Fluid product dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising an outer casing (C) and a fluid product reservoir (R) forming a push button (3), the fluid product reservoir (R) being axially movable in the outer casing (C) over an axial stroke by means of axial pressing on the push button (3), defining between them an outlet for dispensing the product by gravity, characterised in that the outer casing (C) and the fluid product reservoir (R) together form means (15, 41, 42, 44) for adjusting the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the outer casing (C).

Description

Liquid 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 described in document EP0875465A1, which outlines 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 polish dose is determined by a piston that isolates a constant and fixed amount.

[0003] The present invention relates to regulating 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 product reservoir forming a plunger, the reservoir being axially mobile, by axial support on the plunger, within the outer shell over an axial stroke defining between them a gravity dispensing outlet, the outer shell and the fluid product reservoir together forming means for adjusting the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir within the shell, characterized in that the outer shell may comprise a rotating casing and a fixed support piece, the rotating casing being rotatably mounted on the fixed support piece, the fluid product reservoir being rotationally fixed to the rotating casing while being axially movable within the rotating casing and the fixed support piece,The fluid product reservoir and the fixed support piece together form the means for adjusting the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir within the casing by rotating the rotating casing. Thus, the user can use these adjustment means to regulate the volume of the dispensed fluid dose. More precisely, 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's push button is actuated axially, the reservoir moves axially within the casing formed by the casing and the fixed support piece along a predetermined axial stroke determined by the adjustment means.

[0005] Advantageously, the means for adjusting the axial stroke include a stop profile and several contact profiles designed to axially bear 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 actuating the distributor is not possible.

[0006] In 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 abuts axially beneath the abutment profile during axial movement of the fluid reservoir within the outer shell. Advantageously, the axial tabs are flexible, and the fluid reservoir includes two radial bosses between which each axial tab is received by outward radial deformation to axially align the axial tab beneath 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the rotating case may include ratcheting profiles, and the fixed support piece forms an annular ratcheting groove into which the ratcheting profiles are received. Naturally, this ratcheting mechanism does not prevent the case from rotating freely with minimal friction on the fixed support piece.

[0010] 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 releases its contact with the outlet seat during axial movement of the reservoir within the outer shell, allowing the fluid product to exit the reservoir by gravity. The reservoir includes a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by annular connecting means, without a central axial element, so that the reservoir extends continuously from the plunger to the sealing wall. Thus, the fluid product has a clear (unobstructed) flow path of large cross-section. There is nothing in this flow path that could generate an agglomeration of the fluid product and therefore a blockage, which would stop the flow.The sealing wall is supported around its perimeter, rather than axially and / or centrally, thus creating a central passage for the free-flowing product. The aim is to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the flow, thereby preventing blockages or slowing of the flow. This feature is particularly well-suited to powders or granules.

[0011] 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. Visually, the dispensing 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 dispersed outwards like a sprinkler, spreading the fluid. The purpose of the invention is always to eliminate any constriction or restriction of passage for the flow of fluid product, in order to prevent agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the reservoir, when containing powder, may have a minimum internal diameter greater than approximately 30 millimeters. Empirically, it has been observed that fine powders have a strong tendency to agglomerate when passing through cross-sections smaller than approximately 30 millimeters. 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.

[0013] The essence of the invention lies in adjusting the gravity-distributed dose by varying the movement of the reservoir within the casing. The use of a rotating casing as a dose selector is particularly advantageous.

[0014] The invention will now be described in greater detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] In the figures:

[0016] This is a vertical cross-sectional view through a distributor according to the invention, which is in its rest position.

[0017] This is a vertical cross-sectional view through the distributor, in the open or actuated position.

[0018] This is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the distributor in its locked rest position.

[0019] This is a perspective view cut out of the distributor of the,

[0020] This is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the dispenser of the invention in the actuated position with a minimum dose.

[0021] This is a perspective view cut out of the distributor of the,

[0022] This is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the dispenser of the invention in the actuated position with an intermediate dose.

[0023] This is a perspective view cut out of the distributor of the,

[0024] This is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the dispenser of the invention in the actuated position with a maximum dose.

[0025] This is a cut-out perspective view of the distributor.

[0026] The dispenser of the invention illustrated in the figures is a powder or granule dispenser, but the invention is equally applicable to a liquid dispenser, preferably for high-viscosity liquids. The dispenser comprises two parts: 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 toward 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The body 1 comprises a cylinder 11 surmounted by a neck 13, onto 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 that 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.

[0029] 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 passage 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 passage sleeve 21. Thus, the volume formed by the cylinder 11 and the passage sleeve 21 is generally or practically cylindrical. Therefore, the internal diameter of the passage sleeve 21 can be said to be on the order of 30 mm or more, as is the case for the cylinder 11 of the body 1.

[0030] The sealing piece 2 also includes a sealing wall 22 located below the passage sleeve 21 and connected to it by connecting means 23, which together form lateral outlet windows 24. These connecting means 23 are in the form of tabs or bridges extending downwards from the passage sleeve 21 to connect the sealing wall 22 near its outer periphery. This sealing wall 22 defines an outlet lip 25 on its outer periphery. The diameter of this outlet lip 25 is greater than the internal diameter of the passage sleeve 21. The outlet lip 25 may have a diameter that is identical or substantially identical to that of the sealing lip 22 located above it.

[0031] At its lower end, the passage sleeve 21 forms a sealing lip 26.

[0032] It can thus be observed 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 passage sleeve 21. The shape of the sealing wall 22 can be optimized to promote the flow of powder by gravity.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The outer shell C comprises two essential elements: a rotating case 5 and a fixed support piece 4. The rotating case 5 is made as a single piece, and the fixed support piece is made either by assembling several elements or as a single 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.

[0035] 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 designed 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 contact with the cylindrical barrel 45, regardless of the depth to which the pusher 3 is depressed. In the rest position, both lips 25 and 26 are in a tight seal with the cylindrical barrel 45, whereas in the actuated position, 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.

[0036] The rotating cartridge case 5 extends around the upper part of the sleeve 21 and most of the body 1, with the neck 13 projecting upwards from the cartridge case 5 to receive the pusher 3, which acts as a removable cap. Internally, the cartridge 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 cartridge case 5 to drive the reservoir R in rotation, while still allowing it freedom of axial movement within the shell C. When the body 1 is rotatably mounted on the sealing piece 2, the cartridge case 5 drives only the body 1 in rotation, leaving the sealing piece static relative to the fixed support piece 4. This prevents any friction between the lips 25 and 26 and the barrel 45 during the rotation of the cartridge case 5.

[0037] 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. As soon as the user presses the push button 3, the flange 12 moves away from the rim 53 and the outlet lip leaves the barrel 45.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Referring to figures 3a and 3b, the distributor can be seen in the locked rest position: pressing 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 includes a horizontal bar 151 and a vertical blade 152, which extends downwards from the bar 151.

[0040] Axial pressure on the pusher 3 then causes the stop profile 15 to abut directly against the free end 411 of the locking tab 41. The axial stroke of the reservoir R is zero or almost zero. The outlet lip 25 will not leave its barrel 45.

[0041] 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 within 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.

[0042] 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 case 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 above the locking tab 41 to the position above the minimum dispensing tab 42.

[0043] 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.

[0044] To move from the minimum dose position of 4a and 4b to the intermediate dose position, simply rotate the casing 5 relative to the fixed support piece 4, as before.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The four tabs 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged at 90° angles around the spring 6. The tabs 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 ensure perfect axial alignment of the tabs under the stop profile 15. Thus, the user can tactilely perceive the tab's engagement between the two bosses 16. To select the dose or lock the device, the fixed support piece 4 can be provided with visual indicators, such as a padlock symbol V for the locked position, and dots or circles D1, D2, and D3 of increasing sizes for the three doses: minimum, intermediate, and maximum, respectively.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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

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 support on the plunger (3) over an axial stroke defining between them a gravity dispensing outlet, the outer shell (C) and the fluid product reservoir (R) together forming adjustment means (15, 411, 421, 431, 441) for the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir (R) within the outer shell (C), characterized in that the outer shell (C) comprises a rotating casing (5) and a fixed support piece (4), the rotating casing (5) being rotatably mounted on the fixed support piece (4), the fluid product reservoir (R) being rotationally fixed to the rotating casing (5) while being axially movable within the rotating casing (5) and the fixed support piece (4), the fluid product reservoir (R) and the fixed support piece (4) together forming the adjustment means (15, 411,421, 431, 441) of the axial stroke of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the shell (C) by rotation of the rotating casing (5)., Distributor according to claim 1, 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 can be zero and a maximum stroke. Distributor according to claim 2, 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. Distributor according to claim 2 or 3, 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) selectively comes into axial contact under the stop profile (15), during axial movement of the fluid product reservoir (R) in the outer shell (C). Distributor according to claim 4, 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 deformation outwards to axially align the axial tab (41, 42, 43, 44) below the stop profile (15). 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). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, 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). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating case (5) includes 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. 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). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (23) form lateral outlet windows (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). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir, when it contains powder, has a minimum internal diameter greater than about 30 millimeters.

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