Interface for filling a bottle with liquid and system comprising such an interface

Abstract

Liquid filling interface (10), comprising: -an actuator comprising an axial piston (34) having a body (36) and a head (38) having an elastically deformable portion (38a) and comprising: a liquid circuit (46) having an inlet (O1) adjacent to the head (38) and an outlet (O2) opposite the head (38), and a separate air circuit having an inlet (O3) disposed between the inlet (O1) and the outlet (O2) and an outlet (O4) adjacent to the head (38), -a rigid barrel (20) in which the piston (34) slides axially between: a position where the head (38) cooperates with an internal surface of the barrel (20) to make a tight contact with the portion (38a), and a position where the head (38) is away from this surface to create a free space communicating with the inlet (O1) and the outlet (O4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid refilling, or filling, of a refillable bottle from a source bottle called a refill. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filling interface for a liquid refilling system for a refillable bottle from a refill via such a filling interface. Previous technique

[0002] French patent EP 2 336 079 B1 describes an interface for filling a bottle with liquid from a liquid reservoir located above the interface. The interface comprises an axially movable plunger with a double cylindrical conduit, one for liquid flow and the other, adjacent, for air intake. The double conduit has, at its lower end, an air inlet and a liquid outlet, and at its upper end, a liquid inlet and an air outlet. The interface also includes a valve in the form of a metal ball held elastically, by means of a metal spring, against a valve seat, which, in this position, closes the liquid inlet and the air outlet, thus preventing liquid from flowing from the upper liquid reservoir.When the pusher is pressed upwards, it lifts the ball vertically out of its seat, allowing the liquid from the liquid reservoir to flow into the liquid channel and then into the bottle to be filled below, while the air rises, in the opposite direction to the liquid, through the adjacent air return channel.

[0003] Although this technology is satisfactory, there is a need for a filling interface with a simplified design. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention thus relates to a liquid filling interface for a first bottle intended to be placed below the filling interface from a second bottle intended to be placed above the filling interface, characterized in that the filling interface comprises: an actuator comprising an axial piston having a body surmounted axially by a head, the piston head comprising an external peripheral portion elastically deformable, the piston body comprising two separate circuits arranged axially: a first liquid flow circuit having a liquid inlet adjacent to the piston head (in particular in the upper part of the actuator) and a liquid outlet disposed at an end of the actuator which is opposite the piston head in an axial arrangement (in particular in the lower part of the actuator), and a second air intake circuit separate from the first circuit and having an air inlet disposed, in an axial arrangement, between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet and an air outlet adjacent to the piston head,a rigid axial barrel in which the axial piston is able to slide axially between two axial positions: a first position in which the piston head cooperates with an internal surface of the axial barrel to achieve a tight seal between the elastically deformable outer peripheral portion of the piston head and the internal surface of the axial barrel, and a second position in which the piston head is moved away from the internal surface of the axial barrel so as to provide a free space between the piston head and the axial barrel that communicates with the liquid inlet and the air outlet.

[0005] The aforementioned filling interface allows for the simple and efficient transfer of liquid from the second (source) bottle to the first bottle, which is then filled with the liquid from the second bottle. The elastically deformable outer peripheral portion of the piston head, bearing against the inner surface of the rigid axial barrel, creates a sealed cylindrical seal between these two elements. This elastically deformable outer peripheral portion of the piston head is configured to press against the inner surface of the rigid axial barrel, thus ensuring an effective seal, when the pressure of the liquid above the interface (liquid from the second bottle or source bottle) is exerted on this elastically deformable outer peripheral portion, forcing it against the surface with a force directed transversely away from the piston head.This pressure can be simply the pressure resulting from the weight of the liquid above, or it can result from a pressure increase due to a rise in temperature and expansion of the liquid, for example, in the case of an alcohol (e.g., perfume) expanding due to an increase in ambient temperature, or even as a result of negative pressure outside the bottle. Furthermore, the main components of the interface are fewer in number than in the aforementioned prior art, thus offering a gain in simplicity. Moreover, the reduced number of parts reduces... de facto The number of different materials used in its manufacture is a factor. In particular, the interface does not contain both metal and plastic parts. It should be noted that the piston axis, and therefore the actuator axis, is generally vertical when the interface is positioned vertically and the system that includes it (as well as the first and second bottles) is also vertical, for example, resting on a horizontal support such as a table. However, this axis (and therefore the actuator and thus the interface) is not necessarily vertical, as the interface can function even if the axis is inclined at an angle to the vertical, as long as the liquid can flow through the interface. For example, an inclination of 45°, or even 30°, from the vertical allows the interface to function and thus fill a bottle located below the interface from a bottle located above.

[0006] Depending on other possible characteristics: The piston head is a separate component attached to the piston body; this arrangement allows for a piston head manufactured separately, possibly in a different material than the piston body, which offers a wider choice of materials, particularly for the elastically deformable outer peripheral portion, the material of which must ensure an effective seal with the cylindrical inner surface of the axial barrel, while the material used for the piston body must generate as little friction as possible with the inner surface of the barrel; this allows for better separation of the functions of the different parts; it also allows for special treatment of the piston head without impacting the entire actuator design; the piston head is axially surmounted by a rib;Such a rib can be used to assemble the piston head with the piston body, thus facilitating the operation of mounting the head onto the body; the piston head and the piston body form a single piece; this arrangement reduces the number of parts and thus facilitates the assembly of the constituent parts of the interface; the external peripheral portion elastically deformable from the piston head takes the form of a peripheral lip which extends axially; such a lip generally has the shape of an annular ring which extends axially and is of a relatively thin thickness compared to the thickness of the rest of the piston head in order to give the lip the necessary flexibility to bear against the internal surface of the axial barrel and make a tight cylindrical support and also to be able to slide axially against this surface;One or more passages are provided between the external axial wall of the piston body and the axial barrel and are positioned axially such that, in the first position of the axial piston, this or these passages are configured to connect the space external to the axial barrel and the space internal to the first liquid flow circuit and the second air intake circuit (air intake effect); this arrangement allows the liquid remaining in the liquid conduit after closing the interface (piston in the first axial position) to flow by gravity and thus empty the conduit; this arrangement can be made in the form of external recesses made in the thickness of the piston body wall; the liquid inlet has a larger cross-sectional area than the air outlet cross-sectional area, which promotes the passage of liquid through the liquid inlet;The air outlet is axially offset away from the piston head relative to the axial position of the liquid inlet; this arrangement is designed so that, when the axial piston moves from the first position to the second position, the free space between the piston head and the axial barrel communicates with the liquid inlet before communicating with the air outlet; this feature also helps to direct the liquid flow through the liquid inlet; the filling interface includes one or more elastic elements configured to exert a restoring force on the actuator to return the axial piston to its first position; however, an alternative arrangement without elastic element(s) may be considered;the filling interface comprises a first part surrounding the axial barrel and a second part surrounding the axial piston, the elastic element(s) being arranged between the first part and the second part, which allows an axial elastic force to be exerted on the moving part of the assembly, for example the second part surrounding the axial piston;The filling interface comprises a rigid axial wall or rigid axial wall elements extending from the first part to the second part, the elastic element(s) taking the form of elastically deformable axial blades, arranged axially opposite the axial wall or axial wall elements and configured to deform in a radial direction as a result, on the one hand, of the axial sliding of the axial piston from the first position to the second position and, on the other hand, of the bearing of the elastically deformable axial blade(s) against the rigid axial wall or rigid axial wall elements; this arrangement allows the interface to perform the elastic return function tending to bring the axial piston back to its first closed position by means integral with the interface, therefore without additional parts; the elastic element(s) take the form of an elastically deformable part;only one or more parts provide(s) the elastic return function; the elastically deformable part forms a bellows spring which extends axially from the first part to the second part; the elastically deformable part is separate from the first and second parts and is therefore additional; the elastically deformable part is integral with one of the two parts; this arrangement simplifies the assembly of the parts constituting the interface;the filling interface comprises a first part surrounding the axial barrel and a second part surrounding the axial piston, the two parts being linked so as to be able to move axially relative to each other under the action of an external axial force on either of the two parts, the filling interface being devoid of elastic element(s) between the first part and the second part, the second part being provided with means for fixing the filling interface to a first bottle intended to be placed below the filling interface;It should be noted that the two parts cooperate with each other via complementary mechanical elements which are arranged in a staggered axial manner to constitute two different axial levels or positions, one allowing the filling interface to be fixed to the first bottle and the other allowing the interface to then be opened, i.e. the passage of the axial piston from its first to its second axial position; the filling interface includes means for fixing the filling interface to a second bottle intended to be placed above the filling interface; the filling interface includes indirect means of connection between the axial barrel and the actuator; such means ensure, for example, a connection between a first part surrounding the axial barrel (e.g., first ring) and a second part surrounding the axial piston (e.g., second ring), without there necessarily being any elastic element(s) between these two parts.

[0007] The invention also relates to a liquid refilling system, comprising: a first bottle to be filled, a second bottle containing liquid and which is placed above the first bottle, the system comprising a filling interface as briefly described above and which is placed between the first bottle to be filled placed below and the second bottle containing liquid placed above the filling interface.

[0008] The system has the same features and advantages as the previously described filling interface, and therefore they will not be repeated here. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, on which: [ Fig. 1A ] There figure 1A is a schematic general view of a liquid filling system in axial section, in the closed position, according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 1B ] There figure 1B is a schematic overview of the liquid filling system of the figure 1A , in the open filling position; [ Fig. 1C ] There figure 1C is a schematic overview in perspective showing the interior of the interface of figures 1A And 1B ; Fig. 1D ] There figure 1D is an enlarged schematic view of part of the interface of the figures 1A And 1B showing the piston head cooperating with the cylindrical barrel; Fig. 1E ] There figure 1E is a schematic view showing in perspective the interior of the second part of the interface of the figures 1A And 1B ; Fig. 1F ] There figure 1F is another schematic view analogous to that of the figure 1E ; Fig. 1G ] There figure 1G is a schematic view analogous to that of the figure 1D and showing an alternative implementation; Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic general view of a liquid filling system according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3A ] There figure 3A is a schematic general view of a liquid filling system according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3B ] There figure 3B is an axial cross-sectional view of the bellows spring of the figure 3A ; Fig. 4A ] There figure 4A is a schematic general view of a liquid filling system according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 4B ] There figure 4B is an axial cross-sectional view of the bellows spring of the figure 4A ; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a schematic overview of a variant implementation of the system of figures 1A And 1B ; Fig. 6A ] There figure 6A is a schematic general view of a liquid filling system according to another embodiment of the invention in a standby position; [ Fig. 6B ] There figure 6B is a schematic overview of the system of the figure 6A in a hooked position; [ Fig. 6C ] There figure 6C is a schematic overview of the system of the figure 6A in an open interface position. Description of the implementation methods

[0010] The invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings relates in particular to a liquid filling interface for a bottle or container from another bottle or container (source or refill) and a filling system incorporating such an interface as well as the two bottles or containers. Generally, the bottle to be filled or refilled has already been used to dispense a liquid such as a fragrance (perfume) or another liquid that has been consumed, and this bottle must therefore be refilled to the extent that it is empty or nearly empty.

[0011] THE figures 1A And 1B illustrate an example of a possible embodiment of a filling system S according to an embodiment of the invention. The system S comprises a filling interface 10 disposed between an upper bottle R1 forming a liquid source and a lower bottle R2 to be filled. On the figure 1A The lower bottle R2 is not shown for the sake of simplicity. The upper bottle R1, partially shown in the figures, is positioned upside down with its opening facing downwards. Note that this bottle may be equipped with a device to close the opening or a removable pump which, for filling purposes, has been removed. Furthermore, the lower bottle R2, partially shown in the figure 1B It generally includes a liquid dispensing pump which, here, has been removed to allow filling of this bottle with the filling interface 10.

[0012] In this embodiment, the filling interface 10 mainly comprises two parts movable relative to each other along an axial or longitudinal direction corresponding here to the vertical direction Z along which the system is arranged, in particular on a flat support not shown in the figures.

[0013] The interface 10 comprises a first part forming a double annular ring 12, which includes a first inner annular ring 14 and a second outer annular ring 16 arranged concentrically with respect to the first ring. This second outer ring 16 forms the external casing of the filling interface, which the user can grasp manually. The first inner ring 14 extends axially (vertically) from an outer periphery of a transverse plate 18 (horizontally) forming a base. The transverse plate 18 is configured to incorporate, in its central part, an axial piece that passes through it and forms a rigid hollow axial shaft 20 (for example, cylindrical in shape as shown in the figures) extending axially on either side of this plate. An upper part of this shaft extends above the plate, while a lower part extends below it.A rigid axial wall 22 or rigid axial wall elements extend axially from the lower face of this plate 18 downwards, in the opposite direction to the axial extension of the inner ring 14. This axial wall 22 is positioned in a transverse position between the cylindrical barrel 20 which it surrounds and the inner ring 14. A sealing piece, for example annular, such as an annular seal 24, is positioned between the upper face of the plate 18 and the edge of the neck of the bottle R1.

[0014] The first internal annular ring 14 has means for attaching it to the neck of the bottle R1. In this example, the neck has a first thread F1 on its external surface, and the first ring 14 has a second thread F2 on its internal surface, allowing the first ring to be screwed onto the neck of the bottle R1. Other alternative attachment methods are possible.

[0015] It should be noted that the axial cylindrical shaft 20 is an integral part of the plate 18 forming the base and in particular of the internal annular ring 14.

[0016] The interface 10 also includes a second part 30 which is axially movable relative to the first part 12 and which mainly forms an actuator allowing the filling interface 10 to be opened or closed according to the axial position of this actuator.

[0017] More specifically, the second part 30 comprises an external annular ring 32 extending axially between the first internal annular ring 14 and the second external annular ring 16, and having on its external peripheral surface ratcheting members e1, e2 for cooperating with one or more axial stop members b1, b2 arranged on the internal peripheral surface of the second external ring 16. The stop members b1, b2 are arranged, for example, diametrically opposite each other (see in particular the perspective view of the figure 2 The locking elements are, for example, arranged at several dimensions or axial positions to vary the axial position of the second part 30 relative to the first part 12. The locking elements e1 and e2 are, for example, each made in the form of a peripheral flange. The mechanical means described above allow the two parts 12 and 30 of the filling interface to be temporarily linked together. Other alternative means, not shown, are of course conceivable.

[0018] The second part 30 also generally comprises an axial piston 34 including a piston body 36 which is axially surmounted by a piston head 38. The piston body 36 is inserted axially inside the rigid cylindrical barrel 20 and can slide axially within it under the effect of an external action, as will be seen later, in order to adopt one or the other of the positions shown in the figures 1A And1B .

[0019] The axial piston 34 is centrally mounted in a wall 40 of the second part 30, which extends transversely around the axial piston until it connects to the outer ring 32. In a peripheral area near the ring 32, the wall 40 has a downward-sloping notch 42 forming an annular groove. This arrangement allows it to accommodate flat bottles and bottles with a neck diameter greater than the diameter of the outer ring 16. However, this arrangement can be omitted, and the transverse wall 40 can thus extend transversely (horizontally) to the outer ring 32, like the walls 40' and 40" of the other versions. figures 3A And 4A . It should be noted in this regard that such a transverse wall extended transversely (horizontally) up to the outer ring 32 can be used in all the modes and variants described in this document.

[0020] In this embodiment, several axial elastic elements 44 extend axially from the upper face of the transverse wall 40, being distributed around the axial piston 36 and substantially in alignment with the rigid axial wall elements or rigid axial wall elements 22 attached to the upper plate 18. In this example of an embodiment, the axial elastic elements 44 form, for example, portions of a cylinder.

[0021] More specifically, as depicted on the figure 1A The axial piston body 36 comprises a double conduit divided into two parallel conduits 46, 48, separated from each other by a central axial wall 50. The double conduit has a substantially cylindrical outer wall 52 which defines the outer shell of the piston body 36. The central axial wall 50 extends axially beyond the two axial conduits (at a dimension greater than that of the two conduits) and terminates in an axial end end 50a which is capped by the piston head 38. In this embodiment, the piston head 38 is an added part which is mounted directly onto the axial end end 50a of the piston body, for example by press fitting.

[0022] The first conduit 46 includes, at an upper end, which is adjacent to the piston head 38, an opening O1 forming a liquid inlet and, at a lower end opposite the piston head 38, an opening O2 forming a liquid outlet which is located at a lower elevation than the elevation at which the piston head is located.

[0023] The second conduit 48 comprises, at a lower end opposite the piston head 38, an opening O3 forming an air inlet and, at an opposite upper end, located adjacent to the piston head 38, an opening O4 forming an air outlet. The air inlet opening O3 is located at a height between the height of the liquid inlet O1 and the height of the liquid outlet O2.

[0024] The two adjacent conduits 46 and 48, physically separated from each other, form between the two bottles, respectively, a first axial liquid flow circuit and a second axial air recovery circuit separate from the first circuit, the liquid flow occurring from top to bottom while the air recovery occurs from bottom to top.

[0025] As shown in the figures, the piston head 38 comprises an elastically deformable outer peripheral portion 38a which is configured to come into contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical barrel 20 in the closed position of the figure 1A .

[0026] More specifically, this portion 38a takes the form of a flexible peripheral lip which extends axially upwards (away from the piston body).

[0027] The piston head 38 has the general shape of a cap or hat and comprises a hollow body 38b of substantially cylindrical shape which is open at a lower end to engage the axial terminal end 50a of the piston body 36 and which is closed at an opposite upper end by a wall forming a bottom 38b1 ( figure 1C And 1D The hollow body 38b has on its substantially cylindrical inner face a groove 38b2 or one or more recesses to receive respectively an annular ridge 50a1 or several projecting elements arranged on an outer surface of the axial end 50a. This arrangement allows the piston head 38 to be held firmly in an axial position on the end of the piston body. Other alternative arrangements are of course possible.

[0028] As depicted on the figures 1A à 1D The hollow body 38b has at its lower end a collar 38b3 which extends transversely, and the flexible peripheral lip 38a extends axially upwards towards the bottom 38b1 from an outer periphery of the collar. The portion forming the lip 38a has a reduced thickness compared to that of the collar 38b3.

[0029] It should also be noted that in this embodiment the piston head 38 is surmounted, at its upper end, by a rib or tongue 38b4 extending axially away from the bottom wall 38b and which facilitates the gripping of the piston head for its assembly on the terminal end 50a of the piston body.

[0030] As depicted on the figures 1A-B And 1EOne or more venting passages are provided between the double cylindrical conduit 52 (outer wall of the piston body) and the axial cylindrical barrel 20 to allow the conduits to be emptied at the end of the interface's use (after filling the lower bottle to be refilled). This venting is therefore dependent on the axial position of the axial piston 34.

[0031] More specifically, in this embodiment, several passages are provided between the external axial wall 52 of the piston body and the cylindrical shaft 20. These passages are positioned axially such that, in the first position of the axial piston 34 shown in figures 1A And 1EThey are configured to connect the space external to the cylindrical drum 20 and the space internal to the first liquid flow circuit 46 and the second air intake circuit 48. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the external axial wall 52 has two diametrically opposed recesses or grooves 52a and 52b (on the figure 1E (The recess 52a is visible) are made in the thickness of the wall 52 and thus create an opening and an associated passage between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical barrel 20 when the axial piston is in its lowest position ( figures 1A And 1D ) and that the lower part of the recesses protrudes from the cylindrical shaft 20.

[0032] The position of the fill interface illustrated in figures 1A And 1DThis corresponds to a closed position of the mechanism (the axial piston 34 is in a first position) in which the liquid in the upper bottle R1 cannot flow through the filling interface. More specifically, in this position, the valve head 38 cooperates, via its elastically deformable outer peripheral lip 38a, with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical barrel 20, creating a tight cylindrical seal between the two contact elements. The flexibility of the elastic lip (due to its thinness) allows it to deform under the pressure of the liquid in the upper bottle and be pushed by this pressure against the inner cylindrical surface of the barrel, thus pressing it against the latter and ensuring the desired seal. This position blocks the passage of liquid from the source bottle R1 to the refill bottle R2. figure 1B , through the filling interface, and also blocks air from entering the source bottle.

[0033] It should be noted that the geometry of the elastically deformable outer peripheral portion, shaped like thin lips, allows for a deformation that generates mechanical interference between the outer diameter of this lip and the inner diameter of the cylindrical barrel 20. This interference between the two parts ensures the desired seal. This interference is further accentuated by the liquid pressure, which pushes the lip against the inner cylindrical surface of the barrel. The outer diameter of the lip is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical barrel to achieve this interference; for example, the outer diameter of the lip is 0.1 to 0.2 mm larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical barrel.

[0034] Furthermore, the flexibility achieved thanks to the thinness of the lip, relative to the remaining part of the piston head, also reduces friction between the two parts during the axial sliding of the axial piston 34. This friction is preferably as low as possible to ensure proper operation of the mechanism. Indeed, the elastic elements are configured to exert a restoring force on the actuator in order to return the piston to its initial position (position of the figures 1A And 1D ) do not produce the same restoring force as a conventional steel spring and it is therefore desirable not to add any additional force to compensate for, such as by having high mechanical friction between the two parts above.

[0035] The position of the fill interface illustrated in the figure 1B corresponds to an open position of the mechanism (the axial piston 34 is in a second position) in which the liquid present in the upper bottle R1 can flow by gravity through the filling interface 10.

[0036] More specifically, this position is achieved by resting the second part 30 of the interface, in particular its transverse wall 40, against the upper edge of the bottle to be filled R2. This has the effect of elastically deforming the axial blades 44 in a radially inward direction, towards the cylindrical barrel 20, when these blades are pushed axially against the rigid axial wall or the rigid axial wall elements 22 opposite. It should be noted that to facilitate the deformation of the blades 44, the free end of the rigid axial wall 22 or the rigid axial wall elements 22 is chamfered inwards (towards the axial barrel 20). Other configurations are of course possible to promote the elastic deformation of the blades 44 or, more generally, of elastic elements. In the position of the figure 1B , an axial stop is obtained between the two parts 12 and 30 of the interface when the free ends of the rigid axial wall 22 or of the rigid axial wall elements 22 come into contact with the upper face of the transverse wall 40.

[0037] The elastic deformation of the blades allows the actuator, and more specifically the axial piston 34, to lift axially and thus slide axially inside the cylindrical barrel 20. Therefore, the piston head 38, in the position of the figure 1A , was inside the cylindrical barrel 20 (supporting the internal surface of the latter by means of its external peripheral portion elastically deformable 38a), is now out of the internal space delimited by the cylindrical barrel 20 and in particular is axially moved away from the latter in order to create an axial free space between the piston head and the upper end of the cylindrical barrel.

[0038] As depicted on the figure 1B This axial displacement (axial lift) positions the liquid inlet O1 and the air outlet O4 above the cylindrical barrel and in communication with the interior of the bottle R1, specifically with the liquid it contains. The liquid can then flow through the liquid inlet O1 and the vertical conduit 46, exiting as droplets at the liquid outlet O2 and thus filling the bottle R2. Simultaneously, the air in the bottle R2 enters the vertical conduit 48 through the air inlet O3 and travels up this conduit, exiting through the air outlet O4 into the interior of the bottle R1.

[0039] It should be noted that, to facilitate liquid flow and, in particular, to direct the flow and ensure that, at the start of the liquid transfer, the liquid flows through the liquid conduit and not the air conduit, the liquid inlet O1 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the air outlet O4. This is illustrated in the... figures 1A-B , 1D and on the figure 1F .

[0040] Furthermore, according to a variant shown on the figure 1G The filling interface can be configured to further favor the direction of liquid flow by axially offsetting the air outlet O4' relative to the liquid inlet O1, away from the piston head 38'. This configuration allows the liquid flow to preferentially use the liquid inlet O1 when the axial piston rises and exits the cylindrical barrel 20, provided that the passage section of the liquid inlet O1 is open before the passage section of the air outlet O4'. This arrangement can, for example, take the form illustrated in the figure 1G where the piston head 38' has an axial projecting element 38c' which extends in the opposite direction to the lip 38a' (like a dropped edge) so as to axially reduce the height (axial dimension) of the air outlet O4', while the height of the liquid inlet O1 remains the same.

[0041] When the pressure exerted by the second part 30 of the interface 10, in particular its transverse wall 40, on the upper edge of the bottle to be filled R2 ceases (for example, the user no longer presses on the bottle R1), the assembly formed by the bottle R1 and the filling interface 10 rises axially, and the two parts 12 and 30 of the interface move axially apart from each other under the elastic action of the deformable elastic blades 44, which return to their initial position. figure 1A .

[0042] In the embodiment and variants described above, the valve head 38 is an added component on the piston body 36. This feature allows the valve head to be made of a more flexible plastic material than the plastic material that can be used to make the actuator, and in particular the axial piston. This allows for materials adapted to different functions. For example, the piston head can be made of polyethylene, while the more rigid actuator can be made of polypropylene.

[0043] There figure 2 represents another embodiment of a system S" for filling a lower bottle R2 with liquid from an inverted upper bottle R1 containing liquid, using another filling interface 10".

[0044] The 10" filling interface differs from the filling interface shown in the previous figures by the 38" piston head, which here forms a single piece with the 36" piston body of the 34" axial piston, thus reducing the number of interface components. Elements unchanged from the previous figures retain their original part numbers and will not be described again.

[0045] As depicted on the figure 2 The axial piston 34" is axially surmounted by the piston head 38" which extends transversely from the upper end 50a" of the central wall 50" in the form of a transverse plate 38b". This plate 38b" has, at its outer periphery, a raised peripheral edge which forms an elastically deformable outer peripheral portion 38a", taking, for example, the form of a flexible peripheral lip. The characteristics and advantages described above concerning the elastically deformable portion 38a apply here and will not be repeated.

[0046] In this embodiment, the material constituting the actuator (particularly the axial piston) and the valve head is the same, as they are a single component. The choice of a material providing both flexibility for the elastically deformable lip 38a" and rigidity for the elastic return function of the actuator is more limited than for the embodiment and variants described previously. However, a material such as polypropylene is suitable for fulfilling these two functions.

[0047] THE figures 3A And 3B represent another embodiment of a system for filling a lower bottle R2 with liquid from an inverted upper bottle R1 containing liquid using another filling interface I.

[0048] The filling interface I differs from previous filling interfaces in the structure of the part that provides the elastic return function between the two movable parts 12' and 30' of this interface. Elements unchanged from the previous figures retain the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first upper part 12' and the second lower part 30' are modified on their facing faces to accommodate, in the internal space delimited by these faces, an elastically deformable part which, here, takes the form of a bellows spring 60 represented in isolation on the figure 3B This bellows spring 60 is an added component interposed between the two opposing faces of the aforementioned two parts 12' and 30', specifically their respective transverse walls 18' and 40'. It should be noted that these walls are modified compared to those of the figures 1A And 1B in particular by respectively removing the rigid axial support elements 22 and the axial offset 42. The modification of the transverse wall 40' into a flat lower surface that joins the external annular ring 32' of the second part, forming, for example, a kind of cylindrical pot open at the top. With this arrangement, the wall 40' is positioned axially (when the interface I is in the closed position as on the figure 3A ) at the same dimension as that of the lower edge of the outer annular ring 16 of the first part. This arrangement without any axially projecting element beyond the outer annular ring 16 (unlike the groove 42 of the figure 1A This prevents the interface actuator from being triggered unintentionally, thus avoiding its opening. Furthermore, the flat lower surface of the 40' wall is larger, providing more marking possibilities.

[0050] The bellows spring 60 comprises an accordion-shaped axial body 60a and two opposing axial ends 60b and 60c designed to bear against the inner faces opposite the two transverse walls 18' and 40' of the two parts. The opposing axial ends 60b and 60c may, for example, take the form of flat annular collars to bear against the inner faces of the walls. The use of such a spring, extending axially between the two parts of the filling interface I, simplifies the design of this interface.

[0051] The elastic return function provided by the spring 60 provides less friction than that provided by the elastic elements 44 of the previous modes and variants, or even no friction, which makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the interface.

[0052] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated on the figures 4A And 4B The 60" bellows spring is an integral part of the second part of the filling interface, which acts as the actuator. The two 12" and 30" parts of the interface have been modified compared to the... figure 3A to accommodate this new bellows spring configuration. In particular, the 60" bellows spring is integral with the 40" transverse wall of the second lower 30" section, and the 60a" spring body extends axially from this wall, away from it. The free lower end 60c of the figure 3A is eliminated since the lower end 60c" is now integrated into the wall 40". In a way, the wall 40" acts as the enlarged lower end of the spring. The second part 30" is simplified since it no longer includes the annular ring 3, by means of an external peripheral edge 40a" on an internal annular peripheral edge 16a" of the outer ring 16". The first part 12" is also modified by transverse extension of the transverse wall 18 of the figure 1A until it reaches the outer ring 16: thus, the transverse wall 18" of the figure 4A is transversely attached to the outer ring 16' and the whole forms a sort of H-shaped structure. The other elements of the modes and variants previously described remain substantially the same and will not be described again.

[0053] This configuration simplifies assembly since the 60" bellows spring is now integral to one of the two parts of the filling interface and therefore no longer forms an additional part.

[0054] According to an alternative embodiment shown in the figure 5 , the double conduit of the axial piston 34 of the figures 1A And 1B can be partially reported on the second part of the fill interface.

[0055] More specifically, the data entry interface of the figure 5 differs from that of figures 1A And 1B by separating the double conduit into two axial sections: the first section formed by the parallel duct sections 46.1 and 48.1 and which is integral with the transverse wall 40.1 (modified with respect to wall 40 of the figures 1A And 1B), the second section formed by the parallel conduit sections 46.2 and 48.2 which is arranged in the axial alignment of the first section, with the parallel conduit sections 46.2 and 48.2 in geometric correspondence with the parallel conduit sections 46.1 and 48.1.

[0056] Wall 40.1 is hollowed out in its central part 40.2 (relative to wall 40 of the figure 1A ) so as to create an axial recess into which the second section formed by the parallel duct sections 46.2 and 48.2 is axially engaged (for example, by force). This section is, for example, fixed in a removable manner for possible disassembly. The central part 40.2 is surmounted by the parallel duct sections 46.1 and 48.1, which together form a single piece. The central wall 50 of the figures 1A And 1Bis also separated into two wall sections 50.1 and 50.2. Before the installation of the second separate section (46.2 and 48.2), the lower surface of the wall 40.1 is cleared, in particular in its central part 40.2, which allows for example to carry out more freely specific marking operations on this surface.

[0057] The remaining elements described previously in relation to the previous modes and variants remain unchanged.

[0058] THE figures 6A à 6C illustrate another embodiment in which the filling interface I" does not perform an elastic restoring function of either of the two parts P1 and P2 of the interface relative to the other. The interface is in fact devoid of elastic element(s) between the first part and the second part.

[0059] As in the previous modes and variants, a first part P1 surrounds the cylindrical barrel 20 and a second part P2 surrounds the axial piston 34. The two parts P1 and P2 are linked together in such a way that they can move axially relative to each other under the action of an external axial force on either of the two parts. As shown in the figure 6A The two parts are linked together as on the figure 1A The second part P2 is axially fitted between the two rings 16 and 14 of the first part P1 and is axially retained in position (position of the piston head 38 in contact with the inner surface of the axial barrel 20, i.e., axial piston in the first closed position) by means of the ratcheting members e2 of the outer peripheral surface of the ring 32, which cooperate with one or more axial stop members b1, b2 arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the second outer ring 16. In the position of the figure 6A (and of the figure 1A ), the organs b1, b2 form axial retaining notches of the second part P2 relative to the first part P1.

[0060] Furthermore, the internal peripheral surface of the second outer ring 16 has, at its lower free end, a radially internal projecting element, such as an annular ring j, against which the member e1 of the second part P2 abuts axially. The second part P2 comprises the transverse wall 40‴ analogous to the wall 40 of the figure 1A , with the exception of the blades 44 on its upper face. This wall has, on its lower face facing the bottle to be filled R2, fastening or hooking elements 70 for attaching the filling interface to this bottle. In the present embodiment, the fastening or hooking elements 70 are elastic tabs with internal edges, configured to hook around the neck of the bottle R2. On the figure 6A The legs 70 are free and above the neck of the bottle. The double conduit 46, 48 is introduced through the opening of the neck of bottle R2 into the inside of the bottle.

[0061] The user then lowers the interface assembly I"-bottle R1 (or lifts bottle R2) to snap the tabs 70 onto an external peripheral protruding element (e.g., a boss or rib) of the neck, as illustrated in the figure 6B In this position, the second part P2 remains in the same position relative to the first part P1 because the latching force of the tabs 70 on the neck is less than the axial insertion force required for the latching elements e1 of the first level (e2 being those of the second level) on the outer peripheral surface of the ring 32 to pass over the ring j forming the axial stop. In this position, the interface has been fixed to the bottle R2, but the actuator has not opened the filling interface.

[0062] The user continues lowering the interface assembly I"-bottle R1 (or lifting the bottle R2) to allow the ratcheting elements e1 to pass through the ring j and reach axial contact against the underside of the elements b1, b2. In this position, the piston head 38 is moved away from the barrel as on the figure 1B to allow the flow of liquid and the upward movement of air. Note that the distance between the two components j and b1, b2 determines the axial stroke of the axial piston 34.

[0063] The interface is therefore configured so that there are two levels or clicks of engagement, one (first) to fix the interface to the bottle R2 without opening the interface and the other (second) to open the interface, that is to say to allow the filling of the bottle.

[0064] In the open position of the figure 6C To close the interface, the user lifts the entire bottle R1 - interface assembly to allow the axial stop formed by the ring j to pass through notch e1 and reach the position of the figure 6B In this direction, the upper face of the ring is profiled (like a ramp) to facilitate the passage of this ring through the ratcheting member e1 and the upward axial movement of the first part P1 relative to the second part P2. In this position, the members e2 are axially abutted against the members b1, b2 and the two parts cannot move further apart.

[0065] Next, the user continues lifting the entire R1 bottle-interface assembly, which disengages the 70 tabs from the neck of bottle R2 and returns it to its unfixed (standby) position. figure 6A .

[0066] It should be noted that other alternative arrangements allow the two parts to be linked together and ensure relative axial sliding between them in two steps to, on the one hand, fix the interface to the bottle R2 with the interface in the closed position and, on the other hand, open the interface and vice versa.

[0067] In general, the design of the actuator piston head as an add-on to the piston body or of the actuator piston head integral to the piston body applies to all the modes and variants described above.

Claims

1. Filling interface (10; 10"; I; I'; I") for filling a first bottle (R2) intended to be placed below the filling interface from a second bottle (R1) intended to be placed above the filling interface, characterized in thatThe filling interface comprises: - an actuator comprising an axial piston (34) having a body (36) axially surmounted by a head (38), the piston head comprising an elastically deformable external peripheral portion (38a), the piston body (36) comprising two separate circuits arranged axially: a first liquid flow circuit (46) having a liquid inlet (O1) adjacent to the piston head and a liquid outlet (O2) arranged at one end of the actuator opposite the piston head (38) in an axial arrangement, and a second air intake circuit (48) separate from the first circuit and having an air inlet (O3) arranged, in an axial arrangement, between the liquid inlet (O1) and the liquid outlet (O2) and an air outlet (O4) adjacent to the piston head,- a rigid axial barrel (20) in which the axial piston (34) is able to slide axially between two axial positions: a first position in which the piston head (38) cooperates with an internal surface of the axial barrel (20) to achieve a tight seal between the elastically deformable outer peripheral portion (38a) of the piston head and the internal surface of the axial barrel, and a second position in which the piston head (38) is moved away from the internal surface of the axial barrel (20) so as to provide a free space between the piston head and the axial barrel which communicates with the liquid inlet (O1) and the air outlet (O4).

2. Filling interface according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston head (38) is a part attached to the piston body (36).

3. Filling interface according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the piston head (38) is axially surmounted by a rib (38b4).

4. Filling interface according to claim 1, characterized in that The piston head (38") and the piston body (36") form a single piece.

5. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer peripheral portion elastically deformable of the piston head takes the form of a peripheral lip (38a; 38a') which extends axially.

6. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that One or more passages (52a, 52b) are provided between the external axial wall of the piston body (36) and the axial barrel (20) and are positioned axially in such a way that, in the first position of the axial piston, this or these passages are configured to connect the space external to the axial barrel and the space internal to the first liquid flow circuit and the second air recovery circuit.

7. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid inlet (O1) has a larger passage area than the air outlet passage area (O4).

8. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air outlet (O4) is axially offset away from the piston head (38) relative to the liquid inlet (O1).

9. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes one or more elastic elements (44; 60; 60") which are configured to exert a restoring force on the actuator in order to return the axial piston (34) to its first position.

10. Filling interface according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatIt comprises a first part (12) surrounding the axial barrel (20) and a second part (30) surrounding the axial piston (34), the elastic element(s) (44; 60; 60") being arranged between the first part and the second part.

11. Filling interface according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes an axial wall or rigid axial wall elements (22) extending from the first part (12) to the second part (30), the elastic element(s) taking the form of elastically deformable axial blades (44), arranged axially opposite the axial wall or axial wall elements (22) and configured to deform in a radial direction as a result of the axial sliding of the axial piston from the first position to the second position and the bearing of the elastically deformable axial blade(s) (44) against the axial wall or rigid axial wall elements.

12. Filling interface according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the elastic organ(s) take the form of an elastically deformable piece (60; 60").

13. Filling interface according to claims 10 and 12, characterized in that the elastically deformable part forms a bellows spring (60; 60") which extends axially from the first part to the second part.

14. Filling interface according to claim 10 and claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the elastically deformable part (60) is separated from the first and second parts.

15. Filling interface according to claim 10 and claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the elastically deformable part (60") is attached to one of the two parts.

16. Filling interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatIt comprises a first part (P1) surrounding the axial barrel (20) and a second part (P2) surrounding the axial piston (34), the two parts being linked so as to be able to move axially relative to each other under the action of an external axial force on either of the two parts, the filling interface being devoid of elastic element(s) between the first part and the second part, the second part (P2) being provided with means for fixing (70) the filling interface (I") to a first bottle (R2) intended to be placed below the filling interface.

17. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes means for attaching the filling interface to a second bottle intended to be placed above the filling interface.

18. Filling interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatIt includes indirect means of connection between the axial shaft and the actuator.

19. Liquid refilling system (S), comprising: - a first refillable bottle (R2), - a second bottle (R1) containing liquid and disposed above the first bottle, the system comprising a refilling interface (10; 10"; I; I'; I") according to any one of the preceding claims and disposed between the first refillable bottle (R2) placed below and the second bottle (R1) containing liquid placed above the refilling interface.

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