Apparatus and system for dispensing liquid from a container, and method for assembling an apparatus for dispensing liquid.

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container, comprising: an engine having a nozzle and a pump for transferring liquid from the container to the nozzle; a trigger connected to the pump for actuating the pump when brought from a first position to a second position, the trigger being movable between a first position and a second position; and connection means for connecting the engine to the container, the connection means being characterized by a slider having at least one limiting element slidable between an unrestricted position in which the trigger is movable between the first position and the second position, and a restricted position in which the at least one limiting element limits the movement of the trigger between the first position and the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a container, the apparatus comprising an engine comprising a nozzle and a pump for transferring liquid from the container to the nozzle, a trigger connected to the pump for operating the pump when brought from a first position to a second position, the trigger being movable between the first and second positions, connection means for connecting the engine to the container, and comprising.

[0002] Such an apparatus is hereinafter also referred to as a liquid dispensing apparatus and is described, for example, in the applicant's International Publication No. WO 2013 / 043938 A2. In order to prevent the trigger from operating during transportation or storage of the apparatus, the apparatus can comprise a trigger lock as disclosed in FIG. 4 of WO 2013 / 043938 A2. As a result, this trigger lock prevents the operation of the pump when the apparatus is transported or stored as part of a system including the container connected to the apparatus, thereby preventing the unintended use of the pump and, in particular, reducing the risk of leakage of the contents of the container.

[0003] However, the trigger lock according to WO 2013 / 043938 A2 has several drawbacks. This trigger lock comprises an element that, in the locked position, fixes the trigger in the pressed-down position to the dispenser, and after being completely removed by pulling a ring, the trigger is deployed to the neutral position. It may be desirable to relock the trigger after removing it. However, the process of repositioning the trigger lock is complex. Firstly, repositioning the trigger lock involves holding the trigger in the pressed-down position for a period of time, which, under certain circumstances, may result in the unintended discharge of liquid from the nozzle. Secondly, after preparing the liquid dispenser to be used with the trigger lock removed, a trigger spring with a thickened section at its free end is engaged with this thickened section into a recess in the engine (Figure 5). When the trigger lock is re-engaged, the thickness of the spring typically remains seated within this recess. As a result, by repositioning the trigger lock, the trigger spring is subjected to full tension for an extended period, during which time the spring loses its elasticity. Furthermore, the trigger lock of WO 2013 / 043938 A2 is at high risk of being lost after being removed from the liquid dispenser.

[0004] Furthermore, the increased wall thickness requires additional strings to be attached to the springs, thus complicating the manufacturing of the device. Moreover, in this conventional arrangement, the trigger is connected to the engine only by an external cover or shroud. Since such liquid dispensing devices are usually manufactured and assembled at the same location away from the product sales site, the entire product must be transported, reducing the flexibility in adapting the design of the dispensing device according to customer requirements. However, transporting such assembled devices is expensive and carries a high risk of damaging the device. Damage to the device, especially damage to the external parts of the device, is often unacceptable, as it is usually necessary to prevent damage in the first place.

[0005] Other well-known prior art dispensers have a nozzle that is rotatable around its axis between several positions, and the trigger has a limited range of motion in the locked position relative to the unlocked position. Despite the presence of an indicator on the nozzle, it is difficult for the user to distinguish whether the dispenser is in the unlocked or locked position, and as a result, the user may attempt to force the trigger to activate by locking the nozzle, which can damage the dispenser to the point where it can no longer be used properly and lead to unnecessary waste of resources.

[0006] Furthermore, known dispensing devices present challenges with respect to assembly. It is preferable to connect the trigger to the pump in such a way that it is difficult to move the trigger beyond a certain range of motion. For this purpose, it is preferable to position the nozzle to protrude in order to restrict the trigger's movement to this range. However, the position of the nozzle makes it difficult to assemble such a dispensing device. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a dispensing device that is easy to handle both during use and / or assembly. A further objective is to mitigate or eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks of prior art dispensing devices.

[0008] According to the present invention, this is achieved by the apparatus defined above, which further comprises a slider having at least one limiting element that is slidable between an unrestricted position in which the trigger is movable between a first position and a second position and a restricted position in which at least one limiting element restricts the movement of the trigger between the first position and the second position.

[0009] A trigger is movable between a first and a second position, and this movement is connected to actuate a pump, causing it to draw liquid from a container connected to a dispensing device and / or to distribute the drawn liquid through a nozzle. A slider is part of a device that is slidable, i.e., linearly movable, between an unrestricted position and a restricted position, and allows the movement of the trigger to be restricted in a manner that no longer relies on removable parts, as in the case of a trigger lock according to WO 2013 / 043938 A2. The slider may be slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the trigger moves between its first and second positions, or in other words, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the orifice in the nozzle through which the liquid is ultimately distributed.

[0010] At the slider's restricted position, a restriction imposed by at least one restricting element can disable the trigger from being fully movable between a first and a second position, where the first and second positions are selected as separated points within the trigger's range of motion. In other words, the slider acts as a trigger lock. However, such restrictions can also be implemented in a less restrictive way; that is, the slider can be configured to normally restrict the trigger's movement as described above, but can also allow for further movement of the trigger under other specified circumstances.

[0011] In a typical embodiment, the first position of the trigger can be called the neutral position, i.e., the position in which the trigger returns when no force is applied to the trigger by the user. Similarly, the second position of the trigger may, in a typical embodiment, be called the pressed position, i.e., the position in which the trigger is pressed relative to the neutral position, or preferably the position in which the trigger is fully pressed. The trigger is preferably spring-biased so as to be biased toward the neutral position.

[0012] The liquid dispensing device according to the present invention typically distributes the liquid by generating droplets or a mist of liquid, or alternatively, the liquid may be distributed as foam.

[0013] In one embodiment, the trigger comprises at least one engaging element extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the trigger between a first position and a second position, and at least one limiting element restricts the motion of the at least one engaging element between the first position and the second position with respect to an unlimiting position.

[0014] By providing an engaging element on the trigger, a suitable and dedicated position on the trigger is provided, on which the restricting element acts to restrict the trigger to a restricted position. When the trigger moves from its first position to its second position by hinge coupling with a hinge axis, the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the trigger can also be called the radial direction with respect to the hinge axis.

[0015] In the embodiment, at least one limiting element extends into the path of at least one engaging element between a first position and a second position of the trigger at the limiting position, and at least one limiting element does not extend into this path at the unlimiting position.

[0016] In this embodiment, at the slider's restricted position, the restricting element and the engaging element are positioned relative to each other such that the engaging element engages with the slider's restricting element at a point within the slider's range of motion, thereby restricting the trigger from moving beyond the restricting element. At the unrestricted position, there is no point within the trigger's range of motion where the restricting element engages with the engaging element, so the restricting element is in a position that does not restrict the trigger from moving within its range of motion.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one limiting element is provided with a projection.

[0018] Protrusions are relatively easy to manufacture compared to other shapes, such as cavities, and therefore, limiting elements preferably have or are protrusions. If there are multiple limiting elements, at least two, or even all, of them may have or be protrusions.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one engaging element is provided with a projection, and the projection and the projection are configured to engage with each other at a restricted position.

[0020] For reasons similar to those for limiting members, projections are preferred for engaging elements. Therefore, it is preferable that engaging elements have or are projections. If there are multiple engaging elements, at least two, or even all, of them may have or be projections. It should be noted that the terms “projection” and “projection” are chosen solely to distinguish the respective parts. Thus, projections and projections may have similar or equivalent appearances.

[0021] In one embodiment, the limiting element is attached to the slider at a position between the trigger and the nozzle.

[0022] As a result, a slider constrained by a trigger, for example, becomes more compact. Typically, this means that the limiting element engages with the engaging element from the inside out, relative to the engine's center.

[0023] In one embodiment, the device comprises first and second limiting elements and first and second engaging elements, wherein the first limiting element and the first engaging element are located on one side of the nozzle, and the second limiting element and the second engaging element are located on the opposite side of the nozzle.

[0024] Providing a first limiting element (e.g., a first projection) on one side of the nozzle to limit a first engaging element (e.g., a first projection) and a second limiting element (e.g., a second projection) on the other side of the nozzle to limit a second engaging element (e.g., a second projection) contributes to stable limiting. Furthermore, the force applied to the trigger and slider may be distributed more evenly.

[0025] In other words, in the present embodiment, in contrast to a more general definition in which the number of limiting elements is at least one, the number of limiting elements is at least two ("first" and "second").

[0026] Similarly, in the present embodiment, the number of engaging elements is at least two.

[0027] In one embodiment, the slider has a U-shaped end, and the first and second limiting elements are disposed at respective free ends of the legs of the U-shaped end.

[0028] By providing the first and second limiting elements at the U-shaped end, a part of the engine can be accommodated within the cavity provided by this U-shaped end, and the first and second limiting elements are placed around this part. Therefore, the space within the engine for receiving the slider can be made smaller, contributing to a more compact design of the distribution device. This effect appears more prominently when the limiting element engages with the engaging element from the inside out as seen from the center of the trigger. The U-shaped end and the nested parts may be, for example, a nozzle or a part along the nozzle.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one of the limiting element and the engaging element is inclined towards each other.

[0030] As mentioned above, there may be situations where it is desirable for the trigger to be able to move more or less between a first position and a second position, with the slider in the restricted position, as if the slider were in the unrestricted position. In other words, the trigger can ride up the slider at its restricted position, while functionally maintaining the slider after such riding up is initiated. In such situations, for example, the user may apply an operating force to the trigger that substantially exceeds the standard operating force for a certain period of time to prevent potentially irreparable damage to the distribution device. For example, the engaging element of the trigger may force the slider toward its unrestricted position simply as a result of a force applied to the trigger, and without any direct or indirect action of the slider. The engaging element and / or restricting element may, alternatively or additionally, be elastic, thereby allowing the engaging element to move beyond the restricting element without substantially forcing the slider toward the unrestricted position. In any case, it is advantageous that at least one or both of the engaging element and the restricting element opposite to the engaging element are inclined toward each other. As the thickness of each component decreases in the direction that they move closer together, the trigger becomes easier to move between the first and second positions when the slider is in the restricted position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the slider is configured to move the trigger between a first position and a second position at the slider's limit position when an operating force substantially exceeding the standard operating force is applied to the trigger over a certain period of time.

[0032] As described above, it may be desirable that the trigger be movable between its first and second positions while the slider is in the restricted position, such that the trigger substantially exceeds the standard operating force for a certain period of time, so that when the user applies an operating force to the trigger, the slider appears as if it were in the unrestricted position. This can be achieved by elastic deformation of the restricting element, the engaging element, or both. However, the embodiments described above are just one example. Based on the teaching of this knowledge, other methods for achieving similar effects can be conceivable to those skilled in the art. The slider continues to function even after it has been pushed over.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one engaging element is provided at the end of the trigger, preferably on the side facing the engine connection means.

[0034] Placing the engaging element on the edge is advantageous because it increases the ease with which the limiting element can reliably engage with the engaging element, in contrast to other possible methods of implementing the engaging element (e.g., through holes in the trigger). By providing the engaging element on the edge facing the connecting means near the top of the engine, the slider can be designed to be relatively compact.

[0035] In one embodiment, the slider is provided on the surface of the device facing the connecting means.

[0036] By positioning the slider on a surface that sometimes coincides with what is called the "top" of the engine, the slider becomes less complex during construction and easier and more reliable to operate in combination with a trigger.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pump comprises a pump chamber adapted to communicate fluidly with a vessel, and a piston located within the pump chamber and mechanically connected to or connectable to a trigger, and the engine comprises an outlet channel that fluidly connects the pump chamber to a nozzle.

[0038] These pumps, also known as piston pumps, are relatively easy to install and can be used compared to other types of pumps.

[0039] In one embodiment, the pump has a suction side adapted to communicate with a container and a pressure side adapted to communicate with an outlet channel, and the device further comprises a pre-pressure valve located in the outlet channel and a buffer body communicating with the outlet channel.

[0040] Such pumps are also called pre-pressurized pumps. With such a pump, liquid can be drawn from a container on the suction side of the pump, and on the pressure side of the pump, a buffer can be used to increase the pressure in a distribution device upstream of the pre-pressure valve, and the pressure can be increased until it reaches the crack pressure of the pre-pressure valve, at which point the liquid in the pump can pass through the pre-pressure valve and be distributed through the nozzle.

[0041] A pump typically includes an inlet valve on the suction side, which allows liquid to enter the pump chamber when the effective volume of the pump chamber is increased and is closed, or at least substantially closed, by the pressure applied to the pump chamber during a decrease in the effective volume of the pump chamber. Furthermore, a pump typically includes an outlet valve for closing, or at least substantially closing, the connection to the outlet channel when the effective volume of the pump chamber is increased and this outlet valve is opened, by the pressure applied to the outlet channel during a decrease in the effective volume of the pump chamber.

[0042] The buffer can be embodied, for example, as a gas buffer or as a buffer equipped with a spring-biased plunger.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the pre-pressure valve is equipped with a dome valve.

[0044] A dome valve features a diaphragm that is elastically deformable between a closed and open position under crack pressure. In the open position, liquid can pass through the dome valve, but in the closed position, liquid cannot pass through the valve. Dome valves are relatively easy to install compared to other types of valves.

[0045] For example, it has a limited number of parts compared to other types of valves.

[0046] In another embodiment, the pre-pressure valve is adjacent to the nozzle.

[0047] By positioning the pre-pressure valve adjacent to the nozzle, the channel between the pre-pressure valve and the nozzle is kept as short as possible, if any. This allows the remaining volume to be used for other parts of the engine, resulting in a relatively compact design for the device.

[0048] In one embodiment, the pre-pressure valve is oriented in a direction substantially in line with the orifice in the nozzle, along with the direction of movement of the valve between the open and closed positions.

[0049] This is the opposite of the orientation disclosed in WO 2018 / 202645 A1, in which the pre-pressure valve is oriented substantially perpendicular to the orifice in the nozzle, along with the direction of valve motion between the open and closed positions. In the orientation according to this embodiment, the length of the flow path between the pre-pressure valve and the nozzle can be shortened, or no such flow path can be provided at all. This makes the design of the device more compact.

[0050] It should be noted that this embodiment and its modifications are not limited to the distribution device according to the present invention described above, and for similar reasons, the distribution device described in the preamble of the specification may also be considered.

[0051] In one embodiment, the engine comprises a first engine section equipped with a pump and a second engine section equipped with a nozzle, and the first and second engine sections are mechanically connected or connectable to each other.

[0052] This offers the advantage of increased flexibility in the manufacture of the dispensing device. The nozzle, as part of the second component, can be used to restrict the movement of the trigger, as mentioned above, and can be connected only to the first engine unit after the trigger has been placed in the first engine unit, thereby increasing ease of assembly.

[0053] Furthermore, separate first and second components are easier to manufacture compared to an integrated engine. Additionally, an engine composed of first and second components can be shipped in a more compact manner compared to a one-piece engine, reducing transportation costs. Moreover, an engine composed of multiple components increases the possibility of product customization in the later stages of assembly. For example, a first engine unit containing a standard pump can be combined with several different types of second engine units, such as those with nozzles directed in different directions.

[0054] The second engine section may consist of only one component, or it may consist of multiple sub-components that are connected or connectable to each other and / or the first engine section.

[0055] It should be noted that this embodiment and its embodiments are not limited to the distribution device according to the present invention, and the distribution device described in the preamble may also be considered for the same reasons.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second engine section comprises at least one slider and an outlet channel.

[0057] To enhance the advantages of having an engine composed of first and second parts, it is preferable to design the first engine section constituting the pump in an otherwise relatively basic manner, particularly to reduce its transportation costs. For this reason, it is preferable to house many of the other engine components in the second engine section. For similar reasons, if the engine is equipped with a pre-pressure valve, it is preferable that the second engine section is equipped with a pre-pressure valve.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a guiding means for guiding the movement of the slider.

[0059] To move the slider in a controlled manner, it is preferable to have a guiding means for guiding the movement of the slider. Such a guiding means may be provided, for example, by a trigger, which may have a channel through which the slider is housed and through which the current flows.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the slider has legs on the side facing the limiting element, and the guiding means has at least one slot configured to receive the free end of the slider.

[0061] In addition to or as an alternative to any other guiding means, the slider may be guided into the slot by the free end of the slider positioned on the side facing the limiting element.

[0062] The slot may be open on one side, allowing the leg to be removed from the slot. The slot may be C-shaped, for example, with the open side of the slot facing outward. The slot may be equipped with a latch to prevent the leg from being removed from the slot. However, either the latch or the leg may have elasticity that allows the leg to be removed from the slot despite the possible presence of the latch.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the trigger comprises a biasing means connected to or connectable to an engine for biasing the trigger toward a first position, the biasing means comprising at least one elastic arm, the free end of the at least one elastic arm having downward-facing teeth for engaging with or engaging with a pocket in the engine.

[0064] By providing teeth on the free end of at least one elastic arm of the biasing means directed downward, i.e., toward the connecting means, it is possible to have a pocket in the engine that is relatively easier to produce compared to the recess according to WO 2013 / 043938 A2, the recess being necessary to engage with the projection disclosed in the publication. Furthermore, by connecting the trigger to the engine via the biasing means, the engine and trigger constitute a unit that is easy to handle and can be transported and stored as is (i.e., without external covering).

[0065] It should be noted that this embodiment and its embodiments are not limited to the distribution device according to the present invention, and for similar reasons, the distribution device described in the preamble of the specification may also be considered.

[0066] In one embodiment, the distribution device comprises a shroud that at least partially covers the slider, the shroud further comprising means for accessing the slider through the shroud.

[0067] Such shrouds can be used to prevent users from accessing components of a distributor that do not need to be accessed during the normal operation of the distributor. Such shrouds can also be used additionally or as an alternative to give the distributor a certain decorative appearance.

[0068] When providing a device with such a shroud, it is highly preferable that the slider remains operable to the user. For this purpose, in this embodiment, means for accessing (i.e., operating) the shroud are provided. Such means may include a projection that protrudes through an opening in the shroud. Alternatively, the shroud may be elastically deformable in the region surrounding the slider, and deformation of this region allows the slider to be actuated.

[0069] The shroud may consist of several parts, such as a main body having an open top which may be substantially cylindrical, and a cover portion for covering the open top of the main body. The shroud can be fitted to other parts, such as a trigger, in particular its first neutral position.

[0070] In one embodiment, the shroud includes an actuator that is operable from outside the shroud and is configured to move a slider between a restricted position and an unrestricted position.

[0071] To reduce the possibility of contaminant intrusion, it is preferable to keep any means of accessing the slider through the shroud as small as possible. In this embodiment, the dispenser includes an actuator, such as a button, configured to operate the slider, thereby making the slider less visible to the end user. As a result, the slider is operated indirectly rather than directly by the user.

[0072] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a toggle that is slidable within a recess in the shroud.

[0073] Since the slider is slidable between a restricted position and an unrestricted position, if the actuator is a similarly slidable toggle, the indirect movement of the slider through the shroud can have a particularly simple configuration, preferably in a direction parallel to the direction in which the slider slides between its restricted and unrestricted positions. Also, if the slider is located on top of the engine, a recess may be formed at the top of the shroud. This allows the toggle to be easily operated (for example, with the user's thumb).

[0074] By placing the toggle within the recess, the degree to which the toggle protrudes from the shroud is limited, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the toggle. The toggle may have a surface formed to accommodate the free end of a human finger, thereby allowing the toggle to be operated conveniently.

[0075] The presence of the toggle typically requires the presence of a slit that penetrates the shroud, allowing the toggle to engage with the slider.

[0076] In one embodiment, the toggle is connected by the upper edge of the recess.

[0077] To further reduce the possibility of contaminant intrusion, the toggle is preferably coupled by the upper edge of the recess, or in other words, sized to abut against the edge of the recess.

[0078] In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to move the slider between a restricted position and an unrestricted position by means of a hook portion provided on one of the slider and the actuator, in cooperation with a cavity provided on the other of the slider and the actuator.

[0079] By providing such a hook portion on one of the slider and actuator, and a cavity on the other side of the slider, these parts can be connected more securely in a relatively simple manner. When the hook portion is provided on the slider, it is preferable that the hook portion faces inward.

[0080] In one embodiment, at least one of the slider and the trigger is reflectively symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry passing through the nozzle.

[0081] Sliders and / or triggers that are reflectively symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry passing through the nozzle ensure an even distribution of forces acting on the device. This plane of symmetry is typically parallel to the longitudinal direction of the engine.

[0082] In one embodiment, the trigger is hinged to the engine to move between a first position and a second position.

[0083] While other methods of moving the trigger are conceivable, the movement of the trigger between a first and second position for activating the engine can have a reliable and simple configuration when the trigger is hinged between its first and second positions.

[0084] In one embodiment, the slider is configured to restrict the movement of the trigger from a first position to a second position.

[0085] In this case, the slider holds the trigger in a first position, preferably the neutral position. When the trigger is spring-driven to be biased toward the neutral position, it is not recommended to restrict the trigger to a non-neutral position, as this could cause damage and failure of the trigger.

[0086] In one embodiment, the range of motion of the trigger and the dimensions of the slider are such that the slider can move from an unrestricted position to a restricted position at one of the first and second positions of the trigger.

[0087] By limiting the possible range of movement the slider can achieve from an unrestricted position to a restricted position, the slider becomes more intuitive to use. Preferably, the first position is the neutral position and the second position is the pressed position. In this case, the possibility of the trigger being restricted to an unfavorable position is further reduced.

[0088] The present invention further relates to a liquid distribution system comprising a container at least partially filled with liquid and a distribution device according to any one of the claims connected to the container.

[0089] A dispensing device can be used to draw liquid from a container and distribute the drawn liquid through the device's nozzle.

[0090] In one embodiment, the container is a bag-in-bottle container.

[0091] There is no need to vent bag-in-bottle containers such as Flare®. The bag in such bag-in-bottle containers gradually contracts around the inlet of the device when it is emptied.

[0092] The present invention further relates to a method for assembling a device for distributing liquids, the method being: The steps include providing a first engine section equipped with a pump, Steps to provide a trigger, The steps include connecting a trigger to the first engine unit, moving it between a first position and a second position, and activating the pump when it moves from the first position to the second position, The step of providing a second engine section comprising a nozzle and at least one slider preferably having at least one limiting element, The steps include: connecting the trigger to the first engine section, preferably positioning the slider so that it can slide between an unrestricted position in which the trigger can move between first and second positions and a restricted position in which a restricting element restricts the movement of the trigger between first and second positions relative to the unrestricted position; and then connecting the second engine section to the first engine section. Includes.

[0093] As described above, in an engine comprising a first engine section equipped with a pump and a second engine section equipped with at least a nozzle, preferably at least a slider having a limiting element, and more preferably an outlet channel and a pre-pressure valve, the trigger may be connected to the first engine section before the second engine section is connected to the first engine section. This makes it possible to limit the range of motion of the trigger by the nozzle without requiring the trigger to pass through the nozzle during assembly.

[0094] In one embodiment, the step of providing a second engine unit includes the step of selecting a second engine unit from several different types of second engine units.

[0095] This provides flexibility in product differentiation during the later stages of assembly. For example, several different types of second engine sections may have nozzles directed in different directions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0096] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, using the present invention as an example. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the distribution device of the present invention, in which a toggle is located in the unrestricted position, a trigger is located in the first neutral position, and possible containers connected to it are shown by dashed lines. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the distributor in Figure 1, with the slider in the limited position, the trigger in the first neutral position, and the shroud removed to show the engine, and a detailed rear perspective view at a magnified scale of the connection of the trigger's elastic arm (shown as dashed lines) to the engine. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the distribution device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distribution device along line IV-IV in Figure 1, with the slider in the limit position, the trigger in the first neutral position, and the shroud removed. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the apparatus in Figure 1, with the sliders in the restricted and unrestricted positions, respectively, and the shroud removed to show the engine. The trigger is shown in the Phantom in Figure 5B. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the apparatus in Figure 1, with the sliders in the restricted and unrestricted positions, the shroud removed to show the engine, and the trigger indicated by a dashed line. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective top view of the distribution device, with the toggle in the restricted position and the shroud indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified version of the distribution device according to Figure 1, located in the same position as in Figure 4, with the slider in the unrestricted position, the trigger in the first neutral position, and the shroud removed. Detailed explanation

[0097] A device 1 for distributing liquid (not shown) from a container C (shown by dashed lines in Figure 1) comprises an engine 2 (Figure 2), a trigger 5, and a connecting means 6 for connecting the engine 2 to the neck portion of the container C. The connecting means 6 may be configured to establish a plug connection, screw connection, or snap connection with the container C. The engine 2 comprises a nozzle 3 and a pump 4 for transferring liquid from the container C to the nozzle 3. The trigger 5 is movable between a first neutral position and a second position that is at least substantially depressed, and is connected to the pump 4 to actuate the pump 4 when moved from the first position to the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger 5 includes a handle portion 56 connected to two blades 57 extending on both sides of the engine 2. Each blade 57 is connected to an elastic arm 24, which will be described later. In this case, the movement of the trigger 5 between the first and second positions is a pivoting motion around a hinge axis 17, as indicated by arrow T1.

[0098] The top 7 of the engine 2 of the device 1 is provided with a slider 9 on the opposite side of the connecting means 6, which has two limiting elements, namely projections 10 and 11, and these are connected to the free ends of the legs of the U-shaped end 12 of the slider 9. These projections 10 and 11 are positioned on the opposite side of the nozzle 3 and are oriented inward and outward when viewed from the center of the engine 2.

[0099] The trigger 5 is equipped with engaging elements 13 and 14 on its upper edges 15 and 16, which are located near the top 7 and face the connecting means 6. These engaging elements extend radially with respect to the hinge axis 17 of the trigger 5 (Figures 5A and 5B).

[0100] Slider 9 is slidable in the direction of arrow R1 between an unrestricted position (Figures 1, 5B, 7) where trigger 5 can move from a first position to a second position and back to the first position, and a restricted position (Figures 2, 4, 5A, 6). The sliding motion of slider 9 is substantially parallel to the direction of motion of trigger 5 between the first and second positions, but slider 9 moves linearly in contrast to the pivoting motion of trigger 5. Restricting elements 10 and 11 are positioned adjacent to the positions of engaging elements 13 and 14 in the first or neutral position. In the restricted position, restricting elements 10 and 11 restrict the motion of trigger 5 between the first and second positions by extending into the path T2 of engaging elements 13 and 14 between the first and second positions of trigger 5. In the unrestricted position, the restricting elements 10' and 11' do not extend into this path T2, allowing the trigger 5 to move between its first and second positions to actuate the pump 4. In the latter position, a part of the engine 2, namely the valve chamber 18 housing the pre-pressure valve 19 (Figure 4), is nested within the U-shaped end 12 of the slider 9, and the restricting elements 10 and 11 are positioned around this engine portion (Figures 5A and 5B).

[0101] To guide the movement of the slider 9, the slider 9 is constrained by the upper edges 15, 16 of the trigger. On the opposite side of the slider 9 from the limiting members 10, 11, there are two legs 20, 21. These legs 20, 21 are slidably received in C-shaped outward-facing slots 22, 23 formed in the guide elements 58, 59 at the top 7 of the engine 2.

[0102] As can be seen from Figures 5A and 5B, projections 10, 11 and 13, 14 have inclined surfaces facing each other. In this case, projections 10, 11 have inclined upper surfaces 60, 61 facing projections 13, 14, and projections 13, 14 have an inclined surface on the side facing the trigger 5. These inclined surfaces allow the trigger 5 to move between its first and second positions, even when the slider 9 is in its limited position, that is, when an operating force substantially exceeding the reference operating force is applied to the trigger 5 over a period of time. This can occur, for example, when the user sets the slider 9 to its limited position and persistently tries to force the trigger 5 from its first position to its second position. In this case, projections 13, 14 move downward on the inclined upper surfaces 60, 61 of projections 10, 11, and the upper part of the wing 57 supporting projections 13, 14 elastically deforms and curves outward in the direction of arrow B. When projections 13 and 14 pass over projections 10 and 11, projections 13 and 14 return to their original positions. By allowing projections 13 and 14 to ride up onto the inclined surfaces 60 and 61 of projections 10 and 11, damage to the trigger 5 and / or slider 9 can be prevented. In this regard, it should be noted that the purpose of restricting the movement of the trigger 5 is merely to prevent accidental activation, for example, when the distribution device is held in the user's bag or pocket, and does not usually involve significant load.

[0103] To bias the trigger 5 toward its first position, the trigger 5 is provided with a biasing mechanism. In this embodiment, the biasing mechanism comprises a pair of elastic arms 24 positioned on either side of the trigger 5, only one of which is visible here. In the illustrated embodiment, teeth 25 are provided at the free end 26 of each arm 24. These teeth 25 face downward and engage with a pocket 27 in the engine 2 (illustrated in detail in Figure 2). In this way, the trigger 5 is securely connected to the engine 2.

[0104] As is clear from Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the engine 2 comprises a first engine section 28 equipped with a pump 4 and a second engine section 29 equipped with a nozzle 3, a slider 9, an outlet channel 30, and a connector 31 connected to the first engine section 28. By dividing the engine 2 into a first engine section 28 and a second engine section 29, the trigger 5 can be mounted on the first engine section 28 without passing through the nozzle 3, and the range of motion of the trigger 5 can be limited by the nozzle. Thus, such a device 1 can first be provided with the first engine section 28 and the trigger 5, and the trigger 5 can be connected to the first engine section 28 so that it can move from the first position to the second position in order to actuate the pump when brought from the first position to the second position. Subsequently, the second engine section 29 can be provided, and after connecting the trigger 5 to the first engine section 28, this second engine section 29 can be connected to the first engine section 28 (Figure 3). The assembly method further includes the step of positioning the slider 9 so that it can slide between an unrestricted position and a restricted position.

[0105] Device 1 includes a shroud 32 consisting of a main shroud section 33 and a cover shroud section 34 to cover the engine 2 and the slider 9 provided on the engine 2. The cover shroud section 34 closes the opening top of the main shroud section 33 and fits onto the trigger 5 in a first position.

[0106] Both the cover shroud portion 34 and the trigger 5 are provided with semicircular recesses that together form a circle that fits around the circular nozzle 3. To keep the slider 9 accessible, the cover shroud portion 34 is provided with an actuator in the form of a toggle 35 that is slidable back and forth in the direction of arrow R2. This toggle 35 has a surface formed to receive the user's finger. The toggle 35 is housed in a recess 36 of the cover shroud portion 34 and is constrained by the upper edge 37 of the recess 36. The toggle 35 is provided with a hook portion 38 that engages with the cavity 39 of the slider 9. The toggle 35 is located on the cover shroud portion 34 at the top of the device 1 so that it is easy to operate with the thumb or the like.

[0107] The pump 4 of engine 2 has a suction side S adapted to fluidly communicate with the container C via an inlet channel 53. In the illustrated embodiment, an immersion tube 40 extending into the container C is connected to the inlet channel 53. The pump 4 also has a pressure side P that fluidly communicates with the nozzle 3 via an outlet channel 30.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-pressure valve 19 in the outlet channel 30 is positioned horizontally, i.e., its direction of valve motion between the open and closed positions is substantially in line with the distribution orifice 50 in the nozzle 3. In this embodiment, the pre-pressure valve 19 is a dome valve, which fits snugly into the valve chamber 18. The dome valve includes a sleeve 47 and an elastically flexible diaphragm 48 that engages tightly with the valve seat 49. The pre-pressure valve 19 has a crack pressure that defines the lower limit of the pressure at which the liquid is ejected.

[0109] The pump 4 includes a pump chamber 41 formed integrally with a frame 42 that includes a connecting means 6. A piston 44 is positioned in the pump chamber 41 to slide and reciprocate. The piston 44 is mechanically connected to the trigger 5 to move the piston 44 and the pump chamber 41 relative to each other when the trigger 5 is activated.

[0110] Here, the buffer 43, which is embodied as a gas buffer, extends into the neck portion of the container C through the annular connecting means 6. The buffer 43 is in fluid communication with the outlet channel 30 and can be in fluid communication with the pump chamber 41. In this embodiment, the buffer 43 includes a gas-filled body 51 located within the buffer chamber 52. The gas-filled body 51 is locked into the buffer chamber 52 by the upper part 55. The buffer 43 plays a role in storing liquid by compressing the gas-filled body 52 when the pump 4 supplies more liquid to the outlet channel 30 than the nozzle 3 can distribute. In this way, the liquid pressure can be maintained even after the trigger 5 stops the operation of the pump 41.

[0111] The suction side S of the pump 4 is provided with an inlet valve 45 that opens the pump chamber 41 to the inlet channel 53 when the effective volume of the pump chamber 41 increases, i.e., when the piston 44 moves away from the bottom 54 of the pump chamber 41. The inlet valve 45 is further configured to at least partially close the connection to the inlet channel 53 when the effective volume of the pump chamber 41 decreases.

[0112] On the pressure side P of the pump 4, there is an outlet valve 46 that opens the pump chamber 41 to the outlet channel 30 when the effective volume of the pump chamber 41 decreases, that is, when the piston 44 moves toward the bottom 54 of the pump chamber 41. The outlet valve 46 is further configured to at least partially close the connection to the outlet channel 30 when the effective volume of the pump chamber 41 increases.

[0113] A modified version of the engine 102 is shown in Figure 7, but only the differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail. All parts corresponding to those in Figure 4 are identified by the same reference numerals. Note that the slider 9 is shown in the advanced, unrestricted position. Instead of the gas buffer 43, the engine 102 has a spring buffer 143 with a plunger 151A biased by a spring 151B located in a buffer chamber 152. The spring-biased plunger 151A is held in the buffer chamber 152 by a top 155.

[0114] In this way, the present invention provides a liquid dispensing apparatus that is easier to manufacture, store, and transport than conventional apparatuses of this type. Furthermore, the liquid dispensing apparatus of the present invention is more compact than conventional apparatuses.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described herein in part by some embodiments, it is clear that it can be modified in many ways without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing liquid from a container, An engine comprising a nozzle and a pump for transferring liquid from the container to the nozzle, A trigger is connected to the pump and is movable between the first and second positions in order to activate the pump when it is brought from the first position to the second position, A connecting means for connecting the engine to the container, A slider having at least one limiting element that is slidable between an unrestricted position in which the trigger is movable between a first position and a second position and a restricted position in which at least one limiting element restricts the movement of the trigger between the first position and the second position, and the slider is slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the orifice in the nozzle, Equipped with, The trigger comprises at least one engaging element extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the trigger between the first position and the second position, and the at least one limiting element restricts the movement of the at least one engaging element between the first position and the second position with respect to the unrestricted position. The apparatus comprises a first limiting element and a second limiting element, and a first engaging element and a second engaging element, wherein the first limiting element and the first engaging element are located on one side of the nozzle, and the second limiting element and the second engaging element are located on the opposite side of the nozzle.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slider has a U-shaped end, and the first limiting element and the second limiting element are arranged at the respective free ends of the legs of the U-shaped end.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the restricted position, the first restricting element and the second restricting element each extend within the corresponding paths of the first engaging element and the second engaging element between the first and second positions of the trigger, and in the unrestricted position, the first restricting element and the second restricting element do not extend within the paths.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first limiting element and the second limiting element each have a projection.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, which is dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the first engaging element and the second engaging element each have a projection, and the projection and the projection are configured to engage with each other at the restricted position.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the limiting element is attached to the slider at a location between the trigger and the nozzle.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the limiting element and the engaging element is inclined toward each other.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the slider is adapted to move the trigger between a first position and a second position at the limiting position of the slider when an operating force substantially exceeding a standard operating force is applied to the trigger over a period of time.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first engaging element and at least one second engaging element are each provided on the edge of the trigger.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first engaging element and the second engaging element are each provided on the side of the engine facing the connecting means.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the slider is provided on the surface of the apparatus facing the connecting means.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pump comprises a pump chamber configured to be in fluid communication with the container, and a piston disposed within the pump chamber and mechanically connected to or connectable to the trigger, and the engine comprises an outlet channel that fluidly connects the pump chamber to the nozzle.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the pump has a suction side configured to communicate fluidly with the container and a pressure side configured to communicate fluidly with the outlet channel, and the apparatus further comprises a pre-pressure valve disposed in the outlet channel and a buffer fluidly connected to the outlet channel.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pre-pressure valve comprises a dome-shaped valve.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the pre-pressure valve is adjacent to the nozzle.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the pre-pressure valve is directed in a direction substantially in line with the orifice in the nozzle, along with the direction of valve motion between the open position and the closed position.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the engine comprises a first engine section equipped with the pump and a second engine section equipped with the nozzle, and the first engine section and the second engine section are mechanically connected to or connectable to each other.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, which is dependent on any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the second engine section comprises at least one of the slider and the outlet channel.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, which is dependent on any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the second engine section comprises the pre-pressure valve.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a guiding means for guiding the movement of the slider.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the slider has legs on the side facing the limiting element, and the guiding means has at least one slot configured to receive the free end of the slider.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or the preamble of claim 1, wherein the trigger comprises a biasing means connected to or connectable to the engine for biasing the trigger toward the first position, the biasing means comprising at least one elastic arm, the free end of the at least one elastic arm having downward-facing teeth for engaging with or engaging with a pocket in the engine.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising a shroud that at least partially covers the slider, the shroud further comprising means for accessing the slider through the shroud.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the shroud comprises an actuator, the actuator being operable from outside the shroud and configured to move the slider between the restricted position and the unrestricted position.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the actuator comprises a toggle that is slidable within a recess in the shroud.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the toggle is constrained by the upper edge of the recess.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the actuator is arranged such that a hook portion provided on one of the slider and the actuator and a cavity provided on the other of the slider and the actuator cooperate to move the slider between the restricted position and the unrestricted position.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein at least one of the slider and the trigger is a reflector symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry passing through the nozzle.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the trigger is hinged to the engine to move between a first position and a second position.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the slider is configured to restrict the movement of the trigger from the first position to the second position.

31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the range of motion of the trigger and the dimensions of the slider allow the slider to move from the unrestricted position to the restricted position at only one of the first position and the second position of the trigger.

32. A liquid distribution system comprising a container at least partially filled with liquid, and a distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, connected to the container.

33. The system according to claim 32, wherein the container is a bag-in-bottle container.

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