with a spring (35) having a stiffness constant selected such that when the pusher (5) is operated, the force applied by the deformable leg is less than the force applied by the spring (35).

6. The distribution head (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The nozzle (10) includes a groove (17) that extends in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the pusher (5) and passes through a plane (P) called the groove plane, the direction of stress applied by the tongue (54) and the deformable leg (60) being orthogonal to the groove plane.

7. A bottle for dispensing a fluid product, the bottle comprising a reservoir and a neck, the fluid product being encapsulated in the reservoir, the neck being provided with a dispensing head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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