Duo Distributor

Abstract

A dual distributor comprising two pumps (P1, P2), namely: - a first pump (P1) provided with a first actuating rod (P11) axially movable over a first maximum stroke, and - a second pump (P2) provided with a second actuating rod (P21) axially movable over a second maximum stroke, the distributor comprising a common plunger (B) axially movable and acting 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) acting between the common pusher (B) and the second actuating rod (P21) to transmit the axial thrust force of the common pusher (B) to the second actuating rod (P21) with a reduced speed of the second actuating rod (P21) relative to that of the first actuating rod (P11). "Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1",

Description

Title of the invention: Duo Dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a dual distributor comprising two pumps, namely a first pump having a first actuating rod that can be moved axially over a first maximum stroke, and a second pump having a second actuating rod that can be moved axially over a second defined maximum stroke. The distributor also includes a common axially movable plunger that acts axially and directly on the first actuating rod to drive it over its first maximum stroke.

[0002] In the prior art, dual dispensers with adjustable doses already exist, achieved by varying the stroke of the actuating rods: by limiting the stroke of the actuating rod, only a partial dose is dispensed. The proportion of the two doses delivered can thus be varied. This is not the objective of the present invention.

[0003] In the prior art, there are also dual distributors, which have different stem strokes, one being longer than the other. A compensation or adjustment system is then provided for the shorter stroke, often consisting of a sliding or telescopic sealed connection. Both strokes are performed at the same speed, but with a delay or an early termination for the shorter stroke. This is not the objective of the present invention.

[0004] 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 moves only axially, without a pivoting or rotating component.

[0005] The main objective of the present invention is to vary, in an overall decreasing manner, the speed of the actuating rod with the shorter stroke relative to the speed of the other actuating rod with a longer stroke, using a common pushrod with purely axial movement. The aim is not to reduce one dose relative to the other, nor to compensate for a difference in stroke by an initial or final dead travel, but to actuate the two rods at different speeds.

[0006] To solve this original, even inventive, technical problem, the present invention proposes a dual dispenser comprising two pumps, namely: - a first pump equipped with a first actuating rod that can be moved axially over a first maximum stroke, and - a second pump equipped with a second actuating rod that can be axially moved over a second maximum stroke, the distributor comprising a common pusher that can be moved axially and acts axially and directly on the first actuating rod to drive it on 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 acting between the common pusher and the second actuating rod to transmit the axial thrust force of the common pusher to the second actuating rod with a reduced speed of the second actuating rod compared to that of the first actuating rod.

[0007] These reduced-speed transmission means can also be more simply described as speed reducers 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 with a stroke corresponding to half the length of the other rod can move at half the speed of the other over the entire stroke of both rods.

[0008] Advantageously, the reduced-speed transmission means include an actuating cam that contacts the second actuating rod to move it to its second maximum stroke. This actuating cam includes a contact surface that is in dynamic contact with the second actuating rod. This contact surface has a profile that 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 that is proportional to the speed VI of movement of the other actuating rod. We can then say that V2 = K x VI, where K is 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 that is not proportional to the speed VI of movement of the other actuating rod.We can then say that V2 = f(p) x VI, where p is the slope of the contact surface and f(p) varies between 0 and 1. It is possible that f(p) is locally constant, i.e., with a regular or linear profile. Many combinations are possible, associating consecutive velocity phases that can be proportional and variable. For example, we can imagine four distinct phases for V2, during which VI is constant: a first phase where V2 = 0, a second phase where V2 = VI, a third phase where V2 = f(p) x VI, and a fourth phase where V2 = K x VI. In this specific case, the reduced-speed transmission means only come into play during the second, third, and fourth phases, the first phase being a dead stroke for the second actuating rod.

[0009] It is clear that reduced-speed transmission means do not preclude their association with dose adjustment or stroke compensation means: it is necessary to Note that the reduced speed transmission means act during the strokes of the two rods, and not before or after.

[0010] Thanks to the reduced-speed transmission means, the first and second maximum strokes can be performed both fully and simultaneously by axial pressure on the common pushrod. The speeds of the two actuating rods can be proportional and / or variable.

[0011] According to a first embodiment, the reduced speed transmission means comprise a movable element which rotates around a vertical axis of rotation fixed to the common pusher.

[0012] Advantageously, the moving element comprises: - a housing for the vertical rotation axis of the common pusher, - a rotating drive element that comes into sliding contact with a fixed, curved inclined ramp, and - an actuation cam which comes into sliding contact with the second actuation rod.

[0013] Preferably, the actuating cam comprises a contact surface engaging with the second actuating rod, this contact surface being at least partially inclined. However, the contact surface may also be partially flat. Flat and inclined profiles may alternate.

[0014] According to another advantageous aspect of this first embodiment, the moving element can be made in a single piece.

[0015] According to another feature of this first embodiment, the moving element can be rotated towards a starting position by a return spring, which is advantageously made as a single unit with the moving element.

[0016] The advantage of this first embodiment lies in the fact that there is only one moving part between the common plunger and the fixed part of the distributor, namely the moving element, which moreover can be a single piece, including the return spring. It is sufficient to form the common plunger with a vertical axis of rotation, for example in the form of a small downward-pointing pin. As for the curved inclined ramp, it can be formed at the fixed part of the distributor in the form of an obliquely truncated cylindrical segment. Thus, the moving element is the only part to be manufactured and mounted between the common plunger and the fixed part of the distributor, which makes this first embodiment particularly advantageous.

[0017] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the reduced-speed transmission means may comprise two articulated levers connected together at a common junction, a first lever being articulated on a bearing or pivot integral with the common pushrod and a second lever being articulated on a fixed bearing or pivot, the common junction being provided with an actuating cam which acts contact with the second actuating rod.

[0018] Advantageously, the actuating cam can be connected to one of the two levers, preferably as a single unit. The actuating cam can have a regular and / or irregular profile to induce phases of proportional and / or variable speeds, as mentioned above.

[0019] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the reduced-speed transmission means may include: - a gear mounted on a fixed horizontal axis of rotation, - a toothed axial rod fixed to the common pusher and engaging with the gear to drive it in rotation, and - an actuation cam fixed to the toothed wheel and coming into contact with the second actuation rod.

[0020] Here again, the actuating cam can have a regular and / or irregular profile to induce proportional and / or variable speed phases, as mentioned above. The toothed axial rod can be made as a single unit with the common pushrod in the form of an elongated, downward-pointing lug, which has teeth on one of its two vertical edges. The fixed part of the distributor can form two bearings for the horizontal axis of rotation of the gear.

[0021] In all three embodiments of the invention, the reduced-speed transmission means, although employing very different components, all interact with the common tappet and the fixed part of the distributor to move an actuating cam that presses on the second actuating rod, while the common tappet simultaneously presses directly and axially on the first actuating rod. It should be borne in mind that the reduced-speed transmission means only operate when the first actuating rod is actuated by the common tappet. The second actuating rod therefore moves simultaneously with the first actuating rod, but with an overall reduced speed, even though both rods may momentarily move at the same speed over a limited stroke.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In the figures:

[0024] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a cut-out perspective view of the upper part of a distributor according to a first embodiment of the invention, in its rest state,

[0025] [Fig. 2] [Fig. 2] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 1] with the distributor in the actuated state,

[0026] [Fig.3] Figures 3 and 4 are vertical cross-sectional views of the distributor of [Fig.1] along perpendicular planes,

[0027] [Fig.4] cf. [Fig.3]

[0028] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a vertically cut perspective view of a distributor according to a second embodiment of the invention, in its resting state,

[0029] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 5] of the distributor in the actuated state,

[0030] [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a cut-out perspective view of the upper part of a distributor according to a third embodiment of the invention, in its resting state,

[0031] [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a view similar to that of Fig. 7 of the distributor in the actuated state, and

[0032] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a vertical cross-sectional view through the distributor of the [Fig.7].

[0033] In all three embodiments of the invention, the dispenser comprises common or similar components. First, the dispenser includes two pumps PI and P2 mounted on their respective reservoirs (not shown). The detailed design of the pumps PI and P2, as well as the reservoirs, is not critical to the present invention. It is sufficient to know that the pumps PI and P2 are fixedly mounted on their respective reservoirs and that only their actuating rods PI1 and P21 are axially movable in a reciprocating motion. This is a very classic design for a manual pump in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, or perfumery industries. The actuating rods PI1 and P21 are returned to their rest position by return springs, which can be internal, as in pump PI, or external, as in pump P2.The tanks, the PI and P2 pumps, and all the elements that allow the pumps to be mounted on the tanks, together constitute a fixed part of the distributor. Only the Pli and P21 actuating rods are movable relative to this fixed part of the distributor.

[0034] According to the invention, the pumps PI and P2 are different from each other, and more specifically, the respective maximum axial strokes of the two actuating rods Pli and P21 are different. In this case, the maximum axial stroke of the actuating rod Pli is greater than that of the actuating rod P21. Therefore, the actuating rod Pli must be moved 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 dual dispenser, the maximum strokes of the two actuating rods of the two pumps are rarely identical.

[0035] The technical problem underlying the invention is to actuate these two actuating rods PI 1 and P22 simultaneously, which requires reducing the speed of movement of the shorter actuating rod P21 relative to the longer one PI 1. This technical problem is all the more pronounced as the distributor of The invention comprises a common pusher that is axially movable about an axis parallel to the axes of movement of the two actuating rods Pli and P21. In other words, the common pusher moves purely axially without any rotating or pivoting component. The common pusher B is directly and axially connected to the actuating rod Pli by a connecting sleeve B11. Conversely, 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 tightly inside the actuating rod P21. The connecting sleeve B11 communicates via a conduit B12 to a distribution port B13. Symmetrically, the connecting sleeve B21 communicates via a conduit B22 to another distribution port B23.Without departing from the scope of the invention, sleeves B11 and B21 could also communicate with a common distribution port.

[0036] 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 Pli. 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 Pli.

[0037] 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 movable element 1 of relatively complex design. This movable element 1 comprises, firstly, a plate 11 which extends substantially horizontally, that is to say, perpendicularly to the axes of movement of the actuating rods and the common pusher B. This plate 11 rotates about 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 a housing for the axis 12. The plate 11 is provided with a return spring 13 which allows the plate 11 to return to a rest position. The return spring 13 acts between the plate 11 and the common pusher B and can advantageously be made as a single unit with the plate 11.On the other hand, the moving element 1 includes a rotating drive member 14, which comes into sliding or sliding contact with a curved inclined ramp P14, which is formed by the fixed part of the distributor. The drive member 14 may, for example, be in the form of a rod extending downwards from the underside 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 moving element 1 also includes an actuating cam 15 extending laterally from the plate 11. This actuating cam 15 includes a . The contact surface is designed to bear against the actuating rod P21. The actuating cam 15 also includes an upper bearing surface 153 against which the connecting sleeve B21 bears. More specifically, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], the sleeve B21 terminates in a tube B211, which is engaged in a sealed sliding motion within 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, including a horizontal segment 151 and an inclined segment 152. This is only one non-limiting embodiment: more segments or, conversely, only one segment are possible.

[0038] In [Fig. 1], as in Figures 3 and 4, the common pusher B is at rest: the actuating rods P1 and P21 are actuated in their rest position by their respective return springs. The moving element 1 is then actuated in 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.

[0039] By axial pressure on the common pusher B, the actuating rod PI 1 will be displaced. The same is true for the actuating rod P21, whose axial pressure force is transmitted by the connecting sleeve B21 and the actuating cam 15, whose horizontal segment 151 presses directly on the actuating rod P21. However, the axial displacement of the pusher B also causes the moving element 1 to rotate around the axis B12 under the force 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 [Fig. 2].Since segment 152 is inclined, the distance between the connecting sleeve B21 and the actuating rod P21 gradually decreases, which has the effect of reducing the speed of the actuating rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod P1. In this embodiment, the inclined segment 152 has a constant slope, so the speed of the actuating rod P21 is proportional or linear with respect to that of the actuating rod P1. This would have been different with an inclined segment having a non-constant slope, for example, convex, concave, or wavy.

[0040] 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 in two distinct phases, namely an initial phase, during which its speed of movement will be identical to that of the actuating rod Pli (corresponding to the flat segment 151) and a second phase, during which its movement speed is reduced relative to that of the actuating rod Pli, but with a constant ratio (corresponding to the inclined segment 152). It is then easily understood that it is possible to adapt the movement speed of the actuating rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod PI1 by adjusting the configuration of the contact surface (151, 152) of the actuating cam 15.

[0041] The rotation speed of the moving element 1 around the axis B12 can also be modulated by playing on the slope of the curved inclined ramp P14 or the upper support surface 153.

[0042] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, a dual distributor of the invention incorporating reduced-speed transmission means 2 is shown according to a second embodiment of the invention. The common tappet B' may be similar to the common tappet B of the first embodiment, except that the axis of rotation 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 PI and P2 are identical to those of the first embodiment.

[0043] The reduced-speed transmission means 2 of this second embodiment comprise two levers 21 and 22 that are movable relative to each other, while being connected by a common junction 20. The first lever 21 comprises an end 23 that rotates in the bearing with axis B23. The second lever 22 comprises an end 24 that rotates in the second bearing with axis B24. The second lever 22 is provided with an actuating cam 25 that forms a contact surface 251 which comes into contact with the actuating rod P21, which has a maximum stroke shorter than that of the other actuating rod P1. The contact surface 251 may be perfectly circular, or conversely profiled as shown in Figures 5 and 6. A circular contact surface will induce a linear displacement of the actuating rod P21 relative to the other rod P1.On the contrary, the profiled contact surface 251 in Figures 5 and 6 induces a non-linear or non-proportional displacement relative to the Pli rod. Therefore, here again, it is possible to modulate the speed of movement of the actuating rod P21 relative to that of the other actuating rod PI1, by changing the shape of the contact surface 251.

[0044] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, another duo distributor of the present invention can be seen incorporating low-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 tappet B” may have a similar design, except that the rotation axis B12 or the axis bearing B23 is here replaced by a toothed axial rod 31 extending downwards. These transmission means 3 also include a gear 32 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 include two actuating cams 35 which engage with the actuating rod P21, and more particularly with a flange P211 of the actuating rod. The toothed rod 31 meshes with the gear 32, such that an axial movement of the common pusher B” causes the gear 32 to rotate about its axis 33, thereby inducing a pivoting movement of the two actuating cams 35 which act directly on the actuating rod P21. Here again, 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 PI1 which is directly actuated by the common pusher B”.

[0045] In the three embodiments just described, the two actuating rods PI1 and P21 can be moved simultaneously over their entire respective strokes, but with different movement speeds. However, it is not impossible that the movement speeds of the two rods could be identical over a portion of their stroke. Ultimately, though, the movement speed of the actuating rod P21 is lower than that of the other actuating rod P21. The actuation speeds of the two rods can be proportional or linear with regular contact surfaces, or conversely, non-proportional or decoupled with complex contact surfaces.The first embodiment with its moving 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 made as a single unit with their respective components.

[0046] Thanks to the invention, we have a dual distributor 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. A dual distributor comprising two pumps (PI, P2), namely: - a first pump (PI) having a first actuating rod (P1) axially movable over a first maximum stroke, and - a second pump (P2) having a second actuating rod (P21) axially movable over a second maximum stroke, the distributor comprising a common plunger (B; B'; B") axially movable and acting axially and directly on the first actuating rod (PI1) 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 comprises low-speed transmission means (1; 2; 3) acting between the common plunger (B; B'; B") and the second actuating rod (P21) to transmit the axial thrust force of the common plunger (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 (Pli).;

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) that rotates about a vertical axis of rotation (B 12) integral with the common pusher (B), the movable element (1) comprising: - a shaft housing (12) for the vertical axis of rotation (B 12) of the common pusher (B), - a rotating drive member (14) that 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, wherein 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 rotated 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) which are connected together at a common junction (20), a first lever (21) being articulated on a pivot (B23) integral with the common pusher (B') and a second lever (22) which is articulated on a fixed pivot (P24), the common junction (20) being provided with an actuating cam (25) which comes into contact with the second actuating rod (P21).

9. 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 rotation axis (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) integral with the toothed wheel (32) and coming into contact with the second actuating rod (P21).

10. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second maximum strokes are carried out both entirely and simultaneously by axial pressure on the common pusher (B; B'; B").

11. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the speed V2 of the second actuating rod (P21) is proportional to the speed VI of the first actuating rod (PI1), such that V2 = K x VI, with K being a constant less than 1.

12. 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 VI of the first actuating rod (PI 1), such that V2 = f(x) x VI, with f(x) varying between 0 and 1. * * *

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