Liquid product dispenser

Abstract

A fluid product dispenser comprising an outer shell (C) and a fluid product reservoir (R) forming a plunger (3), the fluid product reservoir (R) being axially movable within the outer shell (C) by axial contact with the plunger (3) over an axial stroke defining a gravity dispensing outlet between them, characterized in that the outer shell (C) and the fluid product reservoir (R) together form adjustment means (15, 41, 42, 44) for the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir (R) within the outer shell (C). (See Figure 3a for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising an outer shell and a fluid product reservoir forming a pusher, the reservoir being axially mobile in the outer shell by axial support on the pusher over an axial stroke defining between them an outlet or gravity distribution opening.

[0002] Such a dispenser is notably known from document EP0875465A1, which describes a water-based shoe polish applicator-dispenser. This applicator-dispenser comprises a polish reservoir and an application head. The reservoir is equipped with a shutter that engages with an opening in the head. When the head is pressed against a shoe to be polished by axial pressure on the reservoir, the shutter disengages from the opening, and the polish can then flow by gravity. The amount of polish is determined by a piston that isolates a constant and fixed dose.

[0003] The present invention relates to the ability to regulate the dose of fluid product dispensed by a distributor whose axial displacement of the reservoir relative to a head or casing opens an outlet through which the fluid product flows by gravity. The fluid product may be a liquid, a powder, or granules.

[0004] To this end, the present invention proposes a powder dispenser comprising an outer shell and a fluid reservoir forming a plunger, the reservoir being axially movable, by axial support on the plunger, within the outer shell over an axial stroke defining between them a gravity dispensing outlet, characterized in that the outer shell and the fluid reservoir together form means for adjusting the axial stroke of the fluid reservoir within the shell. Thus, the user can act on these adjustment means to regulate the volume of the dispensed fluid dose.

[0005] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the outer casing may comprise a rotating casing and a fixed support piece, the rotating casing being rotatably mounted on the fixed support piece, the fluid reservoir being rotationally fixed to the rotating casing while being axially movable within the rotating casing and the fixed support piece, the fluid reservoir and the fixed support piece together forming the means for adjusting the axial stroke of the fluid reservoir within the casing by rotating the rotating casing. In other words, the casing rotates freely on the fixed support piece and the reservoir rotates within the fixed support piece, driven by the casing. To adjust the dose, the user rotates the casing on the fixed support piece.When the reservoir is actuation by axial pressure on the pusher, the reservoir moves axially within the shell formed by the casing and the fixed support piece over an axial stroke previously determined by the adjustment means.

[0006] Advantageously, the means for adjusting the axial stroke comprise a stop profile and several contact profiles designed to bear axially against the stop profile by axial displacement of the fluid reservoir within the outer casing. The contact profiles are arranged at different axial heights. Rotation of the rotary housing axially aligns the stop profile with one of the contact profiles, corresponding to a predetermined axial stroke, which is thus adjustable between a minimum stroke, which may be zero, and a maximum stroke. Preferably, there are at least three contact profiles, and advantageously four, so as to define at least one intermediate axial stroke between the minimum stroke, which is zero, and the maximum stroke. The zero minimum stroke corresponds to a locked position, in which actuation of the distributor is not possible.

[0007] According to a practical embodiment, the fluid reservoir forms the abutment profile, and the fixed support piece forms the contact profiles in the form of free ends of axial tabs of different heights, such that each free end selectively comes into axial contact with the abutment profile during axial movement of the fluid reservoir within the outer shell. Advantageously, the axial tabs are flexible, and the fluid reservoir comprises two radial bosses between which each axial tab is received by outward radial deformation to axially align the axial tab below the abutment profile. Thus, by rotating the casing relative to the fixed support piece, the reservoir rotates and positions its abutment profile above a free end of a flexible tab, which elastically snaps into place between the two bosses of the reservoir.In this way, the user perceives and / or sees that the dose they want is correctly selected.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the pusher can protrude out of the rotating case, the pusher being advantageously removable for filling the reservoir with fluid product.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a return spring can act between the fixed support piece and the fluid product reservoir, so as to stress the fluid product reservoir against a stop rim of the rotating casing, which defines the rest position of the fluid product reservoir.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the rotating case may include snap-fit ​​profiles, and the fixed support piece forms an annular snap-fit ​​groove into which the snap-fit ​​profiles are received. Naturally, this snap-fit ​​does not prevent the case from rotating freely with reduced friction on the fixed support piece.

[0011] According to another interesting feature of the invention, the reservoir may include a sealing wall forming a peripheral outlet lip in selective, leak-proof contact with an outlet seat formed by the fixed support piece, the outlet lip losing its contact with the outlet seat during axial movement The reservoir is housed within the outer shell to allow the fluid product to flow out by gravity. The reservoir includes a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by annular means, without any central axial element, so that the reservoir extends continuously from the plunger to the sealing wall. This provides the fluid product with a clear (unobstructed) flow path of large cross-section. Nothing in this flow path could cause the fluid product to clump and thus form a blockage, stopping the flow. The sealing wall is supported at its periphery, not axially or centrally, which creates a central passage for the fluid product. The aim is to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the flow of the fluid product, thereby preventing blockages or slowing of the flow. This feature is particularly well-suited to powders or granules.

[0012] Advantageously, the connecting means can form lateral outlet windows that communicate with the outside of the distributor when the outlet lip leaves its contact with the outlet seat. The connecting means extend axially substantially in line with the flow sleeve, so that the flow sleeve opens directly onto the sealing wall. The outlet lip has an external diameter that is substantially equal to, and advantageously greater than, the internal diameter of the flow sleeve. Figuratively, the distribution head defines a pipe formed by the flow sleeve, which is closed at its lower end by the sealing wall. The outlets of this pipe are formed by the lateral windows, which direct the flow of fluid outwards towards the outlet lip, which is lifted from its seat when the distributor is actuated.In other words, the flow of fluid within the dispensing head does not encounter any passage restriction or constriction that would cause the powder to clump. On the contrary, the flow of fluid within the dispensing head is cylindrical and / or divergent, but never convergent. All of the fluid passing through the passage sleeve falls axially onto the sealing wall and is deflected by this wall through the side windows to finally reach the opening formed between the outlet lip and its seat. The side windows and the outlet lip both successively direct the flow of fluid radially outwards, which disperses or decongests the fluid, thus preventing any agglomeration or blockage.The dispensing head of the invention operates in exactly the opposite way to a funnel: instead of concentrating the fluid product towards a central axial orifice of reduced diameter, the present invention teaches that the fluid product is diffracted outwards like a sprinkler, which spreads the fluid. The purpose of the invention is always to prevent any constriction or blockage. passage restriction for the flow of fluid product, in order to avoid agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the reservoir, when containing powder, may have a minimum internal diameter greater than approximately 30 mm. Empirically, it has been observed that fine powders have a strong tendency to agglomerate when passing through cross-sections smaller than approximately 30 mm. The term "approximately" can be defined as ± 10%. Again, the principle is the same: to avoid any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to prevent powder agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0014] The spirit of the invention lies in adjusting the dose dispensed by gravity by varying the travel of the reservoir within the casing. The implementation of a rotating casing serving as a dose selector is particularly advantageous.

[0015] The invention will now be described more fully, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] In the figures:

[0017] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a distributor according to the invention, which is in its rest position.

[0018] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the distributor of the [Fig. 1], in the open or actuated position,

[0019] [Fig. 3a] Fig. 3a is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the distributor of the [Fig. 1] in locked rest position,

[0020] [Fig. 3b] Fig. 3b is a cut-out perspective view of the distributor of the [Fig.3a]

[0021] [Fig.4a] Fig.4a is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the distributor of the invention in the actuated position with a minimum dose,

[0022] [Fig. 4b] Fig. 4b is a cut-out perspective view of the distributor of the [Fig.4a]

[0023] [Fig. 5a] Fig. 5a is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the distributor of the invention in an actuated position with an intermediate dose,

[0024] [Fig. 5b] Fig. 5b is a cut-out perspective view of the distributor of the [Fig.5a]

[0025] [Fig. 6a] Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the distributor of the invention in the actuated position with a maximum dose,

[0026] [Fig. 6b] Fig. 6b is a cut-out perspective view of the distributor of the [Fig.6a]

[0027] The dispenser of the invention illustrated in the figures is a powder or granule dispenser, but the invention applies equally well to a liquid dispenser, preferably of high viscosity. The dispenser comprises two parts, namely a A reservoir R and an outer shell C. The reservoir R can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal axis X within the shell C. In use, the shell C is placed in contact with the target surface, and the reservoir R is pushed towards the target surface within the shell C. This opens a dispensing outlet, through which the powder falls by gravity onto the target surface. The dispensing outlet is formed between the reservoir R and the shell C.

[0028] The reservoir R comprises two essential elements, namely a body 1 and a sealing piece 2. Optionally, the reservoir R further comprises a pusher 3 in the form of a cap mounted removably on the body 1. Thus, after removal of the pusher / cap 3, the reservoir R can be refilled with powder or granules.

[0029] The body 1 comprises a cylinder 11 surmounted by a neck 13, on which the pusher 3 is mounted by screwing, clipping, or clamping. A support flange 12, which projects radially outwards, is disposed between the cylinder 11 and the neck 13. The cylinder 11 forms at least one guide lug 115 and a flange 116. The cylinder defines a lower end 111 which engages with the sealing piece 2. The body 1 is fixed to the sealing piece 2, both axially and rotationally. Alternatively, the body 1 can rotate relative to the sealing piece 2, but they remain axially fixed.

[0030] The sealing piece 2 is advantageously made of a plastic material that is more flexible than that used for the body 1. For example, a thermoplastic elastomer can be used for the sealing piece 2. This piece 2 includes a through sleeve 21, the upper end of which engages with the lower end 111 of the body 1. It can also be noted that the internal diameter of the cylinder 11 is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the through sleeve 21. Thus, the volume formed by the cylinder 11 and the through sleeve 21 is generally or practically cylindrical. It can therefore be said that the internal diameter of the through sleeve 21 is on the order of 30 mm or more, as is the case for the cylinder 11 of the body 1.

[0031] The sealing piece 2 also includes a sealing wall 22 disposed below the passage sleeve 21 and connected to it by connecting means 23, which together form lateral exit windows 24. These connecting means 23 are in the form of tabs or bridges extending downwards in line with the passage sleeve 21 to connect the sealing wall 22 near its outer periphery. This sealing wall 22 defines an exit lip 25 on its outer periphery. The diameter of this exit lip 25 is greater than the internal diameter of the passage sleeve 21. The exit lip 25 may have a diameter that is identical or substantially identical to that of the sealing lip 22 which is disposed above it.

[0032] At its lower end, the passage sleeve 21 forms a sealing lip 26.

[0033] It can thus be noted that the connecting means 23 and the side windows 24 are arranged between the sealing lip 22 and the outlet lip 25. The sealing wall 22 is preferably convex inwards and may be in the form of a rounded dome or a cone. The apex of the sealing wall 22 extends between the connecting means 23 and may even extend into the inside of the passage sleeve 21. The shape of the sealing wall 22 can be optimized to promote the flow of powder by gravity.

[0034] It can also be noted that there is no element, part or piece located between the pusher 3 and the sealing wall 22. It can be said that the body 1 and the passage sleeve 21 open directly downwards onto the sealing wall 22. Thus, the powder stored inside the reservoir R can fall by gravity without obstruction onto the sealing wall 25 and from there slide outwards through the side windows 24.

[0035] The outer shell C comprises two essential elements, namely a rotating case 5 and a fixed support piece 4. The rotating case 5 is made in one piece, and the fixed support piece is made by assembling several elements or in one piece. The rotating case 5 is rotatably mounted on the fixed support piece 4: the lower edge of the rotating case 5 includes snap-fit ​​profiles 52, and the fixed support piece 4 forms an annular snap-fit ​​groove 46, into which the snap-fit ​​profiles 52 are received without rotational resistance.

[0036] The fixed support piece 4 forms a cylindrical barrel 45, in which the lips 25 and 26 are in a tight seal. More precisely, the outlet lip 25 is adapted to release contact with the cylindrical barrel 45 by pressing on the pusher 3, while the sealing lip 26 remains permanently in a tight sliding seal with the cylindrical barrel 45, regardless of the depth to which the pusher 3 is depressed. In the rest position of [Fig. 1], both lips 25 and 26 are in a tight seal with the cylindrical barrel 45, whereas in the actuated position of [Fig. 2], the outlet lip 25 is detached from the cylindrical barrel 45 and the sealing lip 26 remains in contact with the cylindrical barrel 45. It is understood that the powder from the reservoir R can then flow by gravity between the barrel 45 and the outlet lip 25.

[0037] The rotating case 5 extends around an upper portion of the sleeve 21 and most of the body 1, allowing the neck 13 to project upwards out of the case 5 to receive the pusher 3, which acts as a removable cap. Internally, the case forms one or more axial guide grooves 51, into which the guide lugs 115 of the cylinder 11 are engaged. This engagement allows the rotating case 5 to drive the reservoir R in rotation, while still allowing it freedom to move axially within the shell C. And when the body 1 is rotatably mounted on the obturator piece 2, case 5 only drives the body 1 rotation, leaving the obturator piece static relative to the fixed support piece 4. This avoids any friction of the lips 25 and 26 against the barrel 45, during the rotation of the case 5.

[0038] The rotating casing 5 also forms a stop rim 53, against which the support flange 12 is held by a return spring 6 that bears between the fixed support piece 4 and the flange 116. Thus, when the flange 12 is in contact with the rim 53, the dispenser is in its rest position with its two lips 25 and 26 sealed against the barrel 45 ([Fig. 1]). As soon as the user presses the button 3, the flange 12 moves away from the rim 53 and the outlet lip leaves the barrel 45 ([Fig. 2]).

[0039] According to the invention, this distributor is further provided with means for adjusting the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir R in the outer shell C. These adjustment means are formed jointly by the fluid product reservoir R and the fixed support piece 4 and are actuated by rotation of the rotating casing 5.

[0040] Referring to figures 3a and 3b, the distributor can be seen in the locked rest position: pressure on the pusher 3 does not allow the reservoir R to move into the shell C. The locking is achieved by the cooperation of a locking lug 41 formed by the fixed support piece 4 and a stop profile 15 formed by the body 1. The locking lug 41 extends upwards and terminates in a free end 411, which is disposed just below the stop profile 15, which comprises a horizontal bar 151 and a vertical blade 152, which extends downwards from the bar 151.

[0041] Axial pressure on the pusher 3 then causes the stop profile 15 to abut directly against the free end 411 of the locking tab 4L. The axial stroke of the reservoir R is zero or almost zero. The outlet lip 25 will not leave its barrel 45.

[0042] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the dispenser is shown in a minimum dose position. In addition to the locking tab 41, the fixed support piece 4 forms a minimum dispensing tab 42, which extends in the same way as the locking tab 41 and may have the same or a similar length. However, the tab 42 includes an axial slot 422, which extends downwards from its free end 421. Thus, as can be seen in the figures, the vertical blade 152 can engage in the axial slot 422, thereby allowing a small axial stroke of the reservoir R in the shell C, which is sufficient to dislodge the outlet lip 25 from the barrel 45. A minimum dose of powder will then be dispensed.

[0043] To move from the locking position of Figures 3a and 3b to the minimum dose position of 4a and 4b, it is sufficient to rotate the canister 5 relative to the fixed support piece 4, which has the effect of rotating the reservoir R, or at least its body 1, relative to the fixed support piece 4, to move the stop profile 15 from the position to above the locking tab 41 to the position above the minimum distribution tab 42.

[0044] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the dispenser is shown in an intermediate dose position. In addition to the locking tab 41 and the minimum dispensing tab 42, the fixed support piece 4 forms a medium dispensing tab 43, which extends in the same way as tabs 41 and 42 but is shorter. Tab 43 includes an axial slot 432, which may be identical or similar to that of tab 42. Since tab 43 is shorter than tabs 41 and 42, it allows a greater axial stroke of the reservoir R within the shell C, and thus a greater separation of the outlet lip 25 from the barrel 45. An intermediate or medium dose of powder will then be dispensed.

[0045] To move from the minimum dose position of 4a and 4b to the intermediate dose position, it is sufficient to rotate the case 5 relative to the fixed support piece 4, as before.

[0046] Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, the dispenser is shown in a maximum dose position. In addition to the locking tab 41, the minimum dispensing tab 42, and the average dispensing tab 43, the fixed support piece 4 forms a maximum dispensing tab 44, which extends in the same way as tabs 41, 42, and 43 and has the shortest length. Tab 44 includes an axial slot 442, which may be identical or similar to that of tabs 42 and 43. Since tab 44 is shorter than tab 42, it allows for an even greater axial stroke of the reservoir R within the shell C, and thus an even greater separation of the outlet lip 25 from the barrel 45. A maximum dose of powder will then be dispensed.

[0047] The four legs 41, 42, 43 and 44 are arranged with an angular spacing of 90° around the spring 6. The legs are preferably flexible or elastic, so that they tolerate radial deformation or radial displacement of their free ends 411, 421, 431 and 441, respectively. Furthermore, the reservoir R can form two bosses 16, on either side of the stop profile 15, to impose perfect axial alignment of the legs under the stop profile 15. Thus, the user can tactilely perceive the snapping of the leg between the two bosses 16. And to select its dose or the locking, the fixed support piece 4 can be provided with visual indications, such as a padlock V for the locked position, and points or circles D1, D2 and D3 of increasing sizes for the three doses: minimum, intermediate and maximum, respectively.

[0048] Of course, the adjustment means could have a different configuration without departing from the scope of the invention. The stop profile can be formed by the fixed support piece and contact profiles arranged at different axial heights can be formed by the reservoir R.

[0049] Thanks to the invention, we have a gravity-fed fluid product dispenser which incorporates dose selection means by varying the axial stroke of the reservoir in the shell.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluid product dispenser comprising an outer shell (C) and a fluid product reservoir (R) forming a pusher (3), the fluid product reservoir (R) being axially movable in the outer shell (C) by axial support on the pusher (3) over an axial stroke defining between them a gravity distribution outlet, characterized in that the outer shell (C) and the fluid product reservoir (R) together form adjustment means (15, 411, 421, 431, 441) of the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the outer shell (C).

2. Fluid product dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell (C) comprises a rotating case (5) and a fixed support piece (4), the rotating case (5) being rotatably mounted on the fixed support piece (4), the fluid product reservoir (R) being rotationally fixed to the rotating case (5) while being axially movable in the rotating case (5) and the fixed support piece (4), the fluid product reservoir (R) and the fixed support piece (4) together forming the means for adjusting (15, 411, 421, 431, 441) the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the shell (C) by rotation of the rotating case (5).

3. Distributor according to claim 2, wherein the means for adjusting (15, 411, 421, 431, 441) the axial stroke comprise a stop profile (15) and several contact profiles (411, 421, 431, 441) intended to come into axial contact with the stop profile (15) by axial displacement of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the outer shell (C), the contact profiles (411, 421, 431, 441) being arranged at different axial heights, the rotation of the rotating casing (5) axially aligning the stop profile (15) with one of the contact profiles (411, 421, 431, 441), corresponding to a determined axial stroke, which is thus adjustable between a minimum stroke which may be zero and a maximum stroke.

4. Distributor according to claim 2 or 3, wherein there are at least three contact profiles (411, 421, 431, 441), and advantageously four, so as to define at least one intermediate axial stroke between the minimum stroke which is zero and the maximum stroke.

5. Distributor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fluid product reservoir (R) forms the stop profile (15) and the fixed support piece (4) forms the contact profiles in the form of free ends (411, 421, 431, 441) of axial legs (41, 42, 43, 44) of different heights, so that each free end (411, 421, 431, 441) comes selectively into axial stop under the stop profile (15), during axial movement of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the outer shell (C).

6. Distributor according to claim 5, wherein the axial tabs (41, 42, 43, 44) are flexible and the fluid product reservoir (R) comprises two radial bosses (16) between which each axial tab (41, 42, 43, 44) is received by radial outward deformation to axially align the axial tab (41, 42, 43, 44) below the stop profile (15).

7. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher (3) protrudes out of the rotating case (5), the pusher (3) being advantageously removable for filling the reservoir with fluid product (R).

8. Distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a return spring (6) acts between the fixed support piece (4) and the fluid product reservoir (R), so as to press the fluid product reservoir (R) against a stop rim (53) of the rotating case (5), which defines the rest position of the fluid product reservoir (R).

9. Distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the rotating case (5) comprises snap-in profiles (52) and the fixed support piece (4) forms an annular snap-in groove (46), in which the snap-in profiles (52) are received.

10. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir comprises a sealing wall (22) forming a peripheral outlet lip (25) in selective sealing contact with an outlet seat (45) formed by the fixed support piece (4), the outlet lip (25) leaving its contact with the outlet seat (45) during axial movement of the reservoir (R) in the outer shell (C) to allow the fluid product to exit the reservoir (R) by gravity, the reservoir (R) comprising a passage sleeve (21) connected to the sealing wall (22) by connecting means (23), characterized in that the connecting means (23) are annular, without an axial central element, so that the reservoir (R) extends continuously from the pusher to a sealing wall (22).

11. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (23) form output windows lateral (24) which communicate outside the distributor when the outlet lip (25) leaves its contact with the outlet seat (45), the connecting means (23) extending axially substantially in the continuation of the passage sleeve (21), so that the passage sleeve (21) opens directly onto the sealing wall (22), the outlet lip (25) has an external diameter which is substantially equal to, and advantageously greater than, the internal diameter of the passage sleeve (21). * * *

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