Dual dispenser

Abstract

Dual dispenser comprising two pumps (P1, P2), namely: - a first pump (P1) provided with a first actuating rod (P11) movable axially over a first maximum travel, and - a second pump (P2) provided with a second actuating rod (P21) movable axially over a second maximum travel, the dispenser comprising an axially movable common pushbutton (B) acting axially and directly on the first actuating rod (P11) in order to drive it over its first maximum travel, characterized in that: - the first maximum travel is greater than the second maximum travel, and - the dispenser further comprises reduced-speed transmission means (1) acting between the common pushbutton (B) and the second actuating rod (P21) in order to transmit the axial pushing force of the common pushbutton (B) to the second actuating rod (P21) with a reduced speed of the second actuating rod (P21) with respect to that of the first actuating rod (P11).

Description

[0001] Duo Distributor

[0002] The present invention relates to a duo distributor comprising two pumps, namely a first pump provided with a first actuating rod axially movable over a first maximum stroke, and a second pump provided with a second actuating rod axially movable over a second defined maximum stroke. The distributor also comprises a common axially movable pusher acting axially and directly on the first actuating rod to drive it over its first maximum stroke.

[0003] In the prior art, there already exist dual dispensers with adjustable doses by adjusting the stroke of the actuating rods: by limiting the stroke of the actuating rod, only a partial dose is dispensed. It is thus possible to vary the proportion of the two doses delivered. This is not the objective of the present invention.

[0004] In the prior art, there are also duo distributors, which have different rod strokes, one being greater than the other. A catch or compensation system is then provided for the shorter stroke, which often consists of a sliding or telescopic sealed connection. Both strokes are carried out at the same speed, but with a delay or an early end for the shorter stroke. This is not the objective of the present invention.

[0005] In the prior art, there are also duo distributors, which implement a common pivoting or rotating pusher, such as that of document WO2019208335A1. A requirement of the present invention is that the common pusher only moves axially, without a pivoting or rotating component.

[0006] The main aim of the present invention is to vary in a global reducing tendency the speed of the actuating rod having the shortest stroke compared to the speed of the other actuating rod having a longer stroke, and this with a common pusher with purely axial displacement. The aim is not to reduce one dose compared to the other, nor to make up for a difference in stroke by an initial or final dead stroke, but to actuate the two rods with different speeds.

[0007] To solve this original technical problem, even inventive in itself, the present invention proposes a duo dispenser comprising two pumps, namely:

[0008] - a first pump provided with a first actuating rod axially movable over a first maximum stroke, and

[0009] - a second pump provided with a second actuating rod axially movable over a second maximum stroke, the distributor comprising a common axially movable pusher acting axially and directly on the first actuating rod to drive it over its first maximum stroke, characterized in that:

[0010] - the first maximum stroke is greater than the second maximum stroke, and

[0011] - the distributor further comprises reduced speed transmission means acting between the common pusher and the second actuating rod to transmit the axial thrust force from the common pusher to the second actuating rod with a reduced speed of the second actuating rod relative to that of the first actuating rod.

[0012] These reduced speed transmission means can also be described more simply as a speed reducer for one rod relative to the other. In other words, these reduced speed transmission means allow simultaneous movement of the two actuating rods, but with different non-zero speeds. For example, the rod having a stroke corresponding to half of the other rod will be able to move half as fast as the other over the entire stroke of the two rods.

[0013] The inventiveness of this speed reducer is already to be found in the technical problem, which consists of simultaneously actuating, with a common pusher, two actuating rods having different strokes. It is not a question of actuating the two rods simultaneously with the same speed until the end of the shortest stroke, then completing the longest stroke. This is well explained above.

[0014] Documents US2016 / 361732A1 and JP4686664B2 disclose systems in which the speed of the rod that has finished its stroke is reduced compared to that which continues its stroke, since the speed of the rod that has finished its stroke is zero. This is not within the scope of our invention, since the main claim specifies that the speeds are non-zero.

[0015] Advantageously, the reduced speed transmission means comprise an actuating cam which comes into contact with the second actuating rod to move it over its second maximum stroke, this actuating cam comprising a contact surface which is in dynamic contact with the second actuating rod, this contact surface having a profile which influences the speed of movement of the second actuating rod. An actuating cam with a regular or linear profile will generate a speed V2 of movement of the actuating rod which is proportional to the speed V1 of movement of the other actuating rod. It can then be said that V2 = K x V1, with K being a constant less than 1. Conversely, an actuating cam with an irregular or complex profile will generate a speed V2 of movement of the actuating rod which is not proportional to the speed V1 of movement of the other actuating rod.We can then say that V2 = f(p) x V1 , with p being the slope of the contact surface and with f(p) varying between 0 and 1 . It is not excluded that f(p) is locally constant, that is to say with a regular or linear profile. Many combinations are possible, associating consecutive speed phases which can be proportional and variable. We can for example imagine for V2 four distinct phases, during which V1 is constant: a first phase where V2 = 0, a second phase where V2 = V1 , a third phase where V2 = f(p) x V1 and a fourth phase where V2 = K x V1. The reduced speed transmission means only intervene in this specific case during the second, third and fourth phases, the first phase being a dead stroke for the second actuating rod.It is clear that the reduced speed transmission means do not prohibit their association with dose adjustment or stroke compensation means: it should be noted that the reduced speed transmission means act during the strokes of the two rods, and not before or after.

[0016] Thanks to the reduced speed transmission means, the first and second maximum strokes can be carried out both entirely and simultaneously by axial support on the common pusher. The speeds of the two actuating rods can be proportional and / or variable.

[0017] According to a first embodiment, the reduced speed transmission means comprise a mobile element which rotates around a vertical rotation axis integral with the common pusher.

[0018] Advantageously, the movable element comprises: an axis housing for the vertical rotation axis of the common pusher, a rotation drive member which comes into sliding contact on a fixed curved inclined ramp, and an actuating cam which comes into sliding contact with the second actuating rod.

[0019] Preferably, the actuating cam comprises a contact surface engaging the second actuating rod, this contact surface being at least partially inclined. However, the contact surface may also be partially planar. Planar and inclined profiles may follow one another.

[0020] According to another advantageous aspect of this first embodiment, the mobile element can be produced in a single piece.

[0021] According to another characteristic of this first embodiment, the movable element can be rotated towards a starting position by a return spring, which is advantageously produced in a single piece with the movable element.

[0022] The advantage of this first embodiment lies in the fact that there is only one moving part between the common pusher and the fixed part of the distributor, namely the moving element, which moreover can be in one piece, including with the return spring. It is sufficient to form the common pusher with a vertical axis of rotation, for example in the form of a small pin that points downwards. As for the curved inclined ramp, it can be formed at the fixed part of the distributor in the form of an obliquely truncated cylinder segment. Thus, the moving element is the only part to be manufactured and mounted between the common pusher and the fixed part of the distributor, which makes this first embodiment particularly advantageous.

[0023] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the reduced speed transmission means may comprise two articulated levers which are connected together at a common junction, a first lever being articulated on a bearing or pivot secured to the common pusher and a second lever which is articulated on a fixed bearing or pivot, the common junction being provided with an actuating cam which comes into contact with the second actuating rod.

[0024] Advantageously, the actuating cam may be connected to one of the two levers, preferably in a single-piece manner. The actuating cam may have a regular and / or irregular profile to induce proportional and / or variable speed phases, as mentioned above.

[0025] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the reduced speed transmission means may comprise: a toothed wheel mounted on a fixed horizontal rotation axis, a toothed axial rod secured to the common pusher and engaging with the toothed wheel to drive it in rotation, and an actuating cam secured to the toothed wheel and coming into contact with the second actuating rod.

[0026] Again, the actuating cam may have a regular and / or irregular profile to induce proportional and / or variable speed phases, as mentioned above. The toothed axial rod may be made in a single piece with the common pusher in the form of an elongated lug that points downwards and is provided with teeth on one of its two vertical edges. The fixed part of the distributor may form two bearings for the horizontal rotation axis of the toothed wheel.

[0027] In all three embodiments of the invention, the reduced speed transmission means, although they implement very different components, all interact with the common pusher and the fixed part of the distributor to move an actuating cam which presses on the second actuating rod, while the common pusher presses directly and axially at the same time on the first actuating rod. It must be borne in mind that the reduced speed transmission means only act when the first actuating rod is actuated by the common pusher. The second actuating rod therefore moves simultaneously with the first actuating rod, but with an overall reduced speed, even if the two rods can momentarily move at the same speed over a limited stroke.

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting examples, three embodiments of the invention.

[0029] In the figures:

[0030] Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view of the upper part of a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the rest state,

[0031] Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 with the dispenser in the actuated state,

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 are vertical cross-sectional views of the dispenser of Figure 1 taken along perpendicular planes,

[0033] Figure 5 is a vertically cut-away perspective view of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the resting state,

[0034] Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 of the dispenser in the actuated state, Figure 7 is a cutaway perspective view of the upper part of a dispenser according to a third embodiment of the invention, in the rest state,

[0035] Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 of the dispenser in the actuated state, and

[0036] Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the dispenser of Figure 7.

[0037] In all three embodiments of the invention, the dispenser comprises common or similar constituent elements. First, the dispenser comprises two pumps P1 and P2 which are mounted on respective reservoirs (not shown). The detailed design of the pumps P1 and P2, as well as the reservoirs, is not critical to the present invention. It is simply necessary to know that the pumps P1 and P2 are fixedly mounted on their respective reservoirs and that only their actuating rods P11 and P21 are axially movable back and forth. This is a completely conventional design for a manual pump in the field of cosmetics, pharmacy or perfumery. The actuating rods P11 and P21 are returned to the rest position by return springs, which can be internal, as in pump P1 or external as in pump P2.The tanks, the pumps P1 and P2 and all the elements that allow the pumps to be mounted on the tanks, together constitute a fixed part of the distributor. Only the actuating rods P11 and P21 are movable relative to this fixed part of the distributor.

[0038] According to the invention, the pumps P1 and P2 are different from each other and more particularly the respective maximum axial strokes of the two actuating rods P11 and P21 are different. In the present case, the maximum axial stroke of the actuating rod P11 is greater than that of the actuating rod P21. It is therefore necessary to move the actuating rod P11 over a greater axial distance than the actuating rod P21 to dispense the full dose of fluid product. It should be noted that when different pumps are used in a duo dispenser, the maximum strokes of the two actuating rods of the two pumps are rarely identical. The technical problem underlying the invention is to actuate these two actuating rods P11 and P22 simultaneously, which requires reducing the speed of movement of the shorter actuating rod P21 compared to the longer P11.This technical problem is all the more present since the dispenser of the invention comprises a common pusher which is axially movable along an axis which is parallel to the axes of movement of the two actuating rods P11 and P21. In other words, the common pusher moves purely axially without any rotary or pivoting component. The common pusher B is connected directly and axially to the actuating rod P11 by a connecting sleeve B11. On the other hand, the common pusher B is connected to the actuating rod P21 by a sliding connecting sleeve B21. This implies that the sleeve B21 can slide in a sealed manner inside the actuating rod P21. The connecting sleeve B11 communicates through a conduit B12 to a dispensing orifice B13. Symmetrically, the connecting sleeve B21 communicates through a conduit B22 to another dispensing orifice B23.Without departing from the scope of the invention, the sleeves B11 and B21 could also communicate with a common distribution orifice.

[0039] According to the invention, reduced speed transmission means act between the common pusher and the actuating rod P21 so as to modulate the speed of movement of the actuating rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod P11. Overall, the reduced speed transmission means make it possible to reduce the speed of movement of the actuating rod P21 relative to the other actuating rod P11.

[0040] Reference will now be made more particularly to Figures 1 to 4 to describe the reduced speed transmission means according to the first embodiment of the invention. These reduced speed transmission means comprise a mobile element 1 of relatively complex design. This mobile element 1 firstly comprises a plate 11 which extends substantially horizontally, that is to say perpendicular to the axes of movement of the actuating rods and the common pusher B. This plate 11 rotates around a vertical or axial axis of rotation B12 formed by the common pusher B. To accommodate this axis of rotation B12, the plate 11 forms an axis housing 12. The plate 11 is provided with a return spring 13 which makes it possible to return the plate 11 to a rest position. The return spring 13 acts between the plate 11 and the common pusher B and can advantageously be produced in a single piece with the plate 11.On the other hand, the movable element 1 comprises a rotational drive member 14, which comes into sliding or sliding contact on a curved inclined ramp P14, which is formed by the fixed part of the distributor. The drive member.

[0041] 14 may for example be in the form of a rod which extends downwards from the lower face of the plate 11. The free end of the rod 14 may be inclined to facilitate its sliding on the curved inclined ramp P14. The movable element 1 also comprises an actuating cam 15 which extends laterally from the plate 11. This actuating cam

[0042] 15 comprises a contact surface intended to bear on the actuating rod P21. The actuating cam 15 also comprises an upper bearing surface 153 on which the connecting sleeve B21 bears. More precisely, it can be seen in FIG. 3 that the sleeve B21 ends with a tube B211, which is engaged in sealed sliding in the actuating rod P21. In other words, the actuating cam 15 is sandwiched between the connecting sleeve B21 and the actuating rod P21, extending around the tube B211. It can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 that the contact surface of the cam 15 comprises several segments, in particular a horizontal segment 151 and an inclined segment 152. This is only a non-limiting embodiment: it is of course possible to imagine more segments or, on the contrary, a single segment.

[0043] In Figure 1, just as in Figures 3 and 4, the common pusher B is at rest: the actuating rods P11 and P21 being urged into the rest position by their respective return spring. The movable element 1 is then urged into its rest position by the spring 13. The drive member 14 is located at the top of the curved inclined ramp P14. The horizontal segment 151 is in contact with the actuating rod P21.

[0044] By axially pressing on the common pusher B, the actuating rod P11 will be moved. The same applies to the actuating rod P21, the axial pressing force of which is transmitted by the connecting sleeve B21 and the actuating cam 15, the horizontal segment 151 of which presses directly on the actuating rod P21. However, the axial movement of the pusher B also has the effect of rotating the movable element 1 around the axis B12 under the stress of the actuating cam 14 which slides on the curved inclined ramp P14. As a result, the actuating cam 15 will move horizontally so as to bring its inclined segment 151 into contact with the actuating rod P21. This is shown in Figure 2.Since the segment 152 is inclined, the distance between the connecting sleeve B21 and the actuating rod P21 is gradually reduced, which has the effect of reducing the speed of movement of the displacement rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod P11. In this exemplary embodiment, the inclined segment 152 has a constant slope, so that the speed of movement of the actuating rod P21 is proportional or linear relative to that of the actuating rod P11. It would have been different with an inclined segment having a non-constant slope, for example convex or concave or even wavy.

[0045] In the present case, with an actuating cam 15 having a horizontal segment 151 and a constant inclined segment 152, the actuating rod P21 is moved with two distinct phases, namely an initial phase, during which its speed of movement will be identical to that of the actuating rod P11 (corresponding to the flat segment 151) and a second phase, during which its speed of movement is reduced compared to that of the actuating rod P11, but with a constant ratio (corresponding to the inclined segment 152). It is then easily understood that it is possible to adapt the speed of movement of the actuating rod P21 compared to that of the other actuating rod P11 by acting on the configuration of the contact surface (151, 152) of the actuating cam 15.

[0046] The speed of rotation of the mobile element 1 around the axis B12 can also be modulated by varying the slope of the curved inclined ramp P14 or the upper support surface 153.

[0047] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a duo distributor of the invention is seen incorporating reduced speed transmission means 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The common pusher B' may be similar to the common pusher B of the first embodiment, except that the rotation axis B12 has been replaced here by a first horizontal axis bearing B23. At the fixed part of the distributor, the curved inclined ramp P14 is replaced by a second horizontal axis bearing B24. The two pumps P1 and P2 are identical to those of the first embodiment.

[0048] The reduced speed transmission means 2 of this second embodiment comprise two levers 21 and 22 which are movable relative to each other, while being connected by a common junction 20. The first lever 21 comprises an end 23 which rotates in the axis bearing B23. The second lever 22 comprises an end 24 which rotates in the second axis bearing B24. The second lever 22 is provided with an actuating cam 25 which forms a contact surface 251 which comes into contact with the actuating rod P21, which has a maximum stroke less than that of the other actuating rod P11. The contact surface 251 can be perfectly circular, or on the contrary profiled like that of figures 5 and 6. A circular contact surface will induce a linear displacement of the actuating rod P21 relative to the other rod P11.On the contrary, the profiled contact surface 251 of figures 5 and 6 induces a non-linear or non-proportional displacement relative to the rod P11. Consequently, here again, it is possible to modulate the speed of displacement of the actuating rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod P11, by playing on the shape of the contact surface 251.

[0049] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, another duo distributor of the present invention can be seen incorporating reduced speed transmission means 3 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The pumps may be identical to the first two embodiments of the invention. The common pusher B” may have a similar design, except for the rotation axis B12 or the axis bearing B23 which is here replaced by a toothed axial rod 31 which extends downwards. These transmission means 3 also comprise a toothed wheel 32 which is mounted on a horizontal rotation axis 33 received in a fixed axis bearing P33 formed by the fixed part of the distributor. These transmission means 3 also comprise two actuating cams 35 which engage with the actuating rod P21, and more particularly with a rim P211 of the actuating rod.The toothed rod 31 is in meshing engagement with the toothed wheel 32, so that an axial displacement of the common pusher B” has the effect of rotating the toothed wheel 32 around its axis 33, thus inducing a pivoting displacement of the two actuating cams 35 which act directly on the actuating rod P21. Here again, just as in the first two embodiments of the invention, the contact surface 351 of the two actuating cams 35 can be profiled to modulate the speed of movement of the actuating rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod P11 which is directly acted upon by the common pusher B”.

[0050] In the three embodiments just described, the two actuating rods P11 and P21 can be moved simultaneously over their entire respective stroke, but with different movement speeds. However, it is not excluded that the movement speeds of the two rods may be identical over part of their stroke. But ultimately, it can be said that the movement speed of the actuating rod P21 is reduced compared to that of the other actuating rod P11. The actuation speeds of the two rods can be proportional or linear with regular contact surfaces, or on the contrary non-proportional or decohered with complex contact surfaces.The first embodiment with its movable element 1 has the advantage that there is only one part to add to the duo distributor: the rotation axis B12 and the curved inclined ramp P14 can be produced in a single piece with their respective component.

[0051] Thanks to the invention, we have a duo dispenser with different pumps and a common axial pusher, whose two doses can be distributed simultaneously, despite the difference in stroke of the actuating rods of the two pumps.

Claims

Demands 1. Dual dispenser comprising two pumps (P1, P2), namely: - a first pump (P1) equipped with a first actuating rod (P11) that can be moved axially over a first maximum stroke, and - a second pump (P2) provided with a second actuating rod (P21) that can be moved axially over a second maximum stroke, the distributor comprising a common pusher (B; B'; B") that can be moved axially and acts axially and directly on the first actuating rod (P11) to drive it over its first maximum stroke, characterized in that: - the first maximum stroke is greater than the second maximum stroke, and - the distributor further includes reduced speed transmission means (1; 2; 3) acting between the common pusher (B; B'; B") and the second actuating rod (P21) to transmit the axial thrust force of the common pusher (B; B'; B") to the second actuating rod (P21) with a reduced speed of the second actuating rod (P21) compared to that of the first actuating rod (P11), the speeds of the actuating rods (P11, P21) being different and non-zero.

2. Distributor according to claim 1, wherein the reduced speed transmission means (1; 2; 3) comprise an actuating cam (15; 25; 35) which comes into contact with the second actuating rod (P21) to move it to its second maximum stroke, this actuating cam (15; 25; 35) comprising a contact surface (151, 152; 251; 351) which is in dynamic contact with the second actuating rod (P21), this contact surface (151, 152; 251; 351) having a profile which influences the speed of movement of the second actuating rod (P21).

3. Distributor according to claim 1, wherein the reduced-speed transmission means comprise a movable element (1) which rotates about a vertical axis of rotation (B12) fixed to the common pusher (B), the movable element (1) comprising: - a shaft housing (12) for the vertical rotation shaft (B12) of the common pusher (B), - a rotating drive element (14) which comes into sliding contact with a fixed curved inclined ramp (P14), and - an actuating cam (15) which comes into sliding contact with the second actuating rod (P21).

4. Distributor according to claim 3, wherein the actuating cam (15) comprises a contact surface (151, 152) in contact with the second actuating rod (P21), this contact surface (152) being at least partially inclined.

5. Distributor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the contact surface (151) is partially flat.

6. Distributor according to claim 3, 4 or 5, in which the moving element (1) is made in a single piece.

7. Distributor according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the moving element (1) is forced to rotate towards a starting position by a return spring (13), which is advantageously made as a single unit with the moving element (1).

8. Distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reduced-speed transmission means (2) comprise two articulated levers (21, 22) connected together at a common junction (20), a first lever (21) being articulated on a pivot (B23) integral with the common pushrod (B') and a second lever (22) being articulated on a fixed pivot (P24), the common junction (20) being provided of an actuating cam (25) which comes into contact with the second actuating rod (P21). Distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reduced-speed transmission means (3) comprise: - a toothed wheel (32) mounted on a fixed horizontal axis of rotation (33), - a toothed axial rod (31) integral with the common pusher (B”) and engaging with the toothed wheel (32) to drive it in rotation, and - an actuating cam (35) fixed to the toothed wheel (32) and coming into contact with the second actuating rod (P21). A distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second maximum strokes are performed both entirely and simultaneously by axial pressure on the common pushrod (B; B'; B"). A distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the speed V2 of the second actuating rod (P21) is proportional to the speed V1 of the first actuating rod (P11), such that V2 = K x V1, with K being a constant less than 1. A distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the speed V2 of the second actuating rod (P21) is not proportional to the speed V1 of the first actuating rod (P11), such that V2 = f(x) x V1, with f(x) varying between 0 and 1.

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