Triggering dispensing head

Abstract

A trigger dispensing head (1) for a dispensing device (100) comprises a frame (12), a cylindrical wall (14) defining a cylindrical chamber (16), a sleeve (30) inserted into the cylindrical chamber (16), a dispensing duct, a suction duct, and valve means for regulating the flow of product to be dispensed. The valve arrangement comprises a valve element (200) having a support wall (220) made of an elastically deformable material that engages between a sleeve (30) and a cylindrical wall (14) to form a seal to prevent leakage of the product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention is in the field of triggered dispensing devices, typically used in household and environmental hygiene, ironing clothes, personal care, plant care, animal care and many other uses.

[0002] In particular, the object of the present invention is a trigger dispensing head suitable for a bottle of a dispensing device and provided with a system for preventing leakage of the product.

[0003] A fundamentally important aspect of dispensing devices is the need to ensure an effective seal to prevent product leakage under a wide range of conditions.

[0004] In particular, online trading has brought new requirements and new problems to the trigger dispenser industry. In fact, in such occasions, the dispensers are often stored in non-optimal conditions, such as upside down, arranged in oversized boxes with other goods.

[0005] One of the drawbacks encountered is leakage of product through the ventilation duct which puts the internal compartment of the bottle in communication with the external environment to ensure that air enters the bottle during the suction step. In this respect, the applicant is the holder of Italian Patent Nos. 102021000017402 and 102021000003749.

[0006] A similar problem concerns product leakage from the chamber housing the valve device of the dispenser head. Document JPS 605249A describes a trigger dispenser head provided with a system for sealing against product leakage which is based on moving parts and is therefore particularly complex to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to meet the needs of the field and to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a dispensing head comprising valve means for regulating the flow of the product to be dispensed and configured to cooperate with other parts of the dispensing head in order to form a seal preventing leakage of the product.

[0008] This object is achieved by a dispensing head according to claim 1 and a dispensing device according to claim 16. The dependent claims specify additional advantageous embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The characteristics and advantages of the dispenser head according to the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1 and Figure 2 depicts a triggered dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] - Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a trigger dispensing head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] - Figure 3a Shows Figure 3 Magnified details of

[0013] - Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a trigger dispensing head according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] - Figure 4a Shows Figure 4 Magnified details of

[0015] - Figure 5 depicts an enlarged detail of a cross-sectional view of a trigger-dispensing head according to yet another embodiment;

[0016] - Figure 5a Shows Figure 5 A valve element of a dispensing head;

[0017] - Figure 6 and Figure 6a A side view and an axonometric view, respectively, of a sleeve of a dispensing head according to one embodiment are shown;

[0018] - Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a trigger-dispensing head according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] With reference to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a dispensing head according to the present invention as a whole, and reference numeral 100 denotes a dispensing device including the dispensing head 1 and a bottle 2 as a whole.

[0020] The dispensing head 1 can be applied to a bottle 2 of a dispensing device 100 (for example by means of a threaded connection, a snap connection or a bayonet connection).

[0021] The dispenser head 1 comprises a frame 10 for supporting the components, preferably made in one piece, for example from a plastic material by injection moulding.

[0022] The frame 10 is made of a first material, in particular a rigid material, preferably a material belonging to the polyolefin family, such as polypropylene (PP).

[0023] The frame 10 comprises an attachment portion 12 provided with a main opening 12a. After application of the dispensing head to the bottle 2, the main opening 12a is fluidly connected to an internal compartment of the bottle 2, which is suitable for containing the product to be dispensed.

[0024] The frame 10 comprises a cylindrical wall 14 having an annular inner surface 14 b around the chamber axis Y, which surface delimits a cylindrical chamber 16 .

[0025] The cylindrical wall 14 has a main vent channel 26 which puts the main opening 12a in communication with the cylindrical chamber 16 and in particular with the inner surface 14b.

[0026] The frame 10 also comprises a bottom wall 15 incident to the cylindrical wall 14 and delimiting axially a cylindrical chamber 16 .

[0027] The dispensing head 1 comprises a suction duct which puts the internal compartment of the bottle 2 in communication with the pressure chamber 30a.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the suction duct comprises: a first suction section 17 extending from the main opening 12a along a first suction axis W (the first suction axis is preferably associated with the chamber axis Y); and a second suction section 18 communicating with the cylindrical chamber 16, preferably parallel to the chamber axis Y.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the second suction section 18 is delimited by a suction opening 18 a which preferably protrudes from the bottom wall 15 .

[0030] The dispensing head 1 also comprises a dispensing duct which puts the cylindrical chamber 16 in communication with the external environment.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the distribution conduit comprises a first suction section 20 extending from the cylindrical chamber 16 along a first distribution axis J (the first distribution axis is preferably associated with the chamber axis Y); and a second distribution section 22 extending along a second distribution axis Q (e.g. parallel to the chamber axis Y) and leading to the external environment.

[0032] The dispensing head 1 comprises a nozzle applied to a dispensing end of a dispensing conduit. The nozzle, preferably manufactured in one piece, is configured to be manipulated (eg rotated) between an open nozzle position and a closed nozzle position.

[0033] International application WO-A1-2015 / 145399 in the name of the present applicant describes an embodiment of the nozzle.

[0034] The dispensing head 1 comprises a plunger 19 and a trigger 11 which is supported by the frame 10 and which is manually operable in order to move the plunger 19 between a rest position and an end-of-stroke position.

[0035] Further details regarding the trigger and the plunger are described, for example, in Italian Patent Application No. 102021000017402 in the name of the applicant.

[0036] The dispenser head 1 comprises a sleeve 30 inserted into the cylindrical chamber 16 , the sleeve comprising a sleeve axis S and an annular sleeve wall 32 surrounding the sleeve axis S and delimiting a pressure chamber 30 a .

[0037] The sleeve wall 32 has an outer surface 32 a radially facing the inner surface 14 b of the cylindrical wall 14 and an inner surface 32 b radially facing the pressure chamber 30 a .

[0038] The sleeve 30 is made of a second material, in particular a rigid material, preferably a material belonging to the polyolefin family, such as polypropylene (PP).

[0039] The sleeve 30 has an auxiliary vent passage 50 through the sleeve wall 32, which is open on the outer surface 32a.

[0040] The sleeve wall 32 ends axially in an opening edge 33 which defines a bottom sleeve opening 330 facing the external environment.

[0041] The plunger 19 is inserted into the pressure chamber 30a and slidingly engages the inner surface 32b of the sleeve wall 32 to form a seal. In other words, the plunger 19 at least partially axially delimits the pressure chamber 30a.

[0042] The sleeve 30 includes a head wall 34 that axially defines a pressure chamber 30a.

[0043] The head wall 34 is associated with (eg, orthogonal to) the sleeve axis S.

[0044] The sleeve 30 includes an end wall 36 radially inward relative to the sleeve wall 32 .

[0045] Preferably, the end wall 36 projects axially from the head wall 34 .

[0046] The terminal wall 36 annularly defines a terminal compartment 360 that communicates with the pressure chamber 30a.

[0047] The end wall 36 terminates in a head opening 38 .

[0048] The sleeve 30 and the cylindrical wall 14 at least partially delimit the valve compartment 25 ′.

[0049] Preferably, the valve compartment 25 ′ is defined within the cylindrical chamber 16 .

[0050] Preferably, the valve compartment 25 ′ is axially delimited by the head wall 34 . Preferably, the valve compartment 25 ′ is axially delimited by the bottom wall 15 .

[0051] According to one embodiment, the valve compartment 25 ′ is delimited annularly by an end wall 36 .

[0052] In other words, preferably, the valve compartment 25 ′ has an annular shape surrounding the end wall 36 .

[0053] When the sleeve 30 is inserted into the cylindrical chamber 16 , the suction duct communicates with the pressure chamber 30 a .

[0054] Specifically, with the sleeve 30 inserted into the cylindrical chamber 16, the suction duct leads to the terminal compartment 360. Preferably, the suction mouth 18a passes through the head opening 38.

[0055] In addition, with the sleeve 30 inserted into the cylindrical chamber 16, the distribution conduit communicates with the pressure chamber 30a.

[0056] Specifically, the dispensing conduit (eg, the first dispensing section 20) is open and extends from the valve compartment 25'.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 30 is housed in the cylindrical chamber 16 in a fixed angular position relative to the chamber axis Y.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the sleeve 30 is housed inside the cylindrical chamber 16 so that it is free to rotate about the chamber axis Y.

[0059] The sleeve 30 and the cylindrical chamber 16 engage one another to form a seal to prevent leakage of liquid between the outer surface 32 a of the sleeve 30 and the inner surface 14 b of the cylindrical wall 14 .

[0060] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 30 comprises a plurality of mechanical seals, such as circumferential seals 37a and / or axial seals protruding from the outer surface 32a. The mechanical seals delimit a connection area 40 in which an auxiliary vent channel 50 emerges, which is suitable for putting the main vent channel 26 in communication with the external environment.

[0061] Further details are described in Italian Patent Application No. 102021000003749 in the name of the present applicant.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 30 comprises a labyrinth seal 35 extending over the outer surface 32a and adapted to put the main ventilation channel 26 in communication with the external environment.

[0063] Further details are described in Italian Patent Application No. 102021000017402 in the name of the present applicant.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 30 comprises a sealing member 31 facing the valve compartment 25 ′.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 is radially inwards with respect to the sleeve axis S relative to the sleeve wall 32 .

[0066] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 is separated from the inner surface 14 b of the cylindrical chamber 14 .

[0067] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 is arranged radially outside the end wall 36 relative to the sleeve axis S.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 has a circular crown shape around the sleeve axis S.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 protrudes from the valve compartment 25 ′.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 protrudes radially relative to the head wall 34 of the sleeve 30 .

[0071] The dispensing head 1 comprises valve means for regulating the product flow from the suction duct to the pressure chamber 30a during the suction step and / or for regulating the product flow from the pressure chamber 30a to the dispensing duct during the dispensing step.

[0072] The valve device comprises a valve element 200 which is at least partially accommodated in a valve compartment 25 ′.

[0073] The valve element 200 comprises a support wall 220 made of an elastically deformable material, which is engaged between the sleeve 30 and the cylindrical wall 14 so as to form a seal preventing leakage of the product from the valve compartment 25 ′.

[0074] In other words, the support wall 220 cooperates with the sleeve 30 and the cylindrical wall 14 in order to prevent product losses between the outer surface 32 a of the sleeve 30 and the inner surface 14 b of the cylindrical wall 14 .

[0075] Preferably, the support wall 220 is made of a material different from the first material of the frame 10 .

[0076] Preferably, the support wall 220 is made of a material different from the second material of the sleeve 30 .

[0077] In one embodiment, the support wall 220 is made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), LDPE (low density polyethylene, a member of the polyolefin family), or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the valve element 200 has a valve axis V, and the support wall 220 has an annular shape surrounding the valve axis V.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the support wall 220 at least partially engages with the head wall 34 of the sleeve 30 so as to form a seal between the head wall 34 and the cylindrical wall 14 .

[0080] According to one embodiment, the supporting wall 220 comprises a free end 221 which is at least partially elastically deformable.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the free end 221 is arranged between the sealing member 31 of the sleeve 30 and the inner surface 14 b of the cylindrical wall 14 .

[0082] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 cooperates with the inner surface 14b so as to at least partially elastically deform the support wall 220, in particular the free end 221 .

[0083] According to one embodiment, the sealing member 31 is configured to compress the free end 221 together with the inner surface 14 b of the cylindrical wall 14 .

[0084] The supporting wall 220 divides the valve compartment 25 ′ into a first valve half-compartment 251 ′ which can be fluidically connected to the pressure chamber 30 a and a second valve half-compartment 252 ′ which communicates with the dispensing conduit.

[0085] The valve element 200 comprises at least one valve opening 205 through the supporting wall 220 , which puts the first valve half-compartment 251 ′ in communication with the second valve half-compartment 252 ′.

[0086] Preferably, the valve element 200 comprises two valve openings 205 , for example diametrically opposed.

[0087] In one embodiment, the support wall 220 tapers radially outward, for example, toward the front end 210 of the valve element 200 .

[0088] According to one embodiment, the valve element 200 comprises a valve base 222 arranged in contact with the bottom wall 15 , and the support wall 220 extends from the valve base 222 .

[0089] The valve means comprises aspiration valve means configured to operate between a closed position adopted in the dispensing configuration of the dispensing head, in which aspiration and flow of product towards the inner compartment of the bottle 2 is blocked, and an open position adopted in the aspiration configuration of the dispensing head, in which aspiration is allowed.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the valve element 200 comprises a central portion 202 extending relative to the valve axis V.

[0091] Preferably, the central portion 202 is tubular about the valve axis V.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the suction valve device, the central portion 202 includes an annular valve wall 204 extending axially between a rear end 206 and a front end 210 .

[0093] According to one embodiment, the valve element 200 includes a front end 210 connected to the valve wall 204 in a cantilevered manner, and a flexible flap 212 protruding radially inwardly.

[0094] Preferably, the flap 212 has a gate portion 214 which is, for example, flat or hemispherical.

[0095] When the valve element 200 is accommodated in the valve compartment 25', the central portion 202 engages with the suction conduit, specifically, the valve wall 204 fits onto the second suction section 18, and the gate portion 214 cooperates with the suction mouth 18a, thereby forming a suction valve device.

[0096] According to different embodiments of the suction valve device, the central portion 202 comprises a recess in the valve wall 204 having a separate lip forming the suction valve device.

[0097] The valve means comprises a transfer valve means configured to operate between the pressure chamber 30a and the dispensing conduit and adapted to allow the product to flow from the pressure chamber 30a to the dispensing conduit during the dispensing step. During the aspiration step, the transfer valve means is adapted to prevent air from flowing from the dispensing conduit to the pressure chamber 30a.

[0098] The valve means comprises pre-pressure valve means configured to allow product to flow from the pressure chamber 30a to the dispensing conduit only when the pressure within the pressure chamber 30a exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the valve element 200 comprises a membrane 216 cooperating with the sleeve 30, preferably with the end wall 36, so as to form a delivery valve device.

[0100] In one embodiment, the membrane 216 is configured to elastically deform only when the pressure within the pressure chamber 30a exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, thereby forming an example of a pre-pressure valve arrangement.

[0101] Preferably, the membrane 216 contacts the head opening 38 and closes the end compartment 360 .

[0102] According to one embodiment, the membrane 216 extends radially around the central portion 202. Preferably, the membrane 216 is connected to the annular valve wall 204.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the support wall 220 extends radially outward from the membrane 216 .

[0104] According to one embodiment, the membrane 216 is concave toward the front end 210 .

[0105] According to various embodiments, membrane 216 is substantially planar.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the valve element 200 comprises an annular sealing lip 208 protruding axially, for example, from the valve base 222 and / or from the central portion 202 , which is suitable for cooperating with the sleeve 30 so as to form a delivery valve device.

[0107] In one embodiment, the lip 208 is configured to elastically deform only when the pressure within the pressure chamber 30a exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, thereby forming an example of a pre-compression valve arrangement.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the sealing lip 208 is received within the terminal compartment 360 and sealingly engages the interior terminal surface of the terminal wall 36 .

[0109] According to various embodiments, the sealing lip 208 is radially outside of the end wall 36 and sealingly engages an outer end surface of the end wall 36 .

[0110] In one embodiment, the sealing lip 208 is at least partially deformable in a radial direction (eg, outwardly) to allow product to flow therethrough during a dispensing step when a predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded.

[0111] In various embodiments, the sealing lip 208 is configured to translate axially upon exceeding a predetermined pressure threshold to allow product to flow therethrough during a dispensing step.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the valve element 200 is made in one piece.

[0113] Preferably, the valve element 200 integrates both the suction valve means and the delivery valve means into one piece.

[0114] Preferably, the valve element 200 also integrates the pre-compression valve device into one piece.

[0115] In one embodiment, the valve element 200 is at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, for example, it is at least partially made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), LDPE (low density polyethylene, a member of the polyolefin family) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

[0116] Preferably, the valve element 200 is made of a material different from the first material of the frame 10 .

[0117] Preferably, the valve element 200 is made of a material that is different from the second material of the sleeve 30 .

[0118] International applications WO-A1-2012069939, WO-A1-2014 / 013352 and WO-A1-2022112889 in the name of the present applicant describe examples of pre-pressure valve arrangements and suction valve arrangements.

[0119] The subject of the invention is also a dispensing device 100 comprising a bottle 2 having an internal compartment for containing the liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing head 1 applied to the bottle 2 , for example by snapping or screwing onto the neck of the bottle 2 .

[0120] The sleeve 30 is received in the cylindrical chamber 16 in a fixed position along the chamber axis Y.

[0121] The plunger 19 is accommodated in the pressure chamber 30 a of the sleeve 30 in a manner that allows translation along the sleeve axis S.

[0122] The sleeve 30 is a distinct component from the frame 10 , for example the sleeve can be separated from the cylindrical wall 14 , for example the sleeve can be removed from the cylindrical chamber 16 .

[0123] Preferably, the sleeve 30 is made in one piece.

[0124] Innovatively, the dispensing head and the dispensing device described above meet the needs of the field in that they form an effective system for sealing against leakage of product from the valve chamber of the valve device.

[0125] Advantageously, by cooperating with the sleeve, the valve element forms a seal preventing loss of product that is more reliable than prior art solutions.

[0126] Advantageously, the valve element integrates the pre-stressing valve device and the suction valve device in one piece.

[0127] Advantageously, sealing is also ensured when a sleeve is used which is rotatable in the cylindrical chamber.

[0128] It should be understood that in order to meet possible needs, those skilled in the art may modify the dispensing head described above, and all these modifications are included in the protection scope defined by the appended claims.

[0129] For example, according to an embodiment variant, the suction valve device comprises a ball gate cooperating with the suction duct.

[0130] For example, according to an embodiment variant, the suction duct faces the inner region of the cylindrical chamber, while the distribution duct faces the outer region of the cylindrical chamber, relative to the chamber axis.

Claims

1. A bottle (2) suitable for a dispensing device (100) for use with a trigger dispensing head (1) for dispensing a product, comprising: - a cylindrical wall (14) having an annular inner surface (14b) extending along and around the chamber axis (Y) and delimiting a cylindrical chamber (16); - a sleeve (30) housed in the cylindrical chamber (16) in a fixed position along the chamber axis (Y), the sleeve comprising an annular sleeve wall (32) delimiting a pressure chamber (30a), wherein the sleeve (30) and the cylindrical wall (14) at least partially delimit a valve compartment (25'); - a plunger (19) capable of translation in said pressure chamber (30a) between an initial rest position and a final end-of-stroke position; - a suction duct adapted to put the compartment inside the bottle in communication with the pressure chamber (30a) and a dispensing duct adapted to put the pressure chamber (30a) in communication with the external environment; - A valve device, suitable for regulating the flow of product from the suction duct to the pressure chamber (30a) during the suction step and / or for regulating the flow of product from the pressure chamber (30a) to the dispensing duct during the dispensing step, the valve device comprising a valve element (200) at least partially accommodated in the valve compartment (25'), the valve element comprising an annular support wall (220) made of elastically deformable material, the annular support wall being engaged between the sleeve (30) and the cylindrical wall (14) to form a seal to prevent leakage of product from the valve compartment (25').

2. The dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein: The sleeve (30) includes a head wall (34) associated with the sleeve wall (32) at least partially defining the valve compartment (25'), wherein the support wall (220) engages the head wall (34) to form a seal between the head wall (34) and the cylindrical wall (14).

3. The dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sleeve (30) includes a sealing member (31) facing the valve compartment (25') and separated from the inner surface (14b), wherein the support wall (220) includes a free end (221) located between the sealing member (31) and the inner surface (14b).

4. Dispensing head according to claims 2 and 3, wherein The sealing member (31) protrudes from the head wall (34) into the valve compartment (25').

5. A dispensing head according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The sealing member (31) is configured to compress the free end (221) together with the inner surface (14b).

6. A dispensing head according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The sealing member (31) is in the shape of a round crown.

7. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support wall (220) divides the valve compartment (25') into a first valve half compartment (251') fluidically connectable to the pressure chamber (30a) and a second valve half compartment (252') communicating with the distribution conduit.

8. The dispensing head according to claim 7, wherein: The valve element (200) comprises at least one valve opening (205) in the support wall (220).

9. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a bottom wall (15) associated with the cylindrical wall (14) and at least partially delimiting the valve compartment (25'), wherein The valve element (200) comprises a valve base (222) in contact with the bottom wall (15), wherein the support wall (220) extends axially from the valve base (222).

10. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cylindrical wall (14) is made of a rigid first material, and the support wall (220) is made of a material that is elastically deformable relative to the first material of the cylindrical wall (14).

11. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sleeve wall (32) is made of a rigid second material, and the support wall (220) is made of a material that is elastically deformable relative to the second material of the sleeve wall (32).

12. A dispensing head according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The rigid material belongs to the polyolefin family, such as polypropylene, and / or wherein The elastically deformable material belongs to the group comprising EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), LDPE (low density polyethylene) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

13. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The valve element (200) comprises a central portion (202) extending relative to a valve axis (V) and a flexible flap (212) cooperating with a suction mouthpiece (18a) to provide a suction valve arrangement.

14. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The valve element (200) comprises an elastically deformable membrane (216) which cooperates with the sleeve (30) to provide a delivery valve arrangement and / or a pre-compression valve arrangement.

15. A dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The valve element (200) comprises a sealing lip (208) which is elastically deformable or translatable to provide a delivery valve arrangement and / or a pre-compression valve arrangement.

16. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The valve element (200) comprises suction valve means for sucking the product into the pressure chamber (30a) and delivery valve means for causing the product to flow to the dispensing conduit, wherein the support wall (220) is tapered radially outwards.

17. A dispensing device (100), comprising: - a bottle (2) for containing the product to be dispensed; - A trigger-dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, engaged with the bottle (2).

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