Product dispensing device with helical bellows

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing a liquid into a pasty product, the device comprising: a pump body (12); a button (16) slidably mounted in the pump body (12); a distribution duct (18) arranged in the button (16); a metering chamber (20); an elastically deformable bellows (28); an inlet valve (30); an outlet valve (32); an intermediate chamber (34); characterised in that the outlet valve (32) is mounted so as to slide axially on the button (16) between an upper position and a lower position, causing a suction action of sucking the product from the dispensing duct (18) towards the intermediate cavity (34) when the button (16) slides from a dispensing position to an inactive position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for dispensing a liquid into a paste to be dispensed, in particular a cream, ointment or paste, in particular for cosmetic use.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a dispensing device to be fitted on the neck of a container containing a liquid or a cream. Background Art

[0003] It is known in the prior art, for example WO 2019 / 102106 A1, that a dispensing device can be mounted on the neck of a container containing a liquid or cream, comprising a pump motor with a metering chamber, the metering chamber being defined, for example, by a bellows. An inlet valve and an outlet valve open and close the inlet and outlet of the chamber, respectively.

[0004] When the button is pressed to activate the pump, pressure is generated inside the pump, which on the one hand opens the outlet valve and allows the product to flow out, and on the other hand closes the inlet valve and prevents the product from flowing back into the container. When the button is released, the bellows forms an elastic return device, which generates a restoring force on the button, which then moves upwards. When the bellows expands, a vacuum is generated inside the pump. On the one hand, this vacuum causes the inlet valve to open, allowing the product contained in the container to be sucked into the metering chamber. On the other hand, it closes the outlet valve and prevents air from being sucked into the device.

[0005] In order to ensure the correct operation of the dispensing device, it is not easy to find the best compromise between the rigidity and flexibility of the flexible element forming the pump motor, so as to guarantee an ergonomic actuation for the user and a precise dispensing of the product dose. Furthermore, once the product dose has been dispensed, a small amount of product usually remains in the dispensing duct of the pump, between the metering chamber and the external orifice. This product residue can dry out between the secondary uses of the pump and form a mass of dry product.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve the existing distribution system. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a device for dispensing a liquid into a pasty product dispensable, the device comprising:

[0008] - a pump body intended to be mounted on a product reservoir,

[0009] - a push button slidably mounted in the pump body along the main axis between an inactive axial position and a dispensing axial position,

[0010] - a dispensing duct arranged in the button so as to enable a dose of product to be dispensed,

[0011] a variable volume metering chamber comprising a chamber inlet communicating with a supply duct intended to be connected to the reservoir and a chamber outlet communicating with the dispensing duct,

[0012] - an elastically deformable bellows which laterally delimits the metering chamber and elastically biases the push-button towards its inactive position,

[0013] a first non-return valve, referred to as inlet valve, arranged to open or close the inlet of the metering chamber under the effect of a decrease or increase in pressure in the chamber, respectively,

[0014] a second non-return valve, called outlet valve, situated between the chamber outlet and the distribution duct,

[0015] - an intermediate chamber arranged between the dispensing duct and the outlet valve so as to be able to store a given amount of product, characterized in that the outlet valve is mounted to slide axially on the push button between an upper position and a lower position, thereby causing a suction action to draw the product from the dispensing duct towards the intermediate chamber when the push button slides from its dispensing position to its inactive position.

[0016] According to other features of the present invention:

[0017] - the outlet valve comprises a tubular body mounted axially slidably on an inner cylindrical portion of the push button;

[0018] - the tubular body comprises at least one stop surface intended to engage with an associated bearing surface provided on the inner cylindrical portion of the pushbutton so as to define the lower position;

[0019] - the tubular body and the inner cylindrical portion of the push button each have an undercut portion, which undercut portions respectively form the stop surface and the bearing surface;

[0020] - the tubular body of the outlet valve comprises an upper cylindrical end portion axially received in an annular slot delimited internally by the inner cylindrical portion and externally by a peripheral cylindrical wall of the push button;

[0021] - the outlet valve comprises a peripheral lip extending from the outer wall of the tubular body and abutting an associated surface of the bellows in the closed position;

[0022] - the bellows has at least one internal shoulder on the side of its upper axial end and the peripheral lip rests at least partially on said internal shoulder when the push-button occupies the locking angular position;

[0023] the bellows comprises an upper flange designed to abut axially against an upper edge formed in the push button and an upper tubular extension comprising a window designed to be radially aligned with the dispensing duct in the unlocked angular position of the push button and designed to be radially offset relative to the dispensing duct in the locked angular position of the push button so that the upper tubular extension closes the dispensing duct on the inside in the locked position;

[0024] - the upper end wall of the push button is inclined with a downward slope towards the side opposite to the dispensing duct, and the upper tubular extension has a beveled shape at its upper free end, so that when the push button occupies its locked position, the uppermost part of the upper tubular extension is substantially radially aligned with the dispensing duct;

[0025] - the bellows comprises, near its lower end, a lower flange designed to abut axially against a lower edge formed in the pump body and a lower tubular extension clamped in an annular housing formed in the pump body;

[0026] - each flange comprises at least one keying element intended to engage with a complementary keying element formed in the pump body, thereby allowing only one angular mounting position of the bellows in the pump body;

[0027] - the keying elements of the flanges each comprise two opposing notches, and the notches of the upper flange are radially aligned with the notches of the lower flange;

[0028] the pump body has two part-cylindrical axial tenons, the circumferential dimension of which is substantially equal to the circumferential dimension of each notch formed in the lower flange, so as to prevent pivoting about the main axis of the lower flange;

[0029] - The bellows are formed of helically wound beads. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which can be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a dispensing device and an associated reservoir in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along plane 2-2, which schematically shows the button in the locked and inactive position. Figure 1 a dispensing device;

[0033] Figure 3is a cross-sectional view along plane 3-3, which schematically shows when the button is in the unlocked and inactive position Figure 2 a dispensing device;

[0034] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 , which schematically shows the state of the push button when it occupies an intermediate actuation position after an axial displacement of the push button for a certain axial travel. Figure 2 a dispensing device, the axial stroke corresponding to the relative displacement of the outlet valve relative to the push button from a lower stop position to an upper stop position, the product not yet starting to fill the dispensing conduit;

[0035] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 , which schematically shows the button in its lowered position. Figure 2 a dispensing device in which a bellows fitted thereto is compressed and the product is discharged from the metering chamber through the dispensing conduit;

[0036] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 3 A view schematically showing Figure 2 The dispensing device of the invention, when it starts to return to the inactive position, the push button has moved a distance corresponding to the axial travel, thereby allowing the outlet valve, which does not move at this stage, to return to its lower stop position, so that the product contained in the dispensing duct is sucked towards the intermediate chamber;

[0037] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 3 A view schematically showing Figure 2 The dispensing device is at the end of the button rising to its upper inactive position;

[0038] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 2 The view shown in FIG. Figure 2 the locking of the dispensing device shown;

[0039] Fig. 9 is a side view, and Fig.12 is a top view, the side view and the top view show the assembly to Figure 1 The bellows on the dispensing device;

[0040] Fig.10 is similar to Fig. 9 , and Fig.13 is similar to Fig.12 , which shows the bellows in a slightly compressed state corresponding to its installed state in the dispensing device before actuation of the button;

[0041] Fig.11 is similar to Fig. 9 , and Fig.14 is similar to Fig.12 , which shows the bellows in a compressed state corresponding to the lowered position of the button;

[0042] Fig.15 is similar to Fig.12 A view showing a variant of the dispensing device in which the reservoir comprises a non-return valve allowing venting thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In the following description, the same, similar or like elements will be referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A dispensing device 10 or pump for liquid to pasty products according to the teachings of the present invention is shown. The dispensing device 10 comprises a pump body 12 which is intended to be mounted on a product reservoir 14, for example by a threaded connection.

[0045] The dispensing device 10 comprises a push button 16 which is arranged along the main axis A1. Figure 2 The inactive axial position shown and Figure 5 The pump body 12 is slidably mounted between the dispensing axial positions shown.

[0046] Figure 1 A protective cap 13 is shown which is intended to be mounted on the reservoir 14 in order to protect the button 16 and the product dispensing orifice.

[0047] Figures 2 to 8 Different axial and angular operating positions are shown, as will be explained later.

[0048] In the remainder of this description, elements will be referred to as upper or lower without limitation, generally considered to be in the vertical direction along the main axis A1.

[0049] A dispensing duct 18 is arranged in the button 16 so that a dose of product can be dispensed from a variable-volume metering chamber 20 .

[0050] The metering chamber 20 is interposed between the dispensing conduit 18 located downstream of the product dispensing circuit and the reservoir 14 located upstream of the product dispensing circuit.

[0051] The metering chamber 20 comprises a chamber inlet 22 communicating with a supply duct 24 intended to be connected to the reservoir 14 , and a chamber outlet 26 communicating with the dispensing duct 18 .

[0052] The supply duct 24 is formed by a tube moulded integrally with the pump body 12 along the main axis A1 and is immersed in the reservoir 14 to enable the product to be dispensed.

[0053] The dispensing device 10 further comprises an elastically deformable bellows 28 which laterally delimits the metering chamber 20 and which elastically biases the button 16 towards its inactive position, in this case upwards. The bellows 28 is preferably moulded in one piece from an elastomeric material.

[0054] The first non-return valve is referred to as inlet valve 30 , which is arranged to open or close the chamber inlet 22 under the effect of a pressure reduction or increase in the metering chamber 20 , respectively.

[0055] A second non-return valve, referred to as outlet valve 32 , is arranged between chamber outlet 26 and dispensing duct 18 in order to open chamber outlet 26 when a dose of product is dispensed and to close chamber outlet 26 at the end of dispensing.

[0056] An intermediate chamber 34 is arranged between the dispensing conduit 18 and the outlet valve 32 so that a defined amount of product can be stored.

[0057] Advantageously, the outlet valve 32 is Figure 4 The upper position shown and the specific Figure 2 The lower position shown is axially slidably mounted on the button 16. The sliding movement of the outlet valve 32 creates a suction effect, sucking the product from the dispensing duct 187 towards the intermediate chamber 34 when the button 16 slides from its dispensing position to its inactive position.

[0058] According to the embodiment shown here, the outlet valve 32 comprises a tubular body 36 mounted axially slidably on an inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16. The tubular body 36 comprises a first stop surface 40, intended to engage with an associated first bearing surface 42 arranged on the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16, so as to define a lower position, and a second stop surface 41, intended to engage with an associated second bearing surface 43 arranged on the inner cylindrical portion 38, so as to define an upper position.

[0059] The tubular body 36 and the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the button 16 each have an undercut portion forming a first stop surface 40 and a first bearing surface 42 , respectively.

[0060] The stop surfaces 40 , 41 and the bearing surfaces 42 , 43 define an axial travel d1 of the outlet valve 32 relative to the push button 16 , the function of which will be described later.

[0061] The tubular body 36 of the outlet valve 32 comprises an upper cylindrical end 44 axially received in an annular slot 46 delimited inwardly by the inner cylindrical portion 38 and outwardly by a peripheral cylindrical wall 48 of the button 16 .

[0062] It should be noted that the intermediate cavity 34 here is annular and extends around the tubular body 36 of the outlet valve 32 and the peripheral cylindrical wall 48 of the push button 16 .

[0063] According to the embodiment shown, the outlet valve 32 comprises a peripheral lip 50 extending from the outer wall of the tubular body 36 and abutting the associated surface of the bellows 28 in the closed position. The peripheral lip 50 is mounted here in an upwardly curved manner inside the bellows. It is designed to elastically abut against the bellows 28 so that when the product to be dispensed needs to pass towards the intermediate cavity 34 and the dispensing duct 18, it can yield by elastic deformation and seal the metering chamber 20 in other cases.

[0064] Preferably, the button 16 is pivotally mounted relative to the pump body 12 about the main axis A1. Figure 2 The locking angle position shown and Figures 3 to 7 between the unlocked angle positions shown.

[0065] In the locked angular position, the passage between the intermediate cavity 34 and the dispensing conduit 18 is sealed to prevent the product contained in the intermediate cavity 34 from being contaminated by pollutants in the outside air and to limit the interaction with the external environment (anti-drying, dust, etc.). In addition, the button 16 is locked against axial sliding, thereby preventing any undesired operation. In order to achieve this locking, suitable locking members (not shown) can be arranged in the pump body 12 and the button 16, which are retracted in the unlocked angular position.

[0066] In the unlocked angular position, the passage between the intermediate cavity 34 and the dispensing duct 18 is open to enable a dose of product to be dispensed, and the push-button 16 is free to slide axially.

[0067] Advantageously, bellows 28 has at least one internal shoulder 52 on the side of its upper axial end 54. Peripheral lip 50 is designed to rest at least partially on internal shoulder 52 when pushbutton 16 occupies its locked angular position.

[0068] Figures 9 to 14 The bellows 28 is shown in several positions. Fig. 9 and Fig.12 The bellows 28 is shown prior to installation in the dispensing device 10 . Fig.10 and Fig.13The bellows 28 is shown in a state of slight axial compression when it is installed in the dispensing device 10 and the latter occupies its unlocked angular position before actuation of the dispensing device 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown. Fig.11 and Fig.14 The bellows 28 is shown in an axially compressed state, which corresponds to the lower position of the button 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown, the bellows 28 comprises an upper flange 56 designed to abut axially against an upper edge 58 formed in the push button 16, and an upper tubular extension 60 comprising a window 62 designed to be radially aligned with the dispensing duct 18 in the unlocked angular position of the push button 16. The window 62 thus forms a passage for the product to be dispensed between the dispensing duct 18 and the intermediate chamber 34. In the locked angular position of the push button 16, the window 62 is radially offset from the dispensing duct 18, so that the upper tubular extension 60 closes the dispensing duct 18 on the inside.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown, the upper end wall 64 of the button 16 slopes downward away from the dispensing conduit 18. The upper tubular extension 60 of the bellows 28 has a beveled shape at its upper free end so that when the button 16 occupies its locked position, the uppermost portion of the upper tubular extension 60 is generally radially aligned with the dispensing conduit 18. The height of the beveled shape is adjusted relative to the upper end wall 64 of the button 16 so that the angular pivoting of the button 16 is not hindered by mechanical interference between the bellows 28 and the button 16.

[0071] Preferably, near its lower end, the bellows 28 has a lower flange 66 designed to abut axially against a lower edge 68 formed in the pump body 12. The bellows 28 also comprises a lower tubular extension 70 clamped in an annular housing 72 formed in the pump body 12.

[0072] Advantageously, each flange 56 , 66 comprises at least one keying element intended to engage with a complementary keying element formed in the pump body 12 , thereby allowing only one angular mounting position of the bellows 28 in the pump body 12 .

[0073] According to the embodiment shown, the keying elements of the flanges 56, 66 are each formed by two opposing notches 74, 76. The notches 74 on the upper flange 56 are radially aligned with the notches 76 on the lower flange 66. The pump body 12 has two axial tenons 78 in the form of cylindrical walls, which extend axially upward from the base of the pump body 12. These axial tenons 78 contribute here to the axial guidance of the button 16, the main axial wall 80 of the button 16 being received in the radial space between the axial wall of the pump body 12 and the main axial wall 80 of the button 16.

[0074] Here, the circumferential dimension of each axial tenon 78 is substantially equal to the circumferential dimension of each notch 76 formed in the lower flange 66 , thereby preventing pivoting about the main axis A1 of the lower flange 66 .

[0075] Preferably, the bellows 28 is formed from a helically wound bead 82, which makes it easier to manufacture by molding because this shape is easier to demould.

[0076] Due to its helical shape, axial compression of bellows 28 during assembly in dispensing device 10 tends to cause a first relative angular pivoting a1 of upper flange 56 relative to lower flange 66. When button 16 is actuated, axial compression of bellows 28 tends to cause a second angular pivoting a2 of upper flange 56 relative to lower flange 66.

[0077] Since the lower axial end of the bellows 28 is locked from pivoting due to its tight fit in the annular housing 72 , only the upper tubular extension 60 and the upper flange 56 of the bellows 28 pivot.

[0078] Advantageously, the direction of rotation of the helical shape of bellows 28 is opposite to the locking direction of button 16 to prevent pivoting of upper collar 56 when bellows 28 is compressed from biasing button 16 in the locking direction when it is raised.

[0079] Advantageously, window 62 extends a circumferential distance greater than the circumferential dimension of distribution conduit 18 to allow for pivoting of upper flange 56 when bellows 28 is compressed. According to the embodiment shown, window 62 has an elliptical shape that extends circumferentially into the wall of upper tubular extension 60.

[0080] In the unlocked position of the button 16, the position of the dispensing conduit 18 relative to the upper tubular extension 60 and the window 62 is as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown. It can be seen that Fig.10 In the inactive position, the distribution conduit 18 is offset toward the first circumferential end 81 of the window 62, while in Fig.11 In the lower position of the distribution duct 18 , the distribution duct 18 is offset towards the second circumferential end 83 of the window 62 .

[0081] Note that the inlet valve 30 is preferably made of a single piece of elastomeric material. The inlet valve comprises an elastically deformable flexible diaphragm, here in the form of a disc, to allow the product to enter the metering chamber 20 when it is under vacuum and to close the chamber inlet 22 during product dispensing or in an inactive position of the dispensing device 10. The inlet valve 30 has a central body 84 that enables it to be press-fitted into a suitable housing on the pump body 12.

[0082] For example, an example of such an inlet valve 30 is disclosed and shown in document WO 2018 / 162850 A1.

[0083] The dispensing device 10 disclosed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings is of the airless type. For this reason, the reservoir 14 features a sliding bottom wall 86 , which allows the volume of the reservoir 14 to be adjusted to the volume of the product remaining in the reservoir 14 .

[0084] exist Fig.15 In an alternative embodiment schematically shown, the dispensing device 10 is applied to a vented type device, i.e. a device having an atmospheric pressure port 90. In this case, the atmospheric pressure port 90 can be arranged in the bottom wall of the pump body 12 and equipped with an exhaust check valve 92 of the same type as the inlet valve 30, which is installed in the opposite direction to allow regulated air to enter the reservoir 14, thereby replacing the dispensed product with air.

[0085] As shown, the tubular body 36 of the outlet valve 32 extends downwardly into the metering chamber 20 via a closing portion 88. The closing portion 88 allows the outlet valve 32 to fit over the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the button 16, thereby reducing the volume of the metering chamber 20.

[0086] Now consider Figures 2 to 8 Various operating phases are shown to describe the operation of the dispensing device 10 according to the invention.

[0087] Figure 2 The dispensing device 10 is shown in a mechanically and hydraulically locked position. The button 16 occupies its locked angular position, in which the passage between the dispensing duct 18 and the intermediate chamber 34 is closed by the upper tubular extension 60 of the bellows 28, thereby preventing any outward flow of the product. In addition, a mechanical locking member (not shown) prevents the button 16 from sliding axially downwards. For example, the lower axial end of the main shaft wall 80 of the button 16 faces an associated stop surface formed in the pump body 12.

[0088] It should be noted that the dispensing device 10 has been described here in a ready configuration, that is to say the product has been dispensed and fills the metering chamber 20 and the intermediate cavity 34 .

[0089] from Figure 2In order to start dispensing the product, the user must rotate the button 16 about its axis A1 to Figure 3 The unlocked angular position shown. This pivoting brings the window 62 to the front of the dispensing hole 18 to allow the product to be discharged outwardly.

[0090] from Figure 3 In the unlocked angular position shown, the user presses the button 16 axially downwards. Due to the elastic deformation of the outlet valve 32, this axial pressure reduces the volume of the metering chamber 20 and discharges the product through the chamber outlet 26. During this phase, the pressure in the metering chamber 20 rises, thereby preventing the inlet valve 30 from opening.

[0091] Figure 4 The beginning of product dispensing is shown after a slight axial displacement of the push button 16, with the product first filling the dispensing conduit 18. At the beginning of this axial downward movement, the outlet valve 32 slides axially along the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16 by a distance corresponding to its axial travel d1. During the entire product dispensing process, the outlet valve 32 maintains its upper stop position.

[0092] Figure 5 The end of product dispensing is shown when the button 16 has reached the lower axial stop position and has practically emptied the metering chamber 20. In this axial position, the outlet valve 32 is still in its upper axial stop position relative to the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the button 16.

[0093] Figure 6 1 shows the beginning of the rise of the button 16. In this upward stage, under the elastic upward return effect exerted by the bellows 28, the outlet baffle 32 first returns to its lower axial stop position over an axial distance substantially equal to the axial stroke d1, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 A vacuum is generated in the bellows 28, which causes the outlet valve 32 to move downwards. The relative displacement of the outlet valve 32 with respect to the button 16 causes a suction effect in the intermediate chamber 34, since its volume is slightly increased due to the relative displacement of the outlet valve 32. This suction phenomenon serves to empty the dispensing duct 18, and the product contained in the dispensing duct 18 fills the available volume in the intermediate chamber 34.

[0094] It should be noted that the value of the axial clearance d1 is selected on the basis of the volume of the distribution duct 18 so as to be sufficient to ensure complete emptying of the distribution duct 18 .

[0095] Figure 7 An intermediate stage during the upward movement of the button 16 is shown, showing that the inlet valve 30 opens due to the negative pressure generated in the metering chamber 20 and the metering chamber 20 is gradually filled with product from the reservoir 14 .

[0096] Figure 8The push button 16 is shown returned to the locked angular position, enabling the intermediate chamber 34 to be closed by the upper tubular extension 60 of the bellows 28 and isolating the product contained in the intermediate chamber 34 from the outside air.

[0097] It should be noted that the hydraulic locking obtained in the locked angular position also prevents the product from escaping in the event of negative pressure outside the dispensing device 10 , for example during an air stroke.

[0098] Even in Figure 3 In the unlocked position shown, with the passage open to the intermediate chamber 34, the product contained in the intermediate chamber 34 is also better protected than when filling the dispensing duct 18. In fact, the surface of the product in contact with the air is reduced and moved away from the outer end of the dispensing duct 18. In addition, the amount of product in the volume of the intermediate chamber 34 slows down the drying of the product.

[0099] legend

[0100] 10: Distribution device

[0101] 12: Pump body

[0102] 13: Protective cover

[0103] 14: Storage

[0104] 16: Button

[0105] 18: Distribution pipeline

[0106] 20: Measuring room

[0107] 22: Room Entrance

[0108] 24: Supply pipeline

[0109] 26: Room Exit

[0110] 28: Bellows

[0111] 30: Inlet valve

[0112] 32: Outlet valve

[0113] 34: Middle cavity

[0114] 36: Tubular body

[0115] 38: Inner cylindrical part

[0116] 40, 41: Stop surface

[0117] 42, 43: Bearing surface

[0118] 44: Cylindrical upper end

[0119] 46: Annular slot

[0120] 48: Outer cylindrical wall

[0121] 50: Outer lip

[0122] 52: Inner shoulder

[0123] 54: Upper axial end

[0124] 56: Upper flange

[0125] 58: Upper edge

[0126] 60: Upper tubular extension

[0127] 62: Window

[0128] 64: Upper end wall

[0129] 66: Lower flange

[0130] 68: Lower edge

[0131] 70: Lower tubular extension

[0132] 72: Ring housing

[0133] 74, 76: Notch

[0134] 78: Axial tenon

[0135] 80: Main axial wall

[0136] 81: First circumferential end

[0137] 82: Beads

[0138] 83: Second circumferential end

[0139] 84: Central subject

[0140] 86: Bottom wall

[0141] 88: Closing part

[0142] 90: Atmospheric pressure port

[0143] 92: Exhaust check valve

[0144] A1: Main axis

[0145] a1: first angle pivot

[0146] a2: Second angle pivot

[0147] d1: Axial travel.

Claims

1. A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a liquid into a pasty product, the dispensing device comprising: a pump body (12) intended to be mounted on a product reservoir (14), a push button (16) slidably mounted in the pump body (12) along the main axis (A1) between an inactive axial position and a dispensing axial position, a dispensing duct (18) arranged in said button (16) so as to enable a dose of product to be dispensed, a variable volume metering chamber (20) comprising a chamber inlet (22) communicating with a supply duct (24) intended to be connected to the reservoir (14) and a chamber outlet (26) communicating with the dispensing duct (18), an elastically deformable bellows (28) which laterally delimits the metering chamber (20) and elastically biases the push button (16) towards its inactive position, a first non-return valve, referred to as inlet valve (30), arranged to open or close the chamber inlet (22) under the effect of a pressure drop or increase in the metering chamber (20), respectively, a second non-return valve, referred to as outlet valve ( 32 ), which is situated between the chamber outlet ( 26 ) and the distribution duct ( 18 ), an intermediate chamber (34) arranged between the dispensing duct (18) and the outlet valve (32) and making it possible to store a determined amount of product, Characterized in that the outlet valve (32) is mounted to slide axially on the button (16) between an upper position and a lower position, thereby causing a suction action to draw the product from the dispensing duct (18) towards the intermediate chamber (34) when the button (16) slides from its dispensing position to its inactive position.

2. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The outlet valve (32) comprises a tubular body (36) which is axially slidably mounted on an inner cylindrical portion (38) of the button (16).

3. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The tubular body (36) comprises at least one stop surface (40, 41) intended to engage with an associated bearing surface (42, 43) arranged on the inner cylindrical portion (38) of the push button (16) so as to define the lower position.

4. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The tubular body (36) and the inner cylindrical portion (38) of the button (16) each have an undercut portion, which respectively forms the stop surface (40) and the bearing surface (42).

5. The dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The tubular body (36) of the outlet valve (32) includes an upper cylindrical end (44) which is axially received in an annular slot (46) which is delimited inwardly by the inner cylindrical portion (38) and outwardly by the peripheral cylindrical wall (48) of the button (16).

6. The dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The outlet valve (32) includes a peripheral lip (50) extending from an outer wall of the tubular body (36) and abutting an associated surface of the bellows (28) in the closed position.

7. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The bellows (28) has at least one internal shoulder (52) on the side of its upper axial end and is characterized in that the peripheral lip (50) rests at least partially on the internal shoulder (52) when the push button (16) occupies the locked angular position.

8. Dispensing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bellows (28) comprises an upper flange (56) and an upper tubular extension (60), wherein the upper flange is designed to abut axially against an upper edge (58) formed in the button (16), and the upper tubular extension comprises a window (62), wherein the window is designed to be radially aligned with the dispensing conduit (18) in the unlocked angular position of the button (16) and is designed to be radially offset relative to the dispensing conduit (18) in the locked angular position of the button (16), so that the upper tubular extension (60) closes the dispensing conduit (18) on the inside in the locked position.

9. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The upper end wall (64) of the button (16) is inclined with a downward slope toward the side opposite to the distribution pipe (18), and is characterized in that the upper tubular extension (60) has a bevel shape at its upper free end, so that when the button (16) occupies its locked position, the uppermost part of the upper tubular extension (60) is roughly radially aligned with the distribution pipe (18).

10. Dispensing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bellows (28) comprises, near its lower end, a lower flange (66) designed to abut axially against a lower edge (68) formed in the pump body (12) and a lower tubular extension (70) clamped in an annular housing (72) formed in the pump body (12).

11. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 8, characterized in that Each flange (56, 66) comprises at least one keying element intended to engage with a complementary keying element formed in the pump body (12) so as to allow only one angular mounting position of the bellows (28) in the pump body (12).

12. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The keying elements of the flanges (56, 66) each include two opposing notches (74, 76) and are characterized in that the notches (74) of the upper flange (56) are radially aligned with the notches (76) of the lower flange (66).

13. Dispensing device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The pump body (12) has two partially cylindrical axial tenons (78) whose circumferential dimensions are substantially equal to the circumferential dimensions of each notch (76) formed in the lower flange (66), thereby preventing pivoting about the main axis (A1) of the lower flange (66).

14. Dispensing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bellows (28) are formed from helically wound beads.

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