Dispenser with pivoting push-button

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising a pump mounted on a fluid product reservoir (R), the pump (P) comprising an actuating rod (S) that is movable back and forth over a stroke along a longitudinal axis X between a rest position and a depressed position, the dispenser further comprising an end piece mounted on a free end of the actuating rod (S), the end piece defining an internal duct (D) that connects the actuating rod (S) to a dispensing opening (O), this end piece comprising a bearing member (1) that is situated on the longitudinal axis X, the dispenser further comprising a pivoting push-button (3) that comprises a bearing profile (35) intended to engage with the bearing member (1) of the end piece in order to depress the actuating rod (S), the bearing member (1) and the bearing profile (35) defining two movable mutual-contact zones (Z1, Z2) which are arranged in the same plane as the actuating rod (S) and the dispensing opening (O), the two movable mutual-contact zones (Z1, Z2) being permanently arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis X during the pivoting of the push-button (3) and the stroke of the actuating rod (S), namely a first movable mutual-contact zone (Z1) which induces a torque aimed at causing the actuating rod (S) to bend out of the longitudinal axis X and a second movable mutual-contact zone (Z2) which compensates for the torque induced by the first movable mutual-contact zone (Z1) in order to hold and guide the actuating rod (S) substantially in the longitudinal axis X.

Description

Swivel push-button dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a pump mounted on a fluid reservoir. The pump includes an actuating rod that can move back and forth along a longitudinal axis. The pump further includes a nozzle mounted on a free end of the actuating rod, the nozzle defining an internal conduit that connects the actuating rod to a dispensing orifice. This nozzle includes a support member located on the longitudinal axis. The dispenser further includes a pivoting plunger that includes a support profile designed to engage with the support member of the nozzle to depress the actuating rod. The support member and the support profile define two movable areas of mutual contact, which are arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis during the pivoting of the plunger and the stroke of the actuating rod.

[0002] In the prior art, document FR2692235A1 is known, describing a distributor of this type, with a pivoting push button in the form of a lever arm, the upper face of which forms two diametrically opposed circular segments that come into contact with a push button defining a convex spherical surface. In the rest position, the two circular segments are positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the push button, and in the actuated position, one segment is located approximately on the longitudinal axis and the other segment is located on the side of the push button, significantly offset from the longitudinal axis.

[0003] Thus, the segment located on the longitudinal axis exerts a purely axial thrust, while the segment located on the side of the push button tends to push the push button away from its longitudinal axis. The push button is typically mounted on an actuating rod, which is then subjected to this lateral thrust and deforms by bending away from the longitudinal axis. This causes stress on the piston and the pump body, which can lead to leaks, excessive friction, or even pump failure. In any case, this lateral stress on the push button is detrimental to the pump. It should be noted that this lateral thrust is further amplified in document FR2692235A1, because the pivoting plunger forms a return, and the pivot axis is located at the end of this return, below the dispensing port.Flexion of the actuating rod is therefore inevitable in this document, although the stated purpose of this document is to keep the pusher in axis.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by defining a distributor in which the pivoting plunger acts essentially axially on the actuating rod, so that it is not subjected to stress on one side outside its longitudinal axis. The present invention finds particular application in distributors where the actuating rod stroke is especially long, for example, on the order of 7 mm or more.

[0005] To achieve this goal, the present invention proposes a fluid product dispenser comprising a pump mounted on a fluid product reservoir, the pump comprising an actuating rod movable back and forth over a stroke along a longitudinal axis between a rest position and a depressed position, the pump further comprising a nozzle mounted on a free end of the actuating rod, the nozzle defining an internal conduit which connects the actuating rod to a dispensing orifice, this nozzle comprising a support member which is located on the longitudinal axis, the dispenser further comprising a pivoting plunger which includes a support profile intended to engage with the support member of the nozzle to depress the actuating rod, the support member and the support profile defining two movable mutual contact areas, which are arranged in the same plane as the actuating rod and the dispensing orifice.The two movable mutual contact zones being permanently positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis during the pivoting of the pusher and the stroke of the actuating rod, the two movable mutual contact zones comprising a first movable mutual contact zone which induces a torque tending to deflect the actuating rod away from the longitudinal axis and a second movable mutual contact zone which counteracts the torque induced by the first movable mutual contact zone to maintain the actuating rod substantially in line with the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the two movable mutual contact zones are simultaneous over most of the stroke up to and including the depressed position, so that the second zone constantly counteracts the torque induced by the first zone, except possibly at the very beginning of the establishment of the first zone.

[0006] According to an interesting feature of the invention, a first support force is generated at the first movable mutual contact zone when the pusher is actuated. This first support force has a vector oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis over at least part, or even all, of the pusher's pivot and the stroke of the actuating rod. Since the first zone is axially offset, it will generate a first torque on the actuating rod, which tends to deform on the side of the first zone.

[0007] According to another interesting feature of the invention, a second support force is generated at the second movable mutual contact zone when the pusher is actuated. This second support force has a vector oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis over at least part, or even all, of the pusher's pivot and the stroke of the actuating rod. Since the second zone is also axially offset, but on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis, it generates a counter-torque on the actuating rod, which compensates for the first torque, thus keeping the actuating rod aligned.

[0008] Advantageously, the first zone of mobile mutual contact can be defined by a first curved surface in contact with a first flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that this first zone of mobile mutual contact moves perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, while being located off the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the first zone of mobile mutual contact could possibly be defined by the mutual contact of two curved surfaces.

[0009] Furthermore, the second mobile mutual contact zone can be defined by a second curved surface in contact with a second flat surface extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis, such that this second mobile mutual contact zone moves obliquely to the longitudinal axis, while remaining off the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the second mobile mutual contact zone could potentially be defined by the mutual contact of two curved surfaces.

[0010] Preferably, the bearing member and the bearing profile can define a third zone of mutual contact located on the longitudinal axis. When the actuating rod is at rest and at the beginning of the pusher's pivoting and the actuating rod's stroke, this third movable zone of mutual contact is defined by the second curved surface in contact with a third flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which is located on the longitudinal axis. This third zone of mutual contact is broken as the first movable zone of mutual contact is established. This third contact zone, which is on the longitudinal axis, does not generate any lateral stress on the actuating rod, which therefore remains perfectly aligned. The duration of this third contact zone is short, since the first zone quickly takes over and breaks the third zone.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the distribution orifice can open perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, the first curved surface and the first flat surface being further from the distribution orifice than the second curved surface and the second flat surface.

[0012] Advantageously, the first movable contact zone can be established before the second movable contact zone, once the pivoting pusher has left its rest position. The reverse is also possible. Simultaneous establishment of both contact zones is difficult to achieve.

[0013] Advantageously, the first movable mutual contact zone is farther from the dispensing orifice than the second movable mutual contact zone. Furthermore, the first movable mutual contact zone approaches the longitudinal axis without ever reaching it, while the second movable mutual contact zone moves away from the longitudinal axis, as the pusher and actuating rod are depressed. This implies that both movable mutual contact zones approach the dispensing orifice as the pusher and actuating rod are depressed. However, the two movable mutual contact zones remain permanently positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis during the pivoting of the pusher and the stroke of the actuating rod, with the first movable mutual contact zone approaching the longitudinal axis but never reaching it.

[0014] According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the pivoting plunger is movable about a pivot axis that is located substantially at the same axial level as the two movable mutual contact zones when the pivoting plunger is at rest, and above the two movable mutual contact zones when the pivoting plunger is actuated. In other words, the pivot axis of the plunger is located in or in the immediate vicinity of the plunger's pivot plane, unlike that of document FR2692235A1.

[0015] The spirit of the invention lies in compensating for the tendency of a first support to deflect the actuating rod by establishing a second support, which acts as a counter-bearing relative to the first support, to maintain or guide the actuating rod substantially or essentially along its longitudinal axis of reciprocating movement. It can also be said that the respective effects of the two supports counterbalance, neutralize, balance, or weigh each other in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, ultimately generating only a single overall axial effect that maintains the actuating rod along its longitudinal axis, or nearly so. The first support is located off the longitudinal axis, so that it is cantilevered: it therefore induces a torque on the end piece, which will tend to deflect or buckle the actuating rod towards the side of the first support.This torque is compensated by the second support located on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis from the first support. It is preferable, even essential, that both supports be permanently positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis to ensure that the actuating rod remains aligned along the longitudinal axis throughout the entire pivoting of the pusher and the axial stroke of the rod. Advantageously, a third axial support can be present at rest and / or at the very beginning of the pivoting of the pusher and the axial stroke of the rod: the first support will take over from the third support shortly after leaving the rest position, and the second support is established shortly after the first support is established to compensate for the torque generated by the first cantilevered support.The actuation sequence can thus be divided into four phases: the main phase, which covers most of the axial stroke of the rod and is characterized by the simultaneous existence of the first and second contact zones to maintain or guide the actuating rod along its axis. This main phase can advantageously be preceded by a first anterior phase, during which only the first contact zone is established. This first anterior phase can advantageously be preceded by a second anterior phase, during which the first and third contact zones are established simultaneously. This second anterior phase can advantageously be preceded by an initial phase, during which only the third contact zone is established. Such a sequence, in whole or in part, can be subject to separate protection.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In the figures:

[0018] This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid product dispenser of the invention in its rest position.

[0019] This is a greatly enlarged view of the upper part of the dispenser.

[0020] Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are similar views in successive actuated positions of the distributor of the,

[0021] cf

[0022] cf

[0023] cf

[0024] This is a view similar to that in the fully actuated position of the distributor, and

[0025] This is a view similar to the one showing all the positions of figures 2 to 7.

[0026] The fluid product dispenser is shown in its entirety on Figure 1 and in a truncated and enlarged form on Figure 2, since only the upper part is visible. It should be noted that the reservoir is not critical to the present invention: it simply needs to be able to hold a fluid or liquid product.

[0027] The dispenser shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a fluid reservoir R with a threaded neck C, onto which a pump P is mounted by means of a ring B. The pump P includes an actuating rod or valve S, which is movable back and forth along a longitudinal axis X over an axial stroke ranging from 3 mm to 7 mm, or even 8 mm or 9 mm. The dispenser further includes a nozzle mounted on one free end of the actuating rod S. This nozzle defines an internal channel D, which connects the actuating rod S to a nozzle N forming a dispensing orifice O. Through this channel, the fluid is dispensed in the form of a spray, a stream, or a small amount. This design is quite typical for a dispenser in the perfume, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries. The nozzle could act as a push button, which a user can press to activate the pump and dispense a dose of the fluid.

[0028] In the distributor of the invention, the nozzle includes a support member 1, which is either an integral part of the nozzle or attached to the nozzle, for example by snap-fitting. This support member 1 is located on the longitudinal axis X, but extends on both sides of the actuating rod S.

[0029] The dispenser also includes a head H, which covers the threaded neck C, the pump P, its actuating rod S and part of the nozzle. This head H includes a fixed casing 2, which is mounted on the reservoir R. More specifically, the casing 2 defines a threaded base 21, which is engaged with the threaded neck C of the reservoir R. Above the base 21, the casing 2 defines a hollow cylindrical body 22, which has a vertical oblong window 23 and an inclined upper annular edge 24. The highest point of the inclined upper annular edge 24 is located above the vertical oblong window 23. This head H also includes a pivoting plunger 3, which is pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis 31, which is common to the casing 2 and the plunger 3. This pivot axis 31 is located below the oblong window 23 and the internal conduit D, near the highest point of the inclined upper annular edge 24.The casing 2 can, for example, form two shaft bearings, and the pusher 3 can form two shaft ends engaged in the two shaft bearings, or vice versa. The pusher 3 defines an upper thrust wall 32, which terminates in an extension 33, located axially above the lowest point of the inclined upper annular edge 24. The extension 33 can be said to be located opposite the pivot axis 31 and the distribution port O. The pusher 3 defines a skirt 34, which extends downward from the upper thrust wall 32 inside the inclined upper annular edge 24 of the casing 2.

[0030] The pusher 3 also defines a support profile 35, designed to engage with the support member 1, which is mounted on or integrated into the tip. The core of the invention lies in the very specific interaction between the support member 1 and the support profile 24 of the pusher 3.

[0031] The support member 1 has a top face, which is defined by several flat surfaces, which are connected together by edges or radii.

[0032] We can first identify a first flat surface 11, which is located to the right of the longitudinal axis X and which extends horizontally, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. This first flat surface 11 is entirely located outside the longitudinal axis X.

[0033] We can then identify a second flat surface 12, which is located to the left of the longitudinal axis X and which extends obliquely, that is to say transversely to the longitudinal axis X. This first flat surface 12 is entirely located outside the longitudinal axis X.

[0034] We can also identify a third flat surface 13, which is located on the longitudinal axis X and which extends horizontally, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. This first flat surface 11 extends on both sides of the longitudinal axis X.

[0035] Finally, we can identify a fourth surface 14, which is located to the right of the longitudinal axis X, which can be planar and oblique. It lies entirely outside the longitudinal axis X.

[0036] The fourth surface 14 connects the first flat surface 11 to the third flat surface 13, which is connected to the second flat surface 12.

[0037] The support profile 35 has a lower face, which is defined by several curved surfaces that are connected together.

[0038] We can identify a first curved surface 351, which is located to the right of the longitudinal axis X, and a second curved surface 352, which extends on either side of the longitudinal axis X.

[0039] According to the invention, the first flat surface 11 and the first curved surface 351 are intended to come into mutual contact during at least part of the axial stroke of the actuating rod S, so as to create a first movable mutual contact zone Z1. The second flat surface 12 and the first curved surface 352 are intended to come into mutual contact during at least part of the axial stroke of the actuating rod S, so as to create a first movable mutual contact zone Z2. Advantageously, the third flat surface 13 and the first curved surface 352 are intended to come into mutual contact in the rest position and optionally during at least part of the axial stroke of the actuating rod S, so as to create a first movable mutual contact zone Z3.The movable mutual contact zones Z1 and Z2 are established simultaneously during most of the axial travel of the actuating rod S, and particularly in the fully depressed position. The movable mutual contact zones Z1 and Z3 are established simultaneously at the beginning of the axial travel of the actuating rod S, and possibly at rest. The movable mutual contact zone Z3 can be established at rest and / or at the beginning of the axial travel of the actuating rod S.

[0040] In Figures 1 and 2, the distributor is at rest: the actuating rod S is fully extended, and the pusher 3 rests by gravity on the support member 1 at the level of the third movable mutual contact zone Z3, which is located on, or nearly so, the longitudinal axis X. The other two zones, Z1 and Z2, are not yet established. The upper thrust wall 32 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X. When the user begins to press on the upper thrust wall 32, the third movable mutual contact zone Z3 experiences a maximum pressure force with a vertical vector F3, which coincides, or nearly coincides, with the longitudinal axis X. The first movable mutual contact zone Z1 is not yet established, or barely so.The force exerted on the actuating rod S by the pusher S is then perfectly axial and centered on the third mobile mutual contact zone Z3, so that the actuating rod S does not undergo deformation stress off the longitudinal axis X.

[0041] At position 1, the distributor begins to be actuated: the actuating rod S is slightly depressed and the pusher 3 is slightly inclined relative to the position: the upper thrust wall 32 forms an angle of 4° with the horizontal. It can be seen that the third movable mutual contact zone Z3 is no longer established and that the first movable mutual contact zone Z1 has fully taken over. The second movable mutual contact zone Z2 is not yet established or barely so. Only the first movable mutual contact zone Z1 is established and experiences a maximum support force with a vertical vector F1, which is offset from the longitudinal axis X. The force exerted on the actuating rod S by the pusher S is then still axial, but eccentric or cantilevered, so that the actuating rod S is subjected to a deformation stress off the longitudinal axis X.However, this deformation will quickly be compensated by the second mobile mutual contact zone Z2, which gradually comes into action.

[0042] On this point, the distributor continued its actuation: the upper thrust wall 32 forms an angle of 8° with the horizontal. The first and second movable mutual contact zones Z1 and Z2 are established simultaneously and compensate each other to keep the actuating rod S aligned. At the second movable mutual contact zone Z2, the support force has an oblique vector F2, which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0043] In Figures 5 and 6, the distributor continues its actuation: the upper thrust wall 32 makes an angle of 12° and 16° respectively with respect to the horizontal. The first and second movable mutual contact zones Z1 and Z2 are established simultaneously and compensate each other to maintain and guide the actuating rod S along the axis.

[0044] On this point, the distributor is fully actuated: the actuating rod is in the (completely) depressed position. The first and second movable mutual contact zones Z1 and Z2 are always simultaneously established and compensate each other to keep the actuating rod aligned.

[0045] It goes without saying that the zones Z1 and Z2, as well as the actuating rod S and the distribution orifice O, are located in the same plane, namely in the plane of figures 1 to 7.

[0046] It should also be noted that zones Z1 and Z2 are permanently positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis X, during the pivoting of the pusher 3 and the stroke of the actuating rod S.

[0047] In Figure 1, the positions of Figures 1 to 7 are shown simultaneously: the different inclinations of the pusher 3, referenced from A0 to A20, ranging from 0° to 20°, passing through 4°, 8°, 12°, and 16°, can be seen. It can be noted that the actuating rod S always remains on the X-axis. The only position in which a slight misalignment is possible is position A4, since only zone Z1 is established, and Z1 max tends to cause the actuating rod S to flex. However, this slight flex is quickly eliminated by zone Z2, which is established from position A8 onwards.

[0048] It can be noted that the first movable mutual contact zone Z1 moves towards or towards the longitudinal axis X during the axial stroke of the actuating rod S, while the second movable mutual contact zone Z2 moves away from the longitudinal axis X during the same stroke. It can also be noted that the first movable mutual contact zone is further from the dispensing orifice than the second movable mutual contact zone. This implies that both movable mutual contact zones move towards the dispensing orifice as the plunger and actuating rod are depressed. However, the two movable mutual contact zones are permanently positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis during the pivoting of the plunger and the stroke of the actuating rod; the first movable mutual contact zone moves towards the longitudinal axis but never reaches it.The displacement of the first zone Z1 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, since it occurs on the first flat surface 11, which is horizontal. The displacement of the second zone Z2 is oblique to the longitudinal axis X, since it occurs on the second flat surface 12, which is oblique or transverse. As for the displacement of the third zone Z3, it is to the left in the direction of the second flat surface 12, but it is very short, so it can be said to be essentially on the longitudinal axis X.

[0049] The cooperation between the support member 1 and the support profile 34 is represented in the table below. Phase 1: Rest Fig. 1 & 2 Z3 without support Almost zero force Almost zero force Optional Phase 2: Support on the pusher Fig. 1 and 2 Z3 max Centered axial force without torque Optional Phase 3 Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 Z3 decreases and Z1 increases Centered axial force replaced by Eccentric axial force creating torque Optional Phase 4 Fig. 3 Z1 max Eccentric axial force with torque Optional Phase 4 Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 Z1 decreases and Z2 increases Torque of Z2 increasing Optional Phase 5: Remaining stroke Fig. 4 to Fig. 7 Z1 and Z2 Compensated torques

[0050] Simultaneous, torque-compensated zones Z1 and Z2 are essential for maintaining and guiding the actuating rod along its axis. Zone Z3 is advantageous but not essential, as is the maximum Z1 phase. Ideally, one could start directly with Z1 and Z2. However, phase 3 (maximum Z1) proves to be a good compromise, as it is difficult to establish two contact zones simultaneously, with one always preceding the other.

Claims

A fluid product dispenser comprising a pump mounted on a fluid product reservoir (R), the pump (P) comprising an actuating rod (S) movable reciprocating along a longitudinal axis X between a rest position and a depressed position, the dispenser further comprising a nozzle mounted on a free end of the actuating rod (S), the nozzle defining an internal conduit (D) which connects the actuating rod (S) to a dispensing orifice (O), this nozzle comprising a support member (1) which is located on the longitudinal axis X, the dispenser further comprising a pivoting plunger (3) which includes a support profile (35) intended to engage with the support member (1) of the nozzle to depress the actuating rod (S), the support member (1) and the support profile (35) defining two movable mutual contact zones (Z1, Z2) which are arranged in the same plane as the actuating rod (S) and the distribution orifice (O),the two movable mutual contact zones (Z1, Z2) being permanently arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis X during the pivoting of the pusher (3) and the stroke of the actuating rod (S), namely a first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) which induces a torque tending to bend the actuating rod (S) out of the longitudinal axis X and a second movable mutual contact zone (Z2) which compensates for the torque induced by the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) to maintain and guide the actuating rod (S) substantially in the longitudinal axis X. Distributor according to claim 1, wherein a first support force is generated at the level of the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1), when the pusher (3) is actuated, this first support force having a vector oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X, over at least part, or even all, of the pivoting of the pusher (3) and the stroke of the actuating rod (S). Distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second support force is generated at the level of the second movable mutual contact zone (Z2) when the pusher (3) is actuated, this second support force having a vector oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis X, over at least part, or even all, of the pivoting of the pusher (3) and the stroke of the actuating rod (S). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) is defined by a first curved surface (351) in contact with a first flat surface (11) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, such that this first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) moves perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X, while being located off the longitudinal axis X. Distributor according to claim 4, wherein the second movable mutual contact zone (Z2) is defined by a second curved surface (352) in contact with a second flat surface (12) which extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis X, so that this second movable mutual contact zone (Z2) moves obliquely to the longitudinal axis X, while being located off the longitudinal axis X. Distributor according to claim 5, wherein the support member (1) and the support profile (35) define a third mutual contact zone (Z3) disposed on the longitudinal axis X, when the actuating rod (S) is at rest and at the beginning of the pivoting of the pusher (3) and the stroke of the actuating rod (S), the third mutual contact zone (Z3) being defined by the second curved surface (352) in contact with a third flat surface (13) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, which is located on the longitudinal axis X, this third mutual contact zone (Z3) being broken as the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) is established. Distributor according to claim 5 or 6, in which the distribution orifice (O) opens perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X, the first curved surface (351) and the first flat surface (11) being further from the distribution orifice (O) than the second curved surface (352) and the second flat surface (12). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) is established before the second movable mutual contact zone (Z2), when the pivoting pusher (3) has left the rest position. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) is further from the distribution orifice (O) than the second movable mutual contact zone (Z2). Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first movable mutual contact zone (Z1) approaches the longitudinal axis X without ever reaching it and the second movable mutual contact zone (Z2) moves away from the longitudinal axis X, as the pusher (3) and the actuating rod (S) are pressed. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two movable mutual contact zones (Z1, Z2) approach the distribution orifice (O), as the pusher (3) and the actuating rod (S) are pressed. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting pusher (3) is movable about a pivot axis (31) which is located substantially at the same axial level as the two movable mutual contact zones (Z1, Z2), when the pivoting pusher (3) is at rest, and above the two movable mutual contact zones (Z1, Z2), when the pivoting pusher (3) is actuated.

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