ITBS20110013A1 - TRIGGER SUPPLY DEVICE WITH DELIVERY VALVE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

The object of the present invention is a trigger dispensing device for a liquid.

The known trigger dispensing devices provide for pumping means operated by the trigger, which suck the liquid into a pumping chamber and deliver it to the outside by means of a piston.

It is well known that, in order for the jet of the dispensed liquid to reach a good distance from the device and be well sprayed in fine drops, it is necessary for the liquid to be pre-compressed before dispensing.

Many trigger dispensing devices with pre-compression valve, also known as delivery valve, arranged between the pumping chamber and the liquid dispensing duct are known.

However, these valves have numerous drawbacks: often, subjected to the pressure of the liquid, they cause a loss of delivery pressure, due to leaks between the valves and the components that support them.

The object of the present invention is to satisfy the aforesaid requirements and to obviate the drawbacks of the known art, by realizing a trigger dispensing device with a delivery valve which exhibits an optimal opening behavior.

This object is achieved by a dispensing device according to claim 1.

The characteristics and advantages of the trigger dispensing device according to the present invention will be evident from the description given below, given by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 represents a sectional view of the dispensing device according to the present invention, according to an embodiment;

figure 2 shows an enlargement of the box II in figure 1;

Figures 3a and 3b show respectively rear and front views of a delivery valve of the dispensing device of Figure 1; And

- Figures 4a and 4b show a rear and front view respectively of a fastening element of the dispensing device of Figure 1.

A dispensing assembly for a liquid comprises a container, for containing the liquid to be dispensed, and a manually operated trigger dispensing device 1 mechanically connected to the container.

For example, the device 1 comprises a closure 2 for connection with the neck of the container, for example for a threaded or bayonet connection.

The device 1 further comprises a frame 3, generally made of a relatively rigid frame material, for supporting the other components.

In particular, the device 1 comprises pumping means suitable for sucking the liquid from the container and for spraying it outside the device itself.

For example, the pumping means comprise a pumping chamber 4 suitable for being placed in fluid communication with the container; for example, the frame 3 comprises a suction duct 6 open at one end towards the container and such as to open, at the opposite end, into the chamber 4.

The pumping means further comprise a piston 8, which can slide sealingly in the chamber 4 along a piston axis X.

For example, the frame 3 comprises a chamber wall 10a, for example cylindrical, with axis coinciding with the piston axis X, which annularly delimits the chamber 4, and a bottom wall 10b, for example perpendicular to the piston axis X, placed in front of the head of the piston 8, which delimits the bottom of the chamber 4.

Preferably, the suction duct 6 opens into the pumping chamber 4 through the suction opening 6a made in said bottom wall 10b.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises manually operated actuation means, suitable for being moved to move the piston 8 in translation.

For example, the actuation means comprise a trigger 12, supported by the frame 3, for example hinged to it or translatable thereon. The trigger 12 can be engaged with the piston 8 to move said piston in translation.

The piston 8 slides in the chamber 4 between an initial position of rest or backward or start of stroke, in which the volume of the chamber 4 is maximum, and a final position of delivery or forward or end of stroke, in which the volume of room 4 is minimum.

Preferably, moreover, the actuation means comprise return means suitable for influencing the trigger towards the initial rest position. For example, said return means comprise an elastic element.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a delivery duct 14 suitable for being placed in fluid communication, with an inlet port 14a, with the pumping chamber 4 and, at the outlet port 14b, with the external environment, to spray the liquid. in the environment.

For example, the frame 3 comprises an annular duct wall 16 around the dispensing axis Z, which annularly delimits the dispensing duct 14.

The delivery duct extends along a delivery axis Z, preferably distinct and parallel to the piston axis X.

Preferably, the inlet opening 14a is circumferentially delimited by an axial ridge or annular step 14c, projecting axially.

Furthermore, in correspondence with the inlet port 14a, outside the dispensing duct 14, the frame 3 comprises a hooking wall 17, for example an annular wall that is axially symmetrical with respect to the dispensing axis Z.

The hooking wall 17 ends with an annular projection 17a which extends radially externally, so as to create an undercut.

Around the inlet port 14a, externally to the delivery duct 14, since the support wall 17 has radial dimensions greater than said inlet port 14a, a crown surface 18 is formed, which at least partially surrounds said inlet port 14a.

The crown surface 18 is interrupted by an intermediate passage 19 which opens into the pressure chamber 4, to put said pressure chamber 4 in communication with the delivery duct 14.

Furthermore, the device 1 preferably comprises a nozzle 20 applied to the outlet end 14b of the delivery duct 14, to swirl the outgoing liquid or to finely nebulize it or to close / open the outlet of the delivery duct.

An embodiment of such a nozzle is described, for example, in the document BS2010A000003 in the name of the Applicant, the teaching of which is incorporated herein.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises suction valve means suitable for allowing the passage of the liquid from the suction duct 6 to the pressure chamber 4 when the piston 8 returns from the final position to the initial position and suitable for limiting or preventing the return of the liquid from the chamber. pumping pump 4 to the intake duct 6 when the piston translates from the initial position to the final position.

The intake valve means comprise an intake valve 30 suitable for fluidically separating the pumping chamber 4 from the intake duct 6, applied to the bottom wall 10b of the chamber 4, so as to surmount or cover the intake opening. , the device 1 comprises delivery valve means suitable for allowing the passage of the pressurized liquid from the pumping chamber 4 to the delivery duct 14 when the piston translates from the initial position to the final position.

The delivery valve means comprise a delivery valve 60, applied to the inlet of the delivery duct 14, ie in correspondence with the inlet port 14a.

The delivery valve 60 comprises a membrane 62 which surmounts the inlet port 14a, having a front face 64, facing the delivery duct 14, and a rear face 66. Preferably, the membrane 62 is axially symmetrical with respect to an axis of valve Y, for example coinciding with the dispensing axis Z.

In the rest configuration, the membrane 62, and in particular the front face 64, has a convex shape towards the delivery duct 14.

The valve 60 further comprises, according to an embodiment, a continuous annular lip 68, projecting axially from the front face 66 of the membrane 62.

In the rest configuration, the annular lip 68 is arranged in abutment with the annular step 14c, preferably locating radially externally thereto.

Furthermore, the valve 60 preferably comprises a stem 70, protruding from the rear face 66 of the membrane 62, preferably along the valve axis Y.

At the free end, that is, at the distal end from the membrane 62, the stem 70 has an external enlargement which, preferably, tapers towards the membrane 62, while on the opposite side it is connected with an annular opening 74.

Preferably, the shank 70 is internally axially hollow, preferably provided with a blind cavity towards the free end of the shank.

Preferably, moreover, the membrane 62, in the outer peripheral zone, comprises a fixing portion 78, which radially delimits the membrane 62 externally, and is preferably defined between two face surfaces orthogonal to the valve axis Y.

The membrane is made of a relatively flexible membrane material.

The delivery device 1 further comprises a locking element 80, made of a stiffer material than the flexible material of the delivery valve 60, suitable for blocking the delivery valve 60 to the frame 3.

The locking element 80 comprises a body 82, preferably comprising a plurality of angularly spaced reinforcing ribs 82a, and provided with a locking hole 84, preferably axially passing, in axis with the valve axis Y of the delivery valve 60 .

Preferably, the body 82 comprises a locking projection 86, protruding radially into the hole 84, provided with a lead surface facing the delivery duct 14.

The body 82 is suitable for snap coupling with the delivery valve 60, by virtue of the stem 70 which can be snap-locked with the projection 86.

Furthermore, the locking element 80 comprises an annular locking wall 88, peripherally disposed externally to the body 82, having axial extension.

The locking wall 88 comprises an annular recess 90, preferably provided with a leading surface, snap-engaged with the annular projection 17a of the frame 3.

In this way, the fixing portion 78 of the membrane 62 remains in compression between the body 82 of the locking element 80 and the hooking wall 17 of the frame 3.

The diaphragm 62 has an external radial dimension smaller than the internal radial dimension of the locking wall 88, in order to avoid a structural interference harmful to the rapid assembly of the components. In other words, the membrane is peripherally radially spaced from the blocking wall 88.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the locking element 80 comprises a stop collar 89, for example continuous and annular, projecting axially from the body 82, in axis with the hole 84.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a cover 90 supported by the frame 3, to cover said frame and the internal components. The trigger 12 and, preferably, the nozzle 20 protrude from the cover 90.

According to a preferred embodiment, the suction valve and / or the delivery valve are made by molding, for example in a single piece, for example in low density polyethylene (PELD) or in a plastic material, injected and expanded, cross-linked to closed cell, such as Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate (EVA), or Poly-Oxy-Ethylene (POE).

Furthermore, the locking element is preferably molded, for example in a single piece, in a more rigid material than the membrane material, for example in polypropylene (PP).

Furthermore, the frame 3 is preferably molded, for example in a single piece, in a more rigid material than the membrane material, for example in polypropylene (PP).

In normal use of the device 1, this is mechanically connected to the container and a small tube is usually connected to the suction duct 6, to suck up the liquid contained in the container.

In an initial configuration, it is assumed that the pumping chamber 4 already contains the sucked liquid and that the piston is in the initial rest position.

By actuating the trigger 12, the piston 8 translates from the initial position towards the final position, pushing the liquid contained in the pumping chamber 4, carrying out a dispensing phase of the use of the device.

During the dispensing phase, the liquid operates on the suction valve 30, so as to seal the return of the liquid from the chamber 4 towards the container.

Furthermore, during the dispensing step, the liquid operates on the delivery valve 60 so as to move the membrane 62 away from the dispensing mouth 14a; in particular, the liquid deforms the membrane 62 so that the annular lip 68 separates from the annular step 14c.

In particular, the liquid enters between the membrane 62 and the crown surface 18, externally to the annular lip 68, causing the detachment of said lip from the step 14c and therefore the entry of the pressurized liquid into the delivery duct 14.

During the deformation of the membrane, the stem 70 moves inside the hole 74, guided by the projection 86.

Advantageously, this allows to have a well guided and calibrated deformation of the membrane, avoiding anomalous deformations.

The retraction of the membrane 62 is limited by the collar 89, against which, during the dispensing phase, it abuts.

During the dispensing phase, the elastic element is elastically deformed.

At the end of the dispensing phase, the piston is in the final position and the trigger is released. The return means operate on the trigger to bring it back, at the same time dragging the piston from the final position towards the initial position, realizing a return phase of the use of the device.

During the return phase, a depression is created in the pumping chamber 4, by virtue of the sealed sliding of the piston 8.

During the return phase, the suction valve 30 allows liquid to be sucked from the container into the pumping chamber 4.

In the return phase, moreover, the membrane 62 of the dispensing valve 60 remains in contact with the step 14c of the frame 3.

Innovatively, the dispensing device according to the present invention exhibits an optimal dispensing behavior, thanks to the excellent seal between the valve and the frame.

Advantageously, moreover, the device is very simple to assemble, and therefore allows to lower the machine times and therefore to increase production.

In particular, many components are coaxial, allowing a very quick assembly; moreover, many components are axial symmetrical, thus avoiding mounting orientation problems.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the components are often snap-connected, which results in high assembly speeds and reliability.

It is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent needs, could make changes to the device described above.

For example, according to a variant embodiment, the piston axis and the dispensing axis are separate and incident.

These variants are also contained in the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1. Trigger dispensing device (1) for a liquid, comprising: - a pumping chamber (4) and a piston (8) sliding sealingly in the pumping chamber along a piston axis (X); - a trigger (12) operatively connected to the piston (8) to move it; - a suction duct (6) which can be connected fluidly to a container for the liquid to be dispensed, in which said suction duct (6) opens into the pumping chamber (4) through a suction opening (6a); - a delivery duct (14), made in a frame (3) in rigid material, having an extension along a delivery axis (Z), in fluidic connection at one end with the pumping chamber (4) through an opening inlet (14a) and, at the other end, in fluid connection with the external environment, in which the inlet opening is surrounded by an axial projection (14c) in rigid material; - an intake valve (30) suitable for regulating the passage of fluid between the intake duct (6) and the pumping chamber (4); - a delivery valve (60) suitable for regulating the passage of fluids between the pumping chamber and the delivery duct (14), comprising a membrane (62) made of a flexible material, to abut, in the rest configuration, of the axial projection (14c) of the spout (14a); - a locking element (80), made of a rigid material, suitable for engaging with the frame and for influencing said membrane in compression to keep it sealed against said frame. Device according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (80) is snap engageable with the frame (3). Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (80) comprises a locking wall (88) snap-engageable with the frame (3) and the membrane (62) is peripherally radially spaced from the wall lock (88). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (80) comprises a hole (84) within which the delivery valve (60) engages. Device according to claim 4, wherein the delivery valve (60) comprises a stem (70) sliding within the hole (84) of the locking element. A device according to claim 5, wherein the stem is snap engageable with an annular protuberance (86) within the hole (84) of the locking element. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the stem (70) is internally at least partially hollow. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the membrane (62) comprises an annular lip (68) projecting axially, against the axial projection (14c). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the axial projection (14c) is an annular step. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the front face (64) of the membrane (62) is convex towards the dispensing mouth (14a). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (62) comprises a peripherally arranged fixing portion (78), delimited between two axially spaced surfaces, orthogonal to the dispensing axis (Z). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (80) comprises an axially projecting annular collar (89) adapted to provide a stop for the deformation membrane. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the piston axis (X) is parallel and distinct from the delivery axis (Z).