ITBS20110067A1 - GRILLER DISPENSER FOR LIQUIDS 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, when subjected to liquid pressure, they open more than necessary, with obvious consequences on the functionality of the device.

Many known solutions are often complicated to manufacture, such as to have too long assembly times or to entail high production costs.

The purpose of the present invention is to satisfy the aforementioned requirements and to obviate the drawbacks of the known art, by realizing a trigger dispensing device with delivery valve which exhibits an optimal opening behavior, and which is suitable for being produced in a manner extremely economical by virtue of its construction simplicity.

This object is achieved by a dispensing device according to claim 1 and according to claim 17. The claims dependent on these show preferred embodiments.

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:

Figures 1, 6 and 8 show partially sectional views of a dispensing device according to the present invention, according to three different embodiments;

Figures 2, 7 and 9 show further partially sectional views of the dispensing devices corresponding respectively to Figures 1, 6 and 8, in which the piston and the suction valve are visible;

- figures 3a and 3b are two perspective representations from different angles of the delivery valve used in figures 1 and 2, without the flexible septum;

Figures 4 and 5 show respectively a view with separate parts and a longitudinal section of the delivery valve of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 10 and 11 show partially sectional views of a dispensing device according to two further embodiments.

A dispensing assembly for a liquid comprises a container, for containing the liquid to be dispensed (not shown), and a manually operated trigger dispensing device 1 mechanically connected to the container.

For example, the device 1 comprises a closure 50 for connection with the neck of the container, for example for a threaded or bayonet connection.

The device 1 further comprises a frame 48, generally made of polymeric material, usually in a single piece, 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 2 suitable for being placed in fluid communication with the container; for example, the frame 48 comprises a suction duct 10 open at one end towards the container and such as to open, at the opposite end, into the chamber 2.

The pumping means further comprise a piston 4, which can slide hermetically in the chamber 2 along a piston axis X.

For example, the frame 48 comprises a chamber wall 52, for example cylindrical, with axis coinciding with the piston axis X, which annularly delimits the chamber 2, and a bottom wall 6, for example perpendicular to the piston axis X, placed in front of the head of the piston 4, which delimits the bottom of the chamber 2.

Preferably, the suction duct 10 opens into the pumping chamber 2 through a suction opening 12 made in said bottom wall 6.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises actuation means with manual actuation, suitable for being moved to move the piston in translation.For example, the actuation means comprise a trigger 8, supported by the frame 48, for example hinged to it or translatable thereon. . The trigger 8 is engaged with the piston 4 to move said piston in translation.

The piston 4 slides in chamber 2 between an initial position of rest or backward or start of stroke, in which the volume of chamber 2 is maximum, and a final dispensing position or advanced or end of stroke, in which the volume of room 2 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 delivery duct 14 suitable for being placed in fluid communication, with an inlet port, with the pumping chamber 2 and, at an outlet port, with the external environment, to spray the liquid into the 'environment.

For example, the frame 48 comprises an annular duct wall 54 around a dispensing axis Z, which annularly delimits the dispensing duct 14.

In fact, the dispensing duct advantageously extends along the dispensing axis Z, preferably distinct from and parallel to the piston axis X.

At the inlet port, outside the delivery duct 14, the frame 48 comprises a support wall 46, for example an annular wall axially symmetrical with respect to the delivery axis Z.

Preferably, an inlet opening 16 of the delivery duct 14 is delimited, around the inlet port and outside the duct 14 (since the supporting wall 46 has larger dimensions than said inlet port), by an annular projection 42 .

Therefore, the annular projection 42 surrounds said inlet port protruding from the delivery duct.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet opening 16 is delimited, externally to the delivery duct 14, by a crown surface 72.

Therefore this variant allows a considerable simplification of the structure of the device, at least with respect to the embodiments which provide an annular projection 42.

Furthermore, the device 1 preferably comprises a nozzle 56 applied to the outlet end 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.

Furthermore, the nozzle 56 is preferably provided with openings on the side wall, to provide an indication of operation, together with a projecting wall of the frame, arranged below said opening.

The manufacturing details of a dispensing device with nozzle equipped with operating indications are described, for example, in the document BS2009A000195 in the name of the Applicant, whose teaching is incorporated herein.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises suction valve means suitable for allowing the passage of the liquid from the suction duct 10 to the pumping chamber 2 when the piston 4 returns from the final position to the initial position, and suitable for limiting or preventing the return of the liquid. from the pumping chamber 2 to the intake duct 10 when the piston translates from the initial position to the final position.

The intake valve means comprise an intake valve 18 suitable for fluidly separating the pumping chamber 2 from the intake duct 10, applied to the bottom wall 6 of the chamber 2, so as to surmount or cover the intake opening 12.

The intake valve 18 comprises a membrane, which surmounts the intake opening 12, having a front face 58, facing the piston 4, and a rear face 60, preferably axially symmetrical with respect to a valve axis.

Preferably, the valve axis coincides with the piston axis X.

The valve 18 further comprises, according to an embodiment, a continuous annular projection, projecting axially from the rear face 60 of the membrane.

Furthermore, the intake valve 18 preferably comprises a stem 62, protruding from the rear face 60, preferably along the valve axis. The stem 62 is suitable for snap connection with the bottom wall 6, for example by crossing its thickness through a hole made through the thickness of said bottom wall 6.

Preferably, from the inside of the chamber 2 towards the outside, along the valve axis, the stem 62 comprises a sealing section, which has a diameter suitable for sealing the hole, a reduced section and a head, preferably a tip, for snapping into the hole.

Furthermore, the intake valve 18 preferably has an axial compartment, extending along the valve axis, open on the front face 58 and blind.

Furthermore, the device 1 preferably comprises delivery valve means suitable for allowing the passage of the pressurized liquid from the pumping chamber 2 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 20, 22, 24, 76, distinct from the suction valve 18, applied to the inlet of the delivery duct 14, ie in correspondence with the inlet port.

The delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 comprises a valve body 26 and a septum 28 which can be deformed externally to the delivery duct 14.

Preferably, the delivery valve extends around a delivery valve axis, advantageously coinciding with the delivery axis Z.

Even more preferably, the septum 28 is axial symmetrical with respect to the delivery valve axis.

The valve body 26 further comprises a support wall 30 coupled to the septum 28 so as to follow it during deformation.

In other words, the support wall 30 has its own specific flexibility, such as to allow the deformations / oscillations of the septum 28 with respect to the delivery duct 14.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support wall 30 has shape memory to make the deformation of the septum 28 reversible at the end of a fluid delivery phase.

In other words, this variant provides that the supporting wall 30 plays the dual role of supporting the septum 28 and of the latter's elastic return element in the undeformed configuration, when the pressure upstream of the septum returns to an atmospheric value. .

According to a further preferred variant, the supporting wall 30 provides a stop for the baffle 28 during deformation.

Therefore, this variant prevents the septum from deforming unconditionally, or remaining irreversibly elongated, as the maximum deformation of the latter is limited by the maximum excursion of the support wall 30.

According to a variant embodiment, the septum 28 is delimited by a front surface 32 facing the delivery duct 14 and by an opposite rear surface 34 resting on the supporting wall 30.

Preferably, the septum (28) comprises a continuous annular projection (74), projecting axially from the front surface (32) which, in the return phase, is suitable for abutment with the crown surface (72).

According to various 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 septum 28 and the support wall 30 (therefore preferably also the remaining valve body) are at least partially made up of different polymers, which are preferably made by means of a co-molding process, advantageously of the coreback type.

For example, the septum is made up of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyoxyethylene (POE) or another suitable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), while the supporting wall is made of polypropylene (PP) or low density (PELD).

These latter variants prove to be of particular advantage in a number of different aspects.

First of all, since the material of which the septum is made has a high cost, in the aforementioned variants it is possible to minimize the amount of material of this component to reduce the overall cost of the device.

Furthermore, the reduction in the average thickness of the septum is not accompanied by a reduction in its mechanical resistance, nor in its reliability over time.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the production method of the delivery valve allows to produce septa of different thicknesses according to the specific needs, for example depending on the viscosity of the liquid to be dispensed or on the desired jet distance.

In particular, in the coreback production process, after a first step of forming the valve body and the supporting wall, a male of the mold is removed from the newly formed body to create a cavity for the subsequent molding of the septum; in this way the septum binds in a substantially indissoluble way to the support wall, without the need to interpose adhesives.

This distance determines the thickness of the septum, and therefore the characteristics of the latterâ € ™ s response to the liquid pressures inside the device.

According to a preferred variant, the supporting wall 30 comprises a plurality of arms 40 which extend substantially radially towards the connecting wall 36.

In other words, the supporting wall according to this embodiment forms a grid, which alternates full and empty areas for supporting the septum.

Preferably, the arms 40 converge towards a connecting ring 44, which advantageously has a radial bulk less than the passage section circumscribed by the annular projection 42.

Therefore, the arms are connected to the connecting ring 44 in correspondence with the radially innermost portions of the latter.

Advantageously, the connecting ring 44 has a tubular body of a ring, which extends backwards with respect to the surface intended for abutment 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 connecting wall 36, projecting rearwardly from the septum 28, and preferably hookable to the supporting wall 46 of the frame 48.

In particular, at the free annular end opposite the septum 28, the connecting wall 36 comprises a flap 64 suitable for hooking onto the supporting wall 46.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the supporting wall 30 is joined to the connecting wall 36 and overlaps at least partially with the opening 38 delimited by the latter.

In other words, the supporting wall 30 is hooked to the connecting wall 36 so that the former interferes at least partially with the opening delimited by the tubular wall 36.

In this way, when the septum is deformed, it is suitable to be at least partially received in the tubular compartment delimited by the wall 36.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a cover 66 supported by the frame 48, to cover said frame and the internal components. The trigger 8 and, preferably, the nozzle 56 protrude from the cover 66.

Preferably, the cover 66 comprises an upper portion 68 which extends along the delivery duct 14, up to the nozzle 56. Preferably, said upper portion 68 has at least one indication opening, from which it preferably protrudes, or is visible, a signaling portion of the frame 48, preferably in chromatic contrast with said upper portion 68, to provide a signaling.

According to an embodiment, moreover, the cover 66 comprises a rear portion 70, arranged behind the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76, with respect 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 arranged externally to the pumping chamber 2, engaged on one side with the trigger 8, for example near the connection of said trigger with the piston 4, and on the other side connected to the frame 48.

Preferably, the elastic element is symmetrical with respect to the piston axis X and is arranged astride the pumping chamber 2.

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 10, to suck up the liquid contained in the container.

In an initial configuration, it is assumed that the pumping chamber 2 already contains the sucked liquid and that the piston 4 is in the initial rest position.

By operating the trigger 8, the piston 4 translates from the initial position towards the final position, pushing the liquid contained in the pumping chamber 2, carrying out a dispensing phase of the use of the device.

During the dispensing phase, the liquid operates on the suction valve 18, pressing the membrane, which covers the suction opening 12 of the suction duct 10, against the bottom wall 6, so as to create a seal on the return of the liquid from chamber 2 towards the container.

In particular, the continuous annular projection surrounding the suction opening 12 outside the suction duct is pressed against the bottom wall 6, ensuring the seal.

Furthermore, during the dispensing phase, the liquid operates on the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 so as to move the septum 28 away from the inlet opening 16, and in particular from the annular projection 42 that surrounds this access opening to the delivery duct 14.

In particular, the liquid enters between the septum 28 and the space external to the annular projection 42, causing the septum 28 to detach from this projection, and therefore the entry of the pressurized liquid into the delivery duct 14.

The withdrawal of the septum 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 a stop to avoid excessive deformations or uncontrolled septum.

In fact, during the dispensing phase, the elastic element is elastically deformed with respect to the undeformed 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 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 2, by virtue of the sealed 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 allows liquid to be sucked from the container into the pumping chamber 2.

Furthermore, in the return phase, the septum 28 of the delivery valve 20, 22, 24, 76 abuts the annular projection 42, so as to sealingly occlude the delivery duct 14.

The present invention further relates to a trigger 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, an intake valve 18, a valve 20, 22, 24, 76 of the type illustrated above, where the septum (28) is co-molded to the support wall (30) of the valve body (26).

Innovatively, the dispensing device according to the present invention exhibits an optimal dispensing behavior, thanks to the limitation of the opening allowed for the delivery valve.

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

In particular, the use of different materials for the septum and for the valve body allows to obtain the characteristics of flexibility necessary for the operation of the device, and at the same time the mechanical resistance essential for prolonged, repeated and reliable use of the device.

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

Advantageously, the cover plays a substantially aesthetic role, without the impact it is usually subjected to compromising the functionality of the internal components.

This configuration was particularly advantageous, since the delivery valve behaves like a pre-compression valve, opening to the passage of the liquid towards the delivery duct only when the action of the liquid exceeds a predefined threshold pressure.

Advantageously, the delivery valve object of the present invention allows to give the resilient portion a well-defined opening threshold, and an immediate restoration of the initial shape after the pre-compression phase.

Advantageously, the process for the production of the present delivery valve is suitable for being modified in an extremely simple way, to produce septa suitable for specific uses.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the components are firmly connected to the frame, to avoid accidental disassembly, for example during transport; moreover, the connection is often snap-on, 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.

Furthermore, according to another variant, the supporting wall of the valve body is arranged inside the septum, ie between the anterior surface and the posterior surface of the latter.

In other words, this variant provides that the arms, where provided, are at least partially contained in the matrix of material of which the septum is made.

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

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Trigger dispensing device (1) for a liquid, comprising: - a pumping chamber (2) and a piston (4) sliding sealingly 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 duct (10) suitable for being placed in fluid communication with a container for the liquid to be dispensed, in which said suction duct (10) opens into the pumping chamber (2) through a suction opening (12) obtained in the back wall (6); - a delivery duct (14) having an extension along a delivery axis (Z), in fluidic connection at one end with the pumping chamber (2) through an inlet opening (16) and, at the other end, in fluidic connection with the external environment; - an intake valve (18) comprising a membrane housed in the pumping chamber (2), suitable for regulating the passage of fluid between the intake duct (10) and the pumping chamber (2); - a delivery valve (20, 22, 24, 76), distinct from the intake valve (18), comprising a valve body (26) and a septum (28) deformable externally to the delivery duct (14), said valve (20, 22, 24, 76) being suitable for regulating the passage of fluid between the pumping chamber (2) and the delivery duct (14); wherein a supporting wall (30) of the valve body (26) is coupled to the septum (28) so as to follow it during deformation. Device according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (30) has shape memory to make the deformation of the septum (28) reversible at the end of a fluid dispensing step. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting wall (30) provides a stop for the septum (28) during deformation. 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the septum (28) is delimited by a front surface (32) facing the delivery duct (14) and by an opposite rear surface (34) resting on the supporting wall 5. Device according to claim 4, in which the septum (28) and the support wall (30) are made by co-molding different polymers, for example ethylene-vinyl-acetate and polypropylene respectively. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front surface (32) is convex. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front surface (32) is concave. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front surface (32) is substantially flat. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (26) comprises a tubular connecting wall (36), projecting rearwardly from the septum (28), and where the supporting wall (30) is connected to the connecting wall (36) and at least partially overlaps the opening (38) delimited by the latter. Device according to claim 9, wherein the supporting wall (30) comprises a plurality of arms (40) extending substantially radially towards the connecting wall (36). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the inlet opening (16) is delimited, externally to the delivery duct (14), by an annular projection (42). Device according to claims 10 and 11, in which the arms (40) converge towards a connecting ring (44), which has a radial dimension smaller than the passage section circumscribed by the annular projection (42). 13. Device according to claims 1 to 10, in which the inlet opening (16) is delimited, externally to the delivery duct (14), by a crown surface (72). Device according to claim 13, wherein the septum (28) is delimited by a front surface (32) facing the delivery duct (14) and comprises a continuous annular projection (74), projecting axially from the front surface (32 ), suitable for striking with the crown surface (72). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the septum (28) is axial symmetrical with respect to the dispensing axis (Z). Device according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 9, wherein the connecting wall (36) can be hooked, preferably by snap, to a support wall (46) of the frame (48) of the device (1) . 17. Trigger delivery device (1) for a liquid, comprising: - a pumping chamber (2) and a piston (4) sliding sealingly 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 duct (10) suitable for being placed in fluid communication with a container for the liquid to be dispensed, in which said suction duct (10) opens into the pumping chamber (2) through a suction opening (12) obtained in the back wall (6); - a delivery duct (14) having an extension along a delivery axis (Z), in fluidic connection at one end with the pumping chamber (2) through an inlet opening (16) and, at the other end, in fluidic connection with the external environment; - an intake valve (18) comprising a membrane housed in the pumping chamber (2), suitable for regulating the passage of fluid between the intake duct (10) and the pumping chamber (2); - a delivery valve (20, 22, 24, 76), distinct from the intake valve (18), comprising a valve body (26) and a septum (28) deformable externally to the delivery duct (14), said valve (20, 22, 24, 76) being suitable for regulating the passage of fluid between the pumping chamber (2) and the delivery duct (14); wherein the septum (28) is co-molded to a support wall (30) of the valve body (26). 18. Device according to claim 18, in which the inlet opening (16) is bounded, externally to the delivery duct (14), by a crown surface (72), in which the septum (28) is delimited from a front surface (32) facing the delivery duct (14) and comprises a continuous annular projection (74), projecting axially from the front surface (32), suitable for abutment with the crown surface (72).