EP1492627A1 - Dispensing head mounted on a mobile hollow actuating shaft - Google Patents

Dispensing head mounted on a mobile hollow actuating shaft

Info

Publication number
EP1492627A1
EP1492627A1 EP03735796A EP03735796A EP1492627A1 EP 1492627 A1 EP1492627 A1 EP 1492627A1 EP 03735796 A EP03735796 A EP 03735796A EP 03735796 A EP03735796 A EP 03735796A EP 1492627 A1 EP1492627 A1 EP 1492627A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispensing
shutter
dispensing orifice
cam
dispensing head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03735796A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1492627B1 (en
Inventor
Firmin Garcia
Fabrice "Sous le Porche" PERIGNON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar France SAS
Original Assignee
Valois SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valois SAS filed Critical Valois SAS
Publication of EP1492627A1 publication Critical patent/EP1492627A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1492627B1 publication Critical patent/EP1492627B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/34—Cleaning or preventing clogging of the discharge passage
    • B65D83/345—Anti-clogging means for outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1052—Actuation means
    • B05B11/1053—Actuation means combined with means, other than pressure, for automatically opening a valve during actuation; combined with means for automatically removing closures or covers from the discharge nozzle during actuation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1073—Springs
    • B05B11/1077—Springs characterised by a particular shape or material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps

Definitions

  • Dispensing head to be mounted on a movable hollow actuating rod
  • the present invention relates to a dispensing head intended to be mounted on a movable hollow actuating rod which serves as a delivery channel mounted at the outlet of a fluid dispensing member such as a pump or a valve.
  • a fluid dispensing member such as a pump or a valve.
  • the dispensing head includes a connecting sleeve intended to engage on the open free end of the movable actuating rod.
  • the head also defines a dispensing orifice which is connected to the connection sleeve by an internal conduit.
  • the dispensing head is provided with a bearing surface on which one can press with one or more fingers to move the head axially and thereby push the hollow actuating rod in the distribution organ.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to the type of dispensing head incorporating a shutter, that is to say a device for closing the dispensing orifice.
  • a shutter that is to say a device for closing the dispensing orifice.
  • the fluid stored inside the head is perfectly isolated from the outside and cannot therefore deteriorate by oxidation or drying.
  • the shutter closes the dispensing orifice at the level where the product is dispensed out of the head.
  • the shutter is located a little further upstream inside the dispensing head without however qualifying this shutter device.
  • this type of shutter is at least partially located inside the duct connecting the dispensing orifice to the connection sleeve.
  • This shutter is also often biased elastically by spring means towards the dispensing orifice.
  • the shutter is an internal shutter located inside the dispensing head, and that the opening of the dispensing orifice is effected by a withdrawal of the shutter inside the head of distribution.
  • Document FR-2 654 079 describes a dispensing head incorporating such a shutter.
  • the shutter of this document is housed inside the dispensing head below the bearing surface on which is pressed to actuate the dispensing member.
  • the shutter comprises at one of its ends a needle intended to come selectively into leaktight support in the dispensing orifice.
  • the shutter defines spring means in the form of an elastically deformable tongue which bears against the body of the dispensing head.
  • means are provided for moving the shutter in the form of a cam secured to the bearing surface.
  • the bearing surface is here elastically deformable so that it is possible to push the cam through the shutter which forms for this purpose an actuation window.
  • the movement of the shutter to clear the dispensing orifice is carried out using a cam as we have just seen.
  • the shutter can form a piston slidably housed inside a chamber.
  • the piston is pushed back slidingly against spring means which has the effect of releasing the needle from the dispensing orifice. It can therefore be seen that different means of moving the shutter are possible.
  • the present invention is more particularly attached to shutters whose needle is resiliently biased by spring means.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy, or at least reduce, the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a dispensing head in which the obturator which is elastically stressed presses in a controlled and constant manner at the level of the dispensing orifice so that its actuation is reliable and constant.
  • the present invention provides a dispensing head intended to be mounted on a movable hollow actuation and delivery rod of a fluid dispensing member, said head comprising a connection sleeve intended to engage on said movable rod, the head defining a dispensing orifice, a conduit connecting said connection sleeve to the dispensing orifice and a bearing surface which can be pressed to move the head axially by pushing the hollow rod into the dispensing member, the head further comprising a shutter housed at least partially in said duct and resiliently biased by spring means towards said dispensing orifice, said shutter comprising a contact zone in elastic sealing support in the dispensing orifice so as to seal it hermetically, said shutter being axially displaceable against the means of comes out so as to disengage its area of contact of the dispensing orifice so as to create an outlet passage for the fluid product when sufficient pressure is exerted on the bearing surface, characterized in that the shutter comprises at least one stop zone elastically
  • the abutment zone comprises planar abutment surfaces located symmetrically with respect to the axis of movement of the shutter, the abutment surfaces coming to bear on associated planar bearing surfaces.
  • the shutter comprises a needle connected to a shoulder, the needle thus defining a free end forming the contact zone intended to selectively close the dispensing orifice, the shoulder defining the bearing zone.
  • the needle extends in an outlet section of the duct comprising an inlet end defining the bearing area and an outlet end defining the dispensing orifice.
  • the outlet section is formed with internal guide ribs oriented radially inward to maintain the needle in the axis of movement of the shutter. Not only can the needle not be trapped inside the head, but it is also perfectly centered on the dispensing orifice.
  • the dispensing head comprises a body and a dispensing end piece sealingly attached to the body, the end piece forming the conduit and the dispensing orifice.
  • the dispensing head further comprises a displacement cam intended to come into engagement with the shutter to move it when sufficient pressure is exerted on the bearing surface, said cam being adapted coming into engagement with a cam amplification to amplify the movement of the shutter.
  • the connection sleeve is produced in a single piece with the displacement cam, the amplification cam being integral with the bearing surface.
  • the spring means are produced in a single piece with the shutter in the form of an elastically deformable loop.
  • at least one of the dispensing orifice and the contact zone has a frustoconical configuration.
  • the contact is made cone on cone with cones not necessarily identical so that there is not an extended frustoconical contact, but simply an annular contact at the place where the two truncated cones touch.
  • - Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing head according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the dispensing head of Figure 1 at its dispensing orifice
  • FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view seen from above of the dispensing head of FIG. 1, and
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 during dispensing of fluid.
  • the dispensing head shown in the figures comprises four constituent elements, namely a body 1, a connecting piece 2, a dispensing nozzle 3 and a shutter 4. These four constituent elements are distinct and separated from each other in this mode of embodiment, but one can very well imagine alternative embodiments in which some of these constituent elements are produced in a single piece. We can for example imagine that the dispensing nozzle and the body are made in one piece. One can also imagine that the connecting piece and the body are made in one piece. Conversely, it can also be imagined that certain constituent elements could be produced in two or more parts initially separated and attached or fixed together during assembly. All these constituent elements, namely parts 1 to 4, can be made of molded plastic. Other materials are not however excluded, as are other production techniques.
  • the body 1 comprises a skirt 10 which is of generally cylindrical shape.
  • the body 10 is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end by a wall defining a bearing surface 11 which can be pressed using one or more finger (s).
  • the skirt 10 defines a lateral opening serving as a receiving housing 12 for the dispensing nozzle 3 as will be seen below.
  • This receiving housing 12 comprises a front bearing surface 121 as well as an internal wall 122 defining a latching rim 13.
  • the bearing surface 11 is provided with a transverse flange 14 which extends from its underside down. This transverse flange 14 forms an inclined surface serving as an amplification cam 15 as will be seen below.
  • the inclination of the amplification cam 15 is oriented in the direction opposite to the receiving housing 12.
  • the bearing surface 11 also forms at the level where it connects with the skirt 10 a stop housing 110 whose function will be given below.
  • the skirt 10 forms a latching housing 101 intended to receive the connecting piece 2.
  • the connecting piece 2 comprises a latching ring 21 in engagement snapped into the latching housing 101 formed by the skirt 10 of the body 1.
  • the connection piece 2 also comprises a connection sleeve 20 which is disposed inside the ring 21. This connection sleeve 20 is intended to be force-fitted on the upper end of a rod hollow actuation defining an internal fluid delivery channel.
  • This actuating rod is an integral part of a dispensing of fluid product (not shown) such as a pump or a valve.
  • the bottom of the connection sleeve 20 is pierced by a passage 23 which allows fluid product communication in the upper part of the body just below the bearing surface 11.
  • the connection piece 2 forms a cam displacement 24 having a cam surface 241 and an amplification edge 242.
  • the connection sleeve 20 and the displacement cam 24 occupy a substantially central position inside the snap ring 21.
  • the assembly formed by the sleeve 20 and the cam 24 is substantially rigid and is connected to the crown 21 by an elastically deformable connection 22.
  • This elastically deformable connection 22 can be produced by junction legs or even by a continuous deformable plate which extends all around the sleeve 20 inside the crown 21.
  • the sleeve 20 and the cam 24 can be moved inside the crown 21, and therefore inside the c orps 1.
  • the displacement of the sleeve and of the cam can be carried out axially, that is to say horizontally, but also laterally, that is to say radially.
  • the cam 24 can be moved vertically towards and away from the bearing surface 11 but also from front to back.
  • the distribution fitting 3 is fitted by snap-fastening in the re housing ception 12 of the body 1 in a perfectly sealed manner.
  • the tip of distribution 3 comes into forced abutment on the front surface 121 and comprises a tight snap-on sleeve 30 in snap-fit engagement inside the cylinder 122.
  • This tight snap-on sleeve 30 includes a snap-on profile 33 which projects radially towards the interior so as to engage behind the snap rim 13 formed inside the housing 12. In this way, it is guaranteed perfect fixing of the dispensing nozzle 3 on the body 1 as well as perfect sealing which is formed both at the rim 13 and at the front surface 121.
  • the dispensing nozzle 3 defines an internal duct section 32 which extends from an internal end defined by the annular end 34 of the latching sleeve 30 at another external end which forms a dispensing orifice 31.
  • This section of internal duct 32 also forms radial ribs 35 which are more visible in FIG. 2. These ribs he radials 35 serve as guide means for the shutter 3 as will be seen below.
  • the end 34 of the sleeve 30 serves as a zone or bearing surface for the shutter 4 as will be seen below.
  • the body 1, the connection piece 2 and the distribution nozzle 3 form an internal chamber or conduit 123 comprising an inlet 23 and an outlet 31.
  • the section 32 forms a part of this conduit 123.
  • the displacement cam 24 as well as the amplification cam 15 are located inside this conduit 123.
  • the shutter 4 is here entirely located inside the duct 123.
  • the shutter forms a needle 40 entirely or partially located in the duct section 32, a shoulder 44 is connected directly to the needle 40.
  • the shutter forms a drive part 45 provided with a cam window 450 and spring means 46, 47.
  • the shutter can advantageously be made in one piece.
  • the purpose of the needle 40 is to selectively close the dispensing orifice 31 formed by the end piece 3.
  • the needle 40 comprises a free end forming a front wall 42 as well as a contact area 41 adapted to come into sealing contact against the dispensing orifice 31 so as to seal it hermetically.
  • the needle 40 has a substantially cylindrical section constant having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter passing through the edges of the vertical ribs 35, so that the needle 40 is guided axially inside the duct section 32 with very limited play. This ensures perfect centering of the needle 40 in the duct section 32 and thus on the dispensing orifice 31.
  • the needle 40 is connected to the shoulder 44 which defines two surfaces of stop 440 adapted to come into contact pressed against the bearing area 34 defined by the dispensing end piece 3.
  • the shutter is crossed by the displacement cam 24 engaged in the cam window 450
  • the cam surface 241 is oriented so that a displacement of the cam 24 upwards causes a displacement of the shutter 4 from the left to the right in FIG. 1, that is to say in the direction d 'A depression of the needle 40 inside the dispensing nozzle 3, which has the effect of breaking the sealed contact with the dispensing orifice 31 and thus creating an outlet passage for the fluid under pressure.
  • the shutter 4 forms spring means, here in the form of a sort of loop or toggle forming a base 46 bearing in the housing 110 as well as two articulated legs 47 which provide the elastic characteristic. In the rest state shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the elastic legs 47 are prestressed so that the needle 40 presses at its contact zone 41 against the dispensing orifice 31 while taking reaction support at the base 46.
  • the shoulder 44 also abuts against the bearing surface 34, the pressure force exerted by the spring means is not entirely exerted at the needle 40.
  • the bearing surface .34 thus takes up a part of the pressure force exerted by the spring means, which makes it possible to limit and stabilize the bearing force at the level of the dispensing orifice 31. Since the dispensing orifice 31 as well as the area of contact 41 have a slightly frustoconical configuration in order to improve sealing, there would be a risk of pinching the needle 40 in the dispensing orifice in the event that there is no resumption of the pressing force at the level of the bearing 34.
  • the abutment area or surface 440 as well as the bearing area or surface 34 are substantially flat and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shutter 4, which thus avoids any risk of jamming or seizing.
  • the bearing 34 offers a strong support which makes it possible to modulate and stabilize the pressing force of the needle 40 at the level of the dispensing orifice 31.
  • the shutter is moved using a cam system.
  • a cam system One can easily imagine other ways of moving 'shutter, such as the pressure of the product fluid within the conduit 123.
  • the shutter can then be formed with a piston sliding sealingly in inside of a co ⁇ l sacred cylinder.
  • One of the interesting features of the invention resides in the fact that the pressure force exerted by the spring means is not entirely exerted at the level of the dispensing orifice.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a dispensing head comprising a joining shaft (20), a dispensing orifice (31), a conduit (123) connecting said joining shaft (20) to the dispensing orifice, and a supporting surface (11). The inventive head also comprises a plug (4) which is disposed at least in part inside said conduit (31) and is resiliently biased in the direction of the dispensing orifice (31) with the aid of spring means (47). Said plug (4) comprises a water-proof elastic supporting contact area (41) within dispensing orifice (31) such that the dispensing orifice (31) is closed in a sealing manner. The plug is movable in an axial direction counter to the spring means such that the contact area is removed from the dispensing orifice, thereby creating a discharge passage for the fluid product. The plug is provided with at least one stop area (440) which is resiliently biased counter to a fixed support area (34).

Description

Tête de distribution à monter sur une tige d'actionnement creuse mobile Dispensing head to be mounted on a movable hollow actuating rod
La présente invention concerne une tête de distribution destinée à être montée sur une tige d'actionnement creuse mobile qui sert de canal de refoulement montée à la sortie d'un organe de distribution de produit fluide tel qu'une pompe ou une valve. En effet, une conception classique pour une pompe ou une valve prévoit une tige d'actionnement creuse par laquelle le produit sous pression est refoulé jusque dans la tête de distribution. Habituellement, la tête de distribution comprend un manchon de raccordement destiné à venir en prise sur l'extrémité libre ouverte de la tige d'actionnement mobile. Dans ce cas, la tête définit également un orifice de distribution qui est reliée au manchon de raccordement par un conduit interne. D'autre part, la tête de distribution est pourvue d'une surface d'appui sur laquelle on peut appuyer à l'aide d'un ou de plusieurs doigts pour déplacer axialement la tête et de ce fait enfoncer la tige d'actionnement creuse dans l'organe de distribution.The present invention relates to a dispensing head intended to be mounted on a movable hollow actuating rod which serves as a delivery channel mounted at the outlet of a fluid dispensing member such as a pump or a valve. Indeed, a conventional design for a pump or a valve provides a hollow actuating rod through which the product under pressure is discharged into the dispensing head. Usually, the dispensing head includes a connecting sleeve intended to engage on the open free end of the movable actuating rod. In this case, the head also defines a dispensing orifice which is connected to the connection sleeve by an internal conduit. On the other hand, the dispensing head is provided with a bearing surface on which one can press with one or more fingers to move the head axially and thereby push the hollow actuating rod in the distribution organ.
La présente invention s'attache plus particulièrement au type de tête de distribution incorporant un obturateur, c'est à dire un dispositif permettant d'obturer l'orifice de distribution. Ainsi, le produit fluide stocké à l'intérieur de la tête est parfaitement isolé de l'extérieur et ne peut ainsi pas s'altérer par oxydation ou dessèchement. Par définition, l'obturateur obture l'orifice de distribution au niveau où le produit est distribué hors de la tête. On peut cependant admettre que l'obturateur soit situé quelque peu plus en amont à l'intérieur de la tête de distribution sans pour autant que l'on ne qualifie pas ce dispositif d'obturateur.The present invention relates more particularly to the type of dispensing head incorporating a shutter, that is to say a device for closing the dispensing orifice. Thus, the fluid stored inside the head is perfectly isolated from the outside and cannot therefore deteriorate by oxidation or drying. By definition, the shutter closes the dispensing orifice at the level where the product is dispensed out of the head. However, it can be assumed that the shutter is located a little further upstream inside the dispensing head without however qualifying this shutter device.
De manière classique, ce type d'obturateur est au moins partiellement situé à l'intérieur du conduit reliant l'orifice de distribution au manchon de raccordement. Cet obturateur est en outre souvent sollicité élastiquement par des moyens de ressort vers l'orifice de distribution. On comprend ici que l'obturateur est un obturateur interne situé à l'intérieur de la tête de distribution, et que l'ouverture de l'orifice de distribution s'effectue par un retrait de l'obturateur à l'intérieur de la tête de distribution. Le document FR-2 654 079 décrit une tête de distribution incorporant un tel obturateur. L'obturateur de ce document est logé à l'intérieur de la tête de distribution en dessous de la surface d'appui sur laquelle on appuie pour actionner l'organe de distribution. L'obturateur comprend à une de ses extrémités un pointeau destiné à venir sélectivement en appui étanche dans l'orifice de distribution. A son extrémité opposée, l'obturateur définit des moyens de ressort sous la forme d'une languette élastiquement déformable qui prend appui contre le corps de la tête de distribution. En outre, il est prévu des moyens de déplacement de l'obturateur sous la forme d'une came solidaire de la surface d'appui. La surface d'appui est ici élastiquement déformable de sorte qu'il est possible de venir enfoncer la came à travers l'obturateur qui forme à cet effet une fenêtre d'actionnement. En descendant ainsi la came par enfoncement de la surface d'appui, l'obturateur est déplacé à l'intérieur de la tête de distribution en déformant sa languette élastique. Ce déplacement a pour effet de déloger le pointeau de l'orifice de distribution et ainsi dégager un passage de sortie pour le produit fluide sous pression.Conventionally, this type of shutter is at least partially located inside the duct connecting the dispensing orifice to the connection sleeve. This shutter is also often biased elastically by spring means towards the dispensing orifice. It is understood here that the shutter is an internal shutter located inside the dispensing head, and that the opening of the dispensing orifice is effected by a withdrawal of the shutter inside the head of distribution. Document FR-2 654 079 describes a dispensing head incorporating such a shutter. The shutter of this document is housed inside the dispensing head below the bearing surface on which is pressed to actuate the dispensing member. The shutter comprises at one of its ends a needle intended to come selectively into leaktight support in the dispensing orifice. At its opposite end, the shutter defines spring means in the form of an elastically deformable tongue which bears against the body of the dispensing head. In addition, means are provided for moving the shutter in the form of a cam secured to the bearing surface. The bearing surface is here elastically deformable so that it is possible to push the cam through the shutter which forms for this purpose an actuation window. By thus lowering the cam by depressing the bearing surface, the shutter is moved inside the dispensing head by deforming its elastic tongue. This displacement has the effect of dislodging the needle from the dispensing orifice and thus clearing an outlet passage for the fluid under pressure.
Dans la tête de distribution de ce document français, le déplacement de l'obturateur pour dégager l'orifice de distribution est réalisé à l'aide d'une came comme nous venons de le voir. Cependant, d'autres moyens de déplacement de l'obturateur peuvent être prévus. Par exemple, l'obturateur peut former un piston logé de manière coulissante à l'intérieur d'une chambre. Ainsi, lorsque le produit fluide sous pression parvient dans cette chambre, le piston est repoussé de manière coulissante à rencontre de moyens de ressort ce qui a pour effet de dégager le pointeau de l'orifice de distribution. On voit par conséquent que différents moyens de déplacement de l'obturateur sont possibles. Quoiqu'il en soit, la présente invention s'attache plus particulièrement aux obturateurs dont le pointeau est sollicité élastiquement par des moyens de ressort.In the dispensing head of this French document, the movement of the shutter to clear the dispensing orifice is carried out using a cam as we have just seen. However, other means of moving the shutter may be provided. For example, the shutter can form a piston slidably housed inside a chamber. Thus, when the fluid under pressure arrives in this chamber, the piston is pushed back slidingly against spring means which has the effect of releasing the needle from the dispensing orifice. It can therefore be seen that different means of moving the shutter are possible. Anyway, the present invention is more particularly attached to shutters whose needle is resiliently biased by spring means.
En effet, dans les têtes de distribution à obturateurs sollicités élastiquement, il est vraiment difficile de contrôler la force avec laquelle les moyens de ressort appuient le pointeau dans l'orifice de distribution. Cette force est bien entendu proportionnelle à la raideur intrinsèque des moyens de ressort mais également à leur positionnement à l'intérieur de la tête de distribution. En outre, des forces de frottement viennent influer sur la force de pression. Un inconvénient majeur avec ce type d'obturateur réside dans le fait que le pointeau est parfois trop fortement appuyé dans l'orifice de distribution de sorte qu'il reste coincé à l'intérieur. Il n'est alors plus possible d'utiliser la tête de distribution, et de ce fait l'organe de distribution (pompe ou valve). En outre, même lorsque le pointeau ne reste pas littéralement coincé dans l'orifice de distribution, il arrive que l'obturateur reste momentanément coincé, et qu'il se décoince alors brutalement lorsque l'on appuie fortement sur la surface d'appui de la tête de distribution. Il en résulte alors une distribution violente ou explosive du produit fluide, ce qui n'est pas du tout l'effet recherché. Tous ces inconvénients sont bien entendu liés au manque de maîtrise ou de contrôle de la force d'appui exercée par les moyens de ressort au niveau de l'orifice de distribution.In fact, in dispensing heads with elastically biased shutters, it is really difficult to control the force with which the spring means press the needle into the dispensing orifice. This force is of course proportional to the intrinsic stiffness of the spring means but also to their positioning inside the dispensing head. In addition, friction forces influence the pressing force. A major drawback with this type of shutter lies in the fact that the needle is sometimes too strongly pressed into the dispensing orifice so that it remains trapped inside. It is then no longer possible to use the dispensing head, and therefore the dispensing member (pump or valve). In addition, even when the needle does not remain literally stuck in the dispensing orifice, it sometimes happens that the shutter remains momentarily stuck, and that it then suddenly becomes detached when a strong pressure is pressed on the bearing surface of the distribution head. This then results in a violent or explosive distribution of the fluid, which is not at all the desired effect. All these drawbacks are of course linked to the lack of mastery or control of the bearing force exerted by the spring means at the level of the dispensing orifice.
Par conséquent, la présente invention a pour but de remédier, ou du moins d'atténuer, les inconvénients précités de l'art antérieur en définissant une tête de distribution dans laquelle l'obturateur sollicité élastiquement appuie de manière contrôlée et constante au niveau de l'orifice de distribution de sorte que son actionnement est fiable et constant.Consequently, the object of the present invention is to remedy, or at least reduce, the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a dispensing head in which the obturator which is elastically stressed presses in a controlled and constant manner at the level of the dispensing orifice so that its actuation is reliable and constant.
Pour atteindre ces buts, la présente invention propose une tête de distribution destinée à être montée sur une tige d'actionnement et de refoulement creuse mobile d'un organe de distribution de produit fluide, ladite tête comprenant un manchon de raccordement destiné à venir en prise sur ladite tige mobile, la tête définissant un orifice de distribution, un conduit reliant ledit manchon de raccordement à l'orifice de distribution et une surface d'appui sur laquelle on peut appuyer pour déplacer axialement la tête en enfonçant la tige creuse dans l'organe de distribution, la tête comprenant en outre un obturateur logé au moins partiellement dans ledit conduit et sollicité élastiquement par des moyens de ressort vers ledit orifice de distribution, ledit obturateur comprenant une zone de contact en appui étanche élastique dans l'orifice de distribution de manière à l'obturer hermétiquement, ledit obturateur étant déplaçable axialement à l'encontre des moyens de ressort de manière à désengager sa zone de contact de l'orifice de distribution pour ainsi créer un passage de sortie pour le produit fluide lorsqu'une pression suffisante est exercée sur la surface d'appui, caractérisée en ce que l'obturateur comprend au moins une zone de butée sollicitée élastiquement par les moyens de ressort contre une zone de portée fixe, la zone de butée reprenant ainsi une partie de la force d'appui générée par les moyens de ressort de sorte que la zone de contact appuie avec une force limitée constante contre l'orifice de distribution. Ainsi, on garantit une force d'appui constante et limitée de l'obturateur au niveau de l'orifice de distribution puisque l'excès de force d'appui est repris par la zone de butée. Avantageusement, la zone de butée comprend des surfaces de butée planes situées de manière symétrique par rapport à l'axe de déplacement de l'obturateur, les surfaces de butée venant en appui sur des surfaces de portée planes associées.To achieve these goals, the present invention provides a dispensing head intended to be mounted on a movable hollow actuation and delivery rod of a fluid dispensing member, said head comprising a connection sleeve intended to engage on said movable rod, the head defining a dispensing orifice, a conduit connecting said connection sleeve to the dispensing orifice and a bearing surface which can be pressed to move the head axially by pushing the hollow rod into the dispensing member, the head further comprising a shutter housed at least partially in said duct and resiliently biased by spring means towards said dispensing orifice, said shutter comprising a contact zone in elastic sealing support in the dispensing orifice so as to seal it hermetically, said shutter being axially displaceable against the means of comes out so as to disengage its area of contact of the dispensing orifice so as to create an outlet passage for the fluid product when sufficient pressure is exerted on the bearing surface, characterized in that the shutter comprises at least one stop zone elastically stressed by the spring means against a fixed bearing zone, the abutment zone thus taking up part of the pressing force generated by the spring means so that the contact zone presses with a constant limited force against the dispensing orifice . Thus, a constant and limited support force of the shutter is guaranteed at the dispensing orifice since the excess support force is taken up by the stop zone. Advantageously, the abutment zone comprises planar abutment surfaces located symmetrically with respect to the axis of movement of the shutter, the abutment surfaces coming to bear on associated planar bearing surfaces.
Selon un mode de réalisation pratique, l'obturateur comprend un pointeau relié à un épaulement, le pointeau définissant ainsi une extrémité libre formant la zone de contact destinée à obturer sélectivement l'orifice de distribution, l'épaulement définissant la zone de portée. Avantageusement, le pointeau s'étend dans une section de sortie du conduit comprenant une extrémité d'entrée définissant la zone de portée et une extrémité de sortie définissant l'orifice de distribution. Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, la section de sortie est formée avec des nervures internes de guidage orientées radialement vers l'intérieur pour maintenir le pointeau dans l'axe de déplacement de l'obturateur. Non seulement le pointeau ne peut pas être coincé à l'intérieur de la tête, mais en plus il est parfaitement centré sur l'orifice de distribution. Toujours selon un aspect pratique, la tête de distribution comprend un corps et un embout de distribution rapporté de manière étanche sur le corps, l'embout formant le conduit et l'orifice de distribution.According to a practical embodiment, the shutter comprises a needle connected to a shoulder, the needle thus defining a free end forming the contact zone intended to selectively close the dispensing orifice, the shoulder defining the bearing zone. Advantageously, the needle extends in an outlet section of the duct comprising an inlet end defining the bearing area and an outlet end defining the dispensing orifice. According to another aspect of the invention, the outlet section is formed with internal guide ribs oriented radially inward to maintain the needle in the axis of movement of the shutter. Not only can the needle not be trapped inside the head, but it is also perfectly centered on the dispensing orifice. Still according to a practical aspect, the dispensing head comprises a body and a dispensing end piece sealingly attached to the body, the end piece forming the conduit and the dispensing orifice.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la tête de distribution comprend en outre une came de déplacement destinée à venir en prise avec l'obturateur pour le déplacer lorsqu'une pression suffisante est exercée sur la surface d'appui, ladite came étant adaptée à venir en prise avec une came d'amplification pour amplifier le déplacement de l'obturateur. Avantageusement, le manchon de raccordement est réalisé de manière monobloc avec la came de déplacement, la came d'amplification étant solidaire de la surface d'appui.According to another characteristic of the invention, the dispensing head further comprises a displacement cam intended to come into engagement with the shutter to move it when sufficient pressure is exerted on the bearing surface, said cam being adapted coming into engagement with a cam amplification to amplify the movement of the shutter. Advantageously, the connection sleeve is produced in a single piece with the displacement cam, the amplification cam being integral with the bearing surface.
Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, les moyens de ressort sont réalisés de manière monobloc avec l'obturateur sous la forme d'une boucle élastiquement déformable. Avantageusement, au moins un parmi l'orifice de distribution et la zone de contact présente une configuration tronconique. De préférence, le contact se fait cône sur cône avec des cônes pas forcément identiques de sorte qu'il n'y a pas un contact tronconique étendu, mais simplement un contact annulaire à l'endroit où les deux troncs de cône se touchent. D'autre part, il est avantageux que le contact au niveau de la zone de butée soit du type plan contre plan, ou au moins contre un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de déplacement de l'obturateur.According to another aspect of the invention, the spring means are produced in a single piece with the shutter in the form of an elastically deformable loop. Advantageously, at least one of the dispensing orifice and the contact zone has a frustoconical configuration. Preferably, the contact is made cone on cone with cones not necessarily identical so that there is not an extended frustoconical contact, but simply an annular contact at the place where the two truncated cones touch. On the other hand, it is advantageous for the contact at the level of the abutment zone to be of the plane against plane type, or at least against a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement of the shutter.
L'invention sera maintenant plus amplement décrite en référence aux dessins joints donnant à titre d'exemples non limitatifs un mode de reahsation de l'invention.The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings which give, by way of nonlimiting examples, a mode of reahsation of the invention.
Sur les figures :In the figures:
- la figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale verticale à travers une tête de distribution selon l'invention, - la figure 2 est une vue en section transversale verticale à travers la tête de distribution de la figure 1 au niveau de son orifice de distribution,- Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing head according to the invention, - Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the dispensing head of Figure 1 at its dispensing orifice ,
- la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale horizontale vue de dessus de la tête de distribution de la figure 1, etFIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view seen from above of the dispensing head of FIG. 1, and
- la figure 4 est une vue semblable à celle de la figure 1 en cours de distribution de produit fluide.- Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 during dispensing of fluid.
La tête de distribution représentée sur les figures comprend quatre éléments constitutifs, à savoir un corps 1, une pièce de raccordement 2, un embout de distribution 3 et un obturateur 4. Ces quatre éléments constitutifs sont distincts et séparés les uns des autres dans ce mode de réalisation, mais on peut très bien imaginer des variantes de réalisation dans lesquelles certains de ces éléments constitutifs sont réalisés de manière monobloc. On peut par exemple imaginer que l'embout de distribution et le corps soient réalisés de manière monobloc. On peut également imaginer que la pièce de raccordement et le corps soient réalisés de manière monobloc. A l'inverse, on peut également imaginer que certains éléments constitutifs puissent être réalisés en deux ou plusieurs pièces séparées initialement et rapportées ou fixées ensemble lors du montage. Tous ces éléments constitutifs, à savoir les pièces 1 à 4, peuvent être réalisés en matière plastique moulée. D'autres matériaux ne sont cependant pas exclus ainsi que d'autres techniques de réalisation.The dispensing head shown in the figures comprises four constituent elements, namely a body 1, a connecting piece 2, a dispensing nozzle 3 and a shutter 4. These four constituent elements are distinct and separated from each other in this mode of embodiment, but one can very well imagine alternative embodiments in which some of these constituent elements are produced in a single piece. We can for example imagine that the dispensing nozzle and the body are made in one piece. One can also imagine that the connecting piece and the body are made in one piece. Conversely, it can also be imagined that certain constituent elements could be produced in two or more parts initially separated and attached or fixed together during assembly. All these constituent elements, namely parts 1 to 4, can be made of molded plastic. Other materials are not however excluded, as are other production techniques.
Le corps 1 comprend une jupe 10 qui est de forme générale cylindrique. Le corps 10 est ouvert à son extrémité inférieure et fermé à son extrémité supérieure par une paroi définissant une surface d'appui 11 sur laquelle on peut appuyer à l'aide d'un ou de plusieurs doigt(s). En outre, la jupe 10 définit une ouverture latérale servant de logement de réception 12 pour l'embout de distribution 3 comme on le verra ci-après. Ce logement de réception 12 comprend une surface d'appui frontale 121 ainsi qu'une paroi interne 122 définissant un rebord d'encliquetage 13. D'autre part, la surface d'appui 11 est pourvue d'une bride transversale 14 qui s'étend à partir de sa face inférieure vers le bas. Cette bride transversale 14 forme une surface inclinée servant de came d'amplification 15 comme on le verra ci-après. L'inclinaison de la came d'amplification 15 est orientée dans la direction opposée au logement de réception 12. La surface d'appui 11 forme également au niveau où elle se connecte avec la jupe 10 un logement de butée 110 dont la fonction sera donnée ci-après. D'autre part, la jupe 10 forme un logement d'encliquetage 101 destiné à recevoir la pièce de raccordement 2. La pièce de raccordement 2 comprend une couronne d'encliquetage 21 en prise encliquetée dans le logement d'encliquetage 101 formé par la jupe 10 du corps 1. La pièce de raccordement 2 comprend également un manchon de raccordement 20 qui est disposé à l'intérieur de la couronne 21. Ce manchon de raccordement 20 est destiné à être monté en force sur l'extrémité supérieure d'une tige d'actionnement creuse définissant un canal interne de refoulement de produit fluide. Cette tige d'actionnement fait partie intégrante d'un organe de distribution de produit fluide (non représenté) tel qu'une pompe ou une valve. Le fond du manchon de raccordement 20 est percé par un passage 23 qui permet une communication de produit fluide dans la partie supérieure du corps juste en dessous de la surface d'appui 11. D'autre part, la pièce de raccordement 2 forme une came de déplacement 24 présentant une surface de came 241 ainsi qu'une arête d'amplification 242. Le manchon de raccordement 20 ainsi que la came de déplacement 24 occupent une position sensiblement centrale à l'intérieur de la couronne d'encliquetage 21. L'ensemble formé par le manchon 20 et la came 24 est sensiblement rigide et est relié à la couronne 21 par une liaison élastiquement déformable 22. Cette liaison élastiquement déformable 22 peut être réalisée par des pattes de jonction ou même par un plateau déformable continu qui s'étend tout autour du manchon 20 à l'intérieur de la couronne 21. Ainsi, le manchon 20 et la came 24 peuvent être déplacés à l'intérieur de la couronne 21, et de ce fait à l'intérieur du corps 1. Le déplacement du manchon et de la came peut s'effectuer axialement, c'est à dire horizontalement, mais également latéralement, c'est à dire radialement. En d'autre terme, la came 24 peut être déplacée verticalement vers et en éloignement de la surface d'appui 11 mais également d'avant en arrière. Par conséquent, lorsqu'une pression suffisante est appliquée sur la surface d'appui 11, la tige d'actionnement emmanchée dans le manchon 20 a pour effet de déplacer le manchon 20 et la came 24 vers le haut en direction de la surface d'appui 11. Ce déplacement vertical s'opère parfaitement axialement jusqu'à ce que l'arête d'amplification 242 vienne en contact de glissement ou de frottement contre la came d'amplification 15 formée par la bride transversale 14. A partir de ce moment, la came de déplacement 24 est déplacée latéralement tout en se déplaçant verticalement vers le haut et vers la droite lorsque l'on regarde la figure 1. La came d'amplification 15 a donc pour effet d'accentuer le déplacement de la surface de came 241 de là came de déplacement 24. Nous verrons ci-après quel est l'avantage d'une telle, amplification du déplacement de la came 24 en relation avec l'obturateur 4. L'emboμt de distribution 3 est rapporté par encliquetage dans le logement de réception 12 du corps 1 de manière parfaitement étanche. L'embout de distribution 3 vient en appui forcé sur la surface frontale 121 et comprend un manchon d'encliquetage étanche 30 en prise encliquetée à l'intérieur du cylindre 122. Ce manchon d'encliquetage étanche 30 comprend un profil d'encliquetage 33 qui fait saillie radialement vers l'intérieur de manière à venir en prise derrière le rebord d'encliquetage 13 formé à l'intérieur du logement 12. De cette manière, on garantit une parfaite fixation de l'embout de distribution 3 sur le corps 1 ainsi qu'une parfaite étanchéité qui est formée aussi bien au niveau du rebord 13 qu'au niveau de la surface frontale 121. L'embout de distribution 3 définit une section de conduit interne 32 qui s'étend depuis une extrémité interne définie par l'extrémité annulaire 34 du manchon d'encliquetage 30 à une autre extrémité externe qui forme un orifice de distribution 31. Cette section de conduit interne 32 forme également des nervures radiales 35 plus visibles sur la figure 2. Ces nervures radiales 35 servent de moyens de guidage pour l'obturateur 3 comme on le verra ci-après. D'autre part, l'extrémité 34 du manchon 30 sert de zone ou de surface de portée pour l'obturateur 4 comme on le verra ci-après.The body 1 comprises a skirt 10 which is of generally cylindrical shape. The body 10 is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end by a wall defining a bearing surface 11 which can be pressed using one or more finger (s). In addition, the skirt 10 defines a lateral opening serving as a receiving housing 12 for the dispensing nozzle 3 as will be seen below. This receiving housing 12 comprises a front bearing surface 121 as well as an internal wall 122 defining a latching rim 13. On the other hand, the bearing surface 11 is provided with a transverse flange 14 which extends from its underside down. This transverse flange 14 forms an inclined surface serving as an amplification cam 15 as will be seen below. The inclination of the amplification cam 15 is oriented in the direction opposite to the receiving housing 12. The bearing surface 11 also forms at the level where it connects with the skirt 10 a stop housing 110 whose function will be given below. On the other hand, the skirt 10 forms a latching housing 101 intended to receive the connecting piece 2. The connecting piece 2 comprises a latching ring 21 in engagement snapped into the latching housing 101 formed by the skirt 10 of the body 1. The connection piece 2 also comprises a connection sleeve 20 which is disposed inside the ring 21. This connection sleeve 20 is intended to be force-fitted on the upper end of a rod hollow actuation defining an internal fluid delivery channel. This actuating rod is an integral part of a dispensing of fluid product (not shown) such as a pump or a valve. The bottom of the connection sleeve 20 is pierced by a passage 23 which allows fluid product communication in the upper part of the body just below the bearing surface 11. On the other hand, the connection piece 2 forms a cam displacement 24 having a cam surface 241 and an amplification edge 242. The connection sleeve 20 and the displacement cam 24 occupy a substantially central position inside the snap ring 21. The assembly formed by the sleeve 20 and the cam 24 is substantially rigid and is connected to the crown 21 by an elastically deformable connection 22. This elastically deformable connection 22 can be produced by junction legs or even by a continuous deformable plate which extends all around the sleeve 20 inside the crown 21. Thus, the sleeve 20 and the cam 24 can be moved inside the crown 21, and therefore inside the c orps 1. The displacement of the sleeve and of the cam can be carried out axially, that is to say horizontally, but also laterally, that is to say radially. In other words, the cam 24 can be moved vertically towards and away from the bearing surface 11 but also from front to back. Consequently, when sufficient pressure is applied to the bearing surface 11, the actuating rod fitted into the sleeve 20 has the effect of displacing the sleeve 20 and the cam 24 upwards towards the surface of the support 11. This vertical movement takes place perfectly axially until the amplification edge 242 comes into sliding or friction contact against the amplification cam 15 formed by the transverse flange 14. From this moment , the displacement cam 24 is moved laterally while moving vertically upwards and to the right when looking at FIG. 1. The amplification cam 15 therefore has the effect of accentuating the displacement of the cam surface 241 from there displacement cam 24. We will see below what is the advantage of such an amplification of the displacement of cam 24 in relation to the shutter 4. The distribution fitting 3 is fitted by snap-fastening in the re housing ception 12 of the body 1 in a perfectly sealed manner. The tip of distribution 3 comes into forced abutment on the front surface 121 and comprises a tight snap-on sleeve 30 in snap-fit engagement inside the cylinder 122. This tight snap-on sleeve 30 includes a snap-on profile 33 which projects radially towards the interior so as to engage behind the snap rim 13 formed inside the housing 12. In this way, it is guaranteed perfect fixing of the dispensing nozzle 3 on the body 1 as well as perfect sealing which is formed both at the rim 13 and at the front surface 121. The dispensing nozzle 3 defines an internal duct section 32 which extends from an internal end defined by the annular end 34 of the latching sleeve 30 at another external end which forms a dispensing orifice 31. This section of internal duct 32 also forms radial ribs 35 which are more visible in FIG. 2. These ribs he radials 35 serve as guide means for the shutter 3 as will be seen below. On the other hand, the end 34 of the sleeve 30 serves as a zone or bearing surface for the shutter 4 as will be seen below.
Le corps 1, la pièce de raccordement 2 et l'embout de distribution 3 forment une chambre ou conduit interne 123 comprenant une entrée 23 et une sortie 31. La section 32 forme une partie de ce conduit 123. La came de déplacement 24 ainsi que la came d'amplification 15 sont situées à l'intérieur de ce conduit 123.The body 1, the connection piece 2 and the distribution nozzle 3 form an internal chamber or conduit 123 comprising an inlet 23 and an outlet 31. The section 32 forms a part of this conduit 123. The displacement cam 24 as well as the amplification cam 15 are located inside this conduit 123.
L'obturateur 4 est ici entièrement situé à l'intérieur du conduit 123. L'obturateur forme un pointeau 40 entièrement ou partiellement situé dans la section de conduit 32, un épaulement 44 se raccorde directement au pointeau 40. Ensuite, l'obturateur forme une partie d'entraînement 45 pourvue d'une fenêtre de came 450 et des moyens de ressort 46, 47. L'obturateur peut avantageusement être réalisé de manière monobloc.The shutter 4 is here entirely located inside the duct 123. The shutter forms a needle 40 entirely or partially located in the duct section 32, a shoulder 44 is connected directly to the needle 40. Then, the shutter forms a drive part 45 provided with a cam window 450 and spring means 46, 47. The shutter can advantageously be made in one piece.
Le pointeau 40 a pour but d'obturer sélectivement l'orifice de distribution 31 formé par l'embout 3. Le pointeau 40 comprend une extrémité libre formant une paroi frontale 42 ainsi qu'une zone de contact 41 adaptée à venir en appui étanche contre l'orifice de distribution 31 de manière à l'obturer hermétiquement. Le pointeau 40 présente une section cylindrique sensiblement constante ayant un diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre passant par les arêtes des nervures verticales 35, de sorte que le pointeau 40 est guidé axialement à l'intérieur de la section de conduit 32 avec un jeu très limité. On assure ainsi un parfait centrage du pointeau 40 dans la section de conduit 32 et ainsi sur l'orifice de distribution 31. A son extrémité opposée à la paroi frontale 42, le pointeau 40 se raccorde à l'épaulement 44 qui définit deux surfaces de butée 440 adaptées à venir en contact appuyé contre la zone de portée 34 définie par l'embout de distribution 3. Au-delà de l'épaulement 44, l'obturateur est traversé par la came de déplacement 24 engagée dans la fenêtre de came 450. La surface de came 241 est orientée de telle sorte qu'un déplacement de la came 24 vers le haut entraîne un déplacement de l'obturateur 4 de la gauche vers la droite sur la figure 1, c'est à dire dans le sens d'un enfoncement du pointeau 40 à l'intérieur de l'embout de distribution 3, ce qui a pour effet de rompre le contact étanche avec l'orifice de distribution 31 et ainsi créer un passage de sortie pour le produit fluide sous pression. En outre, ce déplacement du pointeau vers l'intérieur est accentué par la came d'amplification 15 qui a pour effet de déplacer la came 24 en éloignement de l'orifice de distribution 31. Ainsi, avec un déplacement vertical limité de la came 24 on obtient un déplacement significatif du pointeau 40 à l'intérieur de l'embout 3. Au-delà de la fenêtre de came 450, l'obturateur 4 forme des moyens de ressort, ici sous la forme d'une sorte de boucle ou de genouillère formant une base 46 en appui dans le logement 110 ainsi que deux jambages articulés 47 qui procurent la caractéristique élastique. A l'état de repos représenté sur les figures 1 et 3, les jambages élastiques 47 sont précontraints de sorte que le pointeau 40 appuie au niveau de sa zone de contact 41 contre l'orifice de distribution 31 en prenant appui de réaction au niveau de la base 46. Cependant, étant donné que l'épaulement 44 vient également en butée contre la portée 34, la force de pression exercée par les moyens de ressort ne sont pas entièrement exercés au niveau du pointeau 40. La portée .34 reprend ainsi une partie de la force de pression exercée par les moyens de ressort, ce qui permet de limiter et de stabiliser la force d'appui au niveau de l'orifice de distribution 31. Etant donné que l'orifice de distribution 31 ainsi que la zone de contact 41 présentent une configuration légèrement tronconique afin d'améliorer l'étanchéité, il y aurait des risques de coincement du pointeau 40 dans l'orifice de distribution au cas où il n'y aurait pas de reprise de la force de pression au niveau de la portée 34. La zone ou surface de butée 440 ainsi que la zone ou surface de portée 34 sont sensiblement planes et perpendiculaires à la direction de déplacement de l'obturateur 4, ce qui évite ainsi tout risque de coincement ou de grippage. La portée 34 offre un appui franc qui permet de moduler et de stabiliser la force d'appui du pointeau 40 au niveau de l'orifice de distribution 31.The purpose of the needle 40 is to selectively close the dispensing orifice 31 formed by the end piece 3. The needle 40 comprises a free end forming a front wall 42 as well as a contact area 41 adapted to come into sealing contact against the dispensing orifice 31 so as to seal it hermetically. The needle 40 has a substantially cylindrical section constant having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter passing through the edges of the vertical ribs 35, so that the needle 40 is guided axially inside the duct section 32 with very limited play. This ensures perfect centering of the needle 40 in the duct section 32 and thus on the dispensing orifice 31. At its end opposite to the front wall 42, the needle 40 is connected to the shoulder 44 which defines two surfaces of stop 440 adapted to come into contact pressed against the bearing area 34 defined by the dispensing end piece 3. Beyond the shoulder 44, the shutter is crossed by the displacement cam 24 engaged in the cam window 450 The cam surface 241 is oriented so that a displacement of the cam 24 upwards causes a displacement of the shutter 4 from the left to the right in FIG. 1, that is to say in the direction d 'A depression of the needle 40 inside the dispensing nozzle 3, which has the effect of breaking the sealed contact with the dispensing orifice 31 and thus creating an outlet passage for the fluid under pressure. In addition, this movement of the needle inward is accentuated by the amplification cam 15 which has the effect of displacing the cam 24 away from the dispensing orifice 31. Thus, with limited vertical displacement of the cam 24 a significant displacement of the needle 40 is obtained inside the end piece 3. Beyond the cam window 450, the shutter 4 forms spring means, here in the form of a sort of loop or toggle forming a base 46 bearing in the housing 110 as well as two articulated legs 47 which provide the elastic characteristic. In the rest state shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the elastic legs 47 are prestressed so that the needle 40 presses at its contact zone 41 against the dispensing orifice 31 while taking reaction support at the base 46. However, since the shoulder 44 also abuts against the bearing surface 34, the pressure force exerted by the spring means is not entirely exerted at the needle 40. The bearing surface .34 thus takes up a part of the pressure force exerted by the spring means, which makes it possible to limit and stabilize the bearing force at the level of the dispensing orifice 31. Since the dispensing orifice 31 as well as the area of contact 41 have a slightly frustoconical configuration in order to improve sealing, there would be a risk of pinching the needle 40 in the dispensing orifice in the event that there is no resumption of the pressing force at the level of the bearing 34. The abutment area or surface 440 as well as the bearing area or surface 34 are substantially flat and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shutter 4, which thus avoids any risk of jamming or seizing. The bearing 34 offers a strong support which makes it possible to modulate and stabilize the pressing force of the needle 40 at the level of the dispensing orifice 31.
Le fonctionnement de cette tête de distribution sera maintenant décrit. En partant de la position de repos représentée sur la figure 1, on voit que le pointeau 40 est engagé de manière étanche dans l'orifice de distribution 31. En appuyant sur la surface d'appui 11, la tige d'actionnement engagée dans le manchon à raccordement 20 a pour effet de déplacer la came 24 vers le haut en direction de la surface d'appui 11. La came de déplacement 24 remplit alors sa fonction de déplacement en association avec la came d'amplification 15 et déplace ainsi le pointeau 40 vers l'intérieur de la tête, comme on le voit sur la figure 4. L'orifice de distribution 31 est alors dégagé et un passage de sortie est alors créé pour le produit fluide sous pression qui sera refoulé par la tige d'actionnement à travers le conduit 123 jusqu'au niveau de l'orifice de distribution 31. Le relâchement de la pression sur la surface d'appui 11 permet à la came 24 et au manchon 20 de regagner leur position initiale de repos telle que représentée sur la figure 1. Le pointeau reprend alors sa position de repos en appui étanche dans l'orifice de distribution 31. Le retour du pointeau vers cette position est assuré par les moyens de ressort 47. Dans l'exemple de réalisation utilisé pour illustrer la présente invention, l'obturateur est déplacé à l'aide d'un système de came. On peut très bien imaginer d'autres moyens de déplacement de' l'obturateur, comme par exemple la pression du produit fluide à l'intérieur du conduit 123. L'obturateur peut alors être formé avec un piston coulissant de manière étanche à l'intérieur d'un cylindre de coμlissement. Une des caractéristiques intéressantes de l'invention réside dans le fait que la force de pression exercée par les moyens de ressort n'est pas entièrement exercée au niveau de l'orifice de distribution. The operation of this dispensing head will now be described. Starting from the rest position shown in Figure 1, we see that the needle 40 is engaged in a sealed manner in the dispensing orifice 31. By pressing on the bearing surface 11, the actuating rod engaged in the connection sleeve 20 has the effect of moving the cam 24 upwards towards the bearing surface 11. The displacement cam 24 then fulfills its displacement function in association with the amplification cam 15 and thus displaces the needle 40 towards the inside of the head, as seen in FIG. 4. The dispensing orifice 31 is then cleared and an outlet passage is then created for the fluid under pressure which will be discharged by the actuating rod through the conduit 123 to the level of the dispensing orifice 31. The release of the pressure on the bearing surface 11 allows the cam 24 and the sleeve 20 to return to their initial rest position as shown in the figure 1. The p ointeau then resumes its rest position in sealed support in the dispensing orifice 31. The return of the needle to this position is ensured by the spring means 47. In the embodiment used to illustrate the present invention, the shutter is moved using a cam system. One can easily imagine other ways of moving 'shutter, such as the pressure of the product fluid within the conduit 123. The shutter can then be formed with a piston sliding sealingly in inside of a coμlissement cylinder. One of the interesting features of the invention resides in the fact that the pressure force exerted by the spring means is not entirely exerted at the level of the dispensing orifice.

Claims

Revendications claims
1.- Tête de distribution destinée à être montée sur une tige d'actionnement et de refoulement creuse mobile d'un organe de distribution de produit fluide, ladite tête comprenant un manchon de raccordement (20) destiné à venir en prise sur ladite tige mobile, la tête définissant un orifice de distribution (31), un conduit (123) reliant ledit manchon de raccordement (20) à l'orifice de distribution et une surface d'appui (11) sur laquelle on peut appuyer pour déplacer axialement la tête en enfonçant la tige creuse dans l'organe de distribution, la tête comprenant en outre un obturateur (4) logé au moins partiellement dans ledit conduit (31) et sollicité élastiquement par des moyens de ressort (47) vers ledit orifice de distribution (31), ledit obturateur (4) comprenant une zone de contact (41) en appui étanche élastique dans l'orifice de distribution (31) de manière à l'obturer hermétiquement, ledit obturateur étant déplaçable axialement à rencontre des moyens de ressort de manière à désengager sa zone de contact de l'orifice de distribution pour ainsi créer un passage de sortie pour le produit fluide lorsqu'une pression suffisante est exercée sur la surface d'appui, caractérisée en ce que l'obturateur comprend au moins une zone de butée (440) sollicitée élastiquement par les moyens de ressort contre une zone de portée fixe (34), la zone de butée reprenant ainsi une partie de la force d'appui générée par les moyens de ressort de sorte que la zone de contact appuie avec une force limitée constante contre l'orifice de distribution.1.- Dispensing head intended to be mounted on a movable hollow actuation and delivery rod of a fluid dispenser member, said head comprising a connection sleeve (20) intended to engage on said movable rod , the head defining a dispensing orifice (31), a conduit (123) connecting said connection sleeve (20) to the dispensing orifice and a bearing surface (11) which can be pressed to move the head axially by driving the hollow rod into the dispensing member, the head further comprising a shutter (4) housed at least partially in said duct (31) and resiliently biased by spring means (47) towards said dispensing orifice (31 ), said shutter (4) comprising a contact zone (41) in resilient watertight support in the dispensing orifice (31) so as to seal it hermetically, said shutter being axially displaceable against means spring so as to disengage its contact zone from the dispensing orifice, thereby creating an outlet passage for the fluid when sufficient pressure is exerted on the bearing surface, characterized in that the shutter comprises at less an abutment zone (440) urged elastically by the spring means against a fixed bearing zone (34), the abutment zone thus taking up part of the bearing force generated by the spring means so that the zone contact presses with a constant limited force against the dispensing orifice.
2.- Tête de distribution selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la zone de butée comprend des surfaces de butée planes (440) situées de manière symétrique par rapport à l'axe de déplacement de l'obturateur, les surfaces de butée (440) venant en appui sur des surfaces de portée planes associées (34).2. A dispensing head according to claim 1, in which the abutment zone comprises planar abutment surfaces (440) situated symmetrically with respect to the axis of movement of the shutter, the abutment surfaces (440) coming to bear on associated flat bearing surfaces (34).
3.- Tête de distribution selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle l'obturateur (4) comprend un pointeau (40) relié à un épaulement (44), le pointeau définissant ainsi une extrémité libre formant la zone de contact (41) destinée à obturer sélectivement l'orifice de distribution (31), l'épaulement (44) définissant la zone de portée (440).3. Dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shutter (4) comprises a needle (40) connected to a shoulder (44), the needle thus defining a free end forming the contact zone. (41) intended to selectively close the dispensing orifice (31), the shoulder (44) defining the bearing area (440).
4.- Tête de distribution selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le pointeau (40) s'étend dans une section de sortie (32) du conduit comprenant une extrémité d'entrée définissant la zone de portée (440) et une extrémité de sortie définissant l'orifice de distribution (31).4. A dispensing head according to claim 3, in which the needle (40) extends in an outlet section (32) of the duct comprising an inlet end defining the bearing area (440) and an outlet end defining the dispensing orifice (31).
5.- Tête de distribution selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle la section de sortie (32) est formée avec des nervures internes de guidage (35) orientées radialement vers l'intérieur pour maintenir le pointeau (40) dans l'axe de déplacement de l'obturateur.5. A dispensing head according to claim 3, in which the outlet section (32) is formed with internal guide ribs (35) oriented radially inwards to maintain the needle (40) in the axis of movement. shutter.
6.- Tête de distribution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un corps (1) et un embout de distribution (3) rapporté de manière étanche sur le corps, l'embout (3) formant le conduit (32) et l'orifice de distribution (31). 6. A dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a body (1) and a dispensing end piece (3) attached in a sealed manner to the body, the end piece (3) forming the conduit (32) and the dispensing orifice (31).
7.- Tête de distribution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre une came de déplacement (24) destinée à venir en prise avec l'obturateur pour le déplacer lorsqu'une pression suffisante est exercée sur la surface d'appui, ladite came étant adaptée à venir en prise avec une came d'amplification (15) pour amplifier le déplacement de l'obturateur.7. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a displacement cam (24) intended to come into engagement with the shutter to move it when sufficient pressure is exerted on the bearing surface. , said cam being adapted to engage with an amplification cam (15) to amplify the movement of the shutter.
8.- Tête de distribution selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle le manchon de raccordement (20) est réalisé de manière monobloc avec la came de déplacement (24), la came d'amplification (15) étant solidaire de la surface d'appui (11). 8. A dispensing head according to claim 7, in which the connection sleeve (20) is produced in a single piece with the displacement cam (24), the amplification cam (15) being integral with the bearing surface. (11).
9.- Tête de distribution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les moyens de ressort (47) sont réalisés de manière monobloc avec l'obturateur (4) sous la forme d'une boucle (46, 47) élastiquement déformable.9. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the spring means (47) are produced in a single piece with the shutter (4) in the form of an elastically deformable loop (46, 47). .
10.- Tête de distribution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle au moins un parmi l'orifice de distribution (31) et la zone de contact (41) présente une configuration tronconique. 10. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the dispensing orifice (31) and the contact zone (41) has a frustoconical configuration.
EP03735796A 2002-04-04 2003-04-01 Dispensing head mounted on a mobile hollow actuating shaft Expired - Lifetime EP1492627B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0204585 2002-04-04
FR0204585A FR2838070B1 (en) 2002-04-04 2002-04-04 DISTRIBUTION HEAD TO BE MOUNTED ON A MOBILE HOLLOW ACTUATING ROD
PCT/FR2003/001009 WO2003084673A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-04-01 Dispensing head mounted on a mobile hollow actuating shaft

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1492627A1 true EP1492627A1 (en) 2005-01-05
EP1492627B1 EP1492627B1 (en) 2005-08-03

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ID=28052272

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EP03735796A Expired - Lifetime EP1492627B1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-04-01 Dispensing head mounted on a mobile hollow actuating shaft

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US (1) US7172098B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1492627B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2005528192A (en)
CN (1) CN1642658A (en)
BR (1) BR0308770A (en)
DE (1) DE60301211T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2247546T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2838070B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003084673A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60301211T2 (en) 2006-06-08
US20050211798A1 (en) 2005-09-29
JP2005528192A (en) 2005-09-22
WO2003084673A1 (en) 2003-10-16
EP1492627B1 (en) 2005-08-03
US7172098B2 (en) 2007-02-06
DE60301211D1 (en) 2005-09-08
CN1642658A (en) 2005-07-20
ES2247546T3 (en) 2006-03-01
FR2838070B1 (en) 2005-02-11
BR0308770A (en) 2005-01-11
FR2838070A1 (en) 2003-10-10

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