Product dispensing device having spiral bellows - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing a pasty product from a liquid, the device comprising a pump body (12), a push button (16) slidably mounted within the pump body (12), a dispensing tube (18) arranged within the push button (16), a metering chamber (20), an elastically deformable bellows (28), an inlet valve (30), an outlet valve (32), and an intermediate cavity (34), characterized in that the outlet valve (32) is mounted to slide axially on the push button (16) between an upper position and a lower position so as to create a suction effect that draws the product from the dispensing tube (18) towards the intermediate cavity (34) when the push button (16) slides from a dispensing position to an inactive position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for dispensing liquids to pastes, in particular creams, ointments or pastes, especially for cosmetic applications.

[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to a dispensing device that fits onto the neck of a container containing a liquid or cream. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known from the prior art, for example from WO 2019 / 102106 A1, that a dispensing device can be attached to the neck of a container containing a liquid or cream, for example comprising a pump motor having a metering chamber defined by a bellows, inlet and outlet valves opening and closing the inlet and outlet, respectively, of this chamber.

[0004] When the pump is activated by pressing the push button, pressure is generated within the pump, which, on the one hand, opens the outlet valve, allowing the product to flow out, and, on the other hand, closes the inlet valve, preventing the product from flowing back into the container. When the push button is released, the bellows forms an elastic return means, exerting a return force on the push button, which then moves upward. When the bellows expands, it generates a vacuum within the pump. On the one hand, this vacuum opens the inlet valve, allowing the product contained in the container to be sucked into the metering chamber. On the other hand, this vacuum closes the outlet valve, preventing air from being sucked into the device.

[0005] To ensure proper operation of the dispensing device, ergonomic start-up by the user, and accurate dispensing of the product dose, it is not easy to find an optimal compromise between the stiffness and flexibility of the flexible elements forming the pump motor. Furthermore, once a product dose is dispensed, a small amount of product typically remains in the pump's dispensing tube between the metering chamber and the external orifice. This product residue can dry out between two uses of the pump, forming a plug of dried product.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve existing dispensing systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a device for dispensing a pasty product from a liquid, the device comprising: a pump body intended to be mounted on a product reservoir; a push button slidably mounted within the pump body along the main axis between a non-operating axial position and a dispensing axial position; a dispensing tube arranged within the push button to allow a dose of product to be dispensed; a variable volume metering chamber comprising a chamber inlet communicating with a supply tube intended to be connected to a reservoir, and a chamber outlet communicating with a dispensing tube; an elastically deformable bellows that laterally delimits the metering chamber and elastically biases the push button towards its inactivated position; a first non-return valve, known as an inlet valve, arranged to open or close the chamber inlet under the effect of a pressure decrease or increase, respectively, in the metering chamber; a second non-return valve, known as the outlet valve, located between the chamber outlet and the dispensing tube; - an intermediate cavity arranged between the dispensing tube and the outlet valve so as to enable a given amount of product to be stored, the outlet valve being mounted to slide axially on the push button between an upper position and a lower position so as to cause a suction effect that draws product from the dispensing tube towards the intermediate cavity when the push button slides from its dispensing position to its inactive position.

[0008] According to another feature of the present invention, the outlet valve comprises a tubular body slidably mounted in an axial direction on an inner cylindrical portion of the push button; the tubular body includes at least one stop surface intended to engage with an associated support surface arranged on the inner cylindrical portion of the push button to define a lower position; the tubular body and the inner cylindrical portion of the push button each have undercut portions forming a stop surface and a support surface, respectively; the tubular body of the outlet valve includes an upper cylindrical end portion axially received in an annular slot bounded inwardly by the inner cylindrical portion and outwardly by the outer peripheral cylindrical wall of the push button; the outlet valve includes a peripheral lip extending from an outer wall of the tubular body and abutting an associated surface of the bellows in the closed position; the bellows has at least one internal shoulder portion on a side of its upper axial end, and the peripheral lip rests at least partially on said internal shoulder portion when the push button is in the locked angular position; the bellows comprises an upper flange designed to bear axially against an upper rim formed in the push button, and an upper tubular extension including a window, the window being designed to be radially aligned with the dispensing tube in the unlocked angular position of the push button and to be radially offset relative to the dispensing tube in the locked angular position of the push button, so that in the locked position the upper tubular extension closes the dispensing tube internally; the upper end wall of the push button is inclined downwardly towards the side opposite the dispensing tube, and the upper tubular extension has a chamfered shape at its upper free end so that the top of the upper tubular extension is approximately radially aligned with the dispensing tube when the push button occupies its locked position; the bellows comprises, near its lower end, a lower flange designed to bear axially against a lower rim formed in the pump body, and a lower tubular extension sandwiched within an annular housing formed in the pump body; each flange comprising at least one keying element intended to engage a complementary keying element formed in the pump body so as to allow only one angular mounting position of the bellows within the pump body; the keying elements of the flanges each consist of two opposing notches, the notches of the upper flange being radially aligned with the notches of the lower flange; the pump body has two partly cylindrical axial tongues whose circumferential dimensions are substantially equal to the circumferential dimensions of the notches formed in the lower flange so as to prevent the lower flange from pivoting about its main axis; -The bellows are formed by a spirally wound bead. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which may be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a dispensing device and associated reservoir according to the teachings of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view along plane 2-2, showing the dispensing device of FIG. 1 when the push button is in a locked, non-activated position; FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view along plane 3-3, schematically illustrating the dispensing device of FIG. 2 when the push button is in an unlocked and inactivated position. [Figure 4] 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing schematically the dispensing device of FIG. 2 when the push button occupies an intermediate starting position and product has not yet started to fill the dispensing tube, after the push button has been axially displaced an axial movement distance corresponding to the relative displacement of the outlet valve with respect to the push button from the lower stop position to the upper stop position. [Figure 5]4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing schematically the dispensing device of FIG. 2 when the push button is in its lowered position, compressing a bellows fitted to the push button and expelling product from the metering chamber through the dispensing tube; [Figure 6] 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and shows schematically the dispensing device of FIG. 2 at the start of its return to the inactive position, the push button having moved a distance corresponding to the axial movement distance that allows the outlet valve, which is not moved at this stage, to return to its lower stop position, causing the product contained in the dispensing tube to be sucked towards the intermediate cavity. [Figure 7] 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing schematically the dispensing device of FIG. 2 at the end of lifting of the push button to its upper, inactivated position; [Figure 8] 3 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2, illustrating locking of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a bellows fitted to the dispensing device of FIG. 1 prior to assembly. [Figure 10] 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the bellows in a slightly compressed state corresponding to its installation in the dispensing device prior to push button actuation. [Figure 11] 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the bellows in a compressed state corresponding to the push button's lowered position. [Figure 12] 2 is a top view showing the bellows fitted to the dispensing device of FIG. 1 prior to assembly. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing the bellows in a slightly compressed state corresponding to its installation in the dispensing device prior to push button actuation. [Figure 14] 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing the bellows in a compressed state corresponding to the push button's lowered position. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 12, illustrating a variation of the dispensing device in which the reservoir includes an anti-reflux valve that allows the reservoir to be vented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0011] 1 and 2 show a device 10, i.e. a pump, for dispensing a pasty product from a liquid according to the teachings of the present invention. The dispensing device 10 comprises a pump body 12 intended to be mounted on a product reservoir 14, for example by screwing.

[0012] Dispensing device 10 includes a push button 16 slidably mounted within pump body 12 along a major axis A1 between a non-actuating axial position shown in FIG. 2 and a dispensing axial position shown in FIG.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a protective cover 13 intended to be fitted over reservoir 14 to protect push button 16 and product dispensing orifice.

[0014] 2-8 show various axial and angular operating positions which will be explained later.

[0015] In the remainder of this description, elements will be referred to non-restrictively as upper or lower, with the conventional consideration of the vertical direction along the major axis A1.

[0016] A dispensing tube 18 is disposed within the push button 16 and allows a dose of product to be dispensed from a variable volume metering chamber 20 .

[0017] Metering chamber 20 is interposed between dispense tube 18, located downstream in the product dispensing circuit, and reservoir 14, located upstream in the product dispensing circuit.

[0018] Metering chamber 20 includes a chamber inlet 22 that communicates with a supply tube 24 intended to be connected to reservoir 14 , and a chamber outlet 26 that communicates with dispensing tube 18 .

[0019] The supply tube 24 is formed by a tube integrally molded with the pump body 12 along the main axis A1 and is submerged within the reservoir 14 to allow the product to be dispensed.

[0020] Dispensing device 10 also includes a resiliently deformable bellows 28 that laterally defines metering chamber 20 and resiliently biases push button 16 toward its inactivated position, in this case upward. Bellows 28 is preferably unitarily molded from an elastomeric material.

[0021] A first check valve, known as inlet valve 30 , is arranged to open and close chamber inlet 22 under the effect of a pressure decrease or pressure increase, respectively, within metering chamber 20 .

[0022] A second non-return valve, called outlet valve 32, is positioned between the chamber outlet 26 and the dispensing tube 18 so as to open the chamber outlet 26 when a dose of product is dispensed and close the chamber outlet 26 at the end of this dispensing.

[0023] An intermediate cavity 34 is located between the dispensing tube 18 and the outlet valve 32 so that a quantity of product can be stored.

[0024] Advantageously, the outlet valve 32 is axially slidably mounted on the push button 16 between an upper position, specifically shown in Figure 4, and a lower position, specifically shown in Figure 2. The sliding of the outlet valve 32 causes a suction effect, sucking product from the dispensing tube 187 towards the intermediate cavity 34 as the push button 16 slides from its dispensing position to its inactive position.

[0025] According to the embodiment shown here, the outlet valve 32 comprises a tubular body 36 slidably mounted in the axial direction on the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16. The tubular body 36 comprises a first stop surface 40 intended to engage with an associated first support surface 42 arranged on the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16 to define a lower position, and a second stop surface 41 intended to engage with an associated second support surface 43 arranged on the inner cylindrical portion 38 to define an upper position.

[0026] The tubular body 36 and inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16 each have undercut portions that define a first stop surface 40 and a first support surface 42, respectively.

[0027] The stop surfaces 40, 41 and support surfaces 42, 43 define the axial travel distance d1 of the outlet valve 32 relative to the push button 16, the function of which will be described below.

[0028] The tubular body 36 of the outlet valve 32 includes an upper cylindrical end portion 44 that is axially received within an annular slot 46 bounded inwardly by the inner cylindrical portion 38 and outwardly by an outer peripheral cylindrical wall 48 of the push button 16.

[0029] It should be noted that the intermediate cavity 34 is annular in shape and extends around the tubular body 36 of the outlet valve 32 and around the outer cylindrical wall 48 of the push button 16 .

[0030] According to the illustrated embodiment, the outlet valve 32 includes a peripheral lip 50 that extends from the outer wall of the tubular body 36 and abuts an associated surface of the bellows 28 in the closed position. The peripheral lip 50 is here mounted curved upward inside the bellows. It is designed to rest resiliently against the bellows 28 so as to be able to yield by elastic deformation when the product to be dispensed needs to pass towards the intermediate cavity 34 and the dispensing tube 18, and to seal the metering chamber 20 at other times.

[0031] Preferably, the push button 16 is pivotably mounted on the pump body 12 about a main axis A1 between a locked angular position shown in FIG. 2 and an unlocked angular position shown in FIGS.

[0032] In the locked angular position, the passage between the intermediate cavity 34 and the dispensing tube 18 is sealed to prevent contamination of the product contained in the intermediate cavity 34 by contaminants in the outside air and to limit interaction with the external environment (prevent drying, dust, etc.). In addition, the push button 16 is locked against axial sliding, thereby preventing any undesired operation. To achieve this locking, suitable locking members (not shown) may be disposed within the pump body 12 and the push button 16, which are retracted into the unlocked angular position.

[0033] In the unlocked angular position, the passage between the intermediate cavity 34 and the dispensing tube 18 is open to dispense a dose of product and the push button 16 is free to slide axially.

[0034] Advantageously, the bellows 28 has at least one internal shoulder 52 flanking its upper axial end 54. The peripheral lip 50 is designed to rest at least partially on the internal shoulder 52 when the push button 16 is in its locked angular position.

[0035] Figures 9 to 14 show the bellows 28 in several positions. Figures 9 and 12 show the bellows 28 before installation in the dispenser 10. Figures 10 and 13 show the bellows 28 in a slightly axially compressed state when the bellows 28 is installed in the dispensing device 10 prior to start-up of the dispensing device 10 and the dispensing device 10 occupies its unlocked angular position, as shown in Figure 3. Figures 11 and 14 show the bellows 28 in an axially compressed state corresponding to the lower position of the push button 16, as shown in Figure 6.

[0036] According to the illustrated embodiment, the bellows 28 includes an upper flange 56 designed to support axially against an upper rim 58 formed in the push button 16, and an upper tubular extension 60 with a window 62 designed to be radially aligned with the dispensing tube 18 in the unlocked angular position of the push button 16. The window 62 therefore forms a passage for the product to be dispensed between the dispensing tube 18 and the intermediate cavity 34. In the locked angular position of the push button 16, the window 62 is radially offset from the dispensing tube 18 such that the upper tubular extension 60 inwardly closes the dispensing tube 18.

[0037] According to the illustrated embodiment, the upper end wall 64 of the push button 16 slopes downwardly away from the dispensing tube 18. The upper tubular extension 60 of the bellows 28 has a chamfered shape at its upper free end such that the top of the upper tubular extension 60 is approximately radially aligned with the dispensing tube 18 when the push button 16 occupies its locked position. The height of the chamfered shape is adjusted relative to the upper end wall 64 of the push button 16 so that angular rotation of the push button 16 is not hindered by mechanical interference between the bellows 28 and the push button 16.

[0038] Preferably, bellows 28 has a lower flange 66 near its lower end that is designed to support axially against a lower rim 68 formed in pump body 12. Bellows 28 also includes a lower tubular extension 70 that is sandwiched within an annular housing 72 formed in pump body 12.

[0039] Advantageously, each flange 56, 66 is provided with at least one keying element intended to engage a complementary keying element formed in the pump body 12 so as to allow only one angular mounting position of the bellows 28 within the pump body 28.

[0040] According to the illustrated embodiment, the keying elements of the flanges 56, 66 are each formed by two opposing notches 74, 76. The notch 74 on the upper flange 56 is radially aligned with the notch 76 on the lower flange 66. The pump body 12 has two axial tongues 78 in the form of cylindrical walls extending axially upward from the base of the pump body 12. These axial tongues 78 here contribute to the axial guidance of the push button 16, a main axial wall 80 of the push button 16 being received in the radial space between the axial wall of the pump body 12 and the main axial wall 80 of the push button 16.

[0041] Here, the circumferential dimension of each axial tongue 78 is substantially equal to the circumferential dimension of each notch 76 formed in the lower flange 66 so as to prevent rotation of the lower flange 66 about the major axis A1.

[0042] Preferably, the bellows 28 is formed with a spirally wound bead 82, which makes it easier to manufacture by molding since such a shape is easier to release from the mold.

[0043] Due to its helical shape, axial compression of bellows 28 during assembly into dispensing device 10 tends to cause a first relative angular pivot a1 of upper flange 56 relative to lower flange 66. Then, axial compression of bellows 28 when push button 16 is actuated tends to cause a second angular pivot a2 of upper flange 56 relative to lower flange 66.

[0044] The lower axial end of the bellows 28 is locked against rotation by its interference fit within the annular housing 72, so that only the upper tubular extension 60 and upper flange 56 of the bellows 28 rotate.

[0045] Advantageously, the direction of rotation of the helical shape of bellows 28 is opposite to the locking direction of push button 16, preventing the pivoting of upper collar 56 when bellows 28 is compressed from biasing push button 16 in the locking direction when push button 16 is lifted.

[0046] Advantageously, to allow for pivoting of the upper flange 56 when the bellows 28 is compressed, the window 62 extends over a circumferential distance that is greater than the circumferential dimension of the dispensing tube 18. According to the illustrated embodiment, the window 62 has a rectangular shape that extends circumferentially within the wall of the upper tubular extension 60.

[0047] The position of the dispense tube 18 relative to the upper tubular extension 60 and window 62 in the unlocked position of the push button 16 is shown in Figures 10 and 11. It can be seen that in the inactivated position of Figure 10, the dispense tube 18 is offset towards the first circumferential end 81 of the window 62, and in the lower position of Figure 11, the dispense tube 18 is offset towards the second circumferential end 83 of the window 62.

[0048] It should be noted that inlet valve 30 is preferably made from a single piece of elastomeric material and includes a resiliently deformable flexible diaphragm, here in the form of a disk, to allow product to enter metering chamber 20 when metering chamber 20 is under vacuum and to close chamber inlet 22 during product dispensing or when dispensing device 10 is in a non-actuated position. Inlet valve 30 has a central body 84 that allows it to be press-fit into a suitable housing on pump body 12.

[0049] Examples of such inlet valves 30 are disclosed and shown, for example, in WO 2018 / 162850 A1.

[0050] The dispensing device 10 disclosed and shown in the drawings is of the airless type, and to this end, the reservoir 14 features a sliding bottom wall 86 that allows the volume of the reservoir 14 to be adjusted to the volume of product remaining in the reservoir 14.

[0051] 15, dispensing device 10 is adapted to be a vented type device, i.e., a device having an atmospheric pressure port 90. In this case, atmospheric pressure port 90 may be located in the bottom wall of pump body 12 and fitted with an air vent check valve 92 of the same type as inlet valve 30, mounted in the opposite direction to allow regulated air inflow into reservoir 14 to replace dispensed product.

[0052] As shown, the tubular body 36 of the outlet valve 32 extends downwardly into the metering chamber 20 via a closure portion 88. This closure portion 88 allows the outlet valve 32 to fit over the inner cylindrical portion 38 of the push button 16, reducing the volume of the metering chamber 20.

[0053] The operation of the dispensing device 10 according to the invention will now be described taking into account the various operational stages shown in Figures 2 to 8.

[0054] 2 shows the dispensing device 10 in a mechanically and hydraulically locked position. The push button 16 occupies its locked angular position, and the passage between the dispensing tube 18 and the intermediate cavity 34 is closed by the upper tubular extension 60 of the bellows 28, preventing any outward flow of product. In addition, a mechanical locking member (not shown) prevents the push button 16 from sliding axially downward. For example, the lower axial end of the main axial wall 80 of the push button 16 faces an associated stop surface formed on the pump body 12.

[0055] It should be noted that dispensing device 10 is described here in an already primed configuration, i.e., with product already dispensed and product filling metering chamber 20 and intermediate cavity 34.

[0056] From the position shown in Figure 2, to initiate product dispensing, the user must rotate the push button 16 about its axis A1 to its unlocked angular position shown in Figure 3. This pivoting moves the window 62 in front of the dispensing orifice 18, allowing the product to be expelled outward.

[0057] From the unlocked angular position shown in Figure 3, the user presses push button 16 axially downwards. This axial pressure reduces the volume of metering chamber 20 due to elastic deformation of outlet valve 32, expelling product through chamber outlet 26. During this stage, the pressure within metering chamber 20 increases, preventing inlet valve 30 from opening.

[0058] 4 shows the start of product dispensing after a slight axial displacement of the push button 16, with the product initially filling the dispensing tube 18. At the start of this axial downward movement, the outlet flap 32 slides axially along the inner cylindrical part 38 of the push button 16 by a distance corresponding to its axial movement distance d1. During the entire product dispensing process, the outlet valve 32 retains its upper stop position.

[0059] 5 shows the end of product dispensing when push button 16 reaches its lower axial stop position, effectively emptying metering chamber 20. In this axial position, outlet valve 32 is still in its upper axial stop position relative to inner cylindrical portion 38 of push button 16.

[0060] Figure 6 shows the beginning of the upward movement of the push button 16. During this upward movement, under the elastic upward return effect exerted by the bellows 28, over an axial distance substantially equal to the axial movement distance d1, the outlet flap 32 initially returns to its lower axial stop position, as shown in Figure 3. A vacuum is generated within the bellows 28, causing the outlet valve 32 to move downward. The movement of the outlet valve 32 relative to the push button 16 creates a suction effect in the intermediate cavity 34, as its volume increases slightly due to the relative displacement of the outlet valve 32. This suction phenomenon is used to empty the dispensing tube 18, and the product contained in the dispensing tube 18 fills the available volume in the intermediate cavity 34.

[0061] It should be noted that the value of the axial clearance d1 is selected based on the volume of the dispensing tube 18 so that it is sufficient to ensure that the dispensing tube 18 is completely emptied.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows an intermediate stage during the upward movement of push button 16, illustrating the negative pressure created within metering chamber 20 causing inlet valve 30 to open and the gradual filling of metering chamber 20 with product from reservoir 14.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows the return of the push button 16 to the locked angular position, allowing the upper tubular extension 60 of the bellows 28 to close the intermediate cavity 34, isolating the product contained within the intermediate cavity 34 from the outside air.

[0064] It should be noted that the hydraulic locking obtained in the locked angle position also prevents product leakage in the event of negative pressure being generated outside the dispensing device 10, for example during air travel.

[0065] 3, where the passage is open to the intermediate cavity 34, the product contained in the intermediate cavity 34 is still better protected than when filling the dispensing tube 18. In fact, the surface of the product in contact with the air is reduced and moved away from the outer end of the dispensing tube 18. In addition, the amount of product in the volume of the intermediate cavity 34 slows down the drying of the product.

[0066] Legend 10: Dispensing device 12: Pump body 13: Protective cover 14: Storage section 16: Push button 18: Dispensing tube 20: Weighing chamber 22: Chamber entrance 24: Supply pipe 26: Chamber exit 28: Bellows 30: Inlet valve 32: Outlet valve 34: Intermediate cavity 36: Tubular body 38: Inner cylindrical part 40, 41: Stop surface 42, 43: Support surface 44: Cylindrical upper end portion 46: Circular slot 48: Outer cylindrical wall 50: Peripheral lip 52:Inner shoulder part 54: Upper axial end 56: Upper flange 58: Upper rim 60: Upper tubular extension 62: Window 64: Upper end wall 66: Lower flange 68: Lower rim 70:Lower tubular extension 72: Annular housing 74, 76: Notch 78: Axial tongue 80: Main wall 81: First circumferential end 82: Beading section 83: second circumferential end 84: Center body 86: Bottom wall 88: Closed part 90: Atmospheric pressure port 92: Air vent check valve A1: Spindle a1: First angle turn a2: Second angle rotation d1: Axial movement distance

Claims

1. A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a pasty product from a liquid, comprising: a pump body (12) intended to be mounted on a product reservoir (14); a push button (16) slidably mounted within said pump body (12) along a main axis (A1) between a non-operating axial position and a dispensing axial position; a dispensing tube (18) arranged in said push button (16) to allow a dose of product to be dispensed; a variable volume metering chamber (20) comprising a chamber inlet (22) communicating with a supply tube (24) intended to be connected to said reservoir (14) and a chamber outlet (26) communicating with said dispensing tube (18); - an elastically deformable bellows (28) laterally delimiting said metering chamber (20) and elastically biasing said push button (16) towards its inactivated position; a first non-return valve, known as inlet valve (30), arranged to open or close said chamber inlet (22) under the effect of a pressure decrease or increase in said metering chamber (20), respectively; a second non-return valve, known as outlet valve (32), located between the chamber outlet (26) and the dispensing tube (18); an intermediate cavity (34) arranged between said dispensing tube (18) and said outlet valve (32) so that a determined amount of product can be stored; The dispensing device (10) is characterized in that the outlet valve (32) is mounted to slide axially on the push button (16) between an upper position and a lower position so as to cause a suction effect that draws the product from the dispensing tube (18) towards the intermediate cavity (34) when the push button (16) slides from its dispensing position to its inoperative position.

2. 2. The dispensing device (10) of claim 1, wherein the outlet valve (32) includes a tubular body (36) axially slidably mounted on an inner cylindrical portion (38) of the push button (16).

3. The dispensing device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the tubular body (36) includes at least one stop surface (40, 41) intended to engage with an associated support surface (42, 43) arranged on the inner cylindrical portion (38) of the push button (16) to define the lower position.

4. The dispensing device (10) of claim 3, wherein the tubular body (36) and the inner cylindrical portion (38) of the push button (16) each have undercut portions that form the stop surface (40) and the support surface (42), respectively.

5. The dispensing device (10) of any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tubular body (36) of the outlet valve (32) includes an upper cylindrical end portion (44) axially received in an annular slot (46) bounded inwardly by the inner cylindrical portion (38) and outwardly by an outer peripheral cylindrical wall (48) of the push button (16).

6. The dispensing device (10) of any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the outlet valve (32) includes a peripheral lip (50) extending from the outer wall of the tubular body (36) and abutting an associated surface of the bellows (28) in a closed position.

7. The dispensing device (10) of claim 6, characterized in that the bellows (28) has at least one internal shoulder portion (52) on the side of its upper axial end, and the outer peripheral lip (50) rests at least partially on the internal shoulder portion (52) when the push button (16) is in the locked angular position.

8. 8. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the bellows comprises an upper flange designed to support axially against an upper rim formed in the push button, and an upper tubular extension including a window designed to be radially aligned with the dispensing tube in the unlocked angular position of the push button and to be radially offset relative to the dispensing tube in the locked angular position of the push button, such that the upper tubular extension inwardly closes the dispensing tube in the locked position.

9. 9. The dispensing tube (10) of claim 8, wherein the upper end wall (64) of the push button (16) slopes downwardly toward the side opposite the dispensing tube (18), and the upper tubular extension (60) has a chamfered shape at its upper free end so that the top of the upper tubular extension (60) is aligned approximately radially with the dispensing tube (18) when the push button (16) is in its locked position.

10. 10. The dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bellows (28) comprises, near its lower end, a lower flange (66) designed to bear axially against a lower rim (68) formed in the pump body (12), and a lower tubular extension (70) clamped in an annular housing (72) formed in the pump body (12).

11. A dispensing device (10) as described in claim 10 when considered in combination with claim 8, characterized in that each flange (56, 66) comprises at least one keying element intended to engage with a complementary keying element formed in the pump body (12) so as to allow only one angular mounting position of the bellows (28) within the pump body (12).

12. 12. The dispensing device (10) of claim 11, wherein the keying elements of the flanges (56, 66) each consist of two opposing notches (74, 76), and the notches (74) of the upper flange (56) are radially aligned with the notches (76) of the lower flange (66).

13. 13. The dispensing device (10) of claim 12, wherein the pump body (12) has two partly cylindrical axial tongues (78) whose circumferential dimensions are substantially equal to the circumferential dimensions of each of the notches (76) formed in the lower flange (66) so as to prevent the lower flange (66) from pivoting about the main axis (A1).

14. Dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the bellows (28) is formed by a spirally wound bead.

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