Fluid product dispenser
The dispenser addresses center distance and alignment issues by using flexible conduits and adaptable locking rings, enabling easy assembly and consistent dispensing performance despite manufacturing tolerances.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023711506
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-04
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-02-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing dispensers for fluid products with two reservoirs face challenges in mounting pumps due to variable center-to-center distance and alignment issues, particularly with glass tanks, leading to complications in assembling and operating the distribution system.
A dispenser design featuring a common connection fitting with flexible conduits and adaptable locking rings that accommodate variations in center distance and alignment, allowing for easy assembly and operation by deforming conduits and compensating for misalignments using caps and studs.
The design effectively adapts to varying center distances and alignments, ensuring proper assembly and consistent dispensing performance by accommodating manufacturing tolerances, thus simplifying the mounting process and ensuring reliable operation.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for fluid products comprising at least two reservoirs, each equipped with a pump including a valve stem that can be moved back and forth about an X-axis. The dispenser also incorporates a common connection fitting comprising inlet sleeves mounted on the valve stems, the inlet sleeves being connected by conduits to an outlet well. The dispenser also incorporates a common plunger comprising a dispensing orifice connected to the outlet well, the plunger being movable back and forth about the X-axis, carrying with it the common connection fitting and the two valve stems. This is a very classic design for a dispenser delivering a mixture of fluid products and is commonly referred to as a dual dispenser. Trio versions, or even more, also exist.
[0002] Generally, the two reservoirs are separated from each other and held in place by a common part forming two receiving recesses, one for the necks of the two reservoirs. In this case, the center distance (horizontal gap) and the angle of incidence (mutual axial positioning) of the two valve stems are fixed by the common part, and the other parts of the distributor are adapted to the center distance and incidence thus determined. The two valve stems are located at the same axial height or at least at a fixed mutual axial position, and their center distance is known.
[0003] A dispenser for fluid products with two reservoirs is known from US 2004 / 251274 A1. This document relates to a dispensing device comprising two reservoirs, each intended to hold a product, two pumps associated with said reservoirs, a push button, at least one elastically deformable transmission element, and at least one adjustment element. Each pump has a movable control element, the actuation of which causes the pump to dispense the product contained in its associated reservoir. The transmission element is associated with a control element arranged to transmit a movement from the push button to this control element to dispense the product. The adjustment element allows the end-of-stroke position of the control element associated with the transmission element to be set.
[0004] The situation is different when the mutual positioning of the two tanks is dictated by other parameters, particularly direct contact between them. This is especially problematic with glass tanks, which have particularly tight tolerances.
[0005] Let's take the example of two glass tanks, each consisting of a body and a neck. We already know that there is a significant tolerance in the neck, particularly regarding its height relative to the body. By joining these two tanks with direct contact between their bodies, for example by gluing, we understand that the relative position of the two necks can vary, both in terms of center-to-center distance and alignment. And in cases where the bodies have complex shapes with complex contact surfaces, the tolerance in terms of center-to-center distance and alignment increases even further. We can thus end up with a batch of glued tanks with center-to-center distance and alignment deviations of several tenths of a millimeter, or even more than a millimeter.
[0006] It then becomes clear that mounting a distribution system on this pair of tanks is going to be very complicated.
[0007] The individual mounting of the pumps on the necks using a crimping technique would seem theoretically possible, but encounters two distinct problems.
[0008] The first problem stems from the fact that the center-to-center distance between the necks of this type of joined tank is often small, so the crimping head is obstructed by the proximity of the other neck. Crimping is then simply impossible in practice. This problem could theoretically be overcome by crimping the two tanks before gluing them together, but this would require filling them beforehand, which is not standard practice in assembly processes.
[0009] The second problem, when the first does not occur, lies in the fact that the common tappet will act unbalanced on the two valve stems due to the misalignment. Furthermore, variations in center distance complicate, or even prevent, the mounting of the common connecting fitting on the valve stems and / or the mounting of the tappet on the common fitting.
[0010] The individual mounting of the pumps on the necks by means of rings secured by ferrules leads to the same disadvantages as the mounting by crimping.
[0011] Mounting the pumps on the necks with rings blocked by a common part forming the collars creates an additional disadvantage due to the fact that the center distance of the collars will not correspond with the variable center distance of the necks.
[0012] Therefore, in all cases, it is complicated, if not impossible, to mount a standard dispensing head on a pair of tanks whose center-to-center distance and mounting point are not fixed to the upper annular rim of the necks. This is especially true for glass tanks, but certainly also, to a lesser extent, for tanks made of other materials, such as plastic.
[0013] The present invention aims to remedy the various drawbacks of the prior art by defining a distributor that adapts to the center distance and seating defects of tank necks.
[0014] To achieve this, the present invention proposes a liquid product dispenser comprising: at least two tanks, each equipped with a pump comprising a valve stem movable back and forth about an X-axis, a common connection fitting comprising inlet sleeves, flexible conduits and an outlet well, the inlet sleeves being mounted on the valve stems, the inlet sleeves being connected to the outlet well by the conduits, a common plunger comprising a dispensing orifice connected to the outlet well, the plunger being movable back and forth about the X-axis, characterized in that the common connecting end consists of two pieces attached one on top of the other in a watertight manner along a junction plane which extends perpendicularly to the X axis.
[0015] Thus, the common fitting is made of only two pieces, while maintaining the necessary flexibility. The flexibility, deformability, or resilience of the conduits in the axial and radial directions allows the common connection fitting to be adapted to valve stems with different center-to-center distances and angles. The inlet sleeves can move apart or closer together by deforming the conduits, both axially (angle) and radially (center-to-center distance). In contrast, the outlet well, which is located between the two inlet sleeves, advantageously midway between them, undergoes very little or no movement.
[0016] Preferably, the common connection fitting may comprise a base piece forming the two inlet sleeves and a cover piece forming the outlet well, the conduits being formed jointly by the base and cover pieces. Both pieces may be made of polypropylene or polyethylene.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conduits can be substantially rigid but curved, so as to provide acceptable deformability. This means that the conduits can accommodate variations in center-to-center distance and / or angle under the action of a relatively low stress. The deformability arises from the combination of the relative rigidity or flexibility of the chosen material and the naturally deformable geometry of the curved shape, which can be shaped in the desired directions. In practice, polypropylene or polyethylene can be used to manufacture the conduits, and even the entire common connecting end. The conduits can thus each have a C-shaped configuration.
[0018] By shaping the conduits into a C-shape, the common connecting fitting can take on an S-shape, with an inlet sleeve at each end of the S and the outlet well at its center. Thus, the inlet sleeves and outlet well are aligned, with a C-shaped conduit on each side of the line, forming an S. It is easy to see that this S-shape provides increased elastic deformation capacity, while keeping its center essentially or perfectly fixed. The S-shape can deform in the plane in which the S is inscribed, but also along the axis perpendicular to that plane.
[0019] According to another feature of the invention, the common connecting fitting may include studs extending axially from the inlet sleeves towards the common tappet. Caps are engaged to varying degrees axially on these studs depending on the mutual axial position (pit angle) of the inlet sleeves. These caps are positioned at the same axial angle and come into contact with the common tappet. The varying depth of engagement of the caps on or in the studs compensates for any misalignment of the valve stems. For example, a right valve stem can be imagined as being axially higher than the left valve stem. In this case, the right cap is more engaged on or in the right stud than the left cap is on or in the left stud. This occurs when the caps are at the same axial height (zero pit angle).It is also possible to consider arranging the caps with a constant axial offset between them, which is independent of the seating defects of the nipples.
[0020] In a practical embodiment, the nipples and caps can include profiles that interfere with each other to varying degrees depending on the degree of axial engagement of each cap on its respective nipple. For example, one or more vertical ribs on the cap can be used to punch through an annular reinforcement on the nipple, or vice versa.
[0021] In practice, the final positions of the caps on their respective nipples can be achieved by a maximum indentation which can be carried out at the factory, for example by a piston on the assembly machine.
[0022] It should be noted that the installation of nipples and caps can be done independently of the flexibility of the conduits, so individual protection could be sought for this characteristic. Functionally, the nipples, working in conjunction with the caps, serve as a means of compensating for any misalignment of the valve stems, and more generally, of the tank necks.
[0023] According to yet another feature of the invention, the distributor further comprises fixing rings and locking rings, the pumps being mounted on the tanks by means of the fixing rings, which are held in place by the locking rings engaged axially around the fixing rings, the locking rings being connected together while being movable relative to each other, so that the mutual position of the two locking rings is adaptable according to the mutual position of the two fixing rings.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking frets can be formed in a single piece by a fret piece, which defines at least one flexible connection between the two locking frets.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, a fret piece may define at least one insertion recess into which a locking fret is slidably received. Advantageously, the insertion recess comprises sliding ribs, and the locking fret comprises sliding grooves that cooperate with the sliding ribs to guide the locking fret as it moves away from or toward the other locking fret. Preferably, the locking fret is initially connected to the fret piece by a bridge of material to be broken.
[0026] It should be noted that the implementation of such common clamping elements (with two clamping elements connected together as a single unit by at least one flexible link, or with one or two sliding clamping elements) can be carried out independently of the flexibility of the conduits, so individual protection could be sought for this characteristic. Functionally, these clamping elements serve as a means of compensating for variations in the center-to-center distance of the tank necks.
[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the common plunger can slide axially within a cover mounted on the common retaining ring, the cover advantageously defining a window in which the distribution orifice of the common plunger is housed. Thus, the common retaining ring serves as a support for the cover, the lower edge of which can abut against the reservoirs, for example, at a shoulder jointly formed by the two reservoirs. More specifically, the retaining ring can comprise at least two mounting areas for the cover, these mounting areas being connected to the retaining rings in a single-piece fashion by flexible links. Preferably, the mounting areas are rigid, the mutual position of the mounting areas in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis being practically insensitive to variations in the mutual position of the retaining rings in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis.We can also imagine a two-part design for the fret piece: an inner part in the shape of an 8 forming the two frets and an outer ring attached to the 8-shaped piece which would receive an aesthetic cover.
[0028] Advantageously, the two reservoirs, preferably made of glass, are in contact with each other, such that their relative position depends on this contact. Although this feature is fundamental to the problem addressed by the invention, it can serve to distinguish the dispenser from the invention.
[0029] The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] In the figures: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid product dispenser according to the invention, The figure 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through the distributor of the figure 1 , There figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the distributor of figures 1 et 2 , There figure 4 is a perspective and vertical cross-sectional view of part of the distributor of figures 1 à 3 , There figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of part of the distributor of figures 1 à 3 , There figure 6 is a view similar to that of the figure 5 with a different angle of view, The figure 7a is a perspective view of the distributor's fret piece of the invention, The figure 7b is a top view of the fret piece of the figure 7a , There figure 8a is a highly enlarged perspective view of the common connection end of the distributor of the invention, The figure 8b is an exploded perspective view of the tip of the figure 8a , There figure 9 is a highly magnified view of a cap of the dispenser of the invention, The figures 10a, 10b et 10c are schematic perspective views illustrating a fret piece according to a second embodiment of the invention, in different assembly phases, and The figure 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the fret piece of the figures 10a, 10b et 10c , currently being mounted on the pump mounting rings.
[0031] The distributor used to illustrate the present invention is a duo-type distributor, comprising two fluid product reservoirs R1 and R2 and two dispensing elements, two pumps P1 and P2. A distributor with three reservoirs and three pumps, or even more, could also have been used to illustrate the present invention.
[0032] On the figures 1 à 3 It can be immediately observed that the two reservoirs R1 and R2 are in direct contact with each other at two contact surfaces R11 and R21. These two surfaces, R11 and R21, lie in a vertical plane, but it is also possible to imagine that these two surfaces are inclined or even curved. The two contact surfaces R11 and R21 can be joined to each other using any suitable technique, such as bonding with any appropriate material, such as an adhesive, enamel, a gel-based adhesive, etc. Naturally, this type of connection can result in more or less pronounced offsets between the two reservoirs. We can therefore refer to this as the mutual positional tolerance of reservoirs R1 and R2.
[0033] At their upper ends, tanks R1 and R2 each form a shoulder segment R12, R22, which together form an annular shoulder that is more or less contiguous depending on the mutual positional tolerance of the tanks. Beyond these shoulder segments, each tank R1, R2 forms a platform segment R13, R23, which together form a platform that is substantially contiguous depending on the mutual positional tolerances of the two tanks. From these platform segments, each tank forms a neck R14, R24 that protrudes upwards. The horizontal distance or center-to-center distance between the two necks R14 and R24 can vary depending on the manufacturing tolerance of the necks, but also depending on the mutual positional tolerance of the two tanks R1 and R2. The same applies to the axial positioning or flatness at the upper annular edges of the two necks R14 and R24.A misalignment can therefore be observed depending on the manufacturing tolerances of the necks, but also depending on the mutual tolerance of the two tanks due to the intimate contact between surfaces R11 and R21.
[0034] Therefore, it is impossible to guarantee a constant center distance and a zero pitch angle between the two necks R14 and R23. We can thus speak of a center distance defect or tolerance, and a pitch angle defect or tolerance. These defects or tolerances naturally arise from the mutual positioning of the two tanks, the reference point of which is located at the two contact surfaces R11 and R21. Traditionally, these defects or tolerances do not exist when the reference frame is placed at the upper annular edge of the two tank necks. Thus, it can be said that, generally, this center distance and pitch defect or tolerance is encountered whenever the reference frame is not placed at the upper annular edges of the two tank necks. The mutual contact of the two tanks at the contact surfaces R11 and R21 is just one example among others that generates this center distance and / or pitch defect or tolerance.
[0035] It is therefore acknowledged that, in a batch of attached tank assemblies, the center-to-center distance and mounting angle are not constant. This suggests the difficulties in assembling the upper part of the distributor. However, the present invention makes it possible to mitigate, or even eliminate, this assembly and operational difficulty, as will be seen below.
[0036] Starting with this set of adjoining reservoirs R1 and R2, the first assembly step consists of mounting the two pumps P1 and P2 onto and into the necks R14 and R24. The specific type of pump is not critical to the invention and will therefore not be described in detail. Very briefly, each pump P1, P2 comprises a pump body P11, P21, and a valve stem P12, P22 which is axially movable within its respective pump body P11, P21 by moving back and forth against a return spring. This is quite typical for a pump in the perfume, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries.
[0037] To ensure a watertight seal at the R14 and R24 necks, neck seals J1 and J2 can be used. These seals are fitted around the pump bodies P11 and P21, which form a collar that compresses the seals J1 and J2 onto their respective necks. To secure the pumps P1 and P2 in place, fixing rings B1 and B2 are used. Each of these rings forms the attachment tabs B11 and B21, which engage around the R14 and R24 necks in a standard manner.
[0038] For locking the B11, B21 attachment tabs of the two fixing rings B1, B2, a retaining piece 3 is provided according to the invention, which is more visible on the figures 6, 7a et 7b This clamping element 3, which is preferably made in one piece by injection molding of a suitable plastic material, includes a mounting ring 35, which is here cylindrical and annular. However, other configurations are possible for defining at least one mounting zone, and advantageously two opposing zones, which are either connected or separate. In the case of the mounting ring 35, it can be said that two mounting zones are continuously connected to form a single extended mounting zone. Within this mounting ring 35, the clamping element 3 defines two diametrically opposed areas 351. Between these two areas 351, the clamping element 3 includes two locking rings 31 and 32, respectively for the two retaining rings B1 and B2.These locking rings 31, 32 are cylindrical collars designed to fit tightly around the mounting tabs B11 and B21 of the two retaining rings B1 and B2. The two locking rings 31, 32 are connected by a common wall 312, allowing them to move relative to each other to modify their center distance and / or their orientation. Furthermore, the two locking rings 31 and 32 are connected to the two mounting plates 351 by several flexible links 38, eight in number here. It is therefore easy to understand that the two locking rings 31 and 32 can move within the mounting ring 35, and even relative to each other, both axially and radially, to modify their center distance and / or their orientation. It can therefore be said that the locking frets 31 and 32 are mounted in a "floating" manner inside the mounting ring 35.Naturally, the degree of freedom of movement of the two rings 31 and 32 is limited to a few tenths of a millimeter, or even one millimeter. It is also conceivable that, in the case of a larger center-to-center distance between the tanks, the two rings 31 and 32 would not be connected to each other, but completely detached. The common wall 312 would then be eliminated, and the two rings 31 and 32 could be connected to the two platforms 351 by flexible links. Alternatively, the two separate rings could be mounted in the mounting ring 35.
[0039] In this way, it is possible to mount the fret piece 3 onto the two fixing rings B1, B2 by engaging the locking frets 31 and 32 around the attachment lugs P11 and P21. In the final mounting position, the lower edge of the mounting ring 35 can come to rest against the shoulder formed by the shoulder segments R13 and R23, while the two locking frets 31 and 32 can be positioned with a center distance and / or angle error, thanks to the flexible links 38 and the common wall 312.
[0040] Advantageously, each locking ring 31, 32 is provided with an axial guide bushing 33, 34 which is supported by two tabs 36 and 37. More precisely, the tabs 36 extend diametrically opposite from the upper edge of the locking ring 31, each forming an inward bend to join the axial guide bushing 33. The same is true for the locking ring 32: the tabs 37 extend diametrically opposite from the upper edge of the ring 32, forming an inward bend to join the axial guide bushing 34. Thus, each axial guide bushing 33, 34 is in the form of a small turret which is suspended above its locking ring 31, 32 by pairs of bent tabs 36, 37. Each bushing extends coaxially with its locking ring.
[0041] As can be seen on the figure 2 The valve stems P11 and P22 extend axially within the guide bushings 33 and 34. However, since the guide bushings 33 and 34 are positioned relative to their respective necks, the bushings 33 and 34 are perfectly positioned relative to the valve stems P11 and P22. In other words, the locking rings and the axial guide bushings are positioned with the same center-to-center distance and offset as the necks R14 and R24.
[0042] According to the invention, the distributor implements a common connection nozzle 1, which is more visible on the figures 8a et 8b This fitting 1 comprises two inlet sleeves 11 and 12, designed to be fitted or inserted onto the free ends of the two valve stems P11 and P22. The fitting 1 also includes an outlet well 10 extending between the two sleeves 11 and 12. The outlet well 10 is advantageously positioned midway between the two sleeves 11 and 12. These sleeves are connected to the outlet well 10 by two conduits 15 and 16, which are flexible, allowing the center distance and / or the angle of the two sleeves 11 and 12 to vary by deformation of the conduits 15 and 16, while leaving the outlet well 10 essentially static due to its central axial positioning. The conduits 15 and 16 are flexible, but with a limited degree of deformation. They are made with a material that is substantially rigid, but with a curved configuration.Each conduit 15, 16 can be said to have a C-shaped configuration, so that the nozzle 1 as a whole has an S-shaped configuration. If a line is drawn through the two sleeves 11, 12 and the outlet well 10, conduit 15 can be said to extend on one side of this line while conduit 16 extends on the other side. Alternatively, both conduits 15 and 16 could be on the same side of the line and form an E.
[0043] By referring to the figure 8b It can be observed that the common connecting end 1 comprises two parts: a base part 1a forming the two inlet sleeves 11 and 12, and a cover part 1b forming the outlet well 10. The conduits 15 and 16 are formed by assembling the two parts 1a and 1b. More specifically, the base part 1a forms two channels 15a and 16a that connect the inlet sleeves 11 and 12 to a well base 10a. As for the cover part 1b, it forms two covers 15b and 16b that connect sleeve covers 11b and 12b to a well cover 10b. Once the cover piece 1b is attached in a sealed manner to the base piece 1a, the sleeves 11 and 12 are closed by the sleeve covers 11b and 12b, the outlet well 10 is closed by the well cover 10a and the flexible conduits 15 and 16 are formed by the covers 15b and 16b attached to the chutes 15a and 16a, respectively.It can be observed that the joining line of the two parts 1a and 1b extends horizontally, that is to say, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pumps. The two parts 1a and 1b can simply be snapped together, or they can be glued or welded.
[0044] The common connecting fitting 1 is thus mounted on the valve stems P11 and P22 by fitting the inlet sleeves 11 and 12, regardless of any deviation in the center distance and / or alignment of the valve stems. The inlet sleeves 11 and 12 accommodate these deviations in center distance and / or alignment by deforming the conduits 15 and 16, while maintaining the outlet well 10 in a substantially static position.
[0045] Advantageously, each inlet sleeve 11, 12, or more precisely its cover 11b, 12b, is provided with a nipple 13, 14 that extends axially. The nipples 13, 14 can be said to extend axially upwards in line with the sleeves 11 and 12. Thus, the outlet well 1 is located midway between these two nipples 13 and 14. Preferably, the nipples 13 and 14 comprise a base 131, 141 of increased diameter.
[0046] According to the invention, the distributor also includes two caps 21 and 22 which are engaged on the nipples 13 and 14, respectively. The caps 21 and 22 are engaged more or less deeply around the nipples 13 and 14 depending on the defect or misalignment of the two nipples 13 and 14, as well as depending on the desired misalignment of the caps. For a zero offset of the angle of the caps 21, 22, and a nipple 13 which extends higher axially than the nipple 14, the cap 21 will be engaged more deeply around the nipple 13 than the cap 22 around the nipple 14. The more or less pronounced engagement of the caps 21, 22 on their respective nipples 13, 14 can be ensured by punching the ribs 23 formed inside the caps 21, 22 on the bases of increased diameter 131 and 141 of the nipples 13 and 14.Similarly, the caps 21, 22 can also be mounted on the nipples 13, 14 with a non-zero angle of inclination, i.e. with one cap higher than the other.
[0047] In the end, the center distance error is absorbed by the deformation capacity of the conduits 15 and 16 and the seating error is absorbed by the more or less deep engagement of the caps 21 and 22 on their respective studs 13 and 14. In the end, we have an outlet well 10 which is centered and a zero seating reference surface formed by the aligned upper wall of the two caps 21 and 22.
[0048] According to the invention, the distributor also includes a pusher 4 forming a central sleeve 40 that engages with the outlet well 10 of the nozzle 1. This central sleeve 40 is connected to a distribution orifice 43, which may be lateral. The pusher 4 also includes a support disc 41 that contacts the caps 21 and 22. The pusher 4 naturally defines an upper bearing surface 42 on which the user can press axially to move it. The pusher 4 advantageously includes a substantially cylindrical guide skirt 45 allowing axial sliding movement of the pusher 4.
[0049] The distributor of the invention also includes a cover 5 defining a large upper opening 50 for receiving the pusher 4. At its opposite end, the cover 5 forms a lower annular edge 51 intended to engage with the shoulder R12, R22 of the two reservoirs. For retaining the cover 5, its lower portion 52 is engaged around the mounting ring 35 of the retaining piece 3. This is visible on the figure 2 Retaining profiles can be formed at the mounting ring 35 and / or the lower part 52 of the cover 5. The cover 5 also forms a lateral window 53 for the passage of the distribution orifice 43 of the pusher 4.
[0050] Referring again to the figure 2 It is now understood that the pusher 4 is axially guided by the sliding of its guide skirt 45 inside the cover 5. This ensures that the pusher 4 does not suffer from misalignment. The final position of the two caps 21 and 22 on their respective studs 13 and 14 can be achieved at the factory during the assembly of the distributor, for example, by means of a piston on the assembly machine. This piston allows the two caps 21 and 22 to be positioned with a predetermined angle, which may or may not be zero. Correcting the misalignment during factory assembly allows the pusher 4 to deliver the predetermined volume of the two liquids in a repeatable manner.
[0051] Next, the distributor can be used in a completely conventional manner by pressing the pusher 4 so as to push it into the inside of the cover 5. The movement of the pusher 4 causes the valve stems P11 and P22 to move in their respective pump bodies P11, P21 via the connecting sleeves 11, 12, the nipples 13, 14 and the caps 21, 22. The perfectly axial movement of the sleeves 11 and 12 is ensured by the axial guide bushings 33 and 34.
[0052] It should be noted that the common connection fitting 1 can be used on pumps P1 and P2 that are fixed to the collars R14 and R24 by means other than the fixing rings B11 and B21 and the flange piece 3. For example, the pumps can be mounted on the collars by crimping or screwing. Conversely, it is possible to use the flange piece 1 without the common connection fitting 1. However, using them together is advantageous.
[0053] Preferably, tanks R1 and R2 are made of glass, but other suitable materials can be used.
[0054] Instead of the two caps 21 and 22, the inlet sleeves 11 and 12 can be more or less engaged on the valve stems P11 and P22, with the support disc 41 of the tappet 4 then bearing directly against the common connecting end. This variant, not shown, eliminates the two caps 21 and 22.
[0055] Now, referring to figures 10a, 10b, 10c et 11 A second embodiment can be seen for the fret piece, which is referenced as 3'. This fret piece 3', unlike that of the first embodiment, forms only one of the two locking frets, namely fret 32', the other fret 31' being a piece attached to fret piece 3'. However, it is possible that fret 31' is molded as a single piece with fret piece 3', connected by a breakable material bridge 315'. Referring to the figure 10a As can be seen, the fret piece 3' forms the fret 32', the mounting ring 35', and the mounting surfaces 351', just like the fret piece 3. However, the fret piece 3' also forms an insertion housing 311' which is accessible laterally through an access passage 312', located directly below the ring 35', opposite the point where the fret 32' meets the ring 35'. The housing 311' includes at least one pair of sliding ribs 313', which are arranged parallel and opposite. The housing 311' may, for example, include two parallel and opposite flat walls 311a, adjacent to the access passage 312', and a semi-cylindrical bottom wall 311b, which connects the two flat walls 311a. The sliding ribs 313' extend horizontally over the flat walls 311a and can terminate at the level of the semi-cylindrical bottom wall 311b.
[0056] The locking ring 31' can be in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, the outer wall of which forms two sliding grooves 314', which are arranged parallel and opposite. The ring 31', which can initially be connected to the ring piece 3' by the breakable bridge 315', can be detached from the ring piece 3', and then inserted into the housing 311' of the ring piece 3' through the access passage 312'. This is visible on the figure 10b The sliding grooves 314' of the fret 31' will engage in the sliding ribs 313' of the housing 311'. Consequently, the fret 31' is fixed to the fret piece 3', while still being able to slide within the housing 311', moving towards or away from the fret 32'. The sliding axis of the fret 31' extends diametrically through the fret 32'.
[0057] Without going out of scope of the invention, it is possible to consider making fret 32' in the same way as fret 31', so that the fret piece would then form two insertion housings.
[0058] The 3' flange piece, with its 31' sliding flange, can be mounted on the B1, B2 fixing rings of the P1, P2 pumps, as shown in the figure 11 The fret 31' will move in its housing 311' according to the spacing of the rings B1, B2, whose center distance depends on the spacing of the necks of the two reservoirs.
[0059] Thanks to the invention, we compensate for the center distance and / or seating defects at the level of the tank necks.
Claims
1. Fluid product dispenser comprising: - at least two reservoirs (R1, R2), each provided with a pump (P1, P2) comprising a valve spindle (P12, P22) that is moveable back and forth along an axis (X), - a common connecting end piece (1) comprising inlet sleeves (11, 12), flexible ducts (15, 16) and an outlet hole (10), the inlet sleeves (11, 12) being mounted on the valve spindles (P12, P22), the inlet sleeves (11, 12) being connected to the outlet hole (10), by the ducts (15, 16), - a common push member (4) comprising a dispensing opening (43) connected to the outlet hole (10), the push member (4) being moveable back and forth along the axis (X), characterised in that the common connecting end piece (1) is formed of two parts (1a, 1b) connected to one another in a leak-tight manner along a bond line that extends perpendicularly to the axis (X).
2. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the common connecting end piece (1) comprises a base part (1a) forming the two inlet sleeves (11, 12) and a cover part (1b) forming the outlet hole (10), the flexible ducts (15, 16) being formed together by the base (1a) and cover (1b) parts.
3. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the base part (1a) forms two chutes (15a, 16) which connect the inlet sleeves (11, 12) at a hole base (10a), the cover part (1b) forms two covers (15b, 16b) which connect the sleeve covers (11b, 12b) to a hole cover (10b), such that once the cover part (1b) sealingly connected to the base part (1a), the sleeves (11, 12) are closed by the sleeve covers (11b, 12b), the outlet hole (10) is closed by the hole cover (10a) and the flexible ducts (15, 16) are formed by the covers (15b, 16b) connected to the chutes (15a, 16a), respectively.
4. Dispenser according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the ducts (15, 16) are substantially rigid but curved, so as to confer a limited deformability.
5. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ducts (15, 16) each have a C-shaped configuration.
6. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the common connecting end piece (1) comprises pins (13, 14) that extend into the axial extension of the inlet sleeves (11, 12) in the direction of the common push member (4), the dispenser further comprising caps (21, 22), which are more or less engaged axially on these pins (13, 14) according to the mutual axial position of the inlet sleeves (11, 12), these caps (21, 22) being disposed at an identical axial position, these caps (21, 22) coming into contact with the common push member (4).
7. Dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the pins (13, 14) and the caps (21, 22) comprise profiles (131, 141, 23) which more or less punch out material according to the more or less large or small axial engagement of each cap (21, 22) on its respective pin (13, 14).
8. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising fixing rings (B1, B2) and blocking hoops (31, 32; 31', 32'), the pumps (P1, P2) being mounted on the reservoirs (R1, R2) by means of fixing rings (B1, B2), which are held in place by the blocking hoops (31, 32; 31', 32') engaged axially around the fixing rings (B1, B2), the blocking hoops (31, 32; 31', 32') being connected together, while being movable against one another, such that the mutual position of the two blocking hoops (31, 32; 31', 32') is adaptable according to the mutual position of the two fixing rings (B1, B2).
9. Dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the blocking hoops (31, 32) are formed of one piece by a hoop part (3), which defines at least one flexible connection (38, 312) between the two blocking hoops (31, 32).
10. Dispenser according to claim 8, wherein a hoop part (3') defines at least one insertion housing (311'), in which a blocking hoop (31') is received slidingly.
11. Dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the insertion housing (311') comprises sliding ridges (313') and the blocking hoop (31') comprises sliding grooves (314') engaging with the sliding ridges (313') to guide the blocking hoop (31') moving away from / closer to the other blocking hoop (32').
12. Dispenser according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the blocking hoop (31') is initially connected to the hoop part (3') by a material bridge (315') to be broken.
13. Dispenser according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein each blocking hoop (31, 32) is provided with an axial guiding socket (33, 34) for the axial guiding of the valve spindles (P12, P22).
Citation Information
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Device for distributing products e.g. scented creams, in glass or plastic bottles, of product storage and distribution assembly, has flexible connection units connecting head circulation channels with push-button circulation channels
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DUO DISTRIBUTOR
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Dispenser device including means that enable two substances to be dispensed in varying proportions
US20040251274A1