EP2661327B1

EP2661327B1 - Trigger dispenser with pre-compression valve

Info

Publication number: EP2661327B1
Application number: EP12715164.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riccardo Alluigi
Original assignee: Guala Dispensing SpA
Current assignee: Guala Dispensing SpA
Priority date: 2011-05-17
Filing date: 2012-03-09
Publication date: 2015-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-09
Also published as: ITBS20110067A1; ES2535520T3; WO2012156830A1; EP2661327A1

Description

The present invention relates to a triggered dispensing device for a liquid.
The known triggered dispensing devices envisage trigger-operated pumping means, which aspirate the liquid into a pumping chamber and dispense it outwards by means of a piston.
It is well known that, so as to allow the jet of liquid dispensed to reach a good distance from the device and be well sprayed in fine drops, a pre-compression of the liquid is needed before dispensing.
Many triggered dispensing devices are known of with a pre-compression valve, also called delivery valve, positioned between the pumping chamber and the liquid dispensing pipe. E.g. document WO03/076079A1 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.
However, such valves have a variety of drawbacks: often, subjected to the pressure of the liquid they open more than they should, with obvious consequences on the functioning of the device.
Many prior solutions are often complicated to make, such as to present overly lengthy assembly times or to entail high production costs.
The purpose of the present invention is to satisfy the aforementioned requirements and overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by making a triggered dispensing device with a delivery valve which behaves optimally when opened, and which is suitable for being produced in an extremely economical manner by virtue of its simplicity of construction.
Such purpose is achieved by a dispensing device according to claim 1 and according to claim 17. The dependent claims show preferred embodiments.
The features and advantages of the triggered dispensing device according to the present invention will be evident from the following description, made by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
- figures 1, 6 and 8 show views partially in cross-section of the dispensing device according to the present invention, according to three different embodiments;
- figures 2, 7 and 9 show further views partially in cross-section of the dispensing device respectively corresponding to figures 1, 6 and 8 wherein the piston and the suction valve are visible;
- figures 3a and 3b are two perspective views from different angles of the delivery valve used in figures 1 and 2, without the flexible baffle;
- figures 4 and 5 respectively show a view with separated parts and a longitudinal cross-section of the delivery valve in figures 1 and 2;
- figures 10 and 11 show views partially in cross-section of a dispensing device according to two further embodiments.
A dispensing assembly for a liquid comprises a container, to contain the liquid to be dispensed (not shown), and a manually operated triggered dispensing device, mechanically connected to the container.
For example, the device 1 comprises a fastening 50 for connection to the neck of the container, for example for a threaded or bayonet connection.
The device 1 further comprises a frame 48, generally made in polymer material, usually in a single piece, for the support of the other components.
In particular, the device 1 comprises pumping means suitable to aspirate the liquid from the container and to spray it outside the device itself.
For example, the pumping means comprise a pumping chamber 2 suitable for being placed in fluidic communication with the container; for example, the frame 48 comprises a suction pipe 10 open at one end towards the container and such as to terminate, at the opposite end, in the chamber 2.
The pumping means further comprise a piston 4, slidable in an airtight manner in the chamber 2 along a piston axis X.
For example, the frame 48 comprises a chamber wall 52, for example cylindrical, with its axis coinciding with the piston axis X, which annularly defines the chamber 2, and a bottom wall 6, for example perpendicular to the piston axis X, placed opposite the piston head 4, which defines the bottom of the chamber 2.
Preferably the suction pipe 10 terminates in the pumping chamber 2 through a suction aperture 12 made in said bottom wall 6.
Moreover, the device 1 comprises manually-operated actuation means, suitable for being moved to move the piston 4 in translation.
For example, the actuation means comprise a trigger 8, supported by the frame 48, for example hinged to it or translatable on it. The trigger 8 is engaged with the piston 4 to move said piston in translation.
The piston 4 slides in the chamber 2 between an initial rest or rearward or start stroke position, wherein the volume of the chamber 2 is maximum, and a final, or forward or end stroke dispensing position, wherein the volume of the chamber is minimum.
Preferably moreover, the actuation means comprise return means suitable for constantly influencing the trigger 8 towards the initial rest position. For example, said return means comprise an elastic element.
Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a dispensing pipe 14 suitable for being placed in fluidic communication, at an inlet opening, with the pumping chamber 2 and, at an exit aperture, with the outside environment, to spray the liquid into the environment.
For example, the frame 48 comprises a pipe wall 54 annular around a dispensing axis Z which annularly defines the dispensing pipe 14.
In fact, the dispensing pipe extends advantageously along the dispensing axis Z, preferably distinct from and parallel to the piston axis X.
At the inlet opening, outside the dispensing pipe 14, the frame 48 comprises a support wall 46, for example an annular wall axial symmetric to the dispensing axis Z.
Preferably an inlet opening 16 of the dispensing pipe 14 is defined, around the inlet opening and externally to the pipe 14 (since the support wall 46 has larger dimensions than said inlet), by an annular projection 42.
As a result, the annular projection 42 encircles said inlet opening projecting from the dispensing duct.
According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet opening 16 is defined, externally to the dispensing pipe 14, by a crown surface 72.
Such variation thereby permits a considerable simplification of the device structure, at least in relation to the embodiments which envisage such annular projection 42.
Preferably, moreover, the device 1 comprises a nozzle 56 applied to the output end 14b of the dispensing pipe 14, to place the outgoing liquid in vortication or to finely nebulise it or to open/close the output of the dispensing pipe.
One embodiment of such nozzle is described, for example, in document BS2010A000003 in the Applicant's name, the teaching of which is hereto incorporated.
Preferably moreover, the nozzle 56 is provided with openings on the side wall, to perform a functioning indication, together with a wall projecting from the frame, positioned below said aperture.
The embodiment details of a dispensing device with nozzle provided with functioning indications are described, for example, in document BS2009A000195 in the Applicant's name, the teaching of which is hereto incorporated.
Preferably, the device 1 comprises valve suction means suitable for permitting the passage of liquid from the suction pipe 10 to the pumping chamber 2 when the piston 4 returns from the final position to the initial position, and suitable to limit or prevent the return of the liquid from the pumping chamber 2 to the suction pipe 10 when the piston moves from the initial position to the final position.
The valve suction means comprise a suction valve 18 suitable for fluidically separating the pumping chamber 2 from the suction pipe 10, applied to the bottom wall 6 of the chamber 2, so as to surmount or cover the suction aperture 12.
The suction valve 18 comprises a membrane, which surmounts the suction aperture 12, having a front side 58, facing the piston 4, and a rear side 60, preferably axial symmetric to a valve axis.
Preferably, the valve axis coincides with the piston axis X.
The valve 18 further comprises, according to one embodiment, a continuous annular lip, projecting axially from the rear side 60 of the membrane.
Preferably, moreover, the suction valve 18 comprises a stem 62, projecting from the rear side 60, preferably along the valve axis. The stem 62 is suitable for snap coupling to the bottom wall 6, for example passing through the thickness, through a hole made through the thickness of said bottom wall 6.
Preferably, from the inside of the chamber 2 outwards, along the valve axis, the stem 62 comprises an airtight section, which has a diameter suitable for inserting itself so as to be airtight in the hole, a reduced section and a head, preferably pointed, for the snap insertion in the hole.
Preferably, moreover, the suction valve 18 has an axial compartment, extending along the valve axis, open on the front side 58 and blind.
Preferably, moreover, the device 1 comprises delivery valve means suitable for allowing the passage of pressurised liquid from the pumping chamber 2 to the dispensing pipe 14 when the piston moves from the initial position to the final position.
The delivery valve means comprise a delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76, distinct from the suction valve 18, applied to the intake of the dispensing pipe 14, that is at the inlet opening.
The delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 comprises a valve body 26 and a baffle 28 deformable externally to the dispensing pipe 14.
Preferably, the delivery valve extends around a delivery valve axis, advantageously coinciding with the dispensing axis Z.
Even more preferably, the baffle 28 is axial symmetric to the delivery valve axis.
The valve body 26 further comprises a support wall 30 coupled to the baffle 28 so as to follow it during its deformation.
In other words, the support wall 30 has its own determined flexibility, such as to allow the deformation/oscillations of the baffle 28 in relation to the dispensing pipe 14.
According to a preferred embodiment, the support wall 30 is in a shape-memory material to make the deformation of the baffle 28 reversible at the end of a fluid dispensing phase.
In other words, this variation envisages that the support wall 30 plays the dual role of support for the baffle 28 and of elastic return element of the latter in the non-deformed configuration, when the pressure upstream of the baffle returns to an atmospheric value.
According to a further preferred variant, the support wall 30 makes an end stroke for the baffle 28 during deformation.
Consequently, such variation makes it possible to prevent the baffle from being deformed unconditionally, or remaining irreversibly elongated, in that the maximum deformation of the latter is limited by the maximum excursion of the support wall 30.
According to one embodiment variation, the baffle 28 is delimited by a front surface 32 facing the dispensing pipe 14 and by an opposite rear surface 34 resting on the support wall 30.
Preferably, the baffle 28 comprises a continuous annular projection 74, projecting axially from the front surface 32, which in the return phase is suitable for abutting with the crown surface 72.
According to different preferred embodiments, the front surface 32 is convex (as shown for example in figure 2), is concave (figure 7) or is substantially planar (figure 9).
Preferably, the baffle 28 and the support wall 30 (consequently preferably also the remaining valve body) are at least partially made from different polymers, which are made by means of a co-moulding process, advantageously of the coreback type.
For example, the baffle is composed of ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), of polyoxyethylene (POE) or of another suitable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), while the support wall is made in polypropylene (PP) or in low density polyethylene (PELD).
These last variants prove particularly advantageous for a series of different aspects.
First of all, since the material which the baffle is composed of is high cost, in the aforesaid variants it is possible to minimise the quantity of material of such component to reduce the overall cost of the device.
Moreover, the reduction of the mean thicknesses of the baffle is not accompanied by a reduction of its mechanical resistance, nor of its reliability over time.
According to a further advantageous aspect, the production method of the delivery valve makes it possible to produce baffles of different thickness depending on specific requirements, for example depending on the viscosity of the liquid to be dispensed or on the distance of the desired jet.
In particular, in the coreback production method, after a first step of forming the valve body and the support wall, a male part of the mould is distanced from the newly formed body to create a cavity for the subsequent moulding of the baffle; this way the baffle binds in a substantially indissoluble manner to the support wall, without the need to interpose adhesives.
Such distancing determines the thickness of the baffle, and thereby the response characteristics of the latter to the pressures of the liquid inside the device.
According to a preferred variant, the support wall 30 comprises a plurality of arms 40 which extend in a substantially radial manner towards the connection wall 36.
In other words, according to this embodiment the support wall forms a grid, which alternates empty and solid zones for the support of the baffle.
Preferably, the arms 40 converge towards a connection ring 44, which advantageously has a smaller radial dimension than the through section circumscribed by the annular projection 42.
Consequently, the arms are connected to the connection ring 44 at their innermost radial portions.
Advantageously, the connection ring 44 has a tubular ring body, which extends rearwards in relation to the surface destined to abut with the rear surface 34, for example for the variant illustrated in figure 5.
According to a preferred embodiment, the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 comprises a tubular connection wall 36, projecting rearwards from the baffle 28, and preferably coupling to the support wall 46 of the frame 48.
In particular, at the free annular end opposite the baffle 28, the connection wall 36 comprises a cuff 64 suitable for coupling to the support wall 46.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the support wall 30 is connected to the connection wall 36 and overlaps at least partially the lumen 38 defined by the latter.
In other words, the support wall 30 is coupled to the connection wall 36 in such a way that the former interferes at least partially with the lumen defined by the tubular wall 36.
This way, when the baffle is deformed, it is suitable for being at least partially housed in the tubular compartment defined by the wall 36.
According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the device 1 comprises a cover 66 supported by the frame 48, to cover said frame and the inner components. The trigger 8 and preferably the nozzle 56 project from the cover 66.
Preferably, the cover 56 comprises an upper portion 68 which extends along the dispensing pipe 14, as far as the nozzle 56. Preferably, said upper portion 68 has at least one indication aperture, from which a signalling portion of the frame 48 projects or is visible, preferably in a contrasting colour to said upper portion 68, to perform a signal.
According to one embodiment, moreover, the cover 66 comprises a rear portion 70, positioned rearwards of the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 in relation to the dispensing axis Z.
The device 1 is provided with return means, comprising the elastic element, suitable for constantly influencing the trigger 8 towards the initial rest position.
The elastic element is preferably positioned externally to the pumping chamber 2, engaged on one side with the trigger 8, for example next to the connection of said trigger to the piston 4, and on the other connected to the frame 48.
Preferably, the elastic element is symmetrical to the piston axis X and is positioned astride the pumping chamber 2.
During normal use of the device 1, it is mechanically connected to the container and the tube is usually connected to the suction pipe 10, to aspirate the liquid contained in the container.
In an initial configuration, let us assume that the pumping chamber 4 already contains the aspirated liquid and that the piston is in the initial rest position.
By operating the trigger 8, the piston 4 moves from the initial position towards the final position pushing the liquid contained in the pumping chamber 2, performing a dispensing phase of use of the device.
During the dispensing phase, the liquid acts on the suction valve 18, pressing the membrane which covers the suction aperture 12 of the suction pipe 10 against the bottom wall 6, so as to make a seal against the return of the liquid from the chamber 2 towards the container.
In particular, the continuous annular projection which surrounds the suction aperture 12 externally to the suction pipe is pressed against the bottom wall 6, ensuring the seal.
Moreover, during the dispensing phase, the liquid acts on the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 so as to distance the baffle 28 from the inlet opening 16, and in particular from the annular projection 42 which surrounds such access aperture to the dispensing pipe 14.
In particular, the liquid insinuates itself between the baffle 28 and the space external to the annular projection 42, causing the detachment of the baffle 28 from such projection, and thereby the entrance of the pressurised liquid into the dispensing pipe 14.
The rearward movement of the baffle 28 is accompanied by the support wall 30 of the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 which during the dispensing phase moves away from the annular projection 42, but which preferably acts as an end stroke to prevent excessive or uncontrolled deformations of the baffle.
In fact, during the dispensing phase, the elastic element is elastically deformed compared to the non-deformed condition.
At the end of the dispensing phase, the piston 4 is in the final position and the trigger 8 is released. The return means act on the trigger to bring it back again, at the same time dragging the piston from the final position towards the initial position, performing a return phase of use of the device.
During the return phase, a depression is created in the pumping chamber 2 by means of the airtight sliding of the piston 4.
During the return phase, the membrane of the suction valve 18 separates from the bottom wall 6 and the depression makes it possible to aspirate liquid from the container into the pumping chamber 2.
In the return phase moreover, the baffle 28 of the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 remains in abutment with the annular projection 42 so as to occlude and seal the dispensing pipe 14.
The present invention further relates to a triggered dispensing device 1 for a liquid. comprising a pumping chamber 2, a piston 4, a trigger 8, a suction pipe 10, a dispensing pipe 14, a suction valve 18, a delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 of the type illustrated above, _ where the baffle (28) is co-moulded to the support wall (30) of the valve body (26).
Innovatively, the dispensing device according to the present invention behaves in an optimal manner when dispensing, thanks to the limitation of the aperture of the delivery valve permitted.
Advantageously, moreover, the device is very simple to assemble and produce, and therefore makes it possible to reduce machine-time and therefore increase production.
In particular, the use of different materials for the baffle and for the valve body makes it possible to achieve the characteristics of flexibility needed for the device to function, and at the same time the mechanical resistance essential for prolonged, repeated and reliable use of the device.
In addition many components are coaxial, permitting a very rapid assembly; moreover, many components are axial-symmetric, thereby preventing problems of orientation for assembly.
Advantageously, the cover has an essentially aesthetic role, without the impacts to which it is generally subject being able to jeopardise the functionality of the inner components.
Such configuration has proved particularly advantageous, in that the delivery valve acts as a pre-compression valve, opening to the flow of liquid towards the dispensing pipe only when the action of the liquid exceeds a predefined pressure threshold.
Advantageously, the delivery valve which the present invention relates to makes it possible to give the resilient portion a clearly defined aperture threshold, and an immediate return to the initial shape after the pre-compression phase.
Advantageously, the production method of the present delivery valve is suitable for being modified in an extremely simple manner, to make baffles suitable for specific uses.
According to a further advantageous aspect, the components are firmly connected to the frame, to prevent accidental dismantling, for example during transport; in addition, the connection is often a snap-connection, leading to high speed and reliable assembly.
It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the device described above so as to satisfy contingent requirements.
For example, according to one embodiment variation, the piston axis and the dispensing axis are separate and incident.
Moreover, according to another variant, the support wall of the valve body is positioned inside the baffle, that is to say between the front surface and the rear surface of such.
In other words this variant envisages that the arms, where provided, are at least partially contained in the matrix of material which the baffle consists of.
Such variants are also contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Triggered dispenser device (1) for a liquid comprising:
- a pumping chamber (2) and a piston (4) slidable in an airtight manner in the pumping chamber (2) along a piston axis (X), said chamber (2) being provided with a bottom wall (6);

- a trigger (8) operatively connected to the piston (4) to move it;

- a suction pipe (10) suitable for being placed in fluidic communication with a container of the liquid to be dispensed, wherein said suction pipe (10) terminates in the pumping chamber (2) through a suction aperture (12) performed in the bottom wall (6);

- a dispensing pipe (14) extending along a dispenser axis (Z), in fluidic connection at one end with the pumping chamber (2) by means of an inlet opening (16) and, at the other end, in fluidic connection with the outside environment;

- a suction valve (18) comprising a membrane housed in the pumping chamber (2) suitable for regulating the fluid flow between the suction pipe (10) and the pumping chamber (2);

- a delivery valve (20, 22, 24, 76), distinct from the suction valve (18), comprising a valve body (26) and a baffle (28) deformable externally to the dispensing pipe (14), said valve (20, 22, 24, 76) being suitable for regulating the fluid flow between the pumping chamber (2) and the dispensing pipe (14);
wherein a support wall (30) of the valve body (26) is coupled to the baffle (28) so as to follow it during its deformation, said device (1) being characterized in that the baffle (28) is co-moulded to the support wall (30) of the valve body (26).
Device according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (30) is in a shape memory material to make the deformation of the baffle (28) reversible at the end of a fluid dispensing phase.
Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support wall (30) makes an end stroke for the baffle (28) during deformation.
Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the baffle (28) is delimited by a front surface (32) facing the dispensing pipe (14) and by an opposite rear surface (34) resting on the support wall (30).
Device according to claim 4, wherein the baffle (28) and the support wall (30) are made by co-moulding respectively of ethylene-vinyl-acetate and polypropylene.
Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front surface (32) is convex, concave or substantially flat.
Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the valve body (26) comprises a tubular connection wall (36), projecting rearwards from the baffle (28), and where the support wall (30) is connected to the connection wall (36) and overlaps at least partially the lumen (38) delimited by the latter.
Device according to claim 7, wherein the support wall (30) comprises a plurality of arms (40) which extend in a substantially radial manner towards the connection wall (36).
Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inlet opening (16) is delimited, externally to the dispensing pipe (14), by an annular projection (42).
Device according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the arms (40) converge towards a connection ring (44), which has a smaller radial dimension than the through section circumscribed by the annular projection (42).
Device according to any of the claims from 1 to 8, wherein the inlet opening (16) is delimited, externally to the dispensing pipe (14), by a crown surface (72).
Device according to claim 11, wherein the baffle (28) is delimited by a front surface (32) facing the dispensing pipe (14) and comprises a continuous annular boss (74) projecting axially from the front surface (32), suitable for abutting with the crown surface (72), said baffle (28) being optionally axial-symmetric to the dispenser axis (Z).
Device according to any of the previous claims when dependent on claim 7, wherein the connection wall (36) couples, preferably by a snap mechanism, to a support wall (46) of the frame (48) of the device (1).
Device according to claim 1, wherein the baffle (28) and the support wall (30) are made by co-moulding different polymers.
Device according to claim 14, wherein the inlet opening (16) is delimited, externally to the dispensing pipe (14), by a crown surface (72), wherein the baffle (28) is delimited by a front surface (32) facing the dispensing pipe (14) and comprises a continuous annular boss (74) projecting axially from the front surface (32), suitable for abutting with the crown surface (72).