FR2856993A1 - Fluid product distributing device, has distributing nozzle connected in inseparable manner to pump by flexible connecting unit when pump moves between resting and distributing positions - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a fluid product container (1). A pump (10) moves between a resting position and a distributing position to distribute contents of the container (1). A distributing nozzle (20) comprises of a distributing orifice (21) and is connected in inseparable manner to the pump (10) by a flexible connecting unit (30) when the pump (10) moves between the resting and distributing positions.

Description

The present invention relates to a product dispensing device

improved fluid.

  Fluid dispensing devices are well known and generally comprise a reservoir, a dispensing member, such as a pump, mounted on said reservoir, and a dispensing head or pusher for actuating the pump and thus distributing the product contained in the tank. The head is generally attached to the movable actuator rod of the pump and defines an expulsion channel leading to a dispensing orifice for dispensing the product.

  The known dispensing heads may have certain disadvantages. Thus, it may happen that an unwanted or accidental removal or tearing of the pusher from its mounted position on the pump causes contamination of the product contained therein or in the tank. On the other hand, the pusher being the last piece of the fluid dispenser device that is assembled, it is desirable to simplify this assembly step as much as possible. Indeed, the manufacturer of the product to be dispensed is generally not the manufacturer of the dispensing device, so that after filling the tank, it must first mount the pump on the tank and the dispensing head on the pump . Therefore, the pump and dispensing head are usually delivered separately, and assembled at the manufacturer of the product. It may in this case be difficult to avoid any risk of contamination at the time of assembly of the head on the pump, and this assembly requires complicated tools.

  Similarly, it is desirable to avoid any risk of tearing or removal of the dispensing head to avoid various undesired manipulations on the part of the user, such as for example a refilling of the tank.

  Documents DE-14 91 714, US-4,830,224 and DE-41 10,304 disclose dispensing heads or pushpieces made in several parts, but none prevents the removal of the part incorporating the orifice of distribution, so that contamination of the product would occur in case of attempted tearing of the pusher.

  The document FR-2 794 724 describes a pusher in two parts having an inner portion incorporating the dispensing orifice and which is irremovably assembled on the dispenser member. Thus, in case of attempted tearing, only the outer portion of the pusher is removable.

  The present invention aims to provide a fluid dispensing device that does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.

  In particular, the present invention aims to provide such a device that prevents any risk of contamination of the product.

  The present invention also aims to provide such a device that absolutely prevents tearing or removal of the dispensing nozzle after assembly.

  The present invention also aims to provide such a device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

  The present invention also aims to provide such a device for which the final assembly is simplified, especially when the manufacturer of the product to be dispensed is different from the manufacturer of the dispensing device.

  The present invention therefore relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid reservoir, a dispensing member such as a pump or a valve, movable between a rest position and a dispensing position for selectively distributing the dispensing fluid. content of the reservoir, and a dispensing nozzle comprising a dispensing orifice, characterized in that said nozzle is releasably connected to said dispensing member by at least one flexible connecting element displaceable and / or deformable when the dispenser member is moves between its rest and distribution positions.

  According to a first variant embodiment, said dispensing member is a pump comprising a pump body, a piston sliding in said pump body, and a ferrule fitted into said pump body to define the rest position of the pump, said at least one a connecting element being made in one piece with said ferrule.

  Advantageously, said dispensing member is assembled on the reservoir by means of a fixing ring, said at least one connecting element s cooperating with said fixing ring.

  According to a second variant, said at least one connecting element is made integrally with said fixing ring.

  Advantageously, said at least one connecting element is made of a one-piece piece with said tip.

  Io Alternatively, said at least one connecting element is assembled releasably, in particular by snapping, on said endpiece.

  Advantageously, each connecting element comprises two rigid parts and three flexible hinges allowing said connecting element to fold accordionally when the dispensing member moves from its rest position to its dispensing position.

  Advantageously, there is a plurality of separate connecting elements.

  Advantageously, the device comprises a pusher for manually actuating said dispensing member, said pusher being assembled on said tip.

  Advantageously, said nozzle comprises a shutter upstream of said dispensing orifice preventing any contamination of the product contained in the device Advantageously, said nozzle comprises stops cooperating in dispensing position with the reservoir or an element integral therewith to define this position of distribution.

  Advantageously, said at least one connecting element is releasably connected to an intermediate piece, itself releasably connected to the dispensing nozzle.

  Advantageously, said at least one connecting element is releasably connected to an intermediate piece, itself releasably connected to the dispensing member.

  Advantageously, said at least one connecting element forms a return spring of the dispensing member by urging it towards its rest position.

  Advantageously, said at least one connecting element forms an actuating element of a counting device.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the following detailed description of several embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: Figures 1 to 3 are diagrammatic cross-sectional views of a fluid dispenser device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, respectively during a tearing attempt, before and during actuation, - the figure 4 is a partial schematic perspective view of part of the device of FIGS. 1 to 3; FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 showing another variant embodiment; FIG. 6 is also a similar view; at. that of Figure 1, showing yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, and - Figure 7 is still a view similar to that of Figure 1, showing yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

  All the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures relate more particularly to dispensing heads of the nasal pushing type. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to this particular type of dispensing head.

  Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 all show a reservoir 1 on which is assembled a dispensing member 10, which in the examples shown is a pump. Of course, the present invention also applies to valves.

  Referring more particularly to Figures 1 to 3, the pump comprises a pump body 11 in which slides a piston 12, a shell 13 being assembled in the pump body 11 to define the rest position of the pump. The structure and operation of the pump can of course be any, so it is not necessary to further describe the operation thereof. The pump is preferably assembled on the tank 1 by means of a ring 40 which can be of any type, and in particular a crimp ring, to. snap or screw. The device further comprises a dispensing nozzle 20 which incorporates a dispensing orifice 21 through which the product contained in the reservoir will be dispensed. An insert 26 is advantageously disposed in said tip 20, upstream of the dispensing orifice 21. This insert 26 promotes the spraying of the product and can serve as a shutter, especially when it is secured to the outlet valve of the chamber. pump, as shown in the figures. The end 27 of the insert 26 can slide in a hollow tube 29 defining with the bottom of the nozzle 20 a spray profile.

  According to the invention, the dispensing nozzle 20 is releasably connected to. the dispensing member 10, in this case the pump, by at least one flexible connecting element 30. This flexible connecting element 30 is adapted to move and / or deform when the pump 10 moves between its rest positions and distribution.

  Figures 1 to. 6 show various alternative embodiments, in which the connection element or elements 30 are made of a single piece with said tip 20. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first variant, in which the connection element (s) 30 is (are) further realized (s) integrally with the ferrule. FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows in perspective such a monobloc piece incorporating. both the distribution orifice 21, the connecting elements 30, and the shell 13. In this first embodiment, the one-piece piece cooperates with the fixing ring 40, so that after assembly of the device, it it is impossible to tear the dispensing nozzle 20, since it is integrally connected to the ferrule, which is fixedly assembled on the reservoir by means of the fixing ring 40.

  In FIG. 5, the connecting elements 30 are not only made in one piece with the dispensing nozzle 20 and the ferrule 13, but also with the fixing ring 40. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. the connecting elements 30 simply cooperate with the fixing ring 40 and are not integral with the shell 13. The result is however identical, since the one-piece piece incorporating the dispensing nozzle 20 and the connecting elements 30 is fixed so releasable on the tank by means of the fixing ring 40.

  FIG. 7 represents a different variant embodiment, in which the connection element or elements 30 are not integrally formed with the dispensing nozzle 20, but are fixed in a way that can not be dismounted therewith. In the example shown, this releasable attachment can for example be made by snapping. In addition, the example shown in FIG. 7 shows connection elements made of a single piece with the ferrule, but it is understood that the variant embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 would also be adaptable in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 7, with regard to the connection between the connecting elements 30, the ferrule 13 and / or the fixing ring 40.

  One of the main aims of the present invention is to prevent tearing of the dispensing nozzle (20) which incorporates the dispensing orifice 21. One objective is to avoid any contamination of the product contained in the device. advantage of this function, it is advantageous to have a shutter 29 upstream of the dispensing orifice 21.

  In the example shown in the figures, this shutter is formed by the end 27 of the insert 26.

  In all the embodiments shown, the device comprises a pusher 50 assembled around the dispenser nozzle 20. This pusher 50 can of course be made in any desired manner, and it is even conceivable to make this pusher 50 of monobloc manner with the dispensing nozzle 20. In the example shown, in which the pusher 50 is assembled around the dispensing nozzle 20, is in a configuration similar to that described in the document FR2 794 724, to namely a pusher in two parts, the inner portion in this case the tip 20 is held fixedly and releasably on the dispenser member, while the outer portion can be removable if necessary.

  The present invention makes it possible to improve the device of the document above by providing an irremovable and immovable fastener between a part of the dispensing member 10, in this case the pump (or the fixing ring) and the dispensing nozzle which incorporates the dispensing orifice 21.

  The indémontable connection between a portion of the pump and the dispensing nozzle 20, that is to say the part defining the dispensing orifice 21, may be direct, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, one could consider an indirect releasable connection, namely via an intermediate piece. For example, the connecting elements 30 could be releasably connected to an inner part of the end piece 20, for example the hollow tube 29, this inner part being itself releasably connected to the endpiece. Similarly, an intermediate piece could also be integrated between the connecting elements 30 and the dispensing member 10, in this case the pump.

  As shown in particular in Figure 4, it is advantageous to provide a plurality of separate connecting elements 30, for example in the form of flexible material bridge and / or deformable. The example shown in Figure 4 shows four connecting elements 30. Of course, the number of these connecting elements can be any.

  Advantageously, each connecting element 30 comprises two rigid parts 31 and 32 and three flexible hinges 35, 36 and 37, which allow each connecting element 30 to fold accordionally when the dispensing member 10 moves from its position of rest towards its dispensing position, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The first hinge 35 connects the first rigid portion 31 to the dispensing nozzle 20, the second hinge 36 connects the two rigid parts 31, 32 the one to the other, and the third hinge 37 connects the second rigid portion 32 to the lower part of the one-piece piece, which is fixed to the reservoir by the fixing ring 40. In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the third hinge 37 connects the connecting element to the shell 13, in the variant of Figure 5 it reads the connecting element 30 to the assembly formed by the fixing ring 40 and the shell 13, and in the example shown on the face 6, it reads the connecting element 30 to a flange cooperating with the fixing ring 40. In all cases, there is a material connection between the dispensing nozzle 20 and a fixed element mounted on the reservoir, so that any attempt of tearing is impossible. Advantageously, in the rest position of the pump (Figure 2), the connecting elements 30 are already slightly folded which ensures proper operation of the pump, avoiding any risk of blocking said connecting elements. In case of attempted tearing, the connecting elements 30 are stretched, as shown in Figure 1, and resist tearing by the strength of the material. Advantageously, lugs 28 forming an abutment are provided on the dispensing nozzle 20 to define the dispensing position of the pump 10, which makes it possible to avoid excessive stresses on the connecting elements 30 when the pump reaches the position of distribution.

  In the example shown in Figure 7, the operation of the connecting elements 30 is similar to that described above, but the connection between the connecting element 30 and the dispensing tip 20 is not made by a monobloc material bridge, but by a detachable snap. Nevertheless, any attempt to tear the dispensing nozzle 20 produces the same result, namely that the connecting elements 30 prevent disassembly of said dispensing nozzle.

  Advantageously, in the dispensing position of the pump, with the folded connecting elements (FIG. 3), this fold can induce an elastic force returning the pump towards its rest position. One could in this case consider removing the return spring of the pump, this function can be provided by said connecting elements.

  On the other hand, the actuation of the pump transforming an axial displacement of the nozzle 20 into a radial displacement (by folding) of the connecting elements 30, these could form actuating means of a specific system of the device such as a dose counter or the like.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, it is understood that it is not limited to these examples shown, but that a person skilled in the art can make any modifications thereto. useful without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

claims   1.- Fluid dispensing device, comprising a fluid reservoir (1), a dispensing member (10) such as a pump or a valve, movable between a rest position and a dispensing position to selectively distribute the contents of the reservoir (1), and a dispensing nozzle (20) having a dispensing orifice (21), characterized in that said nozzle (20) is connected in a manner that can not be dismounted to said dispensing member (10) by at least one flexible connecting element (30) displaceable and / or deformable when the dispensing member (10) moves between its resting and dispensing positions.   2.- Device according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing member is a pump (10) comprising a pump body (11), a piston (12) sliding in said pump body (11), and a ferrule (13). ) fitted in said pump body (11) to define the rest position of the pump, said at least one connecting element (30) being made in one piece with said ferrule (13).   3.- Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said dispensing member (10) is assembled on the reservoir (1) by means of a fixing ring (40), said at least one connecting element (30) cooperating with said fixing ring (40).   4.- Device according to claim 3, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) is integrally formed with said fixing ring (40).   5.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) is made of a piece 25 integral with said tip (20).   6.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) is assembled releasably, in particular by snapping on said tip (20).   7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each connecting element (30) comprises two rigid parts (31, 32) and three flexible hinges (35, 36, 37) for said connecting element (30). ) to bend accordion when the dispensing member (10) moves from its rest position to its dispensing position.   Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a plurality of separate connecting elements (30).   9.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a pusher (50) for manually actuating said dispensing member (10), said pusher (50) being assembled on said tip (20).   10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tip (20) comprises a shutter (27) upstream of said dispensing orifice (21) preventing contamination of the product contained in the device.   11.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tip (20) has stops (28) cooperating in dispensing position with the reservoir (1) or an integral element thereof to define this position of distribution.   12.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) is releasably connected to an intermediate piece, itself releasably connected to the dispensing tip (20). ).   13.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) is releasably connected to an intermediate piece, itself releasably connected to the dispensing member (10). ).   14.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) forms a return spring of the dispensing member (10) by urging it to its rest position.   15.- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connecting element (30) forms an actuating element of a dose metering device.