WO2022018365A1

WO2022018365A1 - Liquid extraction machine and associated liquid extraction method

Info

Publication number: WO2022018365A1
Application number: PCT/FR2021/051329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric SIMIAN; Jean-Philippe Lamboux
Original assignee: Techniplast
Priority date: 2020-07-24
Filing date: 2021-07-16
Publication date: 2022-01-27
Also published as: FR3112765B1; FR3112765A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid extraction machine (100) for extracting liquid from a liquid dispensing apparatus (12) which comprises a liquid container (12) and a liquid pumping device (20) fastened to the container. The machine comprises a station for receiving the apparatus with a view to extracting liquid from the container of this apparatus, the station comprising: - a resilient mechanical mounting structure that is configured to mount the apparatus in a resilient manner in a substantially vertical position, in abutment against at least one abutment area (108a1, 108a2) of the station; - a mechanical force-transmission structure that is configured to transmit a substantially vertical downward pushing force from the station to the liquid pumping device (20) of the apparatus resiliently mounted in abutment in the station. Content of the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Liquid extraction machine and associated liquid extraction method Technical Field

The invention relates to a liquid extraction machine from a liquid dispensing device and to an associated liquid extraction method.

Prior technique

[0002] Discloses pump-operated liquid dispensing devices such as perfume bottles and other pump-operated liquid dispensers which generally comprise a liquid container and a liquid pumping device attached to the container. These devices also comprise a push block mounted, removably or not, on the pumping device and on which a user must press vertically with one or more fingers of one hand to actuate the pumping device and extract a dose of liquid from the container. The push block generally comprises a dispensing nozzle through which a dose of liquid which has been extracted from the container by the pumping device is dispensed out of the device, for example by spraying. The Applicant has noticed that the force to be exerted on the pumping device to extract liquid is naturally adjusted by the user when the latter takes the device in hand and tries to dispense liquid out of the device until to obtain a satisfactory distribution.

[0003] In a context where sanitary hygiene conditions are increasingly present, it may be useful to want to use a liquid dispensing device comprising a liquid container and a liquid pumping device fixed to the container. by limiting the manual interventions of the user.

[0004] However, this objective does not seem easy to achieve given the preponderant role of the human gesture in the use of these devices and in particular the natural adaptation of the user's gesture to the different devices. Disclosure of Invention The present invention thus relates to a liquid extraction machine for the extraction of liquid from a liquid dispensing apparatus which comprises a liquid container and a liquid pumping device which is fixed to the container, the liquid extraction machine comprising an extraction station for receiving a liquid dispensing apparatus for the extraction of liquid from the container of this apparatus, the extraction station comprising:

- a mechanical elastic mounting structure which is configured to elastically mount a liquid dispensing device in a substantially vertical position, resting against at least one support zone of the extraction station,

-a mechanical force transmission structure which is configured to transmit a substantially vertical downward thrust force from the extraction station to the liquid pumping device of the liquid distribution apparatus mounted elastically in support in the extraction station extraction.

[0006] This machine makes it possible to put a liquid dispensing device, generally of the conventional type, in the extraction position in the extraction station of the machine, at least in part thanks to a mechanical elastic assembly structure which ensures the assembly elastic of the device in support in the extraction station of the machine. When no liquid dispensing device is installed in the extraction station, the elastic mounting mechanical structure is at rest and is therefore not stressed by a device. When a liquid dispensing device is installed in the extraction station, at least part of the mechanical mounting structure is elastically deformed by the presence of the device and said at least one part of the structure returns to its initial shape when the device is removed from the extraction station. This process of elastic deformation and return to the initial shape (not elastically deformed) is intended to be repeated over time (as the machine is used to extract liquid from different dispensing devices of liquid) without damaging the structure or, more generally, the extraction station of the machine. The elastic deformation of said at least one part of the structure generates an elastic force which constrains/presses the device against at least one zone support of the extraction station and this, almost regardless of the vertical dimension or height of the device. By thus placing devices in a substantially vertical position supported (wedged) in the direction of their height, it is ensured that they are maintained (without manual action) in an extraction position adapted to their height and that this position does not vary generally longer (along the vertical direction) in time. This resilient mounting configuration provides reliability and flexibility to the machine in its operation. The mechanical force transmission structure of the extraction station (this structure is separate from the device housed in the station and which may or may not include a pusher or diffuser) is suitable for pushing/actuating, on command or not, the pumping device of the apparatus which can be elastically brought into abutment against at least one bearing zone of the extraction station. Thanks to this machine, the manual interventions of a user are greatly limited since, on the one hand, the device is installed or wedged in the extraction position in the machine and, on the other hand, a mechanical structure (or arrangement mechanism) of force transmission is designed to depress/actuate the device's pumping device. Thus, the extraction of liquid can be carried out without manual intervention by an operator or user or, at least without his direct manual intervention on the device, whether on the pumping device of the device (if the pusher or appliance diffuser has been removed) or on the pusher or diffuser of the appliance if the pusher or diffuser is kept in the machine. In the event of manual intervention, this is carried out on a part of the machine separate from the apparatus and for example remote from the latter and generally external to the machine. It will be noted that, when setting up/installing a device in the extraction station, pressing this device against said at least one support zone can, depending on the station configurations, either engage directly the implementation of the mechanical force transmission structure of the extraction station which will automatically cause the depression of the pumping device of the device, or not to engage its implementation. In the latter case, the mechanical force transmission structure of the extraction station is then implemented later (for example, thanks to a device for actuating the machine which is external to and distinct from the device) , to chosen moment, to extract liquid, and has the effect of actuating the pumping device of the device (as for a conventional use of the device). The limited manual interventions of a user, however, do not exclude that a user performs a general action to operate the machine. However, in general, it is no longer the user's hand that holds the device in a liquid dispensing position but the mechanical structure for elastic mounting of the extraction station of the machine. In addition, it is no longer the user's finger that directly (or indirectly via a push block or diffuser) implements the pumping device but the mechanical force transmission structure of the extraction station possibly by through a user control action performed on the station.

[0007] The elastic mounting mechanical structure can be configured to generally define, between a support of the structure and said at least one support zone of the extraction station, a location or internal housing in the extraction station. extraction to accommodate a device. The vertical dimensions of this location or housing are likely to vary, at least in part thanks to the elasticity of at least part of the structure, to adapt to the vertical dimensions or heights of the various devices that can be accommodated. In particular, for the same type or model of appliance, the heights may vary from one appliance to another due to manufacturing tolerances (in particular for glass containers). The elasticity of at least part of the structure makes it possible in particular in part to absorb the variations in height from one device to another (it will be noted that the lateral or horizontal dimensions of this location or housing are generally fixed). The elasticity comes for example from an elastic mechanical connection (elastic member(s), elastic material of a component or member of the structure, etc.) in the mechanical assembly structure, between the support of the structure and the rest of the extraction station, in particular between the support and said at least one support zone of the extraction station. Apart from the aforementioned elastic mechanical connection(s) of the structure, the rest of the structure is generally rigid (as opposed to elastic) in the sense that it allows no deformation, and therefore no change in position, of the parts, organs or assembled components in structure. In general, the machine extraction station structures described in this presentation are generally rigid and have certain elastically deformable parts which are then specified. It will be noted that the apparatus used with the machine described above comprises a pumping device (actuating rod, system of internal valves and dip tube extending into the liquid of the container/reservoir and venting system free), which means that the liquid in the container is not under pressure, thus offering greater safety in the extraction of liquid in the machine and greater simplicity in packaging (filling) the container.

[0008] According to other possible characteristics:

-said at least one support zone of the extraction station comprises an abutment zone (the abutment zone forms a rigid abutment for the device) intended for the abutment of a dispensing device of liquid elastically mounted in the extraction station of the extraction machine; the abutment zone has a vertical dimension in the extraction station which can be fixed over time when the device is mounted in the machine; the abutment or wedging in position of the device in the extraction station makes it possible to ensure that the device will no longer move and facilitates the positioning of the device for extraction, as well as the speed of this positioning ; this abutment can generally be accompanied by pressing the pumping device of the device against a support zone of the station (when the push block has been removed from the device and leaves free access to the pumping device); the abutment of the device can be carried out on an outer surface of the device which is generally substantially horizontal (e.g. surface of an emerging part guiding or surrounding the pumping device (after removal of the pusher block covering this device in the device), such as the turret surrounding the actuating rod of the pumping device and/or a surface surrounding the turret and/or a surface of the upper part of the container) and facing the abutment zone of the station ;

-said at least one support zone of the station comprises a support zone which is part of the mechanical force transmission structure and which is intended to bear against a liquid dispensing device elastically mounted in the station extraction (or on the pumping device of such a device if the push block has been removed); this bearing zone may not be accompanied by an abutment zone;

said at least one support zone of the station comprises the aforementioned abutment zone and the aforementioned support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure;

- the support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure has a vertical dimension in the station which is fixed over time (rigid support zone) when the device is mounted in the station;

- the support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure has a vertical dimension in the extraction station which is likely to vary, for example to adapt to the different characteristics of the pumping devices;

- the support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure is mounted in support against at least one elastic member (flexible support zone) of the station; said at least one elastic member makes it possible to adjust the thrust force to be transmitted to the liquid pumping device of the liquid dispensing device as a function of this pumping device in order to cause the depression/actuation of this last; said at least one elastic member is configured (eg calibration for a spring) to obtain appropriate depression/actuation of the pumping device; in particular, said at least one elastic member is prestressed to a force greater than the force necessary to push in or actuate the pumping device of the device; this arrangement is suitable, on the one hand, for devices having the same type or the same reference of pumping device (same model), and therefore which require the same thrust force for their depression/actuation and, on the other hand , to apparatus having pumping devices of a different type and which can be pressed or actuated with a lower thrust force than the first apparatus; more particularly, said at least one elastic member makes it possible to adapt to different heights of rods for actuating pumping devices; it should be noted that in such use the cover or push block of the liquid dispensing device is removed before positioning in the station in order to allow access to the actuating rod of the pumping device;

-the extraction machine comprises at least one element for adjusting the dimension vertical of the bearing zone of the mechanical force transmission structure (bearing zone adjustable or adjustable in position); this adjustment makes it possible to adjust the vertical position of the support zone relative to the pumping device with which it is in contact and therefore to adjust the thrust force exerted on the device; this arrangement is particularly suitable for devices with different types or different references of pumping devices;

- said at least one elastic member is arranged between said at least one adjusting member and the support zone; this arrangement makes it possible to accommodate a greater variety of types or references of pumping devices than with the adjustment member alone;

- the support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure comprises an end piece intended to come to bear on an actuating rod of the pumping device of a liquid distribution device mounted elastically in the extraction station ( after removing the cover or push block from the device); the vertical position of this end piece in the machine can be adjusted mechanically and/or this end piece can be mounted in abutment against at least one elastic member;

- the end piece has a cylindrical or conical bearing surface; a conical bearing surface (conical bearing area with the pumping device, in particular with the device actuation rod) makes it possible to adapt to different diameters of pumping device actuation rods;

the support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure comprises a transfer channel intended for the transfer of the liquid extracted from the liquid container of a liquid distribution device mounted elastically in the extraction station;

the abutment zone of the machine is configured to allow, when a liquid dispensing device is elastically mounted in the extraction station in abutment against said abutment zone, a passage of external air through said abutment zone in order to compensate for the extraction of liquid from the container of the device by suction; the contact thus established by abutment between the device and the station of the extraction machine is therefore not sealed with respect to the air outside the device; the outside air can thus penetrate inside the container, first through this non-sealed contact, then through the the conventional vent openings of the device to compensate for the volume of liquid extracted;

the elastic mounting mechanical structure comprises a (lower) support intended to support a liquid dispensing device and an elastic mechanical connection which is arranged between the support and said at least one support zone of the station (in the chain of transmission of force or mechanical assembly, that is to say that the mechanical connection can be located under the support or in the mechanical structure of the machine which connects the support to the said at least one support zone and in particular starts from the support to go up to the support zone located above the internal location for the device) for the elastic mounting of the device between the support and said at least one support zone of the station ; the support and said at least one support zone of the station generally define between them a location or housing for receiving a device; generally, the support is arranged in a (lower) part of the elastic mounting mechanical structure located below said at least one support zone of the station and the apparatus can thus rest on the support and be arranged under said at least one support zone;

the extraction machine comprises a liquid extraction device which is adapted to cooperate with a liquid distribution device elastically mounted in the extraction station;

- the liquid extraction device comprises a liquid suction device for drawing liquid from the liquid dispensing apparatus through one or more fluid conveying elements; in this configuration, the pumping device can be actuated/pressed beforehand by pressing it against said at least one support zone of the station (on installation of the device in the station) or not yet be actuated ; the liquid suction device is separate from the device pumping device; a suction pipe can connect the liquid suction device to the pumping device (actuation rod) directly or indirectly;

- the liquid extraction device comprises an actuating device (separate from the apparatus) intended to actuate the liquid pumping device of the liquid dispensing apparatus (for example at a chosen moment) mounted elastically supported in the station;

- the extraction station is configured so that the mechanical force transmission structure transmits a downward thrust force to the liquid pumping device of the liquid dispensing device automatically as soon as the device is mounted elastically in support in the extraction station against said at least one support zone of the extraction station; in this configuration, the pumping device of the device (in particular its actuating rod) is directly supported and pressed against a support zone of the station and in particular of the mechanical force transmission structure so as to causing the actuation/depression of the pumping device;

-the extraction station defines an internal location to accommodate a liquid dispensing device in a vertical position and is configured to adapt the vertical dimensions of the internal location to the vertical dimension of the device; thus, the extraction station can adapt and accommodate devices whose height varies for example from 20mm to 200mm, or even 250 mm thanks to a mechanism for mechanical adjustment of the height of this location;

the extraction station comprises a first lower part forming a support for the apparatus and a second upper part intended to cover or to fit with the first part and to be fixed to the latter, the extraction station comprising one or several pre-adjusting members making it possible to pre-adjust the relative vertical position between the two parts and therefore the vertical dimensions of the location internal to the extraction station; this first adjustment mechanism makes it possible to carry out a pre-adjustment (or main adjustment) of the height of the internal location which makes it possible to adapt to significant variations in height between devices (for example to pass from a device of 20mm height to a 200mm height device); the pre-adjustment member(s) can be notches, screws, etc. which secure the two parts in a desired relative vertical position;

the elastic mounting mechanical structure is configured to compensate for differences between the vertical dimensions of different liquid dispensing devices and which are due to manufacturing dimensional tolerances and to dimensional variations of one or more components of the apparatus pumping devices; this elastic mounting structure which can take different forms (eg: a support mounted elastically under the device) provides fine adjustment or secondary adjustment (eg: of the order of mm or less than mm) which makes it possible to adapt the height of the internal location of the various devices by compensating for dimensional variations due, for example, to manufacturing tolerances, the materials used, differences in the length of the pump actuation rods, etc.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for extracting liquid from a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid container and a liquid pumping device fixed to the container, the liquid extraction method being implemented in a liquid extraction machine and comprising the following steps:

- elastic mounting of a liquid dispensing device in a substantially vertical position, resting against at least one support zone of the machine,

-transmission of a thrust force descending substantially vertically from the machine to the liquid pumping device of the liquid dispensing device, the step of transmitting a force being carried out, either during the elastic mounting step in support of the liquid dispensing device against said at least one support zone of the machine, or after this step of elastic mounting in support.

The method has the same advantages and features as the liquid extraction machine briefly described above and they will therefore not be repeated here. The process described above specifies that the pumping device is subjected to a thrust force (implementation of the device), either automatically by the simple fact of the installation (elastic mounting) of the device in the machine (the device pumping device is then pressed/actuated so as to "open" the latter, namely the various internal valves of the latter, as well as a vent or compensation air inlet) and the pumping device is then permanently subjected to this driving/actuating force (rod in low position so that the internal valves are open as well as the venting), either after the installation of the device in the machine and generally on user command. The extraction of liquid is carried out by suction of the liquid contained in the container, either through the already depressed/actuated pumping device, or by actuating the pumping device.

[0011] According to other possible characteristics:

-said at least one support zone of the machine comprises an abutment zone against which the liquid dispensing device is brought into abutment during its elastic mounting in the extraction machine, the liquid dispensing device liquid comprising a facing outer surface which abuts against said abutment zone; the outer surface may directly surround the actuating rod of the pumping device (turret) or be a surface surrounding the turret; such arrangements make it possible to be positioned as close as possible to the actuating rod in order to reduce as much as possible the risks of dimensional deviations on the pumping devices from one device to another;

the device for pumping liquid of the apparatus comprises an actuating rod having an end emerging from the container, called the emerging end, said at least one bearing zone of the machine comprising a bearing zone against which the open end of the actuating rod is supported;

-the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises at least one compensation air inlet which is capable of being opened when a volume of liquid extracted from the container flows through the open end of the actuating rod in order to introduce into the container a volume of external compensation air (conventional operation of a device), the actuating rod being capable of occupying a high position of rest, the thrust force descending substantially vertically which is transmitted during the elastic mounting step in support of the liquid dispensing device being transmitted to the open end of the actuating rod in order to position it in a low position in which said at least one compensation air inlet is open on the outside of the pumping device;

the method further comprises a step of sucking the liquid from the container through the pumping device and its actuating rod which is in the low position;

- the substantially vertical downward thrust force which is carried out after the step of elastic mounting in support of the liquid dispensing device is transmitted to said at least one support zone of the machine; this pushing force which is exerted on command from a user (or in a programmed manner) makes it possible to actuate the pumping device of the device and therefore to extract liquid from the container of the latter by suction for the purposes of distribution outside of the apparatus and the extraction machine.

Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Other characteristics will appear during the description which will follow, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0013] [Fig. 1A] FIG. 1A represents a device for dispensing liquid in longitudinal section with a pumping device in the rest position;

[0014] [Fig. 1B] Figure 1B shows the liquid dispensing apparatus of Figure 1A with the pumping device in a depressed position to dispense liquid from the apparatus;

[0015] [Fig. 1 C] Figure 1 C shows the liquid dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 B in the raised position of the pumping device after dispensing liquid;

[0016] [Fig. 1 D] Figure 1 D shows, in the open position, a liquid extraction station of a liquid extraction machine accommodating the device 10 of Figures 1 A-C according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [Fig. 1 E] Figure 1 E shows the extraction station of Figure 1 D in the closed position;

[0018] [Fig. 1 F] Figure 1 F is an enlarged partial view of the support and abutment of the device in the machine of Figure 1 E;

[0019] [Fig. 1 G] Figure 1 G illustrates the assembly of a device of reduced size in the machine of figures 1 D and 1 E;

[0020] [Fig. 1 H] Figure 1 H shows an alternative embodiment of the support and abutment of Figure 1 F; [0021] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows, in the closed position, a liquid extraction station of a liquid extraction machine accommodating the apparatus 10 of Figures 1 AC according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0022] [Fig. 3A] Figure 3A is an enlarged partial view of the support and abutment of the device 10 of Figures 1A-C in a liquid extraction station of a machine according to a third embodiment of the invention ;

[0023] [Fig. 3B] Figure 3B is a view of an alternative embodiment of the extraction station of Figure 3A;

[0024] [Fig. 4A] FIG. 4A represents, in the closed position, a liquid extraction station of a liquid extraction machine accommodating the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 AC according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with the device pumping in the undepressed/actuated position;

[0025] [Fig. 4B] Figure 4B shows part of the extraction station of Figure 4A with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position;

[0026] [Fig. 5A] Figure 5A is an enlarged partial view of the support and abutment of the device 10 of Figures 1A-C in a liquid extraction station of a machine according to a fifth embodiment of the invention , with the pumping device in the undepressed/actuated position;

[0027] [Fig. 5B] Figure 5B shows the extraction station of Figure 5A with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position;

[0028] [Fig. 5C] Figure 5C shows the extraction station of Figure 5B with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position and with overtravel;

[0029] [Fig. 6A] FIG. 6A represents, in the closed position, a liquid extraction station of a liquid extraction machine accommodating the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 AC according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, with the device pumping in the undepressed/actuated position;

[0030] [Fig. 6B] Figure 6B shows the extraction station of Figure 6A with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position;

[0031] [Fig. 6C] Figure 6C shows the extraction station of Figure 6B with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position and with overtravel; [0032] [Fig. 7A] FIG. 7A represents, in the closed position, a liquid extraction station of a liquid extraction machine accommodating the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1A-C according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, with the pumping device in non-depressed/actuated position;

[0033] [Fig. 7B] Figure 7B shows the extraction station of Figure 7A with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position;

[0034] [Fig. 7C] Figure 7C shows the extraction station of Figure 7B with the pumping device in the depressed/actuated position and with an overtravel;.

[0035] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 shows a liquid extraction station of a liquid extraction machine accommodating the apparatus 10 of Figures 1 A-C according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

Description of embodiments

The following description sets out a first embodiment according to which liquid can be extracted by suction from a liquid dispensing apparatus, via a liquid extraction machine.

A possible example of a liquid dispensing device which is likely to be used in the aforementioned liquid extraction machine will now be described with reference to Figures 1 A to 1 C.

As shown in Figures 1 A-C and designated by the general reference denoted 10, a device for dispensing liquid such as perfume (perfume bottle) comprises, shown in the normal use position of the device:

- a rigid container 12 containing a liquid to be dispensed outside of said container, for example by spraying the liquid,

- A liquid dispensing device 14 which is mounted on the container 12 arranged vertically.

More particularly, the container 12 comprises, at its upper end 12a opposite the bottom 12b, an opening 16 in which is engaged a part of the device 14. The opening 16 is arranged at a narrowed section forming the neck of the container. However, the opening could alternatively be made in a container whose upper end has a different shape (different collar or no collar). The rigid container is for example a glass bottle but it can be made of other materials (eg: metal, plastic, etc.).

The device 14 is for example fixed to the container by crimping by means of a capsule 18 (eg aluminum) which surrounds part of the device and bears, on the one hand, on said device and, on the other hand, on a rim formed at the level of the neck 12c of the container. The capsule 18 is shaped to match the outer shape of the parts it surrounds.

According to a variant embodiment not shown, the device is mounted and fixed to the container by screwing at the opening of the latter, generally by means of a thread on the inner surface of the wall delimiting the opening (here, the wall concerned defines the neck of the container).

The device 14 comprises a pumping device (pump) 20 for pumping the liquid which is present in the container. This device is mounted through the opening 16 of the container and an emerging part of the device protrudes outside the container to which said device is fixed.

[0043] The device 14 also comprises a so-called dispensing part which is located outside the container (above the container in the normal position of use of the device) and which comprises an actuating part or member 22 (dispensing pusher) for actuating the pumping of the liquid and the distribution of the pumped liquid outside the device and therefore the device.

This body is represented here by a dispensing pusher which takes the form of a cap or hollow cap covering the pumping device 20, in particular the opening part of the latter. The user exerts with a finger a downward vertical pressure on the pusher 22 as shown in Figure 2 in order to pump liquid for its distribution.

The pumping device 20 comprises:

- a body or shirt 24,

- a piston 26 which is able to slide along the inner face of the sleeve while ensuring sealed contact between the two parts during this movement,

- A return spring 27 installed in a compressed manner between the piston located above and an internal shoulder 24a of the lower part of the sleeve. The piston 26 comprises a body whose central part comprises a pierced wall in order to put in communication, on command, the areas located on either side of the wall.

The sleeve comprises a part called a chamber inside which the piston moves and which houses the return spring 27. The chamber is delimited at the bottom by the internal spring support shoulder.

[0048] The pumping device also comprises a hollow rod 28 (called the actuating rod of the device) which is fixed at its base 28a to the piston 26 and at its opposite end 28b (opening end) to the pusher 22. More particularly, the the opposite end 28b of the rod is fitted into an internal extra thickness of the pusher in which is arranged a channel 29 for the exit of liquid. This channel is in communication with the duct internal to the hollow rod 28. The external action of downward vertical thrust on the pusher 22 is transmitted to the rod 28 which presses on the piston and thus allows it to slide towards the lower part of sleeve 24 by compressing spring 27 (FIG. 2).

The pumping device also comprises a set of valves formed here by two systems of valves 30, 32 (seat and valve): one 30 is placed between the piston and the rod and the other 32 is placed partly bottom of the shirt. Each valve system comprises a valve seat and a valve that is movable relative to its seat and which, for example, takes the form of a ball.

The valve system 30 comprises, on the one hand, a seat 30a provided with a through opening 30b which corresponds to the pierced wall of the central part of the piston 26 and, on the other hand, a ball 30c which closes or not, depending on its position (Figure 1 A or 1 B), the opening 30b. The duct internal to the hollow rod 28 has a widened part 28c in which the ball 30c can move when it moves away from the opening and frees access to it. The internal duct is extended by a part 28d of reduced diameter smaller than that of the ball in order to limit its displacement.

The sleeve 24 is extended vertically downwards beyond the internal shoulder 24a supporting the spring by a first narrowed portion 24b which, in turn, is connected, by a second convergent portion 24c, to a third portion 24d forming a chimney. A suction tube 34 or dip tube is fitted into the chimney 24d and extends towards the bottom 12b of the container.

The valve system 32 comprises, on the one hand, a seat 32a which is formed by the second converging portion 24c and, on the other hand, a ball 32b which closes or not, depending on its position (Figure 1, 2 or 3), the entrance to the fireplace 24d.

As shown in Figure 1A, the capsule 18 comprises a lower portion 18a which is shaped around an outer rim of the neck 12c of the container. The capsule 18 also includes an upper portion 18b which encloses the arrangement of the sleeve 24, the piston 26 and the rod 28 arranged concentrically. The upper portion 18b forms a cap, a first part of which extends substantially axially away from the lower portion 18a and a second part of which extends radially in the direction of the rod 28 but leaving clear a radial space 40 between said upper portion 18b and said rod 28. This radial space 40 forms an external compensation air inlet inside the container as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

In this area enclosed by the upper portion 18b the sleeve has at its upper end an outer rim 24e against which the first part of the upper portion 18b rests laterally and on which rests a part 36 (eg: washer) forming axial stop both for the piston 26 and for the rod 28. The rod 28 in fact has an external part with an enlarged external diameter which comes into abutment against the part 36 and therefore remains confined inside the piston and the shirt. It will be noted that the part 36 has an internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the rod 28 in its non-enlarged external part (this part surrounds the reduced diameter duct part 28d) in order to leave free a radial space between the two elements in the position of figure 2. The second part of radial extension of the upper portion 18b bears against the part 36.

The sleeve 24 also includes one or more through holes 38 in its substantially cylindrical wall which delimits the chamber inside which the piston 26 slides. This or these holes 38 (only one is shown in the figures) are made in a zone of the wall at the level (altitude) of which the piston 26 is arranged when the device is in the rest position of the figure. 1 A. Thus, the hole 38 places the space inside the container in communication with the space located between the body of the piston 26 and the cylindrical wall of the jacket (this second space does not communicate with the remaining part of the jacket in due to the tightness of the contact between the piston body, via the upper and lower sealing lips, and the liner wall).

We will now describe the normal operation of the device 10 with reference to Figures 1 A to 1 C.

[0058] In general, the translational movement of the piston in the sleeve (induced by an external actuation on the part of the user) associated with the alternating actuation of the two valve systems generates a phenomenon of pumping of the liquid contained in the recipient. The piston is actuated by the hollow rod through which the liquid to be pumped will pass and which is itself actuated by the user's finger pressing a dispensing pusher.

In Figure 1A, in the rest position, the piston 26 is pushed up the sleeve 24 (in abutment against the part 36) by the spring 27. The valve system 30 from the top is closed as well as the valve system 32 from the bottom. The pumping device 20 is in the high (rest) position. The dip tube 34 is immersed in the liquid contained in the container.

After priming the pumping device 20, a volume of liquid is stored in standby in the jacket 24, between the piston 26 and the ball 32b. This volume of liquid corresponds to the dose of product which will be dispensed by the pumping device 20 during the following pumping operation illustrated in FIG. 1B.

As illustrated in Figure 1B, when the user actuates the pusher 22 (following the vertical arrow), the piston 26 slides in the sleeve 24, the valve system 30 from the top opens (the ball 30c s away from its seat 30a), the bottom valve system 32 remains closed, the spring 27 is compressed and the axial space between the piston and the ball 32b is reduced. The liquid contained in this space passes through the open valve system 30 while the closed valve system 32 prohibits any backflow of the liquid inside the container. It will be noted that in the design of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A to 1C the valve system 30 opens mechanically via a system of stops when the pumping device is in the low pumping position.

The liquid rises in the conduit parts 28c, 28d of the rod 28, passes through the channel 29 and leaves it through the open end 29a to be distributed outside the device. The liquid thus follows a path, called normal, to exit the dispensing device and therefore the device. This path includes dip tube 34, open valve system 30, jacket 24, open valve system 32, conduit portions 28c and 28d of stem 28, and channel 29.

The dose expelled by the pumping phenomenon generates a depression in the sealed and non-deformable container which is compensated by a return of compensation air into the container in order to rebalance the internal pressure of the container.

[0064] At rest (Figure 1 A) the device is perfectly sealed vis-à-vis the outside, the outside air cannot enter the container. However, when the pumping device is actuated, this seal is temporarily broken in order to allow a volume of external air to enter the container to rebalance the internal pressure of the container (depression due to the pumped liquid).

The device 10 is thus structured to allow the entry of compensation air (air intake) and, therefore, the communication between the exterior and the interior of the container, during pumping. As already described above, to do this, one or more compensation air inlets are provided in the component parts of the device. The internal peripheral space 40 arranged between the upper capsule portion 18b and the rod 28 forms such a compensation air inlet. This air inlet 40 is placed in communication with the hole 38 of the jacket when the piston is lowered (FIG. 1B) and therefore with the inside of the container, thus creating a passage for the supply of outside air into the container as shown by the arrows indicating the air path. In Figure 1C, the user has released his push on the pusher 22 from a low position (in abutment) of the pumping device. The return spring 27 pushes the piston 26 upwards, the valve system 30 closes and the valve system 32 opens (the ball 32b moves away from its seat 32a). The space between the piston and the valve system increases, which creates a depression and therefore a suction of liquid through the submerged dip tube 34 (as indicated by the arrows). The liquid rises in the tube and begins to fill the internal space of the jacket via the valve system 32 open to reach the position of Figure 1 A. The air intake passages described above close as and as the piston rises, in particular when the hole 38 is masked/closed by the body of the piston 26 which reaches its level. The tightness of the device is thus restored. The operation of the device which has just been described by actuating the pumping device (by pressing the pusher) to extract liquid from the container is conventional.

There are many types or references of pumping devices for liquid dispensing devices and the one described above is only one possible example. The number, arrangement and shape of the constituent parts of the pumping device can of course vary. Likewise, the mounting of the pumping device in the container (in particular the fixing of the device in the container) and, in particular, the assembly parts for assembling the device to the container can vary from one type of pumping device to another and from one device to another.

As shown in Figures 1 D to 1 H and designated by the general reference denoted 100, a liquid extraction machine according to a first embodiment is configured to accommodate a liquid dispensing device such as the device 10 of Figures 1A to 1C and generally any liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid container and a liquid pumping device which is mounted in the container and attached to the container, with a dip tube extending from the device for pumping down the container in order to immerse in the liquid. The liquid extraction machine 100 makes it possible in particular to accommodate any liquid dispensing device comprising a liquid container and a liquid pumping device fixed to the container and operating on the same principle as the device 10 (such a device comprises in particular a set of internal valves opening when the pumping device is actuated in a low position, while simultaneously opening a compensation air inlet in the container). For convenience, when describing the machine 100 and the device it houses, the references of the component parts of the device 10 previously described will be used. However, this does not mean that only this device can be used in the machine. In the present embodiment, the pusher 22 of the device 10 is removed so as to leave the actuating rod 28 (in particular its open end 28b) of the pumping device accessible.

The device 10 has been deliberately schematized in Figures 1 D and following with respect to Figures 1 A-C for the sake of simplicity.

[0069] Figures 1 D and 1 E illustrate the extraction machine 100 respectively in an open position for receiving or receiving a liquid dispensing device such as the device 10 (Figure 1 D) and in a closed position (FIG. 1E) in which the device is resiliently mounted, inside the machine, resting against at least one support zone of the machine, in an extraction position.

[0070] More specifically, Figures 1 D and 1 E illustrate an extraction station of the machine which, here, comprises two parts to be assembled, namely a lower part 100a comprising a support 102 elastically mounted to receive and support the weight of the device 10 in a substantially vertical position and an upper part 100b, located above the lower part and which comprises said at least one support zone. In the open position of Figure 1D the two parts 100a, 100b are separated from each other in order to allow the installation of the device in the lower part 100a and in particular its positioning on the support 102. The two parts are then brought closer to each other (or only one of the two parts is brought closer to the other) to obtain the closed position of FIG. 1 E in which the upper part 100b covers the device 10 at manner of a cover to come to rest said at least one bearing zone against the device, more particularly against the upper part of this device which includes the open end 28b of the actuating rod 28. The device is thus enclosed inside the machine and not directly accessible to the user. Note that other configurations of extraction station can be envisaged in the context of this presentation, for example, configurations which do not comprise two separable parts but two parts fixed to one another and of which at least one is movable relative to the other (eg via a joint or hinge mounting) in order to be able to install a device inside the station. Configurations which comprise only one part provided with an opening to allow the installation of a device in the station are also possible.

[0071] The lower part 100a of Figures 1 D and 1 E has for example the general shape of a pot open at the top, closed at the bottom by a bottom 106 and which contains the central support 102 on which the device 10 rests. The central support 102 comprises for example a plate 102a which is elastically mounted, for example on a spring 102b (alternatively it could be an elastically deformable material such as an elastomer member), and which is mounted sliding manner inside a cage 102c, for example cylindrical. The lower part 100a notably comprises a substantially cylindrical wall 104 (vertical) which extends perpendicularly upwards from the bottom 106 of the pot and delimits the pot externally by surrounding the central support 102. The wall 104 has for example on its surface outer notches 104a, 104b arranged diametrically opposite as shown in Figure 1D, for example near the top opening of the pot. The successive notches 104a (resp.104b) are distributed vertically along at least part of the height of the wall 104.

[0072] The upper part 100b has, for example, the general shape of a cap or hat which is shaped to cooperate with the lower part 100a and in particular to fit therewith, thus closing access to the station. 'extraction. More particularly, the upper part 100b comprises a bottom wall 108 (here upper wall) from which extends downwards, perpendicular to this wall, on the one hand, a substantially cylindrical wall 110 (vertical) and, d on the other hand, externally to the wall 110 and at a radial (horizontal) distance from the latter, at least two elastic tabs 112, 114 which, here, are arranged in a diametrically opposed manner. The elasticity of the tabs is ensured in particular by a thinning of the thickness (dimension radial) of each of them at their base which is close to the bottom wall 108. Each of the elastic tabs 112, 114 is provided on its internal face facing the wall 110 with at least one retaining notch or lug 112a, 114a which is oriented opposite to the orientation of the corresponding notches 104a, 104b of the lower part 100a (the retaining faces of the notches intended to cooperate with each other being turned one towards the top and the another down) to ensure axial locking (vertical) of the two parts 100a, 100b relative to each other when the notches of the respective parts are engaged with each other. The wall 104 of the lower part 100a is intended to be inserted into the radial space left free between the elastic tabs 112,114 and the wall 110 of the upper part 100b to allow cooperation between the notches of the elastic tabs 112,114 and the notches 104a, 104b as illustrated in FIG. 1E. Furthermore, each of the elastic tabs 112, 114 is provided, on its external face opposite its internal face, with an operating member 112b,

114b of the tab which makes it possible to separate the tab concerned from the wall 104 and thus to disengage the internal notch 112a, 114a from the corresponding notch 104a, 104b of the wall 104 to unlock the extraction station (eg: to remove the device) or to change the notch on the wall 104 (for example to put more support, and therefore under stress, the device). The choice of a notch among the plurality of notches 104a (resp. 104b) makes it possible to adjust the height at which the upper part 100b is engaged with the lower part 100a to close and lock the extraction station. This height depends in particular on the height of the device housed in the station.

[0073] It will be noted that the number of elastic tabs can be greater than two. Alternatively, one or more other members, elastic or not, can replace the elastic tabs to ensure the same function of blocking/locking in height of one part of the station relative to the other and of pre-adjustment of the height in order to s adapt to different vertical dimensions or device heights.

The bottom wall 108 (substantially horizontal) has a projecting central conformation 108a which extends downwards (direction of the first part 100a), in the internal space delimited at the periphery by the wall 110, and which comprises said at least one support zone of the machine. This conformation projection 108a has at its free end a peripheral edge 108a1 (eg annular) which surrounds a central internal housing 108a2 disposed axially set back (vertically) relative to the distal edge 108a1. The peripheral edge 108a1 is provided with orifice(s) and/or cutout(s) in its thickness (perpendicular or radial relative to the axis of the central housing) which allow(s) fluidic communication between the internal space at the edge (where the housing 108a2 is located) and the space external to it. An orifice o for communication between the two spaces is illustrated in Figure 1 E.

The protruding conformation 108a comprises, arranged at the bottom of the internal housing 108a2, a transfer channel 108a3 which extends in the thickness of the bottom wall 108 (along the axis of the housing, axis which is vertical here) and opens, at a first (lower) end, into the internal housing 108a2 and, at a second opposite (upper) end, on the opposite side of the bottom wall, outside the upper part 100b. In the example shown, the channel 108a3 more particularly opens into a recess made in the bottom wall and which corresponds to the inverse conformation of the projecting conformation 108a. The machine 100 also includes a liquid extraction duct 116 fixed to the second opposite open end of the transfer channel and/or fitted into the latter and which extends upwards away from the bottom wall 108.

As shown in Figures 1 D and 1 E, the device 10 is shown in a vertical position, that is to say that the longitudinal axis along which the actuator rod 28 moves between its position of rest and a low position is vertical. Generally, such an axis passes through the opening of the container and is perpendicular to the bottom of the container. It will be noted that the device can adopt in the machine a position that is not strictly vertical and therefore a slight inclination with respect to the vertical, which means that the longitudinal axis of movement of the actuating rod 28 has a slight inclination with respect to vertically. The inclination of the apparatus which is permitted is dictated by the operation of the apparatus and is generally defined by the inclination possible so that the dip tube 34 (Figs 1AC) is always submerged in the liquid of the container. An inclination at an angle of up to 10 or 15° is, for example, possible for a device configuration where the longitudinal axis depression of the pumping device (pump) is perpendicular to the bottom of the container. The inclination of the device with respect to the vertical can however be greater for configurations where the longitudinal axis of depression/actuation of the pumping device (pump) is not perpendicular to the bottom of the container.

In Figure 1 E the two parts 100a and 100b of the extraction station cooperate with each other so as to jointly define between them a location or housing in which the device 10 is positioned and enclosed. This location/housing is defined between the support 102 (in particular the plate 102a) and said at least one support zone of the machine (zone which is in particular defined by the projecting conformation 108a and, more particularly, by its free end where arranged the peripheral edge 108a1 and the internal housing 108a2). In the example shown, said at least one support zone of the machine comprises, on the one hand, a rigid abutment zone formed by the peripheral edge 108a1 and, on the other hand, a rigid support zone formed by the internal housing 108a2 and its bottom.

[0078] Figure 1 F is an enlarged partial schematic view of said at least one support zone of the machine of Figure 1 E which is in contact with the device.

More specifically, the peripheral edge 108a1 (rigid stop) comes into contact with an outer surface facing the device (surface which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of movement of the actuating rod 28) which, here, is an outer surface (eg: horizontal) of zone Z1 called “tourette”. Zone Z1 is a zone located immediately around the rod 28 and is generally a zone where the pumping device is fixed to a hitching part which is itself fixed to the container in a conventional manner. In FIGS. 1 AC, the zone Z1 corresponds to the upper portion 18b of the capsule 18. This arrangement thus makes it possible to abut the apparatus in the extraction station of the machine. The abutment of the device 10 via the zone Z1 makes it possible to carry out an abutment as close as possible to the actuating rod 28. Thus, in the event of a dimensional variation of a pumping device at another (such a variation corresponds, for example, to manufacturing tolerances for the same type or the same pumping device reference; by way of example the height of an actuating rod can vary, from one pumping device to another, within these manufacturing tolerances in a range of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter) , such abutment as close as possible to the actuating rod 28 generally makes it possible to limit the effects of such a dimensional variation.

[0080] As previously described, the peripheral edge 108a1 is configured not to be airtight in order to allow outside air (air located in the space surrounding the free end of the protruding conformation 108a) to pass through the edge when the latter is placed against the surface opposite the aforementioned zone Z1 and to reach the compensation air opening(s) of the device 10 (eg space 40 in FIGS. 1 AC). When the edge 108a1 is placed against the surface, the emerging end 28b of the actuating rod 28 comes, for its part, to bear against the bottom of the housing 108a2. The shape of the housing 108a2 is substantially cylindrical and corresponds to the shape and external dimensions of the open end 28b with which the housing cooperates (the housing forms a kind of end piece which is, here, cylindrical in scope for the rod). This bearing by cylindrical adjustment ensures the fluid seal between the internal housing 108a2 and the actuating rod 28 (this sealing is necessary during the extraction of the liquid through the rod 28, the channel 108a3 and the conduit 116) . Alternatively, bearing with a conical seat of the internal housing is possible.

As shown in Figure 1F, the fixed distance A (vertical) between the dimension of the bottom of the housing 108a2 and the dimension of the free end of the peripheral edge 108a1 is sized to cause automatically, when pressing of the device in the machine as described above (that is to say when closing the extraction station), a downward longitudinal (vertical) movement of the rod 28 which makes it possible to bring the device pumping 20 in a position where the valve systems are mechanically open or ready to open under the action of a pressure or vacuum, and where the compensation air inlet or inlets of the device are open. The arrangement described thus makes it possible to automatically wedge the pumping device 20 in the extraction position (pump pushed down) simply by installing the device in the extraction station between a lower support, here the support 102 and upper abutment zones, here 108a1, and support, here 108a2. The dimensions of the abutment and support zones are fixed (relative to the upper part 100b) and do not vary over time when the extraction station is closed (when a device is in position or not) as in Figures 1 E and 1 G.

[0082] The machine also comprises a liquid extraction device which comprises a liquid suction device intended to suck the liquid from the container of the apparatus 10 (whether or not the pumping device or pump has been primed). . The suction device D1 shown very schematically in Figure 1F is connected to the liquid extraction/aspiration conduit 116 and has the function of sucking the liquid from the container through the dip tube, the pumping device of liquid 20 (via its open valve systems and the actuating rod 28), the transfer channel 108a3 and the conduit 116. This may be a pump or any other suction or depression device such as a vacuum packing machine. A liquid distribution device or system (not shown) communicating with the suction device D1 is provided in the machine for the distribution of liquid, generally outside the machine. Such a device or system can be conventional and formed for example by a spray nozzle, a dispensing spout (without spraying).

As shown in Figures 1D and 1E, the device 10 is mounted on the elastic support 102a, 102b (support elastically mounted). When the two parts 100a, 100b cooperate to close the extraction station and enclose the device, the abutment and the bearing of the device against the fixed (rigid) upper zones for abutment 108a1 and support 108a2 cause the elastic support of the device to descend until the downward vertical force exerted by the abutment and support zones is compensated by the elastic compression force of the elastic support 102a, 102b. This gives an elastic assembly in support of the device in the machine. This elastic mounting makes it possible to ensure the contact (wedging) between the rigid abutment zone 108a1 and the contact surface facing the device (here the zone Z1). The elastic support 102a, 102b makes it possible in particular to compensate for variations in dimensions of the various appliance containers. Indeed, in practice, most of the time these containers are made of glass and dimensional variations of the order of several millimeters from one container to another (for the same type or the same reference of pumping device) are not not uncommon. Figure 1 G illustrates the reception in the extraction machine of a liquid dispensing device 10 'of greatly reduced height (for example several tens of mm) compared to the device 10 of Figures 1 DF with the notches tabs 112, 114 which interact with the lowest respective notches of the wall 104.

The locking of the extraction station of the machine is ensured here by the cooperation/engagement between the respective notches of the two parts 100a, 100b which make it possible to adjust the axial (vertical) positioning of the upper part 100b with respect to at the lower part according to the height of the device 10 (adjustment/adaptation to different heights of devices, in particular devices without a pusher in the present embodiment). This arrangement allows a sort of pre-adjustment in height. It should be noted that other pre-adjustment devices than the notches can alternatively be used. However, this locking may prove to be imprecise and the elastic support makes it possible to absorb locking inaccuracies. It will be noted that the spring 102b used in the mode described is for example calibrated at 4 kg which represents a sufficient pressure to generally adapt to any type of apparatus and pumping device. The locking system which is described can of course be replaced by another locking system not shown with other types of assembly members, for example a pin system instead of notches or other.

[0085] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 1H, the projecting central conformation 108a 'which extends from the bottom wall 108' has a structural variation compared to the projecting central conformation 108a of Figures 1 EF , in particular a widening (in a direction radial or perpendicular to the vertical axis) and a vertical elongation which allow the device 10 to come into abutment, via its zone Z2 (zone surrounding zone Z1 and which corresponds generally to the zone for attaching the pumping device to the container or to the zone for attaching the aforementioned coupling part to the container; the zone Z2 is further axially and radially from the rod 28 than zone Z1), against a peripheral abutment zone 108a1' (this zone is very similar to the peripheral abutment zone 108a1 of FIG. 1F). The open end 28b of the actuating rod 28 is still fitted into an internal housing 108a2', here cylindrical, and comes into abutment at the bottom of the latter. More particularly, an annular space is made between the outer peripheral edge 108a1' and an inner peripheral edge 108a3' delimiting the inner housing 108a2'. However, this annular space can be omitted and the two peripheral edges can then meet to form an internal shoulder. The outer peripheral edge 108a1' is still not airtight (orifice o') and has a greater axial extension than the edge 108a1 because the zone Z2 is axially further away than the zone Z1. In FIGS. 1A-C, zone Z2 corresponds to the shoulder situated between portions 18b and 18a of capsule 18. As a variant, not shown, the zone of the device can be a zone of the container. For example, in Figures 1 AC, the zone corresponds to the shoulder of the container, a substantially horizontal zone located below the capsule 18.

[0086] According to another variant not shown, the projecting central conformation which extends from the bottom wall has a structural variation with respect to the projecting central conformation 108a' of FIG. 1H, in particular an enlargement (in a direction radial or perpendicular to the vertical axis) and a vertical elongation which allow the device 10 to come into abutment, via its zone Z3 (zone surrounding zone Z2 and which generally corresponds to the shoulder zone of the container or zone of the container located around the neck of the container; the zone Z3 is further axially and radially from the rod 28 than the zone Z2), against a peripheral abutment zone radially spaced apart and elongated with respect to the zone of peripheral abutment 108a1 'of Figure 1H. The open end 28b of the actuating rod 28 is still fitted into an internal housing such as that of Figure 1H and comes into abutment at the bottom of cel here. These different modes and variants show that it is possible to abut the device by means of different contact surfaces of the upper part of the device (here without the pusher). [0087] It will be noted that the elastic support 102 of the lower part 100a is connected to the upper part 100b, and therefore to said at least one support zone 108a1, 108a2 of the machine, by an assembly and locking system of both parties. The mechanical structure or mechanical assembly line thus constituted forms a mechanical structure for elastic mounting of the extraction station to elastically mount a liquid dispensing device against said at least one support zone. The elastic member 102b plays here the role of an elastic connection in the mechanical mounting structure between the device and said at least one support zone.

Furthermore, in the embodiment which has just been described, the projecting central conformation 108a (resp. 108a' and the variants relating thereto), in particular the central housing 108a2 forms a mechanical force transmission structure which is configured to transmit a substantially vertical downward thrust force from the liquid extraction machine to the actuating rod 28 of the device's pumping device when this device is elastically mounted in support in the extraction machine. Indeed, when the device is installed on its support 102 and the upper part 100b forming a cover covers the lower part 100a while being assembled/locked with the latter, the pumping device is mechanically constrained in the depressed position (stem in a low position) due to the simple fact that the support zone 108a2 of the machine exerts pressure on the actuating rod while the device is brought into abutment against the abutment zone 108a1 of the machine. We can also speak of actuated position for this depressed position of the pumping device, but it is not, however, a conventional actuation as explained with reference to Figures 1 A-C.

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of an extraction machine according to the invention. The extraction station 100' always comprises two parts 100a' and 100b' which cooperate with each other, for example by notches of the elastic tabs 112', 114' of the upper part 100b' with notches of the part lower 100a' as in the previous mode. The same variations as before apply here too.

[0090] However, station 100' differs from station 100 in several respects. [0091] The lugs 112', 114' incorporate a longitudinal elastic mechanical connection (in the direction of the length of the lugs) 112c'114c' produced for example in the form of a spring, which replaces the elastic mechanical connection of the support 102 (Previously the tabs 112, 114 had only radial elasticity). The support 102' on which the device 10 is now placed is fixed with respect to the lower part 100a' (the vertical dimension of this support is fixed) and it is for example formed by a fixed plate 102a' secured to the bottom 106' .

[0092] The projecting central conformation 108a” of the bottom 108” still includes an axial abutment zone formed by the peripheral edge 108a1 of the previous mode, but the bearing zone differs. Indeed, the projecting central conformation 108a” is pierced along a larger radius than in the previous mode in order to be able to introduce therein an axial end piece 120 which is then surrounded by the peripheral edge 108a1. This 120 tip includes:

-a lower emerging end 120a which has a conical bearing surface to receive the emerging end 28b of the stem (a cylindrical bearing surface is alternatively possible),

-a transfer channel 120b analogous to channel 108a3 of the previous mode,

-an upper open end 120c to which is attached and/or into which the liquid extraction/suction duct 116 is fitted (the suction device D1 is not represented here for the sake of simplification).

The axial position (vertical dimension) of the end piece with respect to the upper part 100b' is here liable to vary over time by axial sliding inside the internal bore delimited externally by the peripheral edge 108a1. Indeed, the endpiece 120 comprises a hollow extension part 120d (for passage of the duct 116) which extends axially away from the transfer channel 120b (upwards). A portion 120d1 of this hollow part is threaded on its external surface and cooperates with a complementary thread 108b” made on the internal face of the recess 108c” in the bottom wall 108”, in line with the projecting central conformation 108a”. The extension part 120d is provided at its free (upper) end with an operating member 120e (eg: member such as a wheel or butterfly valve) for handling the end piece. The two complementary threads which cooperate make it possible to modify the axial position of the tip inside the recess axial 108c” relative to the upper part 100b' when the maneuvering member 120e is actuated in rotation to perform a screwing or unscrewing operation of the end piece. The axial position or vertical dimension of the endpiece (in particular of the end 120a) can thus be regulated/adjusted by a dimension adjustment member (complementary threads and possibly the maneuvering member), which makes it possible to vary the axial position or vertical dimension of the support zone 120a of the device in the machine and therefore the height or depth of insertion of the actuating rod 28 inside the device. The outer upper face of the bottom 108” is locally recessed (108d”) around the recess 108c” to receive and place in axial abutment the operating member 120e at the end of the axial travel of the endpiece. Other mechanisms and/or adjusting members making it possible to vary the axial position of the end piece can alternatively be used.

This axial adjustment makes it possible to vary the dimension A and thus to adjust more finely the "open" position of the valve systems (or ready to be opened under the effect of a pressure or a depression) and of the compensation air inlet(s) than in the previous modes and variants. The machine is therefore more versatile because it can accommodate devices with more varied types or references of pumping devices.

[0095] Furthermore, the bearing of the actuating rod 28 of the pumping device of the device against the bearing zone of the machine is carried out by contact of the open end 28b with the conical surface of the open end 120a of the tip. This arrangement makes it possible to receive several diameters of rods and therefore, here again, to accommodate devices with more varied types or references of pumping devices.

[0096] It will be noted that the structure of the legs 112', 114' can alternatively be used in the modes and variants described with reference to Figures 1 D-H in replacement of the elastic mounting of the support.

Figures 3A and 3B respectively illustrate another embodiment according to the invention (Fig. 3A) and a variant (Fig. 3B) which are enlarged partial views (like those of Figures 1 F and 1 H) showing setting areas stop and support of the machine. These arrangements can be used with any of the elastic bearing assemblies of Figures 1 DH and 2.

In Figure 3A the upper zone of the machine 130 comprises, from a bottom 132, a projecting central conformation 132a which differs from that of Figure 2 in several aspects.

[0099] The projecting central conformation 132a has an outer shape similar to that of Figure 1 Fl with a first outer peripheral edge 132a1' radially spaced from a second inner peripheral edge 132a2' surrounding an inner housing. However, the second internal peripheral edge 132a2' here surrounds an enlarged internal housing as in the mode of Figure 2 to accommodate therein an axial end piece 134 which is capable of sliding axially relative to the edge 132a2' like the end piece 120 of Figure 2 .

[0100] The end piece 134 comprises:

-a lower emerging end 134a which has a conical bearing surface (bearing area) to receive the emerging end 28b of the rod,

-a 134b transfer channel identical to the 120b channel of the previous mode,

an upper open end 134c to which the liquid extraction/suction duct 116 is attached (the suction device D1 is not shown for the sake of simplification). The open end 134c has, like the end 120c, a shoulder which is capable of coming into abutment against the bottom of the axial recess 132b (in line with the projecting conformation 132a) of the wall 132. Above the end piece 134 , an elastic member 136 (here a spring, for example calibrated at 2.5 kg) is mounted axially between the upper open end 134c of the endpiece and an upper support formed by a lower face 138a of a mounting blocking part 138. The blocking part 138 is fixed in a cavity of the bottom wall 132 (on the side of its external face) surrounding the axial recess 132b and this part is pierced axially for the passage of the duct 116. The elastic member 136 is thus mounted in compression between a fixed upper bearing face 138a (peripheral) of part 138 and a lower bearing face of endpiece 134. The downward axial thrust force exerted by elastic member 136 on the tip, and therefore on the actuating rod 28, places the device pumping device in a low (depressed) position where the valve systems and the compensation air inlet (venting) are open or can be opened under the action of pressure or vacuum (the thrust force is adapted to the opening of the valves). This assembly in elastic support of the tip allows the latter to move axially in its housing according to the resistance to depression (axial thrust) procured by the various rods for actuating the pumping devices of the apparatus. This axial position adjustment or adjustment depends less on the dimensions of the device than the preceding modes and variants, which makes it possible to better control the opening of the valve systems of the pumping device.

It will be noted that the abutment on the zone Z2 can alternatively be carried out on another zone of the device such as the zone Z1 of Figures 1 F and 2 or on the shoulder of the container as already described.

[0102] The variant of Figure 3B combines the arrangements of the modes of Figures 2 and 3A by interposing an elastic member between a support piece (for bearing with an actuating rod) and a position adjustment member axial. This arrangement makes it possible to adjust the force exerted by the elastic member on the endpiece and thus to adapt to a greater variety of types or references of pumping devices.

[0103] In this variant, the machine 140 comprises, on the one hand, a bottom wall 142 from which extends a protruding conformation 142a which, at its free end, is similar to the end 108a” of the mode of Figure 2 (with the outer peripheral edge 108a1 in abutment on the zone Z1 of the device) and, on the other hand, the internal end piece 134 mounted to slide axially in the mode of Figure 3A.

[0104] The projecting conformation 142a and the bottom wall 142 are configured to receive the endpiece 134, the elastic member 136 and the axial position adjustment member analogous to that of the mode of Figure 2. The member of adjustment is jointly formed, on the one hand, by a hollow axial portion 144a, substantially cylindrical, threaded on its external surface which is engaged in the internal axial recess 142b provided in the bottom wall 142 (in line with the projecting central conformation 142a ) and, on the other hand, by a complementary thread 142c made on the internal surface of the internal recess 142b. The hollow axial portion 114a is provided at its free (upper) end with a maneuver 144b (ex: member such as a knob or butterfly valve) for actuating the adjusting member as in the mode of Figure 2. The elastic member 136 (here a spring for example calibrated at 2.5 kg) is mounted axially between the upper emerging end 134c of the connector and an upper support formed by a lower face 144a1 (peripheral) of the hollow portion 114a. Internal shoulders are successively arranged in the internal recess 142b to act as axial stops for the hollow portion 114a and the shoulder of the end 134c at the end of the axial stroke.

It will be noted that the abutment can alternatively be carried out on another zone of the device such as the zone Z2 of Figures 1H and 3A or on the shoulder of the container as already described.

[0106] The following Figures illustrate other embodiments in which the extraction device of the liquid extraction machine comprises an actuating device which has the function of actuating the liquid pumping device of the liquid dispensing apparatus mounted in the machine. Contrary to the previous modes and variants, the device which is elastically mounted in support in the machines which will be described is put in support (and possibly in abutment) against a support zone of these machines (and possibly against a zone of setting in abutment). However, this device, in particular its pumping device, is not systematically subjected to a downward thrust force from the mechanical force transmission structure of the machine as soon as it is mounted in the machine (in the previous modes the device is automatically subjected to a thrust force, that is to say put under stress, simply because it is mounted in the machine because its pumping device is automatically pushed in). The mechanical force transmission structure of the machines of the following Figures is actuated only after mounting the device in the machine, by a separate action (at a time controlled by the user or otherwise).

[0107] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a machine embodiment in which the extraction station is configured to support the device 10 or any other device as already mentioned above (via an elastic assembly), without putting under constraint its pumping device. This mode includes an actuation device which is implemented when necessary to actuate the pumping device by exerting a thrust force on it.

This mode uses, for example, the general structure of the machine of Figures 1D and 1E and comprises, for this purpose, two parts 200a and 200b similar respectively to parts 100a and 100b. The machine 200 differs from the previous machine by the structure of the protruding conformation (in particular of the bearing zones) and above it. It will however be noted that the mode of FIGS. 4A and 4B can be applied to any type of machine in which the extraction station comprises a mechanical structure for elastic mounting to achieve an elastic mounting of a liquid dispensing device resting against one or more bearing zones, and possibly an abutment zone, of the machine.

The machine 200 comprises a bottom wall 202 from which extends axially downwards a projecting central conformation 202a, the free end of which is similar to the free end of the modes of FIGS. 2 and 3B. In particular, the free end is provided with a peripheral edge 202a1 which is intended to bear against a surface of zone Z1 of device 10 and which surrounds an axial internal housing (crossing the thickness of the wall of bottom 202 in line with the projecting conformation 202a) in which an end piece 204 is axially slidably mounted.

[0109] The tip 204 has a lower open end 204a, here of cylindrical bearing (as an alternative, a conical bearing could be used which acts as a bearing zone for the open end 28b of the actuating rod of the device 10. More generally, the endpiece 204 has a generally elongated shape, at least a part of which extends axially inside the internal recess 202b formed in the bottom wall 202, in line with the projecting conformation 202a The tip 204 is hollowed out in a portion of its length by a transfer channel 204b which communicates at the lower open end 204a with the inside of the actuating rod 28 for conveying the liquid out of the machine. Attached to the opposite open upper end 204c of the channel is an extraction duct 216, similar to the duct 116 of the previous embodiments. the channel 204b and which is able to slide axially at inside the internal recess 202b. The upper portion 204d extends axially away from the portion comprising the channel 204b and above the bottom wall. As shown in Figures 4A-B, the extraction duct 216 passes through the upper portion 204d and extends laterally away from this portion. The internal recess 202b is configured to receive the enlarged upper portion 204d and has an axial stop for this portion.

[0110] The machine 200 also includes a drive member 210 which cooperates with the upper portion 204d of the endpiece 204 to cause the endpiece to descend as shown when passing from the position of FIG. 4A to the position of Figure 4B. The end piece 204 then plays the role of an actuator and its vertical descent causes the actuating rod 28 of the device 10 to be pushed into a low position which is obtained when the open end 204a of the end piece comes in contact with zone Z1 (FIG. 4B). The prior abutment of the device against the abutment zone 202a1 makes it possible to ensure the positioning of the device and to stall it in a reference position (precalibration) which will not move before inserting the rod actuation 28.

The drive member 210 here takes the form of a cam which is rotatably mounted around a horizontal axis of rotation A1 which itself is driven in rotation by a known drive device such as a motor. (not shown). This arrangement makes it possible, when the drive member 210 is driven in rotation, to actuate the pumping device of the apparatus 10 which is elastically mounted in support in the machine and, thus, to extract liquid from the container under the form of a dispensed dose of liquid, as if the user pressed directly on the pusher of the device (conventional operation of the pumping device). The control of the actuation of the pumping device can be carried out by the user himself on the machine (for example on a human-machine interface not represented such as a keyboard and/or a display screen or via a single button actuation).

[0112] The drive member can take other forms, as well as the end piece and, more particularly, the portion of the end piece with which the member drive cooperates, as well as the device for driving the member without departing from the scope of the present description.

[0113] Figures 5A to 5C illustrate another machine embodiment in which the extraction station is configured to support the device 10 or any other device as already mentioned above (via an elastic mounting), without putting its pumping device under stress. Machine 300 is similar to machine 200 except for its actuating device for subjecting the pumping device 20 of the device to a thrust force.

[0114] The protruding conformation 302a which extends from the wall 302 differs from the mode of FIG. 4A in that the axial internal recess 302b made in the wall 302, in line with the protruding conformation 302a, is configured to receive different parts from the bottom upwards and not the single part 204 of FIG. 4A: an end piece 304 mounted to slide axially in an internal housing which is surrounded by the peripheral edge 302a1; the endpiece 304 comprises an open lower end 304a, here of conical bearing, for resting the open end 28b of the rod on the end 304a, an internal transfer channel 304b, an opposite upper end 304c provided with an external shoulder which is adapted to cooperate with an internal stopper at the recess 302b; an extraction duct 316 extends upward from the upper end 304c, inside the recess 302b and outside it like the duct 216;

-an elastic member 306 such as a spring (for example calibrated at 4 kg) mounted axially and which is able to be compressed;

-an actuating part 308 playing the role of the upper portion 204d of the endpiece 204 (fig 4A) and which has a generally cylindrical shape, the lower end 308a of which has a face oriented downwards and which can cooperate with a shoulder internal to the recess 302b (axial stop) during the axial sliding of the part 308 inside the recess 302b; the elastic member 306 is mounted in abutment between, on the one hand, the upper face of the upper end 304c and, on the other hand, the lower face of the lower end 308a. The duct 316 extends inside the member 306 and the part 308 to pass through it laterally and out of it.

[0116] The drive member 210, identical to that of the mode of Figures 4A-B, operates in the same way as before and, by rotating, presses on the part 308 which lowers into the recess 302b and compresses the member 306. The member 306 subjected to the axial downward thrust force of the part 308 in turn transmits a downward thrust force on the end piece 304 which slides downwards in its housing by pressing on the rod of actuation 28, which allows the end 304a of the tip to come into contact with the zone Z1 (FIG. 5B). It will be noted that the actuation force of the pumping device is for example of the order of 2.5 to 3.5 kg. The conical contact with the open end 28b of the actuating rod makes it possible to adapt to most, if not all, of the possible diameters of actuating rods. The presence of the elastic member 306 between the actuation part 308 and the end piece for contact/support with the actuation rod makes it possible to adapt to different rod heights. Thus, this arrangement makes it possible to interface with most, if not all, of the actuation rods that it is possible to encounter in the various references or types of pumping devices.

As shown in Figure 5C, when the member 210 continues to rotate while the actuating rod has already been depressed in Figure 5B it is the elastic member 306 which absorbs the overtravel of the movement of part 308 in recess 302b. This overtravel makes it possible to adapt to devices having very different driving strokes (such an effect is also provided for in Figures 4A-B thanks to the absorption of the overtravel by the elastic member 102b). This is made possible because the elastic force generated by the mechanical elastic mounting structure of the machine (it is for example the compression force of the spring 102b of FIGS. 1 DE) is greater than the elastic force of the organ 306.

The machine 400 of Figures 6A-C uses the overall configuration of Figure 4A. The machine is formed of two parts 400a, 00b respectively similar to parts 200a, 200b of FIG. 4A, with the exception of the legs which are replaced by the legs 412, 414 and of another aspect which will be described later. The lugs 412, 414 are for example each equipped with a pressure screw passing through the lug in its thickness and which, by screwing from the external head of the screw (the head of the screw is arranged on the side of the external face of the lug), makes it possible to tighten the lug concerned against the external surface in look (devoid of notches of the wall 400a1) of the lower part 400a. This assembly/locking means of the two parts 400a, 400b ensures precise locking of the position in which the two parts are arranged once the device 10 is elastically mounted on its support 102. This locking makes it possible to set the position of the device and can be achieved in various other ways by different locking devices (eg temporary bonding by suction cup, etc.). The assembly/locking means described above can also be used in the modes and variants described above.

The other aspect which differs from the mode of FIG. 4A is the absence of an abutment zone in the machine for the device 10. As for the mode of FIG. 4A, the device is placed in abutment by the open end 28b of its actuating rod against the lower open end 204a (bearing zone for example of conical bearing surface) of the end piece 204, during the installation of the device, but the 'free end of the protruding conformation 202a' has no peripheral edge coming into contact with an outer surface facing the device 10. Thus, the setting in position of the device is carried out by the assembly/locking members previously described.

[0120] The overall operation of the machine is identical to that described with reference to FIGS. 4A-B and makes it possible to actuate the actuating rod 28 by the rotational drive of the actuating member 210 which causes the displacement axial descending from the tip 204 into the internal recess 202b, thus pressing on the actuating rod to push it into the device and thus extract a dose of liquid by suction (conventional operation of the pumping device).

[0121] As shown in Figure 6C, when the member 210 continues to rotate while the actuating rod has already been depressed in Figure 7B, it is the elastic member 102b of the elastic support which absorbs the overtravel moving the tip 204 to produce the same effect as in Figures 4A-B. The machine 500 of Figures 7A-C uses the overall configuration of Figure 4A. The machine is formed of two parts 500a, 500b where the lower part 500a is identical to the part 200a of FIG. 4A. The upper part 500b differs from the 200b of FIG. 4A according to one main aspect, namely that the machine is configured to adapt to an apparatus whose pusher is still in place, mounted on the pumping device 20 as on an apparatus commercial conventional.

[0123] To do this, the actuating device of the machine which is provided for actuating the pumping device is different from that of FIG. 4A and the zones for bearing and abutting the machine also differ.

More particularly, the protruding conformation 502a which extends from the bottom wall 502 takes for example the form of a cylindrical wall inside which the pusher 14 of the device is engaged. This wall 502a has at its free end a peripheral edge (abutment zone) against which an element of the device 10 comes into abutment during the elastic mounting of the device. The element of the device 10 is for example a crimping capsule or ferrule C which extends from the shoulder E of the device and which surrounds in particular the actuating rod and the turret.

[0125] The actuating device 510 takes for example the form of a mechanism of the connecting rod-crank type where a rotating part 510a (driven in rotation by a drive system not shown and similar to the systems of the previous modes), playing the role of a crank, is connected to a connecting rod 510b. Connecting rod 510b is hinged by one end to the periphery of part 510a and by its opposite end to a part forming a piston 510c which slides axially inside axial passage 502b made in wall 502. The underside of piston 510c is in contact with the pusher 14 and thus acts as a bearing zone for the device.

The device 10 is elastically mounted in the extraction station via the lower elastic support 102 and in abutment against the upper edge 502a (abutment zone) as represented in the position of FIG. 7A. In this position, the upper face of the pusher 14 of the device is placed against the upper bearing zone of the piston 510c (face bottom of the piston) but no pressure force or axial thrust is exerted on the tappet (no stressing).

The pressure/thrust force which contributes to actuating the pusher by depression (and therefore the pumping device of the device) to extract a dose of liquid from the container is obtained by the implementation of the actuating device 510 which lowers the piston 510c and therefore the pusher 14 (Fig. 7B). In the position of FIG. 7B, the stroke of the pumping device (ie that of the actuating rod) is reached and the dose of liquid has been extracted from the container by suction and distributed outside the device and the machine by a conventional distribution system not shown. In this position the device is still in abutment against the peripheral edge 702a via the external element C.

The position of FIG. 7C is obtained by continuing the rotation of part 710a which continues to transmit to pusher 14 a downward thrust force. The pusher which can no longer sink relative to the container transmits the force to the latter which in turn transmits it to the support 102 and to the elastic member 102b which compresses, thus causing the lowering of the support (plate 102a) and the device. The overtravel of device 510 is therefore absorbed by the elasticity of member 102b.

Other actuating device configurations can be used in the modes of FIGS. 4A to 7C to cause the descent (depression) of the actuating rod of the device inside the container. The configurations of the extraction stations (in one or more parts) with their bearing zones, and possibly in abutment, can also vary insofar as the device, with or without a pusher, is elastically mounted (for via one or more elastic connections in the mechanical assembly structure) resting against at least one bearing zone of the machine.

Whatever the embodiment, when the extraction station comprises two parts assembled together and locked to keep the device in use (for the extraction of liquid), the locking members can of course vary in shape and position on both sides. Figure 8 schematically illustrates an extraction station of an extraction machine 600 according to another embodiment. The station does not include two parts that move relative to each other but only one part in which the device 12 is installed.

[0132] The extraction station comprises a fixed structure or framework which comprises a lower support for receiving the device and supporting its weight and one or more upper bearing zones. The lower support is identical to the elastic support 102a, 102b of Figures 1D-E. The structure of the extraction station comprises a bottom or base 602 from which the elastic support 102a, 102b extends upwards. The structure also extends upwards via a wall 604 which joins an upper wall 608 from which a protruding conformation 608a extends vertically downwards towards the support, thus conferring on the assembly a general form of gallows. As for the previous modes, the protruding conformation 608a comprises the upper bearing zone(s) of the device. However, unlike the previous modes, the upper wall 608 is interrupted after the protruding conformation 608a so as to leave the structure laterally open (between the protruding conformation and the support) to allow the introduction through the opening O of a device in the housing/location provided between the support and the upper bearing zone(s). It should be noted that the opening O (access) to this housing/location can be temporarily closed by a movable wall, an access hatch... which can be removed, retracted, moved...when access is desired .

As for the previous modes, when the device is positioned on the support and below the protruding conformation 608a, it presses against the bearing/abutment zones of the protruding conformation 608a under the action of the elastic member of the support (wedging in position).

The suction duct 116 and the other aspects relating to the extraction of liquid are identical to the previous modes and variants as well as all the other aspects already described.

Claims

[Claim 1] Liquid extraction machine (100; 100'; 130; 140; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) for extracting liquid from a liquid dispensing apparatus (10) which comprises a liquid container (12) and a liquid pumping device (20) which is attached to the container, the liquid extraction machine comprising an extraction station for receiving a liquid dispensing apparatus (10) in view of the extraction of liquid from the container of this apparatus, the extraction station comprising:

- a mechanical elastic mounting structure which is configured to elastically mount a liquid dispensing device in a substantially vertical position, bearing against at least one bearing zone (108a1, 108a2; 108a1', 108a2'; 108a1, 120a;132a1', 134a;108a1,

134a; 202al, 204a; 302al, 304a; 204a; 502a) from the extraction station,

-a mechanical force transmission structure which is configured to transmit a thrust force descending substantially vertically from the extraction station to the liquid pumping device (20) of the liquid distribution apparatus mounted elastically bearing in the extraction station.

[Claim 2] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one support zone of the extraction station comprises an abutment zone (108al; 132al'; 202al; 302al) intended for the abutment of a liquid dispensing device elastically mounted in the extraction station.

[Claim 3] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one support zone of the extraction station comprises a support zone (108a2; 120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) which is part of the mechanical force transmission structure and which is intended to bear against a liquid dispensing device elastically mounted in the extraction station.

[Claim 4] Liquid extraction machine according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the said at least one support zone of the extraction station comprises the abutment zone (108al; 132al'; 202al; 302al) and the support zone (108a2; 120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) of the mechanical force transmission structure.

[Claim 5] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the support zone (120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) of the mechanical force transmission structure has a vertical dimension in the extraction station which is likely to vary.

[Claim 6] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the support zone (134a; 304a) of the mechanical force transmission structure is mounted in support against at least one elastic member (136 ;306).

[Claim 7] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one adjusting member (120; 144) of the vertical dimension of the support zone (120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) of the mechanical force transmission structure.

[Claim 8] Liquid extraction machine according to Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the said at least one elastic member (136) is arranged between the said at least one adjustment member (144) and the support zone ( 134a).

[Claim 9] Liquid extraction machine according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the support zone of the mechanical force transmission structure comprises an endpiece (120a; 134a;

204a; 304a) intended to bear against an actuating rod (28) of the pumping device (20) of a liquid dispensing device elastically mounted in the extraction station.

[Claim 10] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the end piece (120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) has a cylindrical or conical bearing surface.

[Claim 11] Liquid extraction machine according to one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the support zone of the structure force transmission mechanism comprises a transfer channel (108a3; 120b; 134b; 204b; 304b) intended for the transfer of the liquid extracted from the liquid container of a liquid distribution device resiliently mounted in the extraction station.

[Claim 12] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the abutment zone (108al; 132al'; 202al; 302al) of the extraction station is configured to allow, when a liquid dispensing apparatus is resiliently mounted in the extraction station abutting against said abutment zone, an outside air passage (o) through said abutment zone to compensate for liquid extraction of the container of the device by suction.

[Claim 13] Liquid extraction machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical elastic mounting structure comprises a support (102; 102') intended to support a liquid distribution device and a mechanical connection elastic (102b; 112c' 114c') which is arranged between the support and said at least one support zone (108a2; 120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) of the extraction station for the elastic mounting of the apparatus between the support and said at least one support zone of the extraction station.

[Claim 14] Liquid extraction machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a liquid extraction device which is adapted to cooperate with a liquid distribution apparatus (10) mounted elastically in the extraction station.

[Claim 15] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the liquid extraction device comprises a liquid suction device (D1) for sucking the liquid from the liquid.

[Claim 16] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the liquid extraction device comprises an actuating device (204, 210; 308, 210; 510) intended to actuate the device pump (20) of the liquid dispensing apparatus.

[Claim 17] Liquid extraction machine according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the extraction station is configured so that the mechanical force transmission structure transmits a downward thrust force to the device for pumping liquid (20) from the liquid dispensing device automatically as soon as the device is resiliently mounted in support in the extraction station against said at least one support zone of the extraction station.

[Claim 18] Liquid extraction machine according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the extraction station defines an internal location to accommodate a liquid dispensing apparatus in a vertical position and is configured to adapt the vertical dimensions of the internal location to the vertical dimension of the device.

[Claim 19] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the extraction station comprises a first lower part forming a support for the apparatus and a second upper part intended to cover or to fit with the first part and to be fixed to the latter, the extraction station comprising one or more pre-adjustment members making it possible to pre-adjust the relative vertical position between the two parts and therefore the vertical dimensions of the space inside the station extraction.

[Claim 20] Liquid extraction machine according to claim 19, characterized in that the elastic mounting mechanical structure is configured to compensate for differences between the vertical dimensions of different liquid dispensing apparatus and which are due to tolerances manufacturing dimensions and/or to dimensional variations of one or more components of the pumping devices of the appliances.

[Claim 21] A method of extracting liquid from a liquid dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a liquid container (12) and a liquid pumping device (20) attached to the container, the method of extracting of liquid being implemented in a liquid extraction machine (100; 100';130;140;200;300;400;500; 600) and comprising the following steps :

- elastic mounting of a liquid dispensing device in a substantially vertical position, resting against at least one support zone (108a1, 108a2; 108a1', 108a2'; 108a1, 120a; 132a1', 134a; 202a1,

204a;302al, 304a;204a;502a) of the extraction machine,

-transmission of a thrust force descending substantially vertically from the extraction machine to the liquid pumping device (20) of the liquid distribution device, the step of transmitting a force being carried out, either during the step of elastically mounting the liquid dispensing device against said at least one bearing zone (108a2; 120a; 134a);

204a; 304a) of the extraction machine, or after this elastic mounting step in support.

[Claim 22] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one bearing zone of the extraction machine comprises an abutment zone (108al; 132al'; 202al; 302al) against which the device liquid distribution device is brought into abutment when it is elastically mounted in the extraction machine, the liquid distribution device (10) comprising a facing outer surface (ZI; Z2) which is brought into abutment against said zone of abutment.

[Claim 23] Method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the liquid pumping device of the apparatus comprises an actuating rod (28) having an end emerging from the container, called the emerging end (28b), said at least one support zone of the extraction machine comprising a support zone

(108a2; 120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) against which the open end (28b) of the actuating rod bears.

[Claim 24] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the liquid distribution device (10) comprises at least one compensation air inlet (40) which is able to be opened when a volume of liquid extracted of the container (12) flows through the open end (28b) of the actuating rod in order to introduce into the container a volume of external compensation air, the actuating rod (28) being capable of occupying a high resting position, the substantially vertical downward thrust force which is transmitted during the step of elastic mounting in support of the liquid dispensing device being transmitted to the open end ( 28b) of the actuating rod in order to position it in a low position in which said at least one compensation air inlet (40) is open to the outside of the pumping device (220).

[Claim 25] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a step of sucking the liquid from the container (12) through the pumping device (20) and its actuating rod (28) which is in the down position.

[Claim 26] Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the substantially vertical downward thrusting force which is carried out after the step of elastic mounting in support of the liquid dispensing device is transmitted to the said at least one zone support

(108a2; 120a; 134a; 204a; 304a) of the extraction machine.