EP4157544A1

EP4157544A1 - Dispensing head for a fluid product and associated fluid product bottle

Info

Publication number: EP4157544A1
Application number: EP21728533.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Pruvost
Original assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Le Treport SAS
Current assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Le Treport SAS
Priority date: 2020-05-29
Filing date: 2021-05-25
Publication date: 2023-04-05
Also published as: US20230219109A1; WO2021239708A1; FR3110868B1; FR3110868A1; CN115697567A

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing head (2) for a fluid product, comprising: - a manually operable pusher (5), the pusher (5) being configured to move between a high position (P_H) and a low position (P_B), - a nozzle (10) for dispensing the product made of a resilient material, the dispensing head (2) being configured so that, during the movement of the pusher (5) between the high position (P_H) and the low position (P_B), the nozzle (10) passes from a closed position in which said nozzle (10) is sealed, to an open position allowing the dispensing of said product by deformation of the nozzle (10) under the effect of a stress exerted by the support (4) and/or a release of a stress exerted by the pusher (5).

Description

DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF A FLUID PRODUCT AND BOTTLE OF

ASSOCIATED FLUID PRODUCT

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a dispensing head for a fluid product. The invention further relates to a fluid product bottle equipped with such a dispensing head.

In the context of the invention, the fluid product can be any cosmetic product, in particular any pharmaceutical lotion or any other product.

Technical background

Fluid product bottles conventionally include a reservoir for the fluid product surmounted in its upper part by a rigid neck defining an opening in which the fluid product distribution system is inserted.

The dispensing system includes a pump which can be operated by a user by means of a pusher. When the user exerts pressure on the pusher, a dose of the product is dispensed through a dispensing orifice of a nozzle formed in said pusher.

Conventionally, the dispensing orifice is permanently open. The product that has remained in a communication channel between the pusher and the pump between two uses, that is to say when the pump is at rest, is therefore in contact with the external environment even before it is dispensed. It can therefore dry out or be contaminated with microbial agents.

More recently, nozzles have been proposed comprising, as the product dispensing orifice, a slit whose opening depends on the pressure exerted by the product exiting the pump.

In such a configuration, the slot cannot be perfectly sealed because it would not be possible, during the first use, to be able to prime the pump and expel the air contained in the pump and the head of the reservoir. Indeed, in the presence of air, the increase in the air pressure following the actuation of the pump is too low to open the slit so that the air could never be able to escape. and the pump to be primed. Because of this tightness, which is intentionally imperfect, such a configuration delays drying out but does not completely eliminate it. Nozzles have also been proposed, the opening of which is controlled mechanically during actuation. Such nozzles are, for example, provided with a link mechanism comprising a needle configured to obstruct the dispensing orifice of the product when the device is at rest and to perform a withdrawal movement when the pusher is actuated, allowing thus distributing the fluid through the orifice. However, this type of nozzle is of a more complex design with a large number of components and therefore more expensive. In addition, this greatly limits the design possibilities for the pusher.

Summary of the invention

The invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and provides a dispensing head for the fluid product in which the opening of the nozzle does not depend on the pressure exerted by the product coming from the pump and from the reservoir, the design of which is simple, requires a limited number of components and is inexpensive. The invention proposes in this regard a dispensing head for a fluid product, a manually actuable pusher, said pusher being configured to move between a high position and a low position, a product dispensing nozzle made of a material made of elastic material.

The dispensing head is configured so that, when moving the pusher between the high position and the low position, the nozzle passes from a closed position in which said nozzle is sealed to an open position allowing dispensing of said product by deformation of said nozzle under the effect of a stress exerted by the support or a release of a stress exerted by the pusher.

Thus, the opening of the nozzle of the invention does not depend on the pressure exerted by the product to be dispensed but on the stress exerted by a support on said nozzle or on a release of a stress exerted by the pusher during the displacement of said pusher between the high position and the low position. The nozzle can therefore be closed in a completely sealed manner, including without interfering with priming. In addition, the nozzle can remain closed in a completely sealed manner, in particular between two uses of the device, since the elastic material of which it is made allows it to return to its initial configuration, that is to say of rest, after the product has been distributed. The interior of said nozzle, as well as the product contained in the bottle are thus preserved from contamination. In addition, the nozzle according to the invention is simple to manufacture since its opening is “activated” by simply bringing the nozzle into contact with the support and the resulting stress or a release of a stress exerted by it. the pusher. The design of the nozzle of the invention is therefore simple and its design possibilities are therefore varied with a limited cost. In addition, the fluid product being more particularly a lotion, it is desirable that it be dispensed before being compressed and / or pressurized. This is because the lotion may have a fragile formula which could, when it is put under pressure, degrade. The nozzle according to the invention makes it possible to protect the lotion, whatever its formula, since the opening of said nozzle being controlled mechanically, it does not cause pressurization.

According to different characteristics of the invention which can be taken together or separately:

The dispensing head includes the support;

- said support is configured to support a pump of the dispensing head;

- Said support supports said pump;

- Said head is configured so that, in the low position, the pusher activates the pump;

- Said pusher is mounted axially movable relative to the pump support;

- Said pusher is locked in rotation relative to the pump support;

- the nozzle protrudes from an outer surface of the pusher;

- said nozzle comprises a slot,

- the nozzle comprises a distribution part provided with said slot and a duct opening onto the slot;

- Said slot is configured to deform, in particular in a circumferential direction, to allow the passage of the nozzle from the closed position to the open position,

- the dispensing head is configured so that said nozzle is subjected to forces from the opposite direction involving the pusher so as to cause the slot to open or to keep the slot closed by pinching,

- the nozzle is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a shore hardness between 15 and 90 shore A,

- the nozzle is attached to the pusher,

- According to a first embodiment, the nozzle goes from the closed position to the open position by deformation of said nozzle under the effect of the stress exerted by the support,

the nozzle comprises a so-called mobile means capable of causing the nozzle to pass from the closed position to the open position;

- Said mobile means consists of a boss located under and in contact with the nozzle;

- the boss is integral with the nozzle;

- Said boss comprises a surface adapted to come against the support; - The nozzle comprises a flexible web gripped between the boss and an upper peripheral edge of the nozzle;

- said flexible web comprises the slit,

- The slot extends in a direction substantially identical to a direction of movement of the pusher;

- Said slot extends in the extension of the boss;

- said slot extends substantially vertically;

- Said slot is configured to deform to allow the passage of the nozzle from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a force transmitted by the boss;

- The support further comprises a means, said fixed, capable of causing a passage of the nozzle from the closed position to the open position;

- The support comprises an upper edge of which the boss is opposite;

- said fixed means extends from the upper edge;

- the fixed means is integral with the support;

- The pusher comprises a housing for receiving the nozzle;

- Said nozzle is configured to be press-fitted into said housing;

- A projecting extension of the nozzle substantially corresponds to a width of the upper edge of the pump support;

- Said distribution portion of the nozzle comprises two housings extending on each side of said duct opening into the slot;

the nozzle comprises an elastic member comprising two resilient flexible tabs suitable for being inserted into said housings;

- a distance separating the flexible tabs is less than a distance separating the housings,

- According to a second embodiment, the nozzle goes from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a release of a stress exerted by the pusher,

- Said dispensing head further comprises an insert configured to exert a stress in the direction opposite to the stress exerted by the pusher to keep the nozzle closed at rest,

- Said pusher comprises a tongue, said insert being provided with one or more deformable tabs, said tab or tabs causing a force so that the insert exerts on the nozzle a stress in the opposite direction to a stress exerted by the tongue,

- The tabs are able to deform when pressure is exerted on said pusher, said tongue ceasing to exert on the nozzle the stress in the direction opposite to the stress exerted by the insert, when the pusher is actuated, - The dispensing head further comprises a dispensing pump provided with a spring, said spring having a stiffness constant selected so that when the pusher is actuated, a force exerted by the tabs is less than a force exerted by the spring,

- the slot extends in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the pusher,

- Said slot passes through a plane, said plane of the slot, the direction of the stresses exerted by said tongue and said tabs being orthogonal to the plane of the slot.

The invention further relates to a bottle for dispensing a fluid product comprising a reservoir in which a product is intended to be packaged and a neck equipped with a dispensing head as described above.

Brief description of the figures

Other objects and characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly in the following description, made with reference to the appended figures, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a diametrical sectional view of the dispensing head according to a first embodiment of the invention, the pusher being in the high position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view from the rear face of the nozzle fitted to the dispensing head of FIG. 1;

- Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing head of Figure 1, the pusher being in the high position;

- Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view, from another angle, of the dispensing head of Figure 1, the pusher being in the low position;

- Figure 4a illustrates a front side view of the nozzle of Figure 2;

- Figure 4b illustrates a front side view of the nozzle according to an alternative embodiment according to the first embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a dispensing head according to an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 6a illustrates a perspective view of a nozzle according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6b illustrates a sectional view, seen from above, of the nozzle illustrated in FIG. 6a;

- Figure 7 illustrates a diametrical sectional view of the dispensing head according to a second embodiment of the invention, the pusher being in the high position,

- Figure 8 is an exploded view of the dispensing head illustrated in Figure 7: Figure 8a illustrating a nozzle; Figure 8b, illustrating an insert; and FIG. 8c illustrating a pusher.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to Figure 1, the invention relates to a fluid dispenser head 2. The distributed fluid is in particular a liquid, in particular a lotion.

Said dispensing head is intended to equip a bottle, not shown, configured to contain the product to be dispensed. The bottle can be oriented either "upside down" or "upside down". Thus, the terms "higher" or "lower" should not be considered as limiting. The figures correspond to a head up configuration.

The fluid product can be any cosmetic, pharmaceutical or any other product which can be usefully preserved in the bottle. The fluid can be in direct contact with a reservoir of the vial. However, the fluid can be included in a flexible bag located within said reservoir so that it is not in contact with the reservoir but with said flexible bag.

The reservoir can be either rigid or deformable. This being the case, the reservoir comprises, at an upper part, a neck and an opening formed in said neck. The neck is preferably rigid.

The distribution head 2 is preferably equipped with a distribution pump 3.

The dispensing pump 3 comprises, in the example illustrated, a metering chamber and a nozzle capable of moving inside the metering chamber.

The dispensing head 2 comprises a support 4, a manually operable pusher 5 and an elastic nozzle 10 which will be described in more detail below. The support 4 is advantageously used to support the pump 3. It is of tubular shape, in particular of revolution. It extends along a central longitudinal axis X corresponding to a median axis of the bottle. In addition, the support 4 can be used to keep the dispensing pump 3 stationary at a neck of the reservoir by means of a fixing system. Preferably, the system of fixing may include removable fixing means allowing easy disassembly and reassembly of the dispensing head at said neck, for example by unscrewing / screwing and / or snapping. Said support 4 can be in the form of a ring on which is mounted a hoop 40. The support 4 can also be in the form of a single ring, that is to say without covering hoop 40. , as shown in Figure 5.

The pusher 5 is mounted axially movable relative to the support 4. It opens onto the nozzle on which it is able to come into abutment. In addition, an empty interior volume 42 serving to accommodate the pusher 5 is reserved within the support 4. In FIG. 1, the pusher 5 is in the high position PH. In the high position PH, the pusher 5 is not completely inserted into the empty interior volume 42. The pusher 5 therefore protrudes significantly with respect to an upper edge 41 of the hoop 40 so that only a portion of the volume occupied by said pusher remains at the height of the support. The dispensing nozzle 10 is therefore located at a good distance from said upper edge 41 of the hoop 40. In this configuration, the pump 3 is at rest since the piston is not stressed.

The push-button 5 is configured to go from the high position PH to a low position PB. In the low position PB, the pusher 5 is completely inserted into the empty volume 42. The pusher 5 certainly protrudes from the upper edge 41 of the hoop 40 but to a lesser extent (illustrated in FIG. 5). Thus, in the low position PB, the dispensing nozzle 10 is in direct contact with the upper edge 41. The pusher 5 is lowered as much as the initial distance which separates the nozzle 10 from the upper edge 41 at the high position PH.

The movement of the pusher 5 from the high position PH to the low position PB activates the pump 3 through the nozzle so as to obtain a priming of the pump 3 or a distribution of the product. In other words, this movement results in actuation of the dispensing head 1. Means for locking the pusher 5 in rotation can be provided, as we will see below.

The nozzle 10 for dispensing the product is in fluid communication with the pump 3 via an outlet duct 51 of the pusher 5. The pusher 5 comprises a housing 52 for receiving the nozzle 10. The housing 52 for reception has suitable dimensions to allow forcing of said nozzle 10 into said receiving housing 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving housing 52 has a substantially tubular and complementary shape with a peripheral edge 26 of a recessed portion 25 of the nozzle 10. In such a configuration, when the nozzle 10 is forcibly inserted into it. the reception housing 52, the peripheral edge 26 is found pressed against a lateral interior surface of said reception housing 52. Here, a rear face 27 is at a distance from a bottom of the receiving housing 52. The nozzle 10 is not completely embedded in the receiving housing 52. In fact, only the recessed portion 25 is completely inserted into the receiving housing 52. The nozzle 10 projects from an outer side surface 50 of the pusher. More precisely, the nozzle 10 comprises a portion 11 projecting relative to the outer surface 50. The recessed portion 25 is located upstream of the projecting portion 11 in the direction of the flow of the product. As best illustrated in Figure 2, the projecting portion 11 has a substantially oblong shape, a small axis a and a large axis b have larger dimensions than a diameter d of the embedded portion 25. In the example of embodiment illustrated, the nozzle 10 comprises two ears 12, 13 closed on the front face and located on each side of the projecting portion 11. A recess 12a, 13a is made in each of the ears 12, 13 which makes it possible to limit the supply of material during the manufacture of the nozzle 10. Each of said ears 12, 13 comprises a proximal edge 12b, 13b configured to come in. stop on the pusher 5, which keeps the projecting portion 11 outside the housing 52 for reception.

The nozzle 10 comprises a conduit 28 for passing the fluid located in the extension of the conduit 51 of the pusher 5. It is here of rectangular section, the long sides of said conduit 28 being oriented along the X axis.

Figures 1 to 6b illustrate a first embodiment of the invention which will be described in the following sections.

Referring now to Figures 3a and 3b, the dispensing head 2 is configured so that, when moving the pusher 5 between the high position P _H (configuration illustrated in Figure 3a) and the low position P _B (configuration illustrated on FIG. 3b), the elastic nozzle 10 passes from a closed position in which said nozzle is sealed to an open position allowing the distribution of said product by deformation of said nozzle 10 under the effect of a stress exerted by the support 4. L The opening of the nozzle 10, and therefore the distribution of product, are thus only controlled by the stress exerted by the support 4 on the nozzle 10 during the movement of the pusher 5. In other words, the opening of the nozzle 10 is mechanically controlled and without additional part.

The more the pusher 5 is moved towards the support 4, the greater the stress exerted by said support 4. In other words, when the pusher 5 is in the high position P _H , the stress being zero, the nozzle 10 is in the closed position, and when the pusher 5 reaches the low position P _B , the stress increases as the pusher 5 is pressed against the support 4 and the nozzle 10 goes into the open position. The nozzle 10 opens as soon as it is in contact with the support 4. Continuous pressure can be exerted on the pusher 5 for increase an opening section of the nozzle 10. However, the opening takes place the instant following the contact of said nozzle 10 with the support 4.

Advantageously, the dispensing nozzle 10 comprises means 14, said to be movable, capable of causing the nozzle to pass from the closed position to the open position. The means 14 is said to be mobile because, although it has a fixed position relative to the pusher 5, the axial displacements of the pusher 5 along the X axis necessarily induce changes in its relative position with respect to the support 4, which is for it. fixed in use.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the so-called mobile means 14 consists of a boss. The boss 14 has a domed shape. It protrudes along the X axis from a lower wall of the duct 28 of the nozzle, in its protruding portion. It is therefore turned towards the support 4. In other words, it protrudes in a direction substantially identical to the direction of movement of the pusher 5. In a preferred embodiment, the boss 14 is integral with the nozzle 10. Otherwise Said, the boss 14 is in one piece with said nozzle 10, which has the advantage of simplifying the manufacturing process of the dispensing head 2, since the nozzle 10 can be molded in a single piece. According to another embodiment of the invention not illustrated, the boss 14 may be located under and in contact with the nozzle 10, that is to say may not be integral with the nozzle, without being in the same material. . As a variant, the boss 14, still without being integral with the nozzle 10, can be made of the same material as the latter.

In one or the other of the aforementioned embodiments, the boss 14 is positioned on the side of the nozzle 10 located opposite the support 4, in particular the upper edge 41 of said hoop 40. Thus, during the displacement of the pusher 5 from the high position PH (configuration illustrated in FIG. 3a) to the low position PB (configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b), the boss 14 is necessarily brought into contact against the support 4, in particular on the edge 41 of the hoop In this case, the boss 14 comprises a surface, called the stop surface 14a, adapted to come against the support 4. The stop surface 14a forms with said upper edge 41 a stop. The value of this particularly advantageous positioning will be better understood in the following sections. It may be noted that by the configuration of the boss 14, it also participates in maintaining the projecting portion 11 outside the receiving housing 52, in addition to the two lugs 12, 13. Said boss 14 here has a rounded shape, substantially in a quarter of a circle or an ellipse.

In this regard, it may also be noted that a projecting extension of the nozzle 10 may correspond substantially to a width of the upper edge 41. In other words, the radial extension of said boss 14 (with respect to the axis X ) may correspond substantially to a width of the upper edge 41. However, this is not compulsory, the most important being that the stop surface 14a is of sufficient size as illustrated in FIG. 3b.

Particularly advantageously, the nozzle 10 comprises a flexible web 15 gripped between the boss 14 and an upper peripheral edge 16a of the nozzle 10. In fact, the boss 14, the flexible web 15 and the upper peripheral edge 16a are located one above the other in this order along the X axis. The veil 15 is also located side by side with lateral peripheral borders 16b, 16c which extend on each side of said veil 15. The borders 16a upper and side 16b, 16c together form a peripheral edge 16 of the nozzle 10. The web 15 is substantially flat and thin while the peripheral edge 16 forms a thick edge extending rearwardly up to the pusher.

The veil 15 is configured to deform. Indeed, the web 15 is thinned compared to the boss 14 and the upper peripheral edge 16a. It has a reduced thickness compared to a thickness of the boss 14 and a thickness of the peripheral edge 16a. The small thickness of the web 15 gives it flexibility. In any event, the web 15 is more flexible than the boss 14 and the upper peripheral edge 16a. Thus, during the displacement of the pusher 5 from the high position PH (configuration illustrated in FIG. 3a) to the low position PB (configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b), the web 15 being gripped between the boss 14 and the edge 16a upper peripheral, it is configured to deform under the effect of a force transmitted by the boss, itself resulting from the stress exerted by the pump support 4 on said boss 14.

The flexible web 15 comprises a slot 17 extending in a direction substantially identical to a direction of movement of the pusher 5. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the duct 28 opens directly into the slot 17. The slot 17 extends. along the X axis in the extension of the boss 14. It can extend all along the flexible web 15 being in direct contact with the boss 14 and the upper peripheral edge 16a, as illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b and 4a . The slit is then greater than a length of the duct 28 of the nozzle. Alternatively, it extends partially along the web 15 without being in contact with the edges of the web 15, as illustrated in Figure 4b.

By virtue of its configuration on the flexible web 15, the slot 17 is caused to deform with said flexible web. More precisely, said slot 17 is configured to deform, in a circumferential direction, to allow the passage of the nozzle 10 from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a force transmitted by the boss 14. The slot 17 necessarily deforms in a circumferential direction, as illustrated in Figure 3b, since on the one hand it extends in the direction of movement of the pusher 5 and on the other hand, it deforms with the flexible web 15 under the effect of the force transmitted by the boss in the same direction, that is to say the direction of movement of the pusher 5.

The elasticity of the nozzle 10, that is to say its ability to deform under the effect of the stress exerted by the support 4, is therefore essential in the context of the present invention. Advantageously, the nozzle 10 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. Preferably, this material has a Shore hardness of between 15 and 90 Shore A. The elastic material of which the nozzle 10 is made allows the slot 17 to remain completely sealed, in particular between two uses of the device, when it is not used. is subjected to no stress (Figure 2). Thus, the product remaining in the pipe 28 of the nozzle between two uses is protected from any contamination.

According to another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the support 4 may further comprise a so-called fixed means capable of causing the nozzle 10 to pass from the closed position to the open position. The fixed means has a function similar if not identical to the boss 14 by being placed opposite the nozzle along the X axis. However, unlike the boss 14, the fixed means extends from the support 4 More precisely, it extends from the peripheral edge 41, which means that its relative position does not change.

Preferably, the fixed means consists of a boss. The boss can be integral with the support 4. In other words, the boss is in one piece with the support 4.

When they are combined, the boss located on the support is intended to cooperate with the boss 14. In this regard, it can therefore have any suitable shape to allow such cooperation. Thus, during the displacement of the pusher 5 from the high position PH (configuration illustrated in FIG. 3a) to the low position PB (configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b), the boss 14 is necessarily brought into contact against the boss of the support. 4, in this case via its abutment surface 14a. In this embodiment, the stop surface 14a forms with said boss of the support 4 a stop.

In this regard, the pusher 5 and the pump support 4 are preferably configured so that the pusher 5 is locked in rotation relative to said pump support 4. This configuration has the advantage of allowing the nozzle 10 to always remain. facing the boss of the support 4.

With reference to FIG. 6a, a variant of the nozzle fitted to the dispensing head according to the invention is illustrated. In this configuration, the nozzle 10 comprises a distribution part provided with said slot 17 and the duct 28 opening onto the slot 17. The nozzle 10 further comprises an elastic member 30. The latter makes it possible to close the nozzle in a sealed manner more effectively. at rest. In this regard, the elastic member 30 comprises two tabs flexible 31 a, 31 b, elastic, configured to be inserted between two housings 18a, 18b respectively of said distribution part. As can be better seen in FIG. 6b, the lateral housings 18a, 18b are located on each side of the duct 28 ensuring fluid communication between the communication channel 51 of the pusher and the slot 17.

Advantageously, the flexible tabs 31a, 31b are separated by a distance of less than a distance of ”separating the housings 18a, 18b. In other words, the spacing between the flexible legs 31a, 31b is less than the spacing between the housings 18a, 18b. Thus, when the flexible tabs 31a, 31b are inserted into the lateral housings 18a, 18b, they exert a force directed towards the center of the distribution part (illustrated by arrows directed towards the duct 28 in FIG. 6b). This makes it possible to increase the stiffness of the slot 17 and promotes the leaktight closing of said slot at rest. This does not prevent the opening of the slot 17 since it is controlled mechanically.

The distances d 'and d ”must therefore be chosen so as to allow the insertion of the flexible tabs 31a, 31b in the housings 18a, 18b while allowing said flexible tabs to exert a constraint on the slot 17. Indeed, a difference, D, that is too large between d 'and d ”will not allow the insertion of the flexible legs while a difference D that is too small will not allow the flexible legs to exert sufficient stress on the slot.

In addition, the elastic member 30 preferably comprises a conduit 32 allowing the passage of fluid between the communication channel 51 of the pusher and the conduit 28 of the dispensing part. The duct 32 of the elastic member extends as an extension of the duct 28.

The elastic member 30 can also include a peripheral edge 33 making it possible to avoid any play between the dispensing part and said elastic member. In this regard, the peripheral rim 33 is configured so as to engage with a rim of the dispensing part. In the section plane illustrated in Figure 6b, the peripheral rim extends around the entire outer circumference of the rim of the dispensing portion, that is, it extends in an annular fashion.

Figures 7 to 8c illustrate a dispensing head 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 7, in this embodiment, the dispensing head 2 is configured so that, when moving the pusher 5 between the high position PH and the low position PB, the elastic nozzle 10 passes from a closed position. wherein said nozzle is sealed to an open position allowing the distribution of said product by deformation of said nozzle 10 under the effect of a release of a stress exerted by the pusher 5. In this embodiment, as in the previous one, the opening of the nozzle 10 is therefore controlled mechanically. However, in this second embodiment, the pusher 5 exerts a stress on the nozzle 10 when the device is at rest and it is the release of the stress which allows the nozzle to pass from the closed position to the open position. In this way, sealing is promoted in the closed position. The following sections describe in more detail how the stress exerted by the pusher 5 on the nozzle 10 is released.

As illustrated in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the pusher 5 comprises an outer side surface 50 and a tongue 54 projecting from the outer side surface 50. The nozzle 10 for its part protrudes radially with respect to the pusher 5. At rest, that is to say when no pressure is exerted on the pusher 5, the nozzle 10 rests at least partly on the tongue 54, in particular on an upper surface 54a of the tongue (Fig. . 8c). In other words, at rest, the nozzle 10 bears on the upper surface 54a. Concomitantly, this also means that the tongue 54 exerts a stress on the nozzle 10.

In addition, the dispensing head 2 advantageously comprises an insert 6. The insert 6 is made of a material more rigid than the nozzle 10. The insert 6 exerts, at rest, on the nozzle 10, a stress in the direction opposite to the stress. exerted by the pusher 5. This is due on the one hand to the positioning of the insert 6 relative to the pusher 5 and to the nozzle 10 and on the other hand to the configuration of the insert 6 itself.

In this regard, the insert 6 advantageously comprises a plurality of elastically deformable tabs 60. At rest, at least one of said tabs 60, here all of said tabs exert on the nozzle 10 a stress in the opposite direction to the stress exerted by the tongue 54 of the pusher, this by resting against an internal face of a upper wall 56 of the pusher 5. These two constraints in opposite directions make it possible to close, in a sealed manner, the nozzle 10. In fact, as best illustrated in FIG. 8a, in the second embodiment, the nozzle 10 comprises a flexible web 15 comprising a slot 17 extending in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the pusher 5. In this case, the slot 17 extends substantially horizontally. Thus, at rest, the stresses simultaneously exerted by the tongue 54 of the pusher and by the deformable tabs 60 of the insert are balanced in order to keep the lips of the slot 17 pressed against each other. This ensures excellent sealing of the slot. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8b, the insert 6 comprises four elastically deformable tabs 60. The elastically deformable tabs 60 are connected in pairs by means of two spacers 61 and form pairs. Each tab 60 comprises an end connected to one of the spacers 61 and a free end of curved shape towards the outside. Each elastically deformable tab 60 widens out between the end connected to the spacer 61 and the free end, which gives each pair of tabs a substantially V-shaped shape, the junction of which is located at the level of the spacer 61. The free ends bear against the upper wall 56 of the pusher. The insert 6 comprises an upper face comprising a plurality of openings 62 through which said free ends can protrude and flex.

Each of the spacers 61 is positioned so that the two tabs 60 which it connects exert on the nozzle 10 a stress in the opposite direction to the stress exerted by the tongue 54. The portions 61 of material are positioned on the insert 6 of so that the tabs 60 each exert a stress at locations substantially separated by the same distance with respect to a plane of symmetry of the insert 6 passing through the central X axis of the dispensing head 2. This makes it possible to have a balanced distribution of the stresses exerted on the nozzle 10. Thanks to such an arrangement, the plating of the lips of the slot 17 is homogeneous over its entire length.

In Figure 8b, we can still see that the insert 6 comprises an opening 64 receiving the nozzle 10, here radially. The opening 64 more precisely receives a connection portion 19 of the nozzle (visible in Fig. 8a). It comprises fixing means 19a cooperating with fixing means 64a of the insert, which makes it possible to guarantee a good positioning of the nozzle 10. The insert 6 also comprises a chimney 63 of substantially cylindrical shape, the internal dimensions of which are adapted to those of an upper portion of the distribution pump 3 in order to accommodate said upper portion of the pump. The chimney 63 is oriented along the actuating axis of the dispensing head. It comes from the upper face comprising the openings 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers 61 are also understood to be the upper face comprising the openings 62, for example parallel to said chimney 63. Said spacers 61 are radially offset, outwardly, relative to said chimney 63 The tabs 60 extend from the free ends of said spacers 61.

Preferably, the pusher 5 further comprises rest stops 55 on which the insert 6 can be supported by a lower edge of a peripheral wall. Preferably, at rest, the pump is in a stop position and does not exert an upward force on the insert 6. Under the effect of the tabs 60 cooperating with the wall 56, the insert 6 is pressed against the rest stops 55. The stops 56 define an internal volume of the pusher 5 in which the insert 6 can move axially. The peripheral wall of the insert 6 extends axially from the upper wall of said insert. It is radially offset outwards with respect to the legs 60.

Still preferably, the pusher 5 comprises ribs 57 for angular positioning of the insert 6. Said ribs extend from the inner side flanks of the pusher 5 and cooperate with grooves 58, oriented axially, provided at an outer face of the pusher. the peripheral wall of said insert 6. Said ribs 57 and said grooves 58 allow the insert 6 to be guided with respect to the pusher 5 during their relative axial movement. Preferably, said grooves 58 have a stop surface 59 extending radially outwardly so as to cooperate with a lower edge of the ribs 57 during actuation of the pusher 5, the insert 6 then being locked in the upper position afterwards. flexing of the legs 60.

When the user exerts pressure on the pusher, that is to say that he presses on an external surface of the upper wall 56, the pusher 5 moves towards the low position P _B. As the free ends tabs 60 are curved outwardly and are located against the upper wall 56 of the pusher and that, in parallel, the other ends of the tabs 60 are connected to the spacers 61, each pair of tabs 60 will deform while passing from a shape substantially V-shaped, as previously described, to a more flattened V-shape. The V-shape is said to be more flattened compared to the initial V-shape because the free ends of the more flattened V-shape are even further away from the struts 61 than in the initial V-shape.

Thanks to such a configuration, when the user exerts pressure on the pusher 5, the tabs 60 deform elastically so that the insert 6 approaches the upper wall 56 of the pusher 5, according to a relative axial displacement of the insert 6 relative to the pusher 5. The nozzle 10 thus detaches from the tongue 54, in particular from its upper surface 54a, and the slot 17 opens, without the constraints which have now disappeared. Her lips are no longer pressed against each other.

Note that the deformation of the tabs 60 and the deactivation of the stress (s) exerted by said tabs is also due to the fact that their stiffness constant is selected appropriately with respect to a spring 35 of the pump 3 In fact, the pump spring 35 has a stiffness constant chosen so that when actuating the pusher 5, the force exerted by the tabs 60 is less than the force exerted by the pump spring 35. At rest, as no stress is exerted on the pusher 5 and the pump is in abutment, the insert 6, through tabs 60 exert on the nozzle 10 a constraint oriented downwards while the tongue 54 exerts a stress exerted upward, in the manner of a pinch. On the other hand, when actuating the pusher 5, the force exerted by said pump spring 35 is greater than that operated by the tabs 60 and the insert 6 approaches the upper wall 56 of the pusher 5. Concomitantly, the spring 35 pump has an appropriate stiffness to retain its ability to compress and allow actuation of the pump 3 to dispense the product, once the slot 17 is open.

Whatever the case, by ceasing to press the pusher 5, the insert 6 returns to its original configuration, which makes it possible to mechanically close the nozzle 10. The opening and closing of the nozzle 10, in particular of the slot 17, do not depend on the pressure exerted by the fluid but on the mechanical stresses exerted or not on the nozzle 10.

When the nozzle 10 detaches from the tongue 54, which remains light, the seal is favored by the shape of the nozzle 10, provided extending on the surface to the front of the tongue 54, under the tent 17 The configurations shown in the figures cited are only possible examples, in no way limiting, of the invention which, on the contrary, encompasses the variants of shapes and designs within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Distribution head (2) of a fluid product comprising:

- a manually operable pusher (5), said pusher (5) being configured to move between a high position (PH) and a low position (PB),

- a product dispensing nozzle (10) made of an elastic material, said dispensing head (2) being configured so that, when moving the pusher (5) between the high position (PH) and the low position (PB), the nozzle (10) goes from a closed position in which said nozzle (10) is sealed to an open position allowing the distribution of said product by deformation of said nozzle (10) under the effect of a stress exerted by a support (4) or by releasing a stress exerted by the pusher (5).

2. Dispensing head (2) according to the preceding claim wherein said nozzle (10) comprises a slot (17), said slot (17) being configured to deform, in a circumferential direction, to allow passage of the nozzle ( 10) from the closed position to the open position.

3. Dispensing head (2) according to the preceding claim configured so that said nozzle (10) is subjected to forces in the opposite direction involving the pusher (17) so as to cause an opening of the slot (17) or to maintain the slot (17) closed by pinching.

4. Dispensing head (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a shore hardness between 15 and 90 shore A.

5. Dispensing head (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the nozzle (10) is fixed to the pusher (5) and comprises a means (14), said movable, capable of causing a passage of the nozzle from closed to open position.

6. Distribution head (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein said movable means (14) consists of a boss located under and in contact with the nozzle (10), said boss (14) comprising a surface adapted to come against the support (4).

7. Dispensing head (2) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the nozzle (10) comprises a flexible web (15) gripped between the boss (14) and an edge (16a) upper peripheral of the nozzle, said flexible web (15) comprising said slot (17) extending in a direction substantially identical to a direction of movement of the pusher (5), said slot (17) being configured to deform to allow the passage of the nozzle from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a force transmitted by the boss (14).

8. Dispensing head (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (10) comprises a dispensing part provided with said slot (17) and a duct (28) opening onto the slot (17), said nozzle. (10) further comprising an elastic member (30) comprising two resilient flexible tabs (31 a, 31 b) capable of being inserted into two housings (18a, 18b) of said distribution part extending on each side of said duct ( 28) and in which a distance (d ') separating the flexible tabs (31a, 31 b) is less than a distance (d ”) separating the housings (18a, 18b) from the distribution part.

9. Dispensing head (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising said support (4) and wherein the support (4) comprises means, said fixed, capable of causing passage of the nozzle (10) of the closed position to the open position.

10. Dispensing head (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising an insert (6) configured to exert a stress in the direction opposite to the stress exerted by the pusher (5) to keep the nozzle closed. at rest.

11. Dispensing head (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein said pusher (5) comprises a tongue (54), said insert (6) being provided with one or more deformable tabs (60), said tab (s) (60) causing a force so that the insert (6) exerts on the nozzle (10) a stress in the opposite direction to a stress exerted by the tongue (54).

12. Dispensing head (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tabs (60) are able to deform when pressure is exerted on said pusher (5), said tongue (54) ceasing to exert on the nozzle. (10) the stress in the opposite direction to the stress exerted by the insert (6), when actuating the pusher (5).

13. Dispensing head (2) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a dispensing pump (3) provided with a spring (35), said spring (35) having a stiffness constant selected so that during the actuation of the pusher (5), a force exerted by the tabs is less than a force exerted by the spring (35).

14. Dispensing head (2) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the slot (17) extending in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the pusher (5), said slot (17) passing. by a plane (P) called the plane of the slot, the direction of the stresses exerted by said tongue (54) and said tabs (60) being orthogonal to the plane of the slot (17).

15. Bottle for dispensing a fluid product comprising a reservoir in which a product is intended to be packaged and a neck equipped with a dispensing head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.