Triggered dispensing device

Abstract

A main valve body (40) of a triggered dispensing head (6) is made in one piece and comprises a main body base (41), an inner main body wall (42), a baffle (44), a dispensing lip (52), a dispensing channel (54) and an outer main body wall (56) for protecting the dispensing lip (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of triggered dispensing devices for delivering products, for example for household hygiene, air freshening, personal hygiene and care, clothing care and the like. Background Art

[0002] Such devices are very popular and appreciated by users due to their practicality, versatility and the possibility of multiple uses by appropriately refilling the bottle with the product. Hundreds of millions of such devices are produced every year.

[0003] The applicant is a global leader in the production and sale of such products and is the holder of numerous patents. For example, the applicant is the holder of international application WO-A1-2014 / 016709.

[0004] Another example of embodiment is described in document WO-A1-2022 / 103355.

[0005] Taking into account the high production volumes, the trigger-type dispensing head that is subsequently coupled to the bottle must include components that ensure rapid assembly while maintaining high operational reliability of the dispensing head even after rigorous shipping conditions (e.g., by a commercial online service courier) or after the device is accidentally dropped due to user carelessness.

[0006] Some dispensing head components are particularly critical and require special attention, for example during transportation of the components from a molding station where they are molded to an assembly station where they are assembled with other components to form the dispensing head. These issues relate, for example, to valve devices that are able to adjust the flow of the product when mounted on the dispensing head.

[0007] Damage to such devices (e.g. permanent deformation of certain parts) can lead to difficulties in installing the dispensing head (which can subsequently cause downtime at the assembly station) and to malfunctions of the dispensing head, in particular during the aspiration step and the delivery step, which are immediately noticeable to the user. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to realize a trigger-type dispensing head with a main valve body, which meets the requirements of the art and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0009] This object is achieved by a main valve body according to claim 1. The dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The features and advantages of the trigger-type dispenser head and the main valve body according to the invention will be apparent from the description given below, which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] - Figure 1 A trigger dispensing device including a bottle and a trigger dispensing head according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0012] - Figure 2 shows the separated components of a trigger-type dispensing head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] - Figure 3a Is in initial or quiescent configuration Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a dispensing head in FIG.

[0014] - Figure 3b yes Figure 3a An enlarged view of a portion of a dispensing head in FIG.

[0015] - Figure 4a Is in allocation configuration Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a dispensing head in FIG.

[0016] - Figure 4b yes Figure 4a An enlarged view of a portion of a dispensing head in FIG.

[0017] - Figure 5a Is in suction configuration Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a dispensing head in FIG.

[0018] - Figure 5b yes Figure 5a An enlarged view of a portion of a dispensing head in FIG.

[0019] - Figure 6a A main valve body according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] - Figure 6b yes Figure 6a A side view of the main valve body in FIG.

[0021] - Figure 6c yes Figure 6a Plan view of the main valve body in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A trigger dispensing device 1 for manually delivering a product, the trigger dispensing device comprising: a bottle 2 having a bottle compartment 2' for accommodating a product and provided with a neck 4, for example with a thread; and a trigger dispensing head 6, which can be applied to the bottle 2, for example can be screwed onto the neck 4, the head being provided with a manually actuatable trigger 8 for sucking the product from the bottle and dispensing the product into the external environment.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the head 6 comprises a frame 10 for supporting components, preferably made in one piece from a plastic material, for example a polyolefin polymer material such as polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP), for example by injection moulding.

[0024] The frame 10 comprises a connection area 12 for applying the frame to the neck of a bottle; for example, the connection area 12 comprises an annular connection wall 14 .

[0025] The head 6 also comprises a ring nut 16 suitable for being coupled to the connection area 12 of the frame 10 and being screwed onto the neck 4 of the bottle 2 by rotation about the vertical axis Z. Preferably, between the connection wall 14 and the neck 4 a sealing ring 18 is provided.

[0026] Preferably, the ring nut 16 is made in one piece from a plastic material, for example from a polyolefin polymer material such as polypropylene (PP). The head 6 further comprises a substantially cylindrical pressure chamber 20 having a chamber axis X which preferably intersects, preferably is orthogonal to, the vertical axis Z. The pressure chamber 20 is laterally delimited by an annular chamber wall 21 which is at least partially connected to the connecting portion 12 and to the bottom by a bottom wall 23.

[0027] Preferably, the pressure chamber 20 is realized within the frame 10 , and the chamber wall 21 and the bottom wall 23 are part of the frame 10 .

[0028] The head 6 also comprises a piston 22 which slides in a fluid-tight manner in the pressure chamber 20 along said chamber axis X. In particular, the piston 22 slides between an initial position or rest position ( FIG. 3 ), in which the volume in the pressure chamber 20 for accommodating the product is at a maximum, and a final position ( FIG. 4 ), in which the volume in the pressure chamber 20 for accommodating the product is at a minimum or zero.

[0029] Preferably, the piston 22 is made in one piece from a plastic material, for example, from a polyolefin polymer material such as polypropylene (PP), recycled polypropylene (rPP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0030] The head 6 also comprises a trigger 8 suitable for being actuated manually, preferably applied to the frame 10 and operatively connected to the piston 22 , so as to actuate the latter in translation within the pressure chamber 20 .

[0031] The head 6 also comprises elastic return means suitable for permanently biasing the piston 22 towards the initial position. According to a preferred embodiment, said return means comprise a flexible return portion 24 of the trigger 8. In other words, the return means are integrated into the trigger 8. The piston 22 translates from the initial or intermediate position towards the final position during the product dispensing step, in which the piston is actuated by the trigger, and from the final or intermediate position towards the initial position during the aspiration step, in which the piston is actuated by the return means.

[0032] Preferably, the trigger 8 is made in one piece from a plastic material, for example, from a polyolefin polymer material such as polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP).

[0033] The head 6 also comprises a suction duct 26 suitable for fluidically connecting the bottle compartment to the pressure chamber 20. For example, the suction duct 26 is implemented in the frame 10 and comprises: a first suction extension 26a, which opens into the bottle compartment and is preferably parallel to the vertical axis Z; and a second suction extension 26b, which opens into the pressure chamber 20, communicates with the first suction extension 26a and is preferably parallel to the chamber axis X. For example, the second suction extension 26b passes through the bottom wall 23 of the pressure chamber 20.

[0034] The head 6 also comprises a distribution duct 28 , open towards the external environment and preferably extending along a distribution axis Y, preferably parallel to the chamber axis X. Preferably, the distribution duct 28 is situated inside the frame 10 .

[0035] The head 6 also comprises an outlet pipe 30 suitable for fluidically contacting the pressure chamber 20 with the distribution pipe 28. For example, the outlet pipe 30 is realized in the frame 10 and comprises: a first outlet section 30a, which passes through the bottom wall 23 and opens into the pressure chamber 20, preferably, the first outlet section is parallel to the chamber axis X; and a second outlet section 30a, which communicates with the first outlet section 30a and is connected to the distribution pipe 28, preferably, the second outlet section is parallel to the vertical axis Z.

[0036] Preferably, the head 6 also comprises a nozzle 32, fixed or rotating and applied to the free end of the dispensing tube 28, to modify the spray pattern of the dispensed jet, or to allow the dispensing tube to close, hindering the dispensing of the product.

[0037] Preferably, the nozzle 32 is made in one piece from a plastic material, for example, a polyolefin polymer material such as polypropylene (PP).

[0038] Preferably, the head 6 also comprises a housing 34 applied to the frame 10 , for example by snap-fitting, so as to cover the frame 10 and those components supported by or realized within it.

[0039] Preferably, the housing 34 is made in one piece from a plastic material, for example, a polyolefin polymer material such as polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP).

[0040] The head 6 also comprises valve means adapted to regulate the flow of product from the bottle compartment to the pressure chamber 20 and from the pressure chamber 20 to the external environment.

[0041] The valve device comprises a main valve body 40 which is made in one piece by injection moulding from a polyolefin polymer material such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) or ethylene thermoplastic octene (TPEO).

[0042] The body 40 can be applied to the bottom wall 23 in such a manner as to be accommodated in the pressure chamber 23 .

[0043] The body 40 includes a generally flat body base 41 having an inner surface 41a and an outer surface 41b opposite to the inner surface. The body base 41 has a base channel 43 passing through its thickness. When the body 40 is applied to the bottom wall 23, the outer surface 41b faces the piston 22, while the inner surface 41a faces the bottom wall 23.

[0044] The body 40 further comprises an annular inner body wall 42 which projects from the inner surface 41a of the body base 41 and has a body axis K which is parallel to the second suction extension 26b of the suction tube 26 when the body 40 is applied to the bottom wall 23. The inner body wall 42 delimits an inner compartment 42' in an annular manner.

[0045] The body 40 further comprises a baffle 44 , for example in the form of a portion of a spherical cap, which is preferably hollow on one side and which is provided with a baffle outer surface 46 , for example spherical.

[0046] The body 40 also includes flexible baffle arms 48 that connect the baffle 44 to the inner body wall 42 ; thus, the baffle 44 is cantilevered from the inner body wall 42 by means of the baffle arms 48 .

[0047] Preferably, baffle 44 and baffle arms 48 are housed within interior compartment 42' and are lower than exterior surface 41b.

[0048] Furthermore, preferably, the inner body wall 42 comprises at least one circumferential protrusion 50 arranged on the outside for connecting the body 40 to the bottom wall 23 .

[0049] The body 40 further comprises an annular flexible dispensing lip 52 which projects axially from the inner surface 41 a of the body base 41 , preferably coaxially with the inner body wall 42 and arranged radially outside the inner surface 42 .

[0050] Preferably, the dispensing lip 42 has a generally frustoconical shape converging towards the inner surface 41 a.

[0051] In addition, the body 40 has at least one dispensing channel 54 that passes through the body base 41 and is radially arranged outside the dispensing lip 52. For example, the body 40 has three dispensing channels 44 located between the outer surface 41b and the inner surface 41a. For example, each dispensing channel 44 has a form that is elongated in the circumferential direction; for example, the dispensing channels 44 are equiangularly spaced.

[0052] Finally, the body 40 has an annular outer body wall 56 which projects from the inner surface 41 a of the body base 41 , preferably coaxially with the body axis K and is arranged radially outside the dispensing lip 52 .

[0053] In other words, the dispensing lip 52 is arranged at an intermediate radial position between the inner body wall 42 and the outer body wall 56. An inner intermediate compartment 52' is defined between the inner body wall 42 and the dispensing lip 52; an outer intermediate compartment 52" is defined between the dispensing lip 52 and the outer body wall 56. The dispensing channel 54 is arranged radially between the dispensing lip 52 and the outer body wall 56 and thus opens into the outer intermediate compartment 52".

[0054] Preferably, the outer body wall 56 has a cylindrical outer side surface 58 having a single predetermined diameter and constituting an outer peripheral surface of the body 40 .

[0055] The outer main body wall 56 has a predetermined axial extension length A, which is preferably greater than or equal to the axial extension length B of the distribution lip 52 (A≥B); the inner main body wall 42 has a predetermined axial extension length C, which is preferably greater than or equal to the axial extension length B of the distribution lip 52 (C≥B); in addition, preferably, the axial extension length C of the inner main body wall 42 is greater than or equal to the axial extension length A of the outer main body wall 56 (C≥A).

[0056] In other words, preferably, the dispensing lip 52 is completely contained and protected within the compartment defined at the outer periphery by the outer body wall 56 .

[0057] The bottom wall 23 of the pressure chamber 20 comprises an annular inlet wall 62 which protrudes into the pressure chamber 20 and delimits the second suction extension 26 b .

[0058] The bottom wall 23 further comprises an inner intermediate wall 64 which is arranged radially outside the inlet wall 62 and protrudes into the pressure chamber 20. Preferably, the axial extension length D of the inner intermediate wall 64 is greater than the axial extension length E of the inlet wall 62 (D>E). In addition, preferably, the inner intermediate wall 64 has at least one annular counter-protrusion 65 on the outside which is suitable for engaging with a corresponding protrusion 50 of the body 40 by snap-fitting.

[0059] The bottom wall 23 of the pressure chamber 20 further includes an annular outer intermediate wall 66 that protrudes into the pressure chamber 20 and is arranged radially outside the inner intermediate wall 64. Preferably, the axial extension length D of the inner intermediate wall 64 is greater than the axial extension length F of the outer intermediate wall 66 (D>F). The first outlet section 30a opens into the pressure chamber 20 between the inner intermediate wall 64 and the outer intermediate wall 66.

[0060] In one assembled configuration of the dispenser head, when the body 40 is mounted on the dispenser head, i.e. when the body is applied to the bottom wall 23, the inner body wall 42 of the body 40 is in external lateral contact with the inner intermediate wall 64 of the bottom wall 23. Preferably, the projections 50 of the inner body wall 42 engage with the corresponding counter projections 65 of the inner intermediate wall 64, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the body 40 and the bottom wall 23.

[0061] In this assembled configuration, the baffle 44 is arranged to mate with the end of the inlet wall 62 and close the second suction extension 26b.

[0062] Furthermore, the dispensing lip 52 is arranged radially between the inner intermediate wall 64 and the outer intermediate wall 66 and is in lateral contact with the outer intermediate wall 66 , so that a lateral seal is formed between the pressure chamber 20 and the first outlet section 30 a .

[0063] In other words, the inlet wall 62, the second suction extension 26b, the baffle 44 and the baffle arm 48 constitute an example of a valve suction device; the outer intermediate wall, the dispensing lip 52 and the first dispensing section 30a constitute an example of a valve dispensing device.

[0064] Finally, preferably, the outer body wall 56 is laterally connected to the chamber wall 21 on the outside.

[0065] In the initial or quiescent configuration ( Figure 3a and Figure 3b), the piston 22 is in the initial position or the static position; the baffle 44 closes the second suction extension section 26b, thereby achieving a seal between the pressure chamber 20 and the suction pipe 26; the distribution lip 52 closes the first outlet section 30a, thereby achieving a seal between the pressure chamber 20 and the outlet pipe 30.

[0066] It should be noted that a predetermined amount of product to be delivered may be contained within the pressure chamber 20 .

[0067] In the allocation step ( Figure 4a and Figure 4b ), by actuating the trigger 8, the piston 22 is translated towards the final position and the pressure in the pressure chamber 20 increases, causing the valve dispensing device to open. In other words, the dispensing lip 52 bends and separates from the outer intermediate wall 66, allowing the product to flow from the pressure chamber 20 to the outlet duct 30 (and from the outlet duct towards the external environment by means of the dispensing duct 28). Conversely, the baffle 44 is configured to be pushed against the inlet wall 62 by means of the pressure in the pressure chamber 20 and thus to achieve a seal between the pressure chamber 20 and the suction duct 26, thereby preventing the product from returning from the pressure chamber 20 to the suction duct 26.

[0068] At the end of the dispensing step, the piston 22 is in a final or intermediate position.

[0069] During the aspiration step ( Figure 5a and Figure 5b ), by releasing the trigger 8, the piston 22 is translated toward the initial position due to the action of the reset device and the pressure reduction in the pressure chamber 20, so that the valve suction device is opened and the valve dispensing device is closed. In other words, by means of the bending of the flapper arm 48, the flapper 44 is at least partially separated from the inlet wall 62, so that the product is sucked from the dispensing tube 28 to the pressure chamber 20. On the contrary, the dispensing lip 52 is configured to bend toward the outside by means of the reduction of pressure, and thus achieve a seal between the outlet tube 30 and the pressure chamber 20, thereby preventing the product from returning from the outlet tube 30 to the pressure chamber 20.

[0070] Preferably, the dispensing head 6 also comprises venting means suitable for allowing air from the external environment to enter the bottle compartment during the aspiration step.

[0071] According to an embodiment variant, the body of the valve device comprises a plurality of flapper arms supporting the flapper.

[0072] According to another embodiment variant, the axial extension length of the outer body wall is less than the axial extension length of the dispensing lip, for example, greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the axial extension length of the dispensing lip, preferably greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the axial extension length of the dispensing lip, preferably greater than or equal to 2 / 3 of the axial extension length of the dispensing lip. Nevertheless, the dispensing lip can also be fully protected during transportation or assembly.

[0073] According to yet another embodiment variant, the dispenser head is connected to the bottle by means of a bayonet connection.

[0074] Innovatively, the dispensing head according to the present invention meets the industry needs and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. Specifically, the valve device described above enables the dispensing lip to be fully protected, thereby avoiding damage to the dispensing lip during bulk transportation of the valve body or during operation when assembling the head.

[0075] Furthermore, advantageously, the dispenser head according to the invention is highly recyclable, in particular 98% by weight of the components used can be moulded from PP; whereas the main valve body can be moulded from LDPE or TPEO, but due to its low weight, the head can still be considered as a single material in accordance with industry regulations.

[0076] Furthermore, advantageously, the heavier components (ie, trigger, piston, nozzle, frame, housing and ring nut) which together constitute 70% of the weight of the head may be moulded from recycled polypropylene (rPP).

[0077] Furthermore, advantageously, the head according to the invention is very light in weight, the Applicant estimates that the head weighs approximately 20% less than similar devices on the market.

[0078] It is obvious that, in order to meet possible needs, a person skilled in the art may make changes to the dispensing head, and in particular to the body of the valve device. These modifications are all included in the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A main valve body (40) for a trigger-type dispensing head (6), comprising: - a substantially flat body base (41) having an inner surface (41a) and an outer surface (41b) opposite the inner surface, and the body base is provided with a base channel (43) passing through the thickness of the body base (41); - an annular inner body wall (42) extending from the inner surface (41a) and having a body axis (K) orthogonal to the inner surface (41a) and surrounding the base channel (43), wherein the inner body wall (42) defines an inner compartment (42'); - a baffle (44) arranged in said internal compartment (42') to form a suction valve device for said dispensing head (6); - an annular dispensing lip (52) axially protruding from the inner surface (41a), arranged radially on the outside with respect to the inner body wall (42) and flexible so as to form a valve dispensing device for the dispensing head (6); - at least one dispensing channel (54) passing through the thickness of said body base (41) and arranged radially outside said dispensing lip (52); - an annular outer body wall (56) axially protruding from the inner surface (41a) and arranged radially on the outside with respect to the dispensing lip (52) for protecting the dispensing lip (52).

2. The main valve body according to claim 1, wherein: The axial extension length (A) of the outer main body wall (56) is greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the axial extension length (B) of the distribution lip (52), preferably greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the axial extension length (B) of the distribution lip (52), preferably greater than or equal to 2 / 3 of the axial extension length (B) of the distribution lip (52), and preferably greater than or equal to the axial extension length (B) of the distribution lip (52).

3. The main valve body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The axial extension length (C) of the inner body wall (42) is greater than or equal to the axial extension length (B) of the dispensing lip (52).

4. A main valve body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The axial extension length (C) of the inner main body wall (42) is greater than or equal to the axial extension length (A) of the outer main body wall (56).

5. A main valve body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The dispensing lip (52) is in the shape of a frustoconical cone converging towards the inner surface (41a).

6. A main valve body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inner body wall (42) includes at least one circumferential protrusion (50) on the exterior.

7. A main valve body according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a flexible flapper arm (48) connecting the flapper (44) to the inner body wall (42).

8. A main valve body according to any one of the preceding claims, made in one piece from a polyolefin polymer material such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) or ethylene thermoplastic octene (TPEO).

9. A main valve body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer body wall (56) has a cylindrical outer side surface (58) having a single predetermined diameter and constituting an outer peripheral surface of the main valve body (40).

10. A trigger type dispensing head (6) for dispensing a product, comprising: - a pressure chamber (20) for pressurizing a predetermined amount of said product; - a suction tube (26) for sucking a predetermined amount of the product into the pressure chamber (20); - an outlet pipe (30) for dispensing a predetermined amount of said product from said pressure chamber (20); - A main valve body (40) according to any of the preceding claims, housed in the pressure chamber (20) to form a suction valve arrangement and a delivery valve arrangement.

11. The trigger type dispensing head according to claim 10, wherein: The pressure chamber (20) is delimited laterally by a chamber wall (21) and at the bottom by a bottom wall (23), to which the main valve body (40) is applied.

12. The trigger-type dispensing head according to claim 11, wherein: The bottom wall (23) includes an annular inlet wall (62) extending into the pressure chamber (20), the inlet wall defining a second suction extension (26b) of the suction tube (26), and the baffle (44) can be engaged with the end of the inlet wall (62) in a fluid-tight manner.

13. The trigger-type dispensing head according to claim 12, wherein: The bottom wall (23) includes an inner intermediate wall (64) arranged radially outside the inlet wall (62) and extending into the pressure chamber (20), and the inner body wall (42) of the main valve body (40) is engaged with the inner intermediate wall (64) of the bottom wall (23).

14. The trigger-type dispensing head according to claim 13, wherein: The bottom wall (23) of the pressure chamber (20) comprises an annular outer intermediate wall (66) extending into the pressure chamber (20) and arranged radially outside the inner intermediate wall (64), and the dispensing lip (52) can be engaged with the outer intermediate wall (66) in a fluid-tight manner.

15. The trigger-type dispensing head according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The outer body wall (56) of the main valve body (40) is in lateral contact with the chamber wall (21) on the outside.

16. A product dispensing device (1), comprising: - a trigger-type dispensing head (6) according to any one of claims 10 to 15; - a bottle (2) for containing the product; Wherein, the dispensing head (6) is connected to the bottle via a threaded connection.

17. A product dispensing device (1) comprising: - a trigger-type dispensing head (6) according to any one of claims 10 to 15; - a bottle (2) for containing the product; The dispensing head (6) is connected to the bottle via a bayonet connection.

18. A trigger type dispensing head (6) for a product dispensing device (1), comprising: - a frame (10) made in one piece from polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP); - a ring nut (16) for connecting the frame (10) to the bottle (2) of the dispensing device, the ring nut being made in one piece from polypropylene (PP); - a piston (22) sliding in a fluid-tight manner in the pressure chamber (20) of the frame (10) and made in one piece from polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP); - a main valve body (40) housed in the pressure chamber (20) of the frame (10) to regulate the flow rate during the aspiration step and the product dispensing step, and the main valve body is made in a single piece of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or thermoplastic ethylene-octene (TPEO); - a trigger (8) for moving the piston (22) during the dispensing step and the aspirating step, wherein the trigger is made in one piece of polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP); - a nozzle (32) applied to the outlet of the dispensing pipe (28) of the frame (10) for controlling the form of the dispensed jet and / or closing the outlet, and made in a single piece of polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP); - a shell (34) applied to the frame (10) to cover the frame (10) and at least a portion of the components supported by the frame, and the shell is made of polypropylene (PP) or recycled polypropylene (rPP) in a single piece.

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