CN118891079A - Fluid product dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser comprising: a-reservoir module (R') comprising a housing (RT) for containing a fluid product cartridge (C) defining a movable wall (C2) biased by a spring (R4) provided on a seat (R31); b-a dispensing module comprising an outlet valve for controlling the passage of the fluid product released under pressure from the fluid product cartridge (C), wherein the reservoir module (R ') is detachably connected to the dispensing module, wherein the seat (R31) of the spring (R4) is movable relative to the housing (R1 ') between an active position in which the spring (R4) is compressed and a rest position in which the spring (R4) is released, so that the reservoir module (R ') can be connected to the dispensing module with the seat (R31) in the rest position, and subsequently the seat (R31) is in the active position.

Description

Fluid product dispenser

The present invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising two separable modules, namely:

a reservoir module comprising a housing for housing a fluid cartridge defining a movable wall (for example a piston) which is moved by pressure exerted by a spring disposed on a support so as to allow the fluid to flow out of the fluid cartridge, and

- a dispenser module which closes the housing and comprises an outlet valve controlled by an actuating member for controlling the passage of fluid under pressure from the fluid cartridge.

The liquid storage module is detachably connected to the dispensing module so as to access the housing so that the fluid product box can be taken out from the housing, in particular, the fluid product box can be replaced with a new box. Preferred fields of the present invention are cosmetics or pharmaceutical fields, for example, the dispenser can continuously apply a cream or ointment on the skin, mucous membrane or hair.

Replacing a cassette in such a dispenser is usually a complex operation, since it is necessary to reconnect the two modules using a spring that presses against the movable wall of the cassette. This requires dexterity and strength. Furthermore, the cassette is usually sealed by a lid, and this lid can be pierced when assembling the two modules, which can lead to the loss of the fluid product if not handled properly.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a dispenser in which the assembly of the two modules and the pressurization of the fluid product are carried out sequentially and not simultaneously, the pressurization being carried out only after the modules have been assembled.

To achieve this purpose, the invention proposes that the support of the spring can be moved relative to the housing between an active position in which the spring is compressed and a rest position in which the spring is released, so that the reservoir module can be connected to the dispenser module when the support is in the rest position and then the support is moved to the active position. Thus, during the assembly of the module, the spring does not act on the box and the fluid stored in the box is at atmospheric pressure. Only in a second step does the support return to the active position, thereby compressing or tightening the spring, which will then act again on the movable wall of the box and pressurize the fluid contained therein.

In one embodiment, the spring can be arranged between the pushing component and the supporting component, and the pushing component and the supporting component can be moved relative to each other and relative to the housing by sliding. The pushing component includes a pushing head in contact with the movable wall of the fluid box, and the supporting component includes a support, and the spring acts between the pushing head and the support to make the pushing component and the supporting component away from each other. In other words, by compressing/releasing the spring, the pushing component and the supporting component slide relative to each other. The pushing head and the support are advantageously located at the opposite ends of the pushing component and the supporting component so that the spring extends over the entire length of the two components.

According to a feature of the present invention, the support member can be fixed to the housing in the active position, and when the outlet valve is opened, the push member can move relative to the housing and the support member in the active position. In short, only the push member moves in the housing to promote the movable wall of the box.

Advantageously, the support member and the push member abut against each other in the static position in which the spring is released, and the support member and the push member abutting against each other can move relative to the housing when the fluid product box is not full. The spring does not need to be completely released, but only needs to be in the most relaxed state, preferably close to the fully relaxed state. The spring can slightly press the two parts abutting against each other, or not press. When the box is removed from the housing, the assembly formed by the push member and the support member abutting against each other can slide in the housing at least within a certain stroke.

According to another feature of the invention, the support member can be removably engaged in the hooking projection of the housing in the active position. This means that the support member can be simply pushed into the housing to snap-fit it. According to a particularly advantageous feature, the push member comprises a release projection, which acts on the support member when the fluid product box is emptied to disconnect it from the housing. Preferably, the support member comprises at least one flexible snap-fitting lug, which is provided with snap-fitting teeth suitable for snap-fitting engagement with the hooking projection of the housing, and the release projection of the push member deforms the flexible snap-fitting lug so that the snap-fitting teeth are disengaged from the hooking projection of the housing. Advantageously, when the release projection acts on the support member, the spring moves the push member and the support member away from each other, so that once the support member is disconnected from the housing, it will be moved out of the housing to a static position by the spring, thereby providing the user with an indication that the fluid product box is empty in a visual, audible and/or tactile manner.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the push member can move between the full stop and the empty stop in the housing, corresponding to the full state and the empty state of the fluid product box respectively. Advantageously, when the push member is moved from the full stop to the vicinity of the empty stop by the spring, the support is in the active position. Preferably, when the push member arrives at the empty stop position, the support moves to the static position.

Furthermore, the outlet valve is advantageously pressurized by the pressurized fluid in the closed state.

In another advantageous embodiment, the liquid storage module may further include a planetary gear that cooperates with the housing and the support member to switch between an active position and a static position. Preferably, the planetary gear is arranged in the support member with limited axial movement and rotational movement, and the planetary gear selectively engages with the housing stably in the active position. In addition, the support member may include at least one rotation drive cam for driving the planetary gear to rotate. Advantageously, the housing may include at least one locking cam and an ejection cam, and the planetary gear includes at least one lug that slides on the locking cam and the ejection cam under the action of a spring, and the spring acts on the planetary gear through the support member. The housing may form an axial stop, and the planetary gear is driven by the support member to abut against the axial stop.

According to a practical embodiment, the housing may include at least one locking cam and one ejection cam connected by a stop wall, an axial stop and at least one axial channel. The support component may include an axial travel limiting stop and at least one rotation drive cam. The planetary gear may include at least one lug defining a sliding surface, a stop ring and teeth.

In this case, during the compression phase of the spring, the teeth mesh with the rotary drive cam to drive the planetary gear in rotation. During the relaxation phase of the spring, the stop ring meshes with the axial travel limiting stop. Under the pressure of the support component, the lug moves in the axial channel and between the locking cam and the ejection cam and the axial stop. The sliding surface is in sliding contact with the locking cam and the ejection cam. The lug is in contact with the locking cam and the stop wall in the active position. When the lug is in contact with the axial stop, the rotary drive cam drives the planetary gear in rotation. Therefore, the complete operation of the lug is as follows: first, by pressing the support part, the lug is axially moved in the axial channel until it contacts the axial stop; then, under the action of the rotating drive cam, the lug is rotatably moved; then, when the support part is released, the lug contacts the locking cam; the lug slides on the locking cam until it contacts the stop wall, indicating the active position; then, by pressing the support part, the lug slides to abut against the stop wall until it contacts the axial stop; then, the lug is rotatably moved under the action of the rotating drive cam; then, when the support part is released, the lug contacts the ejection cam; finally, the lug slides over the ejection cam until it falls into another axial channel.

This mechanism and operation is similar to those pens that have a retractable tip by pressing a button on the end. A first press of the button, followed by release, removes the tip from the pen and locks it in the active writing position. A second press followed by release retracts the tip. The same principle is used in the present invention to compress/release the spring. Starting from the active position, a first press of the support member, followed by release, releases the spring, and a second press followed by release compresses the spring again.

The present invention also defines a method for installing the dispenser as described above, comprising the following steps in sequence:

a) Place the support in a stationary position,

b) Disconnect the liquid storage module from the distribution module,

c) placing the fluid product box into the liquid storage module,

d) connecting the liquid storage module to the distribution module,

e) Move the support to the active position.

Steps a) and b) can optionally be interchanged in order, as long as the connection is carried out when the support is in the rest position.

Advantageously, when the fluid box is emptied, the support automatically returns to the rest position. Thus, step a) is performed automatically and does not require intervention by the user. As previously mentioned, when the push member reaches the end of its travel, it acts on the support member to disconnect it from the housing by snap-fit connection.

The spirit of the invention is to release the spring so as to be able to connect the two modules without being hindered by the pressure exerted by the spring. This release can be done by the user, but it is preferably triggered automatically when the contents of the box are emptied. Thus, the user does not have to worry about releasing the spring and can also receive a visual, auditory and/or tactile indication that the box is empty. In fact, the release of the support is visible because it moves relative to the housing, but it also produces a sound and/or a slight vibration in the dispenser so that the user can sense it by hand.

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating embodiments of the invention by way of non-limiting examples.

In the attached picture:

1 is a perspective view and a partial perspective view of a fluid product dispenser of the present invention in an operating state;

FIG2 is similar to FIG1 and is a view of the dispenser in a stationary state;

FIG3 a is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing module of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

FIG3 b is an exploded perspective view of the liquid storage module of the dispenser of FIG1 ;

FIG. 3 c is an exploded perspective view of the fluid product box of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

4a, 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the liquid storage module of the dispenser of the present invention in different states, for illustrating the operation of the liquid storage module;

FIG4b is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG4a;

FIG5 is a perspective view of a dispensing module of a dispenser of the present invention;

6a and 6b are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the dispensing module of FIG. 5 in a static position and an active position, respectively;

7a and 7b are cross-sectional views of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention in rest and active positions, respectively;

Fig. 8 is a perspective sectional view showing the interior of the dispenser;

9, 10 and 11 are enlarged perspective views of components visible in FIG. 8; and

Figures 12a to 12j are diagrams showing various stages of operation of the dispenser of Figures 7a to 11.

The fluid product dispenser used to illustrate the present invention is of a specific type, being an applicator comprising an application head D7, which can not only dispense the fluid product, but also apply the fluid product to the desired target surface, which can be the skin, nails, hair, etc. It must be understood that the present invention is not limited to this specific type of dispenser/applicator, but is applicable to any type of dispenser.

The dispenser of the present invention includes two separate subassemblies that can be detachably connected together, namely, a liquid storage module R and a distribution module D, which can be assembled and separated by a detachable or reversible connection method, such as a screw connection, a snap connection, a bayonet connection, etc. In the dispenser shown in the present invention, the detachable connection is a bayonet connection, which realizes a suitable shell D32 for accommodating the lug R13. Therefore, by the relative rotation between the liquid storage module R and the distribution module D, the lug R13 can be inserted/pulled out from the shell D32. Multiple shells D32 and multiple lugs R13 can be provided to achieve a balanced connection.

Generally speaking, the liquid storage module R includes a housing R1 for detachably accommodating a fluid product box C. In order to make the box C active, the liquid storage assembly R includes a push component R2 engaged with a support component R3. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, a spring works between the push component R2 and the support component R3. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the support component R3 includes a support R31 and a flexible buckle fixing convex piece R32. The liquid storage module R will be described more fully below.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dispensing module D includes a main body D1, at the upper end of which an application dispensing head D7 is mounted. At the end opposite to the upper end, the dispensing module D includes a base D3 fixed to the main body D1 and forming a housing D32. The main body D1 includes a window in which a button D62 is provided. Optionally, the dispensing module D includes a removable protective cap D8, which is engaged with the main body D1 or the base D3.

By referring to FIG. 3 a , all the components of the dispensing module D can be seen. It should be noted that this is only a non-limiting embodiment. The dispensing module D comprises a body D1, an application dispensing head D7, a base D3, a protective cap D8, a shuttle D2 supporting an outlet valve D4, a spring D5, a flat seal Dr, and an actuating member D6 formed by a curved lever D61 and a button D62. The curved lever D61 can be composed of one part or two parts, and can even be formed integrally with the button D62.

5 shows a perspective view of the dispensing module D in the mounted state. The body D1 , the application dispensing head D7 , the button D62 , the base D3 with the bayonet housing D32 and part of the outlet valve D4 can be distinguished.

The operation of the dispensing module D can be more easily understood from Figures 6a and 6b. The body D1 includes a side window D16, in which a button D62 is housed. The body D1 is traversed by a duct D11 which defines a sliding end piece D12 upstream and a shut-off valve D18 downstream. Further downstream, the body D1 includes an anchoring housing D17 for an anchoring column D73, which forms part of the application dispensing head D7. It can also be noted that the application dispensing head D7 is traversed by a channel that ends with a dispensing orifice D71 at the application surface D72. It can be said that the sliding end piece D12 is fluidically connected to the dispensing orifice D71 by passing through the valve D18 and the anchoring column D73.

As described above, the base D3 is fixedly mounted on the body D1, and one or more bayonet housings D32 are formed on the base D3. The base D3 also includes a shuttle D2, which includes a sliding sleeve D22 that is sealed and slidably engaged on the sliding end piece D12 of the body D1. The shuttle D2 internally defines a channel D21 that is connected to the conduit D11. The outlet valve D4 is fixedly mounted on the shuttle D2 and internally defines a valve channel D41 that extends to the side outlet D42. The outlet valve D4 also includes a sealing element D43, which can be presented in the form of an O-ring that is sealingly supported on the base D3. The sealing element can also be formed on the base D3. The spring D5 is arranged on the base D3 and moves the shuttle D2 toward the body D1, that is, in the direction where the sealing sliding fit between the sleeve D22 and the end piece D12 is maximum, as shown in Figure 6a, corresponding to the static position of the distribution module D. It can be seen that the seal Dr is installed in the base D3.

The actuating member D6, which includes a bent rod D61 and a button D62, moves between the main body D1 and the shuttle D2 to move the shuttle D2 away from the main body D1, thereby removing the sealing element D43 from the base D3, as shown in FIG6 b. To this end, the bent rod D61 is supported on the main body D1 on one hand and on the shuttle D2 on the other hand. By pressing the button D62 laterally, the bent rod D61 is deformed so that the shuttle D2 moves to the right in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, that is, moves away from the main body D1. This movement is opposite to the direction of the force applied by the spring D5. Therefore, the bent rod D61 constitutes a device that can convert a radial force into an axial force acting between the main body D1 and the shuttle D2 to control the outlet valve D4 to open.

This design of the distribution module D is advantageous, but not exclusive, and other designs may also be considered, as long as the distribution module D includes a controllable outlet valve and can be detachably connected to the liquid storage module R.

Fig. 3 c shows a fluid product box C, which comprises a cylinder C1, and a piston C2 is engaged in the cylinder C1, and the piston C2 seals and slides in the cylinder C1 to reduce its available volume. It is also possible to use a flexible bag to replace the piston. Generally speaking, box C must include a movable wall, whether it is sliding like the piston C2 or deformable like the flexible bag, to be used to limit the fluid reservoir of variable volume. The box C that is filled with fluid product can be sealed by a pierceable or peelable lid (not shown).

Fig. 3b shows the components of liquid storage module R, i.e. housing R1, pushing component R2, supporting component R3 and spring R4. It can be seen that supporting component R3 includes a support R31 and a flexible buckle fixing lug R32 located at the opposite end. It can be seen that the flexible buckle fixing lug R32 forms an inwardly oriented buckle fixing tooth R321. Pushing component R2 and supporting component R3 are intended to be assembled to accommodate spring R4, which is supported on the support R31 of supporting component 3 on the one hand, and on the other hand, the pushing head R20 of pushing component R2 is pushed against the piston C2 of fluid product box C, so that it can be sealed and slid in cylinder C1.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 4 a, which shows a reservoir module R in an active state corresponding to FIG. 1 . On the left side of FIG. 4 a, the lower portion of the distribution module D can be seen. As described above, the housing R1 of the reservoir module R is enclosed by the distribution module D, i.e., fastened by a detachable bayonet. It can also be noted that the barrel C1 is in sealing engagement with the base D3. Therefore, the contents of the box C are directly communicated with the outlet valve D4. For example, the lid of the box C has been pierced by a suitable projection formed by the base D3.

According to the present invention, the housing R1 forms several projections R12 inside, for example, the projection R12 can be in the form of a strip formed integrally with the housing R1, but separated from the inner wall of the housing R1 by the access channel R13, which can be more clearly seen in Figure 4b. These strips can be straight or curved, and the two ends of the strip are connected to the inner wall of the housing R1. These projections (or strips) R12 are basically located in the middle of the housing R1 and distributed along the annular line. It should be noted that the flexible snap-fastening projection R32 of the push component R3 is engaged by the access channel R13, so that its snap-fastening teeth R321 are snap-fastened with the projection R12. It should also be noted that the push component R2 forms an elastic blade R21 against the projection R12. Therefore, it can be said that the elastic blade R21 is engaged with the projection R12 on the same surface as the snap-fastening teeth R321. In this active position, the spring R4 is compressed to the maximum extent in the assembly formed by the push component R2b and the support component R3. Spring R4 is arranged on the support R31 of support part R3 and acts directly on the push head R20 of push part R2. Spring R4 is mainly engaged in push part R2, and push part R2 forms a cylinder R25, and cylinder R25 ends with a shoulder R22 with an increased diameter. Push part R2 also includes an inner tube R23, which ends with a passage opening R24. Support part R3 extends from its support 31 around cylinder R25 to its flexible snap-on fixing lug R32. Inside, support part R3 includes a rod R33, which is engaged in tube R23 through passage opening R24. This rod R33 ends with one or more hooking protrusions R34, which can insert rod R33 into tube R23, and prevent it from being pulled out by abutting against the edge of the hooking protrusion R3 on the passage opening R24, as described below. Other ways can also be used to connect rod R3 and tube R23.

Therefore, in this active position, through the flexible lug R32, enter the passage R13 and be fixed on the projection (strip) R12 by snap-fitting, support component R3 is maintained in the housing R1.Support R31 is actually against the end of housing R1.It can be said that support R31 is fixed to housing R1 in this active position.Therefore, the spring R4 compressed to the maximum degree acts between the push head R20 of support R31 and push component R2, and the push head R20 of push component R2 directly contacts with the piston C2 of box C.Therefore, the fluid product contained in box C is pressurized, but because outlet valve D4 is closed, fluid product can not flow out.

By pressing button D62, outlet valve D4 opens, and the fluid product in box C flows out through distribution module D under pressure until it reaches its distribution hole D71. The distribution of fluid product is accompanied by the movement of piston C2 under the action of push head R20, and the push head is moved by spring R4 on the fixed support R31 of support component R3. Except that its shoulder R22 slides in support component R3, push component R2 also moves in cylinder C1. The movement of shoulder R22 in support component R3 can be realized by sliding in contact or non-contact. It can be noted in Figure 4c that shoulder R22 moves near the flexible buckle fixing lug R32 engaged with projection R12. Rod R33 is located outside of pipe R23, but hooking projection R34 is located inside of pipe R23. Since piston C2 arrives near outlet valve D4, box C is almost empty.

In Fig. 4 d, box C is empty now, and piston C2 is located near outlet valve D4.It should be noted that the shoulder R22 of push component R2 is now located at flexible buckle fixing lug R32, and these lugs are offset outwards by shoulder R22, thereby disconnecting the buckle connection with the projection R12 of housing R1.Therefore, shoulder R22 contacts with projection R12, marking the end of the stroke of push component R2 under the effect of piston C2.Under the effect of spring R4, support component R3 moves to the right, so that flexible buckle fixing lug R32 moves or pulls out from entering passage R13, and support 31 moves away from the end of housing R1.Therefore, spring R4 is in its static position, for relaxing or almost relaxing.This static position is fixed by the hooking projection R34 against the edge of passage opening R24.

Subsequently, the assembly consisting of the push component R2 and the support component R3 can slide freely in the housing R1. Therefore, the overall assembly can be moved to the position of Fig. 4e, in which it should be noted that the distribution module D has been taken out from the housing R1, and the empty box C has been extracted from the same housing R1. In the static position of this opening, the elastic blade R21 can be released from the box C to contact with a face of the projection R12. Of course, the hook projection R34 always abuts against the edge of the channel opening R24. The spring R4 is loose or almost loose, and in any case, is in the most relaxed state.

Therefore, it is understandable that it is easy to load the newly filled box C into the housing R1 until its piston C2 contacts the push head R20 of the push head R2. Then, the distribution module D can be arranged on the liquid storage module R. Advantageously, the base D3 can form a piercing projection to pierce or cut the lid of the above-mentioned box C that seals, and the piercing projection is shown in Figure 4f. It should be noted that when the spring R4 is relaxed, the push head R20 will not press the piston C2. In order to actuate the distributor again, the support R31 can be simply pushed with a finger so that the support component R3 slides according to the push component R2 in the housing R1. The sliding of the support component R3 can compress the spring R4 and make the push head R20 abut against the piston C2. When the flexible buckle fixing lug R32 is clamped on the projection R12 again after passing through the entry opening R13, the support component R3 arrives at its final active position. This final active position is shown in Figure 4a, and it can be seen that the support R31 is again against the end (or almost) of the housing R1.

Through the complete description of the operation of the dispenser, it can be seen that the movement of the support R31 relative to the housing R1 makes it possible to release the pressure exerted by the spring R4, which makes it possible to insert a new cartridge C into the housing R1 without being pushed by the push head R20. In other words, the present invention can release the effect of the spring R4 by moving the support R31. Once the cartridge is inserted into the housing R1 and the dispensing module D is reconnected to the liquid storage module R, the spring R4 can play a role again by moving and locking the support R31 in its active starting position.

It should also be noted that the spring R4 is automatically released when the contents of the cartridge C are emptied, so that the user does not need to operate or manipulate the dispenser to release the spring R4. In fact, at the end of the stroke, the push member R2 acts on the support member R3 to disengage the push member R3 from the housing R1, which is particularly advantageous in terms of movement.

The bump or strip R12 of the housing R1 has several functions, namely as a snap-on securing ridge for the flexible tab R32 and as a stop surface for the resilient blade R21 and shoulder R22.

The shoulder R22 enables the flexible snap-fitting tab to be released from the projection R12, thereby achieving a release function, and can therefore be described as a release projection.

The push member R2 is arranged in the housing R1 and slides between two extreme stop states, namely the full stop and the empty stop. At the full stop, the elastic blade R21 abuts against the projection R12, corresponding to the full state of the box C; at the empty stop, the shoulder R22 abuts against the projection R12, corresponding to the empty state of the box C. When the push member R2 moves from the full stop to the vicinity of the empty stop under the action of the spring R4, the support R3 is in the active position. When the push member R2 reaches the empty stop, the support R31 moves to the static position.

Now with reference to Fig. 7a, 7b, 8,9,10 and 11, second embodiment is shown, and its difference with first embodiment is the mechanism for compressing or releasing spring R4.The outlet valve D4 of distribution module D is controlled by actuating member D6, can be the same or similar with first embodiment.Box C can also be the same or similar with first embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the reservoir module R differs in the provision of a planetary gear R5 acting between the support member R3 ′ and the housing R1 ′.

More specifically, similar to the housing R1, the housing R1' includes at least one locking cam R16 and one ejection cam R18 connected by a stop wall R17. The cams R16 and R18 protrude in the housing R1' and are curved and inclined. The stop wall R17 is vertical and radial and extends in a vertical radial plane. The housing R1' also includes an axial stopper R14, which is defined by a plurality of radial vertical protrusions that extend in the housing R1'. The axial stopper R14 is located above the cams R16 and R18 and defines a gap space between the cams R16 and R18. The housing R1' also defines at least one axial channel R15. As shown in Figure 9, the inner wall of the housing R1' forms three identical components, each of which includes a locking cam R16, a stop wall R17, an ejection cam R18 and an axial channel R15.

Similar to the housing R3, the support part R3' includes three rotation drive cams R35, wherein the rotation drive cams R35 are in the form of roughly triangular teeth pointing in the direction of the box C. The support part R3' also includes three slightly deformable lugs R37. The three rotation drive cams R35 are arranged between the three lugs R37. The three lugs R37 together form an axial travel limiting stop R38, which has the form of an internal reinforcement member defining an annular shoulder. The spring R4 is not shown in the figure, but is arranged at the bottom of the support part R3' in the same way as in R31 in the first embodiment.

The planetary gear R5 is an integral component including a generally cylindrical body R51. As shown in FIG. 10 , the planetary gear R5 includes or is formed with three lugs R54 at its upper end. These lugs R54 protrude outward from the body R51, and each lug defines an inclined sliding surface R541. At the lower end opposite to the upper end of the planetary gear R5, the body forms a stop ring R52 and teeth R53, which protrude outward from the body R51. The teeth R53 may be adjacent and extend over the entire periphery of the lower edge of the body R51. The teeth R53 are generally triangular in shape and point in the direction of the teeth of the rotation drive cam R35.

The housing R1', the support part R3' and the planetary gear R5 are meshed as follows. The teeth R53 of the planetary gear R5 are meshed with the teeth of the rotation drive cam to drive the planetary gear R5 to rotate during the compression stage of the spring R4, that is, when the user presses the support part R3' toward the spring R4. In the relaxation stage of the spring R4, that is, when the user releases the push on the support part R3', the stop ring R52 engages with the axial stroke limiting stopper R37. The lug R54 moves in the axial channel R15 and in the gap space defined between the locking cam R16 and the ejection cam R18 and the axial stopper R14 under the bias of the support part R3'. The sliding surface R541 of the lug R54 is in sliding contact on the locking cam R16 and the ejection cam R18, and the lug is in contact with both the locking cam R16 and the stop wall R17 in the active position. When the lug R54 comes into contact with the axial stopper R14, the teeth of the rotation drive cam R35 drive the planetary gear R5 to rotate.

12a to 12j, the complete course of the path of lug R54 is described.

In FIG. 12 a , the lug R45 is located at the bottom of the axial channel R15 , corresponding to the rest position of the spring in FIG. 7 a when it is released.

In Fig. 12b, the user presses the support member R3', so that the teeth of the rotary drive cam R35 engage between the two teeth R53 of the planetary gear, but due to the axial guidance of the lug R54 in the axial channel R15, the teeth of the rotary drive cam R35 cannot fully engage with the two teeth. Therefore, the lug R54 moves axially in the axial channel R15 while rotating, but cannot reverse.

In FIG. 12c , the lug R54 has escaped the axial guidance of the channel R15 and is in contact with the axial stop R14. The lug R54 is thus rotatably moved under the action of the rotary drive cam R35, the teeth of which are thus fully engaged between the two teeth R53 of the planetary gear. It can be noted that the lug R54 is partially located above the locking cam R16.

In Fig. 12d, the user has released the pressure on the support part R3', so that the teeth of the rotary drive cam R35 have disengaged from the two teeth R53 of the planetary gear, which now abut against the axial travel limiting stop R38. Under the pressure of the stop R38, the sliding surface R541 of the lug R54 is lowered by the action of the spring R4 to catch the locking cam R16.

In Figure 12e, the lug R54 slides on the locking cam R16 until it comes into contact with the stop wall R17, corresponding to the active position in which the spring is compressed. This position is stable because the lug R54 is pressed by the spring R4, which acts on the stop R38 in contact with the tooth R53 of the planetary gear.

In FIG. 12f , the user presses the support part R3 ′, so that the teeth of the rotary drive cam R35 have returned to mesh between the two teeth R53 of the planetary gear, but due to the axial guidance of the stop wall R17 , the teeth of the rotary drive cam R35 cannot fully mesh with the two teeth.

In FIG. 12g , the lug R54 slides against the stop wall R17 .

In Figure 12h, the lug R54 is released from the stop wall R17 and contacts the axial stop R14. The lug R54 is rotatably moved under the action of the rotary drive cam R35, and its teeth are fully meshed with the two teeth R53 of the planetary gear again.

In Fig. 12i, the user has released the pressure on the support part R3', so that the teeth of the rotary drive cam R35 have been disengaged from the two teeth R53 of the planetary gear, which now abut against the axial travel limiting stop R38. Under the pressure of the stop R38, the sliding surface R541 of the lug R54 is lowered by the action of the spring R4 so as to slide on the ejection cam R18.

In FIG. 12j , the lug R54 has left the ejection cam R18 and has fallen into another axial channel R15 , returning to the rest position in which the spring is released.

Such a mechanism with a planetary gear axially moved in rotation by a cam and a stop is known per se and the invention applies it to a specific application, namely for compressing/releasing a spring to enable easy replacement of a dispenser cartridge.

The dispenser of the present invention can define an installation method, which comprises the following steps in sequence:

a) Place the support in a stationary position,

b) Disconnect the liquid storage module from the distribution module,

c) inserting the fluid product box into the liquid storage module,

d) connecting the liquid storage module to the distribution module,

e) Move the support to the active position.

The present invention provides a liquid storage module based on spring installation, which greatly facilitates the replacement of the fluid product box when reconnecting to the dispensing module because there is no force applied by the spring.

Claims (18)

1. A fluid dispenser comprising:

a-reservoir module (R; R ') comprising a housing (R1; R1') containing a cartridge (C) of fluid product, said cartridge (C) defining a movable wall (C2), said movable wall (C2) being biased by a spring (R4) provided on a seat (R31) to move said movable wall (C2) to cause fluid product to flow out of said cartridge (C),

B-a dispensing module (D) closing the housing (R1; R1') and comprising an outlet valve (D4) controlled by an actuating member (D6), the outlet valve (D4) being intended to control the passage of the fluid product under pressure out of the fluid product cartridge (C),

Wherein the reservoir module (R; R ') is detachably connected to the dispensing module (D) for accessing the housing (R1; R1 ') so that the fluid product cartridge (C) can be removed from the housing (R1, R1 '),

Characterized in that the support (R31) of the spring (R4) is movable relative to the housing (R1; R1 ') between an active position in which the spring (R4) is compressed and a rest position in which the spring (R4) is released, so that the reservoir module (R; R') can be connected to the dispensing module (D) when the support (R31) is in the rest position, and then the support (R31) is moved to the active position.

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the spring (R4) is arranged between a pushing member (R2; R2 ') and a supporting member (R3; R3 '), the pushing member (R2; R2 ') and the supporting member (R3; R3 ') being slidably movable with respect to each other and with respect to the housing (R1; R1 '), the pushing member (R2, R2 ') comprising a pushing head (R20) in contact with the movable wall (C2) of the fluid product cartridge (C), and the supporting member (R3; R3 ') comprising the abutment (R31), the spring (R4) acting between the pushing head (R20) and the abutment (R31) to keep the pushing member (R2; R2 ') and the supporting member (R3; R3 ') away from each other.

3. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the support member (R3; R3 ') is fixed to the housing (R1; R1 ') in the active position, the pushing member (R2; R2 ') being movable relative to the housing (R1; R1 ') and the support member (R3; R3 ') in the active position when the outlet valve (D4) is open.

4. A dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the rest position in which the spring (R4) is released, the support member (R3; R3 ') and the pressing member (R2; R2 ') are in contact with each other, the support member (R3; R3 ') and the pressing member (r2:r2 ') being movable relative to the housing (R1; R1 ') in the event that the fluid product cartridge (C) is not filled.

5. Dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in the active position the support member (R3) is connected in a removable snap-fit manner to a hooking projection (R12) of the housing (R1).

6. Dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the pushing member (R2) comprises a release tab (R22) which acts on the support member (R3) to disengage the snap connection with the housing (R1) when the fluid product cartridge (C) is emptied.

7. Dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the support member (R3) comprises at least one flexible tab (R32) provided with a snap-fit tooth (R321) adapted to snap-engage with the hooking projection (R12) of the housing (R1), the release projection (R22) of the pushing member (R2) deforming the flexible tab (R32) to release the snap-fit tooth (R321) of the hooking projection (R12).

8. Dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein when the release tab (R22) acts on the support member (R3), the spring (R4) separates the push member (R2) and the support member (R3) from each other such that the support member (R3), once disengaged from the housing (R1), moves out of the housing (R1) to a rest position under the action of the spring (R4) providing an indication to the user that the fluid product cartridge (C) is empty, visually, audibly and/or tactilely.

9. Dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said pushing member (R2) is movable in said housing (R1) between a full stop and an empty stop, corresponding to a full state and an empty state, respectively, of said fluid product cartridge (C).

10. Dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the seat (R3) is in an active position when the pushing member (R2) is moved by the spring (R4) from the full stop to near the empty stop.

11. Dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the seat (R31) moves to the rest position when the push member (R2) reaches the empty stop.

12. Dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the reservoir module (R ') further comprises a planetary gear (R5) cooperating with the housing (R1 ') and the support member (R3 ') to switch between the active position and the rest position.

13. Dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the planetary gear (R5) is arranged in the support member (R3 ') with limited axial and rotational movement, in the active position the planetary gear (R5) being selectively stably engaged with the housing (R1').

14. Dispenser according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the support member (R3') comprises at least one rotary drive cam (R35) for driving the planetary gear in rotation.

15. Dispenser according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein said housing (R1 ') comprises at least one locking cam (R16) and at least one ejecting cam (R18), said planetary gear (R5) comprising at least one lug (R54) sliding on said locking cam (R16) and said ejecting cam (R28) under the action of said spring (R4), said spring (R4) acting on said planetary gear (R5) via said support member (R3').

16. Dispenser according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the housing (R1 ') comprises an axial stop (R14), the planetary gear (R5) being in abutment with the axial stop (R14) by means of the support member (R3').

17. The dispenser according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein,

-Said housing (R1') comprising at least one locking cam (R16) and one ejection cam (R18), an axial stop (R14) and at least one axial channel (R15) connected by a stop wall (R17),

Said support member (R3') comprising an axial travel limit stop (R38) and at least one rotary drive cam (R35),

-Said planetary gear (R5) comprises at least one lug (R54) defining a sliding surface (R541), a stop ring (R52) and teeth (R53),

Said tooth (R53) engaging with said rotary drive cam (R35) to rotate said planetary gear (R5) during compression of said spring (R4), said stop ring (R52) engaging with said axial travel limit stop (R38) during release of said spring (R4), said lug (R54) rotating in said axial channel (R15) under pressure of said support member (R3 ') and between said locking cam (R16) and said ejection cam (R18) and said axial stop (R14), said sliding surface (R541) being in sliding contact with said locking cam (R16) and said ejection cam (R18), said lug (R52) being in contact with said locking cam (R16) and said stop wall (R17) in an active position, said rotary drive cam (R35) driving the rotation of the gear (R5) under pressure of said support member (R3 ') such that said lug (R3) is then moved by said axial support member (R54) by said axial support member (R3 ') being released by said axial support member (R54), the lug (R54) is in contact with the locking cam (R16), the lug (R54) sliding on the ejection cam (R18) until it falls into another axial channel (R15).

18. A method for mounting a dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps in order:

a) -placing the support (R31) in the rest position;

b) Disconnecting the reservoir module (R) from the dispensing module (D);

c) Placing the fluid product cartridge (c) into the reservoir module (R),

D) Connecting the reservoir module (R) to the dispensing module (d),

E) -moving the support (R31) to the active position.