Trigger pump dispenser

Abstract

A trigger pump dispenser comprises a body, an outlet nozzle, a pump chamber, a piston for defining a variable volume in the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position of a larger chamber volume and an inserted position of a smaller chamber volume, a trigger connected with the piston and movable from a starting position in which the piston is in the retracted position and a depressed position in which the piston is in the inserted position, a biasing means provided for biasing the trigger towards its retracted position.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to dispensers for liquid products, particularly so-called “trigger pumps”, which have a trigger that is operable to drive a piston along the pump chamber against the action of a spring and thereby force the liquid product through a dispensing orifice in a nozzle under pressure in the pump chamber.

[0002] Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a valve, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a pump valve, such as a valve for triggering a pump.

[0003] One aspect of the invention provides a trigger pump dispenser, comprising: a body; an outlet nozzle; a pump chamber; a piston for defining a variable volume within the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position of a larger chamber volume and an inserted position of a smaller chamber volume; a trigger connected to the piston and movable from an initial position in the retracted position and a depressed position in the inserted position; and a biasing device for biasing the trigger toward its retracted position. The pump includes an inlet port defined by the body and adapted to communicate with the pump chamber, the pump including a portion adapted to dispense liquid in the pump. The inlet valve is closed when the piston moves from the retracted position to the insertion position as the pump chamber volume decreases. The inlet valve is adapted to open when the pump chamber volume increases as the piston moves from the insertion position to the retracted position and the liquid to be dispensed is drawn into the pump chamber through the inlet port. The outlet valve is adapted to open when the pump chamber volume increases as the liquid in the pump chamber is dispensed through the outlet port and is adapted to close when the pump chamber volume increases. The outlet valve includes a pre-compression valve operable to allow liquid to pass through the outlet only after a predetermined rise pressure has been established in the pump chamber.

[0004] One aspect of the invention provides a trigger pump dispenser, comprising: a body; an outlet nozzle; a pump chamber; a piston for defining a variable volume in the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position of a larger chamber volume and an inserted position of a smaller chamber volume; a trigger connected to the piston and movable from an initial position in the retracted position and a depressed position in the inserted position; and a biasing device for biasing the trigger toward its retracted position. The pump includes an inlet port defined by the body and adapted to communicate with the pump chamber, the pump including an inlet valve adapted to close the inlet port when liquid to be dispensed is in the pump chamber and when the piston moves from the retracted position to the inserted position as the pump chamber volume decreases; the inlet valve is adapted to open the inlet port as the pump chamber volume increases when liquid to be dispensed is drawn into the pump chamber through the inlet port when the piston moves from the inserted position to the retracted position; and an outlet valve adapted to open the outlet port as the pump chamber volume increases as liquid in the pump chamber is dispensed through the outlet port and adapted to close when the pump chamber volume increases.

[0005] In some embodiments, during the intake stroke, the piston moves away from the valve to create a vacuum in the cylinder chamber. Due to the negative pressure, the edge of the inlet valve collapses and opens the inlet, allowing liquid to enter the cylinder chamber via the inlet path. During the pressure stroke, the piston moves toward the valve, thereby creating excess pressure in the system. The sealing edge of the inlet valve is pressed against the outer wall of the cylinder and seals the inlet. When a certain pressure level is exceeded, the outlet valve folds back, creating a free passage between the outer valve assembly and the inner valve assembly.

[0006] The predetermined pressure rise can be determined, for example, by the material of the internal components of the valve. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined pressure rise can be determined, for example, by the design of the tapered connection between the outer jacket and the inner sealing element.

[0007] The dispenser may include a valve assembly comprising a first component and a second component, which are individually formed and connected together, wherein one component provides an inlet valve function and the other component provides an outlet function.

[0008] The movement of the valve may create a gap, allowing liquid to flow from the cylinder space into the outlet channel.

[0009] The valve opening distance can be determined by the length of the central stop.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the system pressure drops below a certain level, the outlet valve returns to its original position and seals the external components of the valve, thereby closing the connection from the cylinder chamber to the outlet side again.

[0011] The trigger and the bias device can be formed in the same component.

[0012] The biasing device may include a pair of spaced-apart curved spring arms. The spring arms may not be connected (except via a trigger).

[0013] The arm can be connected to the trigger at a hinge point, so that the arm can be hinged relative to the trigger during use. This can, for example, be used to provide a stronger spring action.

[0014] The trigger and the bias device can be formed as a single unit.

[0015] Components of the dispenser, such as actuators, can be, for example, formed from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. For instance, the actuator can be formed from PCR with a content of 20-80%.

[0016] Another aspect provides a valve element for providing a pre-compression function in the pump cylinder that triggers the sprayer, which only allows pressurized liquid to be discharged when the pressure of the liquid in the cylinder is higher than a certain predetermined level.

[0017] Another aspect provides a switching valve for converting a non-precompressed pump to a precompressed one.

[0018] Another aspect provides a trigger pump dispenser, comprising: a body; an outlet nozzle; a pump chamber; a piston for defining a variable volume within the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position with a larger chamber volume and an inserted position with a smaller chamber volume; a trigger connected to the piston and movable from an initial position in the retracted position and a depressed position in the inserted position; and a biasing device for biasing the trigger toward its retracted position. The pump includes an inlet port defined by the body and adapted to communicate with the pump chamber, the pump including a position adapted for dispensing liquid within the pump chamber and for the piston to move from the retracted position to the inserted position as the pump chamber volume decreases. The inlet valve of the inlet port is closed when the piston is in the insertion position. The inlet valve is adapted to open the inlet port as the pump chamber volume increases when the piston moves from the insertion position to the retraction position and the liquid to be dispensed is drawn into the pump chamber through the inlet port. The outlet valve is adapted to open the outlet port as the pump chamber volume increases as the liquid in the pump chamber is dispensed through the outlet port and is adapted to close when the pump chamber volume increases. The outlet valve includes a pre-compression valve operable to allow liquid to pass through the outlet only after a predetermined rise pressure is established in the pump chamber. The trigger and the biasing device are formed in the same component, and the biasing device includes a pair of spaced-apart curved spring arms.

[0019] Another aspect provides a trigger pump dispenser, comprising: a body; an outlet nozzle; a pump chamber; a piston for defining a variable volume in the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position with a larger chamber volume and an inserted position with a smaller chamber volume; a trigger connected to the piston and movable from an initial position in the retracted position and a depressed position in the inserted position; and a biasing device for biasing the trigger toward its retracted position, wherein the trigger and the biasing device are formed in the same component, and wherein the biasing device includes a pair of spaced-apart curved spring arms.

[0020] Another aspect provides an actuator for triggering a pump dispenser, comprising a trigger movable between a retracted position and a depressed position during use, and a spring for biasing the trigger toward the retracted position, wherein the trigger and the biasing device are formed in the same component, and wherein the spring comprises a pair of spaced-apart curved arms.

[0021] The arm can be essentially the same.

[0022] The arm can be roughly J-shaped or roughly U-shaped.

[0023] The arms can extend in roughly parallel to each other.

[0024] The spring arm can be approximately straight in the vertical plane.

[0025] The spring arm can be bent in the horizontal plane.

[0026] The end of the arm opposite the trigger may include a planar portion. The arm may be a simple, continuous bend (except for the planar portion).

[0027] The end of the arm opposite the trigger may include a hook or wedge.

[0028] The arm extends from the trigger at one end and can be free at the other end, meaning it can be supported / connected only at one end.

[0029] Each arm can be connected to a trigger at a hinge point, so that the arm can be hinged relative to the trigger during use.

[0030] The actuator can be integrally molded from, for example, a plastic material (e.g., molded).

[0031] The actuator can be formed from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic.

[0032] The actuator can be formed from PCR with a content ranging from 20% to 80%.

[0033] The present invention also provides an actuator as described herein in combination with a trigger pump distributor as described or defined herein.

[0034] The present invention also provides a trigger pump distributor having actuators as described or defined herein.

[0035] Some aspects and embodiments provide or relate to a pre-compression valve operable to allow liquid to pass through the outlet only after a predetermined rise pressure has been established.

[0036] The pump outlet valve may be / include a pre-compression valve operable to allow liquid to pass through the outlet only after a predetermined boost pressure has been established in the pump chamber.

[0037] One embodiment provides a pre-compression valve that, due to its compact design, reduces the number of main body parts. Therefore, this valve facilitates the implementation of a lightweight trigger pump.

[0038] Some embodiments include an external valve component and an internal valve component.

[0039] In some embodiments, during the intake stroke, the piston can move away from the valve to create a vacuum in the cylinder chamber. Due to the negative pressure, the edge of the inlet valve may collapse and open the inlet. Liquid can then enter the cylinder chamber via the inlet path.

[0040] During the pressure stroke, the piston can move toward the valve, thereby building up excess pressure in the system. The sealing edge of the inlet valve can be pressed against the outer wall of the cylinder and seal the inlet.

[0041] When a certain pressure level is exceeded, the outlet valve can bend backward, creating a free passage between the outer and inner valve components. The switching pressure level can be determined by the materials of the internal valve components and the design of the tapered connection between the outer jacket and the inner sealing element. The opening distance can be determined by the length of the central stop rod.

[0042] The gap created by the movement of the valve allows liquid to flow from the cylinder space into the outlet channel.

[0043] If the system pressure drops below a certain level, the outlet valve can return to its original position and seal the external components of the valve, thus closing the connection from the cylinder chamber to the outlet side again.

[0044] A trigger pump dispenser may include: a body; an outlet nozzle; a pump chamber; a piston for defining a variable volume in the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position with a larger chamber volume and an inserted position with a smaller chamber volume; a trigger connected to the piston and movable from a starting position where the piston is in the retracted position and a depressed position where the piston is in the inserted position; and a biasing device for biasing the trigger toward its retracted position.

[0045] The pump may include an inlet port and an outlet port, defined by the body limit and adapted to communicate with the pump chamber.

[0046] The pump may include an inlet valve adapted to close the inlet port when the liquid to be dispensed is in the pump chamber and the piston moves from the retracted position to the inserted position as the volume of the pump chamber decreases.

[0047] The inlet valve can be adapted to open the inlet port as the pump chamber volume increases when the piston moves from the insertion position to the retracted position, and the liquid to be dispensed is drawn into the pump chamber through the inlet port.

[0048] The outlet valve can be adapted to open the outlet port as the liquid in the pump chamber is distributed through the outlet port, and to close the outlet port as the pump chamber volume increases.

[0049] The outlet valve may include a pre-compression valve operable to allow liquid to pass through the outlet only after a predetermined boost pressure has been established in the pump chamber.

[0050] This aspect of the invention thus provides a pre-compression function in the pump cylinder that triggers the sprayer, allowing pressurized liquid to be discharged only when the pressure of the liquid in the cylinder is higher than a certain predetermined level.

[0051] The pre-compression system can be used to prevent liquid from being discharged at too low a pressure and allows for improved spray patterns, as the liquid can be forced out of the outlet nozzle at a predetermined and relatively high pressure.

[0052] Functional description: Example of a pre-compression valve.

[0053] During the intake stroke, the piston (not shown) moves away from the valve to create a vacuum in the cylinder chamber. Due to the negative pressure, the edge of the inlet valve collapses and opens the inlet.

[0054] The liquid can then enter the cylinder chamber through the inlet path.

[0055] During the pressure stroke, the piston moves toward the valve, thereby building up excess pressure in the system. The sealing edge of the inlet valve is pressed against the outer wall of the cylinder and seals the inlet.

[0056] When a certain pressure level is exceeded, the outlet valve folds back, creating a free passage between the outer and inner valve components. The switching pressure level is determined by the materials of the internal valve components and the design of the tapered connection between the outer jacket and the inner sealing element. The opening distance is determined by the length of the central stop rod.

[0057] The gap created by the movement of the valve allows liquid to flow from the cylinder space into the outlet channel.

[0058] If the system pressure drops below a certain level, the outlet valve returns to its original position and seals the external components of the valve, thus closing the connection from the cylinder chamber to the outlet side again.

[0059] One advantage of this valve concept is that it is a standalone pre-compression valve element, which, for example, can be used to constructively convert existing non-pre-compression pumps to pre-compression.

[0060] The present invention also provides a trigger pump including a valve as described or defined herein.

[0061] Different aspects and embodiments of the present invention may be used individually or together.

[0062] The accompanying drawings illustrate an example of the invention.

[0063] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 The trigger pump distributor 10 is shown. Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing the components of the dispenser: shroud 15; body 20; piston 25; actuator 30; nozzle 35; mask 40; valve 42 including valve (upper part) 45 and valve (lower part) 50; and screw-type closure 55.

[0064] Figures 5 to 14 The components are shown in more detail.

[0065] Figure 14 The actuator 30 is shown in the figure. The actuator 30 includes a trigger 60 and two spaced-apart spring arms 65a and 65b extending rearward from one end near the trigger. Each spring arm 65a and 65b is generally J-shaped and connected at one end via a hinge point 70. The other end of each arm includes a flat portion 75 and an end hook / wedge 80. A pair of lugs 85 are provided on the top of the trigger, each lug 85 having a hole 86 for engaging a corresponding pin 21 on the body 20. The trigger is rotatable relative to the body.

[0066] Figures 15a-15c The operation of actuator 30 is shown.

[0067] Figure 15a An actuator 30 is shown attached to the body (via lug 85 and pin 21) and in a relaxed, retracted position. A spring arm flat portion 75 rests on a horizontal flange 22 formed on the body, and a spring hook 80 engages behind a vertical flange 23 to restrain the spring arm.

[0068] In use, trigger 60 is pulled against the bias provided by the spring arm. As the trigger moves gradually, arms 65a and 65b bend / deform and hinge relative to the trigger (downward, as shown). This setup has been found to generate more power.

[0069] Figure 16 Examples of different styles of spring arms are shown.

[0070] Figures 17 to 20 The inlet / outlet valve 142 is shown, and a functional description of the pre-compression valve function is provided.

[0071] Figure 17 A valve 142 is shown engaged in a pump chamber 190 of the dispenser body.

[0072] Cavity 190 includes an inlet 191 that provides an entry path and an outlet 192 that provides an exit path.

[0073] Valve 142 includes an upper part 145 and a lower part 150. Figure 18a and Figure 18b The two phase-separated components are shown. Figure 19a -c shows the two parts fastened together.

[0074] The upper component 145 includes an annular sealing edge 146, within which is a truncated conical member 147, which includes a central flow hole 148. Below the member 147 are spaced arcuate segments 149a, with openings 149b formed between the arcuate segments 149a.

[0075] The lower component 150 includes a truncated conical central seal 151 supported on an inclined ring 152. The ring 152 is connected to a peripheral connecting ring 153, and the aforementioned upper clamping section 149a is connected to the ring 153 to secure the upper and lower components together. A truncated conical stop 154 ​​hangs from the underside of the seal 151.

[0076] During the intake stroke, the piston (not shown) is moved away from valve 142 to create a vacuum in cylinder chamber 190. Due to the negative pressure, side 146 of the inlet valve collapses (as shown by the dashed line) and opens inlet 191.

[0077] The liquid can then enter the cylinder chamber 190 through the inlet path.

[0078] During the pressure stroke, the piston moves toward valve 142, thereby building up excess pressure in the system. The sealing edge 146 of the inlet valve is pressed against the outer wall of the cylinder and seals the inlet 191.

[0079] When a certain pressure level is exceeded, the outlet valve seal 151 folds backward. Figure 20 (As shown by the dashed line), this establishes a free passage between the outer and inner valve components. This provides pre-compression capability. The switching pressure level is determined by the materials of the internal valve components and the design of the tapered connection between the outer jacket and the inner sealing element. The opening distance is determined by the length of the stop 154, as it abuts the rear wall 193 of the cavity 190.

[0080] The gap created by the movement of the valve allows liquid to flow from the cylinder space into the outlet channel.

[0081] If the system pressure drops below a certain level, the outlet valve seal returns to its original position and seals the external parts of the valve, thus closing the connection from the cylinder chamber to the outlet side again.

[0082] One advantage of this valve concept is that it is a standalone pre-compression valve element, which, for example, can be used to constructively convert existing non-pre-compression pumps to pre-compression.

[0083] Figure 21 The bayonet fixing pattern of the trigger pump distributor 210 formed according to the present invention is shown. This distributor is... Figures 1 to 1 The dispenser is similar to the 5, except that it does not provide a threaded collar, but instead provides a bayonet-type connection device for securing the dispenser to the container.

[0084] Figures 22 to 24 Three different appearance designs of dispensers 310, 410 and 510 formed according to the present invention are shown.

[0085] This is not intended to limit the specific forms that are disclosed.

[0086] While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact embodiments shown, and that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A trigger pump distributor (10) comprising: Body (20); outlet nozzle (35); pump chamber (190) including rear wall (193) and outer wall; A piston (25) for defining a variable volume in the pump chamber and movable between a retracted position with a larger chamber volume and an inserted position with a smaller chamber volume; a trigger (60) connected to the piston and movable from a starting position in the retracted position and a depressed position in the inserted position; biasing devices (65a, 65b) for biasing the trigger toward its starting position, the pump chamber (190) including an inlet port (191) and an outlet port (192), the pump including a valve (142) adapted to close the inlet port when liquid to be dispensed is in the pump chamber and when the piston moves from the retracted position to the inserted position as the volume of the pump chamber decreases, the valve being adapted to allow liquid to be dispensed through the inlet port as the volume of the pump chamber increases as the piston moves from the inserted position to the retracted position. The inlet port is opened when the liquid in the pump chamber is drawn into the pump chamber, the valve is adapted to open the outlet port as the liquid in the pump chamber is distributed through the outlet port, the outlet port is opened when the volume of the pump chamber decreases and is adapted to close the outlet port when the volume of the pump chamber increases, the valve includes a pre-compression valve operable to allow liquid to pass through the outlet port only after a predetermined rise pressure is established in the pump chamber, characterized in that the inlet port (191) is formed in the outer wall of the pump chamber, the outer wall extending outward from the rear wall (193), wherein the valve (142) includes a valve member, the valve member including an outer valve component (145) and an inner valve component (150), the outer valve component (145) and the inner valve component (150) being separately formed and connected together, one component (145) providing an inlet valve function and the other component (150) providing an outlet valve function.

2. The trigger pump distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet port (192) is formed in the outer wall of the pump chamber.

3. The trigger pump distributor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outlet port (191) is closer to the rear wall (193) than the inlet port (192).

4. The trigger pump distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein during the suction stroke, the piston is configured to move away from the valve (142) to establish a vacuum in the pump chamber (190), and due to the negative pressure, the sealing edge of the inlet valve collapses and opens the inlet (191), through which liquid can then enter the pump chamber, wherein during the pressure stroke, the piston is configured to move toward the valve to establish excess pressure in the system, the sealing edge of the valve is pressed against the outer wall of the pump chamber and seals the inlet, and wherein when a predetermined rise pressure is reached, the valve is configured to fold back, which establishes a free passage between the outer valve component (145) and the inner valve component (150).

5. The trigger pump distributor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined rise pressure is determined by the material of the valve internal component (150).

6. The trigger pump distributor of claim 1, wherein the predetermined rise pressure is determined by the design of the tapered connection between the outer jacket and the inner sealing element.

7. The trigger pump distributor of claim 1, wherein the gap created by the movement of the valve allows liquid to flow from the pump chamber through the outlet port.

8. The trigger pump distributor as claimed in claim 1, comprising a central stop (154), wherein the valve opening distance is determined by the length of the central stop (154).

9. The trigger pump distributor of claim 4, wherein if the system pressure drops below the predetermined rise pressure, the outlet valve is configured to fold back to its initial position and seal the external components of the valve, such that the connection between the outer valve component (145) and the inner valve component (150) is closed again.

10. The trigger pump dispenser as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger (60) and the biasing device (65a, 65b) are formed in the same component, and wherein the biasing device comprises a pair of spaced-apart curved spring arms.

11. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the spring arm is connected to the trigger at a hinge point, such that the arm can be hinged relative to the trigger in use.

12. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the trigger (60) and the spring arm are integrally formed.

13. The trigger pump distributor as claimed in claim 10, wherein... The spring arms are essentially the same.

14. The trigger pump distributor of claim 10, wherein the spring arm is generally J-shaped.

15. The trigger pump distributor of claim 10, wherein the spring arms extend substantially in parallel with each other.

16. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the spring arm is substantially straight in the vertical plane.

17. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the spring arm is bent in the horizontal plane.

18. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the end of the spring arm opposite the trigger (60) includes a flat portion (75).

19. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the end of the arm opposite the trigger (60) includes a hook or wedge (80).

20. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the spring arm extends from the trigger at one end and is free in at least one degree of freedom at the other end.

21. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein each spring arm is connected to the trigger at a hinge point, such that the arm can be hinged relative to the trigger (60) in use.

22. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the trigger (60) is integrally formed.

23. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 10, wherein the trigger (60) is configured to pull against the bias provided by the spring arm, and wherein the spring arm deforms and is also hinged relative to the trigger as the trigger moves.

24. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 1, wherein the trigger (60) is formed from post-consumer recycled plastic.

25. The trigger pump dispenser of claim 24, wherein the trigger (60) is formed from 20-80% post-consumer recycled plastic.

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