Fluid product dispenser

Abstract

Dispenser comprising:a - a reservoir module (R) comprising a case (R1) receiving a fluid cartridge (C) defining a movable wall (C2) biased by a spring (R4) resting on a support (R31),b - a dispensing module (D) comprising an outlet valve (D4) for controlling the passage of the fluid coming under pressure from the fluid cartridge (C),in which the reservoir module (R) is removably connected to the dispensing module (D), characterized in that the support (R31) of the spring (R4) is movable relative to the case (R1) between an active position in which the spring (R4) is compressed and a rest position in which the spring (R4) is relaxed, thus making it possible to connect the reservoir module (R) to the dispensing module (D) with the support (R31) in the rest position, and then to move the support (R31) to the active position. "figure for the abstract: figure 4a"

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising two separable modules, namely: - a reservoir module comprising a case receiving a fluid cartridge defining a movable wall (for example a piston) acted upon by a spring resting on a support, so as to move the movable wall to discharge fluid from the fluid cartridge, and - a distribution module comprising an outlet valve controlled by an actuating member to control the passage of the fluid product coming under pressure from the fluid product cartridge.

[0002] The reservoir module is removably connected to the dispensing module, so that the fluid product cartridge can be extracted from the case, in particular to replace it with a new cartridge. The preferred field of the present invention is that of cosmetics or pharmacy: the dispenser making it possible, for example, to continuously apply a cream or ointment to the skin, a mucous membrane or the hair.

[0003] Replacing the cartridge in this type of dispenser is often a complicated operation, because it is necessary to reconnect the two modules with the spring which presses on the moving wall of the cartridge. This requires dexterity and strength. In addition, the cartridge is generally closed by a seal which is pierced during the assembly of the two modules. Incorrect handling can then lead to a loss of fluid product.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a dispenser in which the assembly of the two modules and the pressurization of the fluid product are consecutive, and not simultaneous: the pressurization being carried out once the assembly of the modules has been completed.

[0005] To achieve this aim, the present invention proposes that the spring support is movable relative to the case between an active position in which the spring is compressed and a rest position in which the spring is relaxed, thus making it possible to connect the reservoir module to the dispensing module with the support in the rest position, and then subsequently to move the support to the active position. Thus, the spring does not act on the cartridge during assembly of the modules: the fluid product stored in the cartridge is at atmospheric pressure. It is only in a second step that the support is returned to its active position, thus compressing or arming the spring which will then again act on the movable wall of the cartridge and put the fluid product it contains under pressure.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the spring may be arranged between a thrust piece and a support piece which are movable by sliding relative to each other as well as relative to the case, the thrust piece forming a thrust head in contact with the movable wall of the fluid cartridge and the support piece forming the support, the spring acting between the thrust head and the support, so as to urge the thrust and support pieces away from each other. In other words, the thrust and support pieces slide into each other by compressing / relaxing the spring. The thrust head and the support are advantageously located at opposite ends of the thrust and support pieces, so that the spring extends over the entire length of the two pieces.

[0007] According to a characteristic of the invention, the support piece can be integral with the case in the active position, the thrust piece, when the outlet valve is opened, being movable relative to the case and the support piece in the active position. In short, only the thrust piece moves in the case to push the movable wall of the cartridge.

[0008] Advantageously, the support piece and the thrust piece are in mutual abutment in the rest position with the spring relaxed, the support piece and the thrust piece in mutual abutment being movable relative to the case in the absence of a cartridge full of fluid product. The spring does not need to be completely relaxed: it is sufficient for it to be in its most relaxed state, preferably close to its completely relaxed state. The spring may slightly stress the two pieces in mutual abutment, or not. When the cartridge has been removed from the case, the assembly formed by the push and support pieces in mutual abutment can slide in the case, at least over a certain stroke.

[0009] According to another characteristic of the invention, the support piece can be removably snapped onto a hooking profile of the case in the active position. Thus, it is sufficient to push the support piece fully into the case to achieve the snap-fastening. According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the push piece comprises a release profile which acts on the support piece to release it from its snap-fastening with the case, when the fluid cartridge is emptied. Preferably, the support piece forms at least one flexible snap-fastening tab provided with a snap-fastening tooth adapted to come into snap-fastened engagement with the hooking profile of the case, the release profile of the push piece deforming the flexible snap-fastening tab so as to disengage the snap-fastening tooth from the hooking profile of the case.Advantageously, the spring forces the thrust and support parts away from each other when the release profile acts on the support part, so that the support part, once released from its latching with the case, is moved by the spring out of the case into the rest position, thus giving the user a visual, audible and / or tactile indication that the fluid cartridge is empty.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the thrust piece may be movable in the case between a full stop position and an empty stop position, corresponding respectively to the full and empty states of the fluid cartridge. Advantageously, the support is in the active position when the pushing piece is moved by the spring from its full stop position to near its empty stop position. Preferably, the support is moved to the rest position when the pushing piece reaches its empty stop position.

[0011] Furthermore, the outlet valve is advantageously urged into a closed state by the fluid product under pressure.

[0012] The invention also defines a method of loading a dispenser as defined above, comprising the following successive steps: a) place the support in the rest position, b) disconnect the reservoir module from the dispensing module, c) insert a fluid cartridge into the case, d) connect the reservoir module to the dispensing module, e) move the support to the active position.

[0013] Steps a) and b) may possibly be reversed: the essential thing being that the connection is made with the support in the rest position.

[0014] Advantageously, the support automatically returns to the rest position when the fluid cartridge is emptied. Step a) is therefore automatic and does not require user intervention. We have seen previously that the pushing part, when it reaches the end of its travel, acts on the support part to release it from its snap-fastening with the case.

[0015] The spirit of the present invention is based on disarming the spring in order to be able to connect the two modules without being hindered by the pressure exerted by the spring. This disarming can result from a user manipulation, but preferably, it is automatically triggered when the cartridge has been emptied of its contents. Thus, the user does not have to worry about disarming the spring and also receives a visual, audible and / or tactile indication that the cartridge is empty. Indeed, the release of the support can of course be seen, since it moves relative to the case, but it can also generate a sound and / or a small shock in the dispenser that the user can feel in his hand.

[0016] The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] In the figures:

[0018] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective and partially transparent view of a fluid product dispenser of the invention in an operating state,

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.l] with the dispenser in a state of rest,

[0020] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3a] is an exploded perspective view of the distribution module of the dis contributor to figures 1 and 2,

[0021] [Fig.3b] [Fig.3b] is an exploded perspective view of the tank module of the distributor of [Fig.l],

[0022] [Fig.3c] [Fig.3c] is an exploded perspective view of the product cartridge fluid from the distributor of figures 1 and 2,

[0023] [Fig.4a] Figures 4a, 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f are longitudinal cross-sectional views tudinal through the reservoir module of the dispenser of the invention under different conditions intended to illustrate the operation of this reservoir module,

[0024] [Fig.4c] cf [Fig.4a]

[0025] [Fig.4d] cf [Fig.4a]

[0026] [Fig.4e] cf [Fig.4a]

[0027] [Fig.4f] cf [Fig.4a]

[0028] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4b] is a greatly enlarged view of a detail of [Fig.4a],

[0029] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the distribution module of the dis contributor to the invention, and

[0030] [Fig.6a] Figures 6a and 6b are longitudinal cross-sectional views at through the distribution module of [Fig.5], respectively in the rest position and in the actuated position.

[0031] [Fig.6b] cf [Fig.6a]

[0032] The fluid product dispenser which has been used to illustrate the present invention is of a particular type, since it is an applicator comprising an application head D7 allowing not only to dispense the fluid product, but also to apply it to the desired target surface, which may be the skin, nails, hair, etc. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular type of dispenser / applicator, but that it applies to any type of dispenser.

[0033] The dispenser of the invention comprises two separate subassemblies that can be removably connected together, namely a reservoir module R and a dispensing module D, which can be assembled and separated by means of a removable or reversible connection, such as a screw connection, a snap-on connection, a bayonet connection, etc. In the dispenser illustrating the invention, the removable connection is a bayonet connection implementing a suitable housing D32 for receiving a lug R13. Thus, by relative rotation between the reservoir module R and the dispensing module D, the lug R13 can be inserted / extracted from the housing D32. Several housings D32 and several lugs R13 can be provided for a balanced connection.

[0034] Generally, the tank module R comprises a case RI intended to removably receive a fluid product cartridge C. To actuate this cartridge C, the reservoir module R comprises a thrust piece R2 which cooperates with a support piece R3. Although not visible in Figures 1 and 2, a spring acts between the thrust piece R2 and the support piece R3. It can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 that the support piece R3 comprises a support R31, as well as flexible snap-on tabs R32. The reservoir module R will be described in more detail below.

[0035] The dispensing module D, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a body D1, at the upper end of which is mounted the application dispensing head D7. At its opposite end, the dispensing module D comprises a base D3 secured to the body D1 and forming the housing D32. The body D1 forms a window in which a pusher D62 is arranged. Optionally, the dispensing module D comprises a removable protective cover D8, which engages with the body D1 or the base D3.

[0036] Referring to [Fig. 3a], all the constituent parts of the dispensing module D can be seen. It should be borne in mind that this is only a non-limiting embodiment. The dispensing module D comprises the body D1, the application dispensing head D7, the base D3, the protective cover D8, as well as a shuttle D2 supporting an outlet valve D4, a spring D5, a flat seal Dr, a toggle lever D61 and a pusher D62 together forming an actuating member D6. The toggle lever D61 can be made in one piece or in two pieces. It can even be made in a single piece with the pusher D62.

[0037] In [Fig. 5], the distribution module D is seen in perspective in the assembled state. We can distinguish the body D1, the application distribution head D7, the pusher D62, the base D3 with its bayonet housing D32, as well as a part of the outlet valve D4.

[0038] The operation of this dispensing module D is better understood from Figures 6a and 6b. The body D1 comprises a side window D16, in which the pusher D62 is housed. The body D1 is crossed by a conduit DU which defines upstream a sliding end piece D12 and comprises downstream a shut-off valve D18. Even further downstream, the body D1 comprises an anchoring housing D17 for an anchor heel D73 forming part of the application dispensing head D7. It can also be noted that the head D7 is crossed by a channel which ends in a dispensing orifice D71 at an application surface D72. It can be said that the sliding end piece D12 is fluidically connected to the dispensing orifice D71 by passing through the valve D18 and the anchor heel D73.

[0039] The base D3 is fixedly mounted on the body D1 as mentioned above: the base D3 forms one or more bayonet housing(s) D32. The base D3 also contains the shuttle D2, which comprises a sliding sleeve D22 engaged sealed and sliding manner on the sliding end piece D12 of the body D1. The shuttle D2 internally defines a passage D21 which communicates with the conduit D1 1. The outlet valve D4 is fixedly mounted on the shuttle D2 and internally defines a valve channel D41, which extends by lateral outlets D42. The outlet valve D4 also comprises a sealing element D43, which may be in the form of an O-ring which comes into sealed contact with the base D3. The sealing element may also be formed on the base D3. The spring D5 bears on the base D3 and urges the shuttle D2 towards the body D1, i.e. in a direction where the sealed sliding fit between the sleeve D22 and the end piece D12 is maximum. This is shown in [Fig.6a], which corresponds to the rest position of the distribution module D. It can be seen that the seal Dr is mounted in the base D3.

[0040] The actuating member D6, which comprises the toggle lever D61 and the pusher D62, acts between the body D1 and the shuttle D2 so as to move the shuttle D2 away from the body D1, so as to detach the sealing element D43 from the base D3. This is shown in [Fig.6b]. To do this, the toggle lever D61 bears on the one hand on the body D1 and on the other hand on the shuttle D2. By lateral pressure on the pusher D62, the toggle lever D61 is deformed, which causes the shuttle D2 to move to the right in Figures 6a and 6b, that is to say away from the body D1. This movement is carried out against the force exerted by the spring D5. Thus, the knee lever D61 constitutes a means of transforming a radial force into an axial force acting between the body D1 and the shuttle D2 to control the opening of the outlet valve D4.

[0041] This design for the distribution module D is advantageous, but not unique: other designs are conceivable, insofar as the distribution module D comprises a controllable outlet valve and can be connected to the reservoir module R in a removable manner.

[0042] [Fig. 3c] shows the fluid product cartridge C. This comprises a barrel C1 in which a piston C2 is engaged, which slides in a sealed manner inside the barrel C1 to reduce its useful volume. Instead of the piston, a flexible bag can also be used. Generally speaking, the cartridge C must comprise a movable wall, whether sliding like the piston C2 or deformable like a bag, in order to define a reservoir of variable volume. The cartridge C filled with fluid product can be closed by a piercable or peelable seal not shown.

[0043] [Fig.3b] shows the constituent elements of the tank module R, namely the case RI, the thrust piece R2, the support piece R3 and the spring R4. It can be seen that the support module R3 comprises the support R31, as well as flexible snap-on tabs R32 at the opposite end. It can be seen that the flexible tabs R32 form ratchet teeth R321 facing inwards. The thrust pieces R2 and support R3 are intended to be assembled so as to contain the spring R4 which bears on the one hand on the support R31 of the support piece 3 and on the other hand pushes the thrust head R20 of the thrust piece R2 against the piston C2 of the fluid cartridge C, thus causing it to slide in a sealed manner inside the barrel C1.

[0044] Reference will now be made to [Fig.4a] which shows the reservoir module R in its operating state, corresponding to [Fig. 1]. On the left part of [Fig.4a], the lower part of the dispensing module D can be seen. The case RI of the reservoir module R is engaged with this dispensing module D, in the aforementioned manner, that is to say by a removable bayonet attachment. We can also notice that the barrel Cl is in watertight engagement with the base D3.Thus, the contents of cartridge C communicate directly with the outlet valve D4. The seal of cartridge C has for example been broken by a suitable profile formed by the base D3.

[0045] According to the invention, the case RI internally forms several profiles R12, which can for example be in the form of bars formed in a single piece with the case RI, but separated from the internal wall of the case RI by an access passage R13. This is more visible in [Fig.4b]. These bars can be rectilinear or curved: their two ends connect to the internal wall of the case RL. These profiles (or bars) R12 are located substantially in the middle of the case RI and are distributed along an annular line. It can be noted that the flexible snap-in tabs R32 of the thrust piece R3 are engaged through the access passages R13 so that their snap-in teeth R321 come into snap-fit ​​engagement with the profiles R12.It can also be noted that the thrust piece R2 forms elastic blades R21 which abut against the profiles R12. It can thus be said that the elastic blades R21 engage with the profiles R12 on the same face of the profiles as the snap teeth R321. In this active position, the spring R4 is maximally compressed inside the assembly formed by the thrust piece R2b and the support piece R3. The spring R4 bears on the support R31 of the support piece R3 and acts directly on the thrust head R20 of the thrust piece R2. The spring R4 is engaged mainly inside the thrust piece R2 which forms a cylinder R25 which ends in a shoulder R22 of increased diameter. The thrust piece R2 also comprises an internal tube R23 which ends in a passage opening R24. The support piece R3 extends around the cylinder R25 from its support 31 to its flexible snap-in tabs R32.Internally, the support piece R3 comprises a rod R33 engaged inside the tube R23 through the passage opening R24. This rod R33 ends with one or more hooking profile(s) R34, which allow the insertion of the rod R33 into the tube R23, but which prevent its extraction by abutment of the hooking profiles R34 on the edge of the passage opening. R24, as will be seen below. Other ways of joining the rod R3 and the tube R23 are also possible.

[0046] Thus, in this active position, the support piece R3 is retained in the case RI by the passage of the flexible tabs R32 through the access passages R13 and their snap-fastening onto the profiles (bars) R12: the support 31 practically abutting against the end of the case RI. It can be said that the support R31 is fixed relative to the case RI in this active position. The spring R4, which is compressed to the maximum, therefore acts between the support R31 and the thrust head R20 of the thrust piece R2, which is in direct contact with the piston C2 of the cartridge C. The fluid product contained in the cartridge C is thus under pressure. However, it cannot escape, because the outlet valve D4 is closed.

[0047] By pressing the pusher D62, the outlet valve D4 opens and the fluid product under pressure in the cartridge C is forced through the distribution module D to its distribution orifice D71. The distribution of fluid product is accompanied by a movement of the piston C2 under the action of the thrust head R20, which is biased by the spring R4 which rests on the fixed support R31 of the support piece R3. The thrust piece R2 moves inside the barrel C1, with the exception of its shoulder R22 which slides inside the support piece R3. The movement of the shoulder R22 in the support piece R3 can be carried out by sliding with or without contact. It can be seen in [Fig.4c] that the shoulder R22 approaches the flexible snap-on tabs R32, which are engaged with the profiles R12. The R33 rod is extended from the R23 tube, but the R34 hanging profiles are located inside the R23 tube.Cartridge C is almost empty, since piston C2 arrives close to outlet valve D4.

[0048] In [Fig.4d], the cartridge C is now empty: the piston C2 is close to the outlet valve D4. It should be noted in particular that the shoulder R22 of the thrust piece R2 is now located at the level of the flexible snap-on tabs R32, which are urged outwards by the shoulder R22, so as to disengage from their snap-on with the profiles R12 of the case RL. The shoulder R22 is then in abutment against the profiles R12, marking the end of travel of the thrust piece R2, and therefore of the piston C2. Under the effect of the spring R4, the support piece R3 has been moved to the right, leading to the displacement or extraction of the flexible snap-on tabs R32 from the access passages R13 and to the movement of the support 31 away from the end of the case RL. The spring R4 is then in its rest position, relaxed or almost relaxed. This rest position is fixed by the support of the hooking profiles R34 against the edge of the passage opening R24.

[0049] From then on, the assembly constituted by the thrust piece R2 and the support piece R3 is free to slide inside the case RL. This assembly can therefore be moved. unit in the position of [Fig.4e], where we notice that the distribution module D has been removed from the case RI and that the empty cartridge C has been extracted from the same case RI. In this open rest position, the elastic blades R21 have been able to relax out of the cartridge C to come into abutment against one face of the profiles R12. Of course, the hooking profiles R34 are still in abutment against the edge of the passage opening R24. The spring R4 is relaxed or almost relaxed. In any case, it is in its most relaxed state.

[0050] It is then understood that it is easy to introduce a new filled cartridge C inside the case RI, until its piston C2 comes into abutment against the thrust head R20 of the thrust head R2. The distribution module D can then be put back in place on the reservoir module R. Advantageously, the base D3 can form a drilling profile to pierce or cut the cover which seals the cartridge C. We are then in the configuration shown in [Fig.4f]. It should be noted that the thrust head R20 does not stress the piston C2, given that the spring R4 is relaxed. To arm the distributor again, it is sufficient to push with a finger on the support R31 so as to slide the support piece R3 inside the case RI around the thrust piece R2. The sliding of the support piece R3 has the effect of compressing the spring R4 and of urging the thrust head R20 against the piston C2.The support piece R3 reaches its active final position when the flexible snap-in tabs R32 return to their snap-in position on the profiles R12, after passing through the access openings R13. This active final position is that of [Fig.4a], where we see that the support R31 is again in abutment, (or almost) against the end of the case RL.

[0051] Through this complete description of an operating cycle of the dispenser, it can be seen that the movement of the support R31 relative to the case RI makes it possible to release the pressure exerted by the spring R4, which allows the insertion of a new cartridge C into the case RI without undergoing the thrust of the thrust head R20. In other words, the present invention makes it possible to disarm the spring R4 by moving its support R31. Once the cartridge is inserted into the case RI and the dispensing module D is reconnected to the reservoir module R, the spring R4 can again be armed by moving and locking the support R31 in its active starting position.

[0052] It should also be noted that the disarming of the spring R4 occurs automatically when the cartridge C is emptied of its contents, so that the user does not need to act or manipulate the dispenser to disarm the spring R4. Indeed, it is the thrust piece R2 which acts on the support piece R3 at the end of its stroke to release the thrust piece R3 from its grip on the case RL. This is a particularly advantageous characteristic in terms of gestures.

[0053] The R12 profiles or bars of the RI case fulfill several functions, namely snap-in edge for R32 flexible legs and stop surface for R21 elastic blades and R22 shoulder.

[0054] The shoulder R22 allowing the flexible snap-on tabs of the profiles R12 to be released fulfill a release function and can therefore be described as release profiles.

[0055] The thrust piece R2 is captive in the case RI, while sliding between two extreme stops, namely a full stop, in which the elastic blades R21 are in abutment against the profiles R12, corresponding to a full state of the cartridge C and an empty stop, in which the shoulder R22 is in abutment against the profiles R12, corresponding to an empty state of the cartridge C. The support R3 is in the active position when the thrust piece R2 is moved by the spring R4 from its full stop to near its empty stop. The support R31 is moved to the rest position when the thrust piece R2 reaches its empty stop.

[0056] The dispenser of the invention makes it possible to define a loading method comprising the following successive steps: a) place the R31 support in the rest position, b) disconnect the reservoir module R from the dispensing module D, c) insert a fluid cartridge C into the case RI, d) connect the reservoir module R to the dispensing module D, e) move the support R31 to the active position.

[0057] Thanks to the shoulder R22, the support piece R3 is released and the support R31 automatically returns to the rest position, as soon as the fluid product cartridge C is emptied.

[0058] Thanks to the invention, a spring-loaded reservoir module is provided in which the replacement of the fluid cartridge is greatly facilitated by the absence of force exerted by the spring when reconnecting the dispensing module.

Claims

Claims

1. Fluid dispenser comprising: a - a reservoir module (R) comprising a case (RI) receiving a fluid cartridge (C) defining a movable wall (C2) biased by a spring (R4) resting on a support (R31), so as to move the movable wall (C2) to discharge fluid from the fluid cartridge (C), b - a dispensing module (D) comprising an outlet valve (D4) controlled by an actuating member (D6) to control the passage of the fluid coming under pressure from the fluid cartridge (C), in which the reservoir module (R) is removably connected to the dispensing module (D), so as to be able to extract the fluid cartridge (C) from the case (RI), characterized in that the support (R31) of the spring (R4) is movable relative to the case (RI) between an active position in which the spring (R4) is compressed and a rest position in which the spring (R4) is relaxed,thus allowing the tank module (R) to be connected to the distribution module (D) with the support (R31) in the rest position, then moving the support (R31) to the active position.,

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, in which the spring (R4) is arranged between a thrust piece (R2) and a support piece (R3) which are movable by sliding relative to each other as well as relative to the case (RI), the thrust piece (R2) forming a thrust head (R20) in contact with the movable wall (C2) of the fluid cartridge (C) and the support piece (R3) forming the support (R31), the spring (R4) acting between the thrust head (R20) and the support (R31), so as to urge the thrust pieces (R2) and support pieces (R3) away from each other.

3. Dispenser according to claim 2, in which the support piece (R3) is integral with the case (RI) in the active position, the thrust piece (R2), when the outlet valve (D4) is opened, being movable relative to the case (RI) and to the support piece (R3) in the active position.

4. Dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, in which the support piece (R3) and the thrust piece (R2) are in mutual abutment in the rest position with the spring (R4) relaxed, the support piece (R3) and the thrust piece (R2) in mutual abutment being movable relative to the case (RI) in the absence of a full cartridge of fluid product (C).

5. Dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the support piece (R3) is removably snapped onto a hooking profile (R12) of the case (RI) in the active position.

6. Dispenser according to claim 5, in which the pushing part (R2) comprises a release profile (R22) which acts on the support part (R3) to release it from its snap-fastening with the case (RI), when the fluid product cartridge (C) is emptied.

7. Dispenser according to claim 6, in which the support piece (R3) forms at least one flexible tab (R32) provided with a snap-fastening tooth (R321) adapted to come into snap-fastened engagement with the hooking profile (R12) of the case (RI), the release profile (R22) of the push piece (R2) deforming the flexible tab (R32) so as to disengage the snap-fastening tooth (R321) from the hooking profile (R12) of the case (RI).

8. A dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the spring (R4) urges the thrust (R2) and support (R3) parts away from each other, when the release profile (R22) acts on the support part (R3), so that the support part (R3), once released from its latching with the case (RI), is moved by the spring (R4) out of the case (RI) into the rest position, thus giving the user a visual, audible and / or tactile indication that the fluid cartridge (C) is empty.

9. Dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 8, in which the pushing part (R2) is movable in the case (RI) between a full stop and an empty stop, corresponding respectively to the full and empty states of the fluid product cartridge (C).

10. Dispenser according to claim 9, in which the support (R3) is in the active position when the thrust piece (R2) is moved by the spring (R4) from its full stop to near its empty stop.

11. Dispenser according to claim 10, in which the support (R31) is moved to the rest position when the pushing piece (R2) reaches its empty stop.

12. A dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet valve (D4) is biased into a closed state by the pressurized fluid product.

13. A method of loading a dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following successive steps: a) place the support (R31) in the rest position, b) disconnect the tank module (R) from the distribution module (D), c) insert a fluid cartridge (C) into the case (RI), d) connect the reservoir module (R) to the dispensing module (D), e) move the support (R31) to the active position.

14. Loading method according to claim 13, in which the support (R31) automatically returns to the rest position when the fluid product cartridge (C) is emptied. * * *

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