Patent Description:
Lotion pump is broadly used in daily chemicals such as hand sanitizer, shower gel and the like, for pumping the product out from a container such as a bottle, for use. The lotion pumps sold in the market are mostly provided with metal springs, which can restore the lotion pump after a user have pressed the lotion pump to pump an amount of product out for use, thus ready for the next use.

Recently, as requirement for environment protection becoming higher, it is required to recover lotion pump, for realizing recycling of natural source. In order to facilitate in recovering and reusing the lotion pump, it is proposed in the field of lotion pump manufacture to use plastic spring for replacing metal spring, i.e. an all-plastic pump is proposed. Plastic spring is often in the form of plastic helical spring, plastic arc spring, bellow spring, and the like. However, the present plastic spring has some drawbacks, for example when the plastic spring is compressed for a long time, it will yield, thus the spring force of the plastic spring will deteriorate, or even fail to function as a spring. In order to avoid failure of plastic spring due to being compressed for a long time, one solution is to set an all-plastic pump in the form of locking at upper position, and when the lotion pump is in a non-use state, the plastic spring is in a state free of pressing and is relaxed.

<FIG> shows an exemplary lotion pump with a plastic spring. Wherein, the lotion pump <NUM> has a press head <NUM>, a toothed sleeve <NUM>, a cylinder <NUM> and a piston rod <NUM>, one end of a spring <NUM> is connected to the piston rod <NUM>, and the other end thereof is connected to the cylinder <NUM>. When the press head <NUM> is pressed, the piston rod <NUM> moves down accordingly, so that the spring <NUM> is compressed, and when the pressure on the press head <NUM> is removed, the press head <NUM> restores by means of the elastic force of the spring <NUM>. The lotion pump <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a lotion pump in the form of locking at upper position, and in the non-use state, for example when the product is transported and is displayed for sale, the press head <NUM> is in its highest position of the stroke, so that the spring <NUM> is in the state that has the least compress force, therefore, the spring <NUM> will not yield, which result in failure of the spring, due to being compressed in the non-use state.

It can be seen that the above mentioned lotion pump is a lotion pump of the type of locking at upper position. For a lotion pump of the type of locking at upper position, sometimes it is hard to meet the requirement of package for E-business. And, the lotion pump of the type of locking at upper position has a larger height in its original and non-used state, thus result in a higher requirement for the height of the product box, good shelf and the like.

So, in the field of lotion pump, there is need in further improving structure of a lotion pump with plastic spring, which can solve the problem of plastic spring deteriorating in term of its spring force, and meanwhile meet the requirement of transporting for E-business.

<CIT> discloses a press type liquid pump, wherein two bearing faces are at difference elevations that alternatively engage with upper ends of the elastic strip to realize shifting between the locked and open states.

<CIT> discloses a cream dispenser, wherein a fixed feeding piston linked to a top housing by a shoulder can plunge into a longitudinally movable feeding cylinder which can be pressed by a spring element against transversely movable bevels by means of two cams.

<CIT> discloses a liquid pump, wherein the raised supporting face of the relaxation ring is in contact with the upper base of the elastic mechanism.

The present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical problem of the existing lotion pump. The object of the present invention is to provide a lotion pump with improved structure, which can protect a plastic spring of the lotion pump from yielding due to being pressed in non-used state, thus provide the same with longer life time, meanwhile it can realize locking at lower position, thus satisfy requirement of E-business transportation.

The problem is solved by lotion pumps according to any one of claims <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

The lotion pump of the present invention according to a first aspect is mounted on a container for dispensing product in the container, the lotion pump includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, when used, the movable portion can move relative to the container, and the stationary portion remain station relative to the container, wherein the lotion pump further includes:.

In the lotion pump with the above mentioned structure, by means of the provision of the shifting mechanism, movement of the movable parts, such as the press head, can shift a supporting seat between the first position and the second position, so as to select to apply a compress force on the elastic restoring mechanism, or reduce the compress force act on the elastic restoring mechanism, or even disengage from the elastic restoring mechanism. Thus, in the non-used state, the elastic restoring mechanism can be applied with a tiny pressure, or is not pressed. Such a structure is especially advantageous for the elastic spring, and can help in extending its lifetime. And, it can be seen that such a structure of the lotion pump can realize the form of locking at lower position, thus it can meet the requirement of package in E-business transportation.

The shifting mechanism is provided on the movable portion. Wherein, the shifting mechanism further includes a first mating part, and a second mating part is formed on the elastic restoring mechanism, when the movable portion moves relative to the container, the first mating part cooperates with the second mating part, so that one end of the elastic restoring mechanism is moved between the first position and the second position.

The elastic restoring mechanism includes a spring and a spring supporting seat, the spring supporting seat is positioned at one end of the spring, and the second mating part is formed on the spring supporting seat.

One of the first mating part and the second mating part is a helical rib, the other one of the first mating part and the second mating part is a helical slot, the helical rib can mate into the helical slot, so that when the movable portion rotates, the helical slot and the helical rib act with each other, so that one end of the elastic restoring mechanism moves between the first position and the second position.

For such a detailed structure, during the process that the press head is rotated and thus turns it from a locked state to a standby state, the interaction between the helical slot and the helical rib can move the supporting seat into the second position at the same time, so that the spring is loaded.

Further, as the movable portion rotates, the helical rib can disengage from the helical slot, and the size and the relative position of the helical rib and the helical slot are set such that as the movable portion rotates, the helical rib disengages from the helical slot prior to alignment of a locking block to a cutout. Thereby, in the second position, a lower end of the rib can abut against the supporting seat, so that it is held in the second position, and it can also prevent the helical slot from undesirably entering again into the helical rib when the press head of the lotion pump is pressed.

Of course, the movable portion and the stationary portion can also be provided differently from the above mentioned, for example the cylinder is of the movable portion, and the piston rod and the piston are of the stationary portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the first mating part includes a guide strip, the second mating part includes a cutout, by means of rotation of the piston rod, the guide strip aligns to the cutout, thus allowing one end of the elastic restoring mechanism to move between the first position and the second position.

Besides, an upper locking block is provided above the guide strip, and/or a lower locking block is provided below the guide strip; and
a stop is formed above and/or below the second mating part, and the stop mates with the upper locking block and/or the lower locking, so that the movable portion can only rotate in a preset direction.

In detail, the movable portion can include a press head, a piston rod and a piston, wherein the piston rod is connected at a lower part of the press head, and the piston is provided on the piston rod, the stationary portion includes a toothed sleeve and a cylinder, wherein the cylinder is connected to the toothed sleeve, and at least the portion of the piston rod provided with the piston extends into inside of the cylinder,
wherein a locking block is formed at one of a peripheral surface of the piston rod and a top of the toothed sleeve, and a cutout is formed at the other of the peripheral surface of the piston rod and the top of the toothed sleeve, thus by rotating the piston rod, the locking block aligns with the cutout, thus allowing the press head and the piston rod to move upwardly.

By the provision of the upper/lower locking block and a stop of the supporting seat, rotation direction of the press head and the piston rod can be limited, thus preventing operation by mistake.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the shifting mechanism includes a first mating part, and a second mating part is formed on the elastic restoring mechanism, wherein the first mating portion is a reversed snap ring, by pulling the movable portion upwardly, the second mating part can move through the reversed snap ring so as to move from a first position to a second position, and is held in the second position by the reversed snap ring.

In a preferred structure, the stationary portion includes a toothed sleeve and a cylinder, wherein the cylinder is connected to the toothed sleeve, and at least a portion provided with the piston of the piston rod extends into inside of the cylinder, wherein one of the one end of the elastic restoring mechanism and the outer wall of the cylinder includes a guide block, and the other of the one end of the elastic restoring mechanism and the outer wall of the cylinder is formed with a trough, the guide block is at least partially received in the trough.

Engagement between the trough and the guide block can guarantee that the supporting seat moves in a longitudinal line.

In another preferred structure, the movable portion includes a press head, a piston rod and a piston, wherein the piston rod is connected at a lower part of the press head, and the piston is provided on the piston rod, wherein a first mating part is formed on a peripheral surface of the piston rod and/or of the piston.

In another preferred structure, the movable portion includes a press head, a piston rod, a piston and a casing, wherein the piston rod is connected at a lower part of the press head, and the piston is provided on the piston rod, wherein the casing is sleeved outside the piston rod and/or the piston, and the first mating part is formed on an outer surface of the casing.

The elastic restoring mechanism includes at least one elastic strip.

More preferably, the elastic restoring mechanism further includes: an annular upper spring seat, on which an upper end of the elastic strip is connected; and/or an annular lower spring seat, on which a lower end of the elastic strip is connected.

Wherein, the elastic strip is connected to the upper spring seat and/or the lower spring seat by a pivot, wherein when the elastic restoring mechanism is compressed, the pivot pivots and folds.

A first guide slot is formed on one of the inner side of the upper spring seat and the stationary portion, a first guide strip is formed on the other of the inner side of the upper spring seat and the stationary portion, and the first guide slot mates with the first guide strip; and/or a second guide slot is formed on one of the inner side of the lower spring seat and the stationary portion, a second guide strip is formed on the other of the inner side of the lower spring seat and the stationary portion, the second guide slot mates with the second guide strip.

By means of engagement between the guide slot and guide strip, the movement of the elastic restoring mechanism can be guided, thus preventing the spring from deflection when the lotion pump is pressed down.

In a preferred structure, a reversed snap part is provided at a lower portion of the stationary portion, the reversed snap part secures the lower spring seat of the spring.

Further, as seen in an axial direction of the lotion pump, the elastic strip extends around at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the cylinder.

A detailed illustration of the embodiments of the present invention will be provided hereinafter with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings only show preferred embodiments of the present invention, and it shall not be understood as a limitation of the scope of the present invention.

<FIG> shows a lotion pump <NUM> of a first embodiment of the present invention, with a relaxing mechanism provided in the lotion pump <NUM>. Wherein, <FIG> shows a side view of the lotion pump <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a partial sectional perspective view of the lotion pump <NUM>, from which an inside structure of the lotion pump can be seen.

The lotion pump <NUM> includes a press head <NUM>, a toothed sleeve <NUM> and a cylinder <NUM>. The cylinder <NUM> connects to the toothed sleeve <NUM>, an elastic restoring mechanism, such as a spring <NUM>, is provided around periphery of the cylinder <NUM> outside the cylinder <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the lotion pump <NUM> also includes a piston rod <NUM> with one end thereof connected to the press head <NUM> and the other end thereof provided with a piston and extending into inside of the cylinder <NUM>. And, the lotion pump <NUM> of the present invention further includes a supporting seat <NUM>, the supporting seat <NUM> is provided inside the cylinder <NUM> and around the piston rod <NUM>, so that an upper end of the spring <NUM> is supported on the supporting seat <NUM>, and a lower end of the spring is supported on the cylinder <NUM>, specifically on a lower portion of the cylinder <NUM>.

It can be seen that in the lotion pump <NUM> of the first embodiment, the press head <NUM> can move together with the piston rod <NUM> and the piston on the piston rod <NUM> relative to the cylinder <NUM>, the toothed sleeve <NUM> and etc., and the cylinder <NUM>, the toothed sleeve <NUM> and etc., always remain a fixed or stationary state relative to a container when they are mounted on the container,. So, in the lotion pump <NUM>, the press head <NUM>, the piston rod <NUM> and the piston on the piston rod <NUM> can be deemed as configuring at least a part of a movable portion of the lotion pump <NUM>, and correspondingly, the cylinder <NUM> and the toothed sleeve <NUM> configures at least a part of a stationary portion.

<FIG> shows connection between parts functioning for relaxing of the lotion pump <NUM> of the present invention. <FIG> respectively show sectional views of the lotion pump <NUM> in a non-used state and an open state.

Hereinafter, the detailed structures of the parts of the lotion <NUM> of the first embodiments will be illustrated, and on such a basis, the interconnection and interaction between the parts will be illustrated with reference to <FIG>, so as to clearly describe the structure and function principle of the lotion pump <NUM> of the first embodiment.

In the invention, the piston rod <NUM> and the supporting seat <NUM> interact with each other, so that a function of a relaxing mechanism is realized. Specifically as disclosed in the followings.

<FIG> show views of the supporting seat <NUM> of the lotion pump <NUM> of the first embodiment, wherein <FIG> are sectional views of the supporting seat <NUM> taken in different directions, <FIG> is a top view of the supporting seat <NUM>, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the supporting seat <NUM>.

It can be seen from the drawings that the supporting seat <NUM> is generally shaped in a ring surrounding and provided outside the piston rod <NUM>, or in other words sleeved outside the piston rod <NUM> (see <FIG>). At an outer side of the supporting seat <NUM>, at least one guide block <NUM>, preferably a pair of opposed guide blocks <NUM>, is provided, which cooperates with a trough <NUM> in the cylinder <NUM>, for limiting movement of the supporting seat <NUM>, which will be described in the detail in the followings.

In an inner side of the ring-shaped body of the supporting seat <NUM>, at least one helical slot <NUM> is provided. In the preferred embodiment shown in <FIG>, the supporting seat <NUM> includes two helical slots <NUM> provided to oppose to each other. Correspondingly, as shown in <FIG>, at least one helical rib <NUM>, for example a pair of helical ribs <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which can mate the helical slot <NUM>, is provided on a periphery surface of the piston rod <NUM>. Preferably, a ring-shaped flange <NUM> is provided above the helical rib <NUM>, when the supporting seat <NUM> is at its highest position of the stroke, the ring-shaped flange <NUM> stops the supporting seat <NUM>, preventing the supporting seat <NUM> from continuing moving upward so that the helical slot <NUM> disengages from the helical rib <NUM>.

A locking block <NUM> is further provided on the piston rod <NUM>, mating with a cutout <NUM> formed on the toothed sleeve <NUM>, particularly on the top of the toothed sleeve <NUM>, allowing the press head <NUM> to shift between a locked state and a standby state, as described more detailed below.

<FIG> a perspective view shows schematically mating between the piston rod <NUM> and the supporting seat <NUM>. Specifically, when the press head <NUM> is rotated and then in turn rotates the piston rod <NUM> connected thereto, by means of interaction between the helical slot <NUM> and the helical rib <NUM>, the supporting seat <NUM> can move downwardly relative to the piston rod <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. And, further rotation of the piston rod <NUM> can disengage the helical rib <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM> from the helical slot <NUM> of the supporting seat <NUM>, and bring a lower end surface of the helical rib <NUM> into abutment against an upper surface of the supporting seat <NUM>, as the state shown in <FIG>. Thus, the spring <NUM> can be brought from a non-standby state into a compressed standby state.

<FIG> show various views of the spring <NUM>, wherein <FIG> shows a front view of the spring <NUM>, <FIG> shows a perspective view of the spring <NUM>, <FIG> shows a top view of the spring <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a bottom view of the spring <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> has an annular upper spring seat <NUM> and an annular lower spring seat <NUM>, ends of at least one elastic strip <NUM> is respectively connected to the upper spring seat <NUM> and the lower spring seat <NUM>. The spring <NUM> shown in the drawings includes two elastic spring strips <NUM>, while one skilled in the art can know that any proper number of elastic strips <NUM> can be provided as desired, for example one elastic strip <NUM>, or three or more elastic strips <NUM>.

Preferably, a pivot <NUM> can be provided at the ends of the elastic strip <NUM> connecting to the upper spring seat <NUM> and/or lower spring seat <NUM>. The pivot <NUM> is sheet shaped, and when the spring <NUM> is pressed, the sheet shaped pivot <NUM> can pivot and be fold onto the upper spring seat <NUM>/lower spring seat <NUM>.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, at least one guide slot <NUM> is formed at inner side of the upper spring seat <NUM> of the spring <NUM>, which mates with a spring guide strip <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed on peripheral surface of the cylinder <NUM>, for guiding movement of the spring <NUM>, as described in detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, an inner side of the lower spring seat <NUM> of the spring <NUM> can also be formed with a guide slot <NUM>, which can be mate with a corresponding spring guide strip <NUM> on the cylinder <NUM>.

Further preferably, the elastic strip <NUM> is shaped so that a projection of the elastic strip in an axial direction of the lotion pump <NUM> is generally arc shaped. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the lotion pump <NUM>, the elastic strip <NUM> extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the cylinder, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Thus, the structure of the lotion pump <NUM>, especially the portion below the toothed sleeve <NUM> including the spring <NUM>, can be more compact.

Of course, <FIG> show a preferred structure of the spring <NUM>. Such a structure can be modified, or some part of the structure can be omitted. For example, the guide slot <NUM> and guide slot <NUM> respectively provided on the upper spring seat <NUM> and the lower spring seat <NUM> can be omitted. Further, the spring <NUM> can do not include the upper spring seat <NUM> and the lower spring seat <NUM>, and the individual elastic strips <NUM> can be respectively secured on the support seating <NUM> and a lower portion of the cylinder <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a front view of the cylinder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an outer wall of the cylinder is formed with a trough <NUM>, in which a guide block <NUM> of the supporting seat <NUM> is slidably received, so that the supporting seat <NUM> can only longitudinally move relative to the cylinder <NUM>, and cannot rotate.

Preferably, the periphery of the cylinder <NUM> is also provided with a spring guide strip <NUM>, which mates with the guide slot <NUM> in the upper spring seat <NUM> and/or the guide slot <NUM> in the lower spring seat <NUM> of the spring <NUM>, thus functioning to guide the spring <NUM>.

The provision of the guide slot and the guide strip can be interchanged, i.e. the upper spring seat <NUM>/lower spring seat <NUM> are provided with guide strips, and the guide slot is formed on the cylinder.

Further preferably, a reversed snap part <NUM>, which mates with the lower spring seat <NUM> of the spring <NUM>, is formed at a bottom of an outer wall of the cylinder <NUM>, for securing the lower spring seat <NUM>, preventing upward movement of the lower spring seat <NUM> relative to the cylinder <NUM>.

<FIG> respectively show front and top views of the toothed sleeve <NUM>. As shown in the drawings, a cutout <NUM> is formed on the toothed sleeve <NUM>, especially on the top of the toothed sleeve <NUM>. When the piston rod <NUM> is rotated to align the locking block <NUM> to the cutout <NUM>, the locking block <NUM> can extend through the cutout <NUM>, so that the piston rod <NUM> and the press head <NUM>, to which the piston rod <NUM> connects, spring upwardly, thus bring the lotion pump <NUM> into the standby state.

The operation of the lotion pump <NUM> of the first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lotion pump <NUM> is in a locked state, which is useful in the situation that the lotion pump <NUM> is transported, sold and the like. At this time, the supporting seat <NUM> in the lotion pump <NUM> is in its highest position of its stroke, and the helical slot <NUM> of the supporting seat <NUM> mates with the helical rib <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM>. When the product is sold and the lotion pump <NUM> is to be operated for using the product, the user rotates the press head <NUM> in an opening direction, thus rotate the piston rod <NUM> connected to the press head <NUM> together.

In rotating the piston rod <NUM>, the helical rib <NUM> on the outer surface of the piston rod <NUM> interacts with the helical slot <NUM> on the supporting seat <NUM>, so that the supporting seat <NUM> moves downwardly relative to the piston rod <NUM>, i.e. moves in a direction towards the spring <NUM>, until the helical rib <NUM> disengages from the helical slot <NUM>. During such a process, the supporting seat <NUM> applies a compress force on the spring, and the compress force gradually increases. After the helical rib <NUM> disengages from the helical slot <NUM>, the piston rod <NUM> is kept on rotating, so as to offset the helical slot <NUM> from the helical rib <NUM>, so that a lower end of the helical rib <NUM> abuts against an upper surface of the helical slot <NUM>. At this time, the spring <NUM> is brought from a free and non-standby state into a standby state.

As the piston rod <NUM> rotates, the locking block <NUM> can move into a position in which it aligns to the cutout <NUM> on the top of the toothed sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the locking block <NUM> can extend through the cutout <NUM>, so that the press head <NUM> springs upwardly into the standby state.

After the use, if it is needed to return the lotion pump <NUM> back to its locked state, the press head <NUM> is pressed downwardly to its lowest pint of stroke, then the press head <NUM> is rotated in a closing direction opposite to its opening direction. In such a process, the helical rib <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM> will once again mate in the helical slot <NUM> of the supporting seat <NUM>, and as the piston rod <NUM> rotates, the helical rib <NUM> interacts with the helical slot <NUM>, moving the supporting seat <NUM> upwardly, i.e. moving in a direction away from the spring <NUM>, so that the compress force applied on the spring <NUM> reduces, thus the spring <NUM> turns back to its non-standby state. Even, the supporting seat <NUM> can disengage from contacting with the spring <NUM>. Here, it can be seen that the helical rib <NUM> can shift the spring <NUM> between a non-standby state and a standby state, i.e. functioning as a shifting mechanism. In addition, the helical rib <NUM> can also be deemed to have separation and reunion function between the spring <NUM> and movable portion of the lotion pump <NUM> by the supporting seat <NUM>.

Preferably, the relative position and size of the helical rib <NUM> and the locking block <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM> are set such that the helical rib <NUM> disengages from the helical slot <NUM> prior to alignment between the locking block <NUM> and the cutout <NUM> in the toothed sleeve <NUM>. Thus, the helical rib <NUM> can be prevented from entering again into the helical slot <NUM> during pressing the press head <NUM> to pump the product.

Besides, a longitudinal length of the locking block <NUM> is preferably set such that during the process that the press head <NUM> is pressed to pump the product and the press head <NUM> springs back, the locking block <NUM> always moves within the cutout <NUM>, thus during use, the helical rib <NUM> can be prevented from entering again into the helical slot <NUM> due to rotation of the press head <NUM>.

It shall be specifically stated here that although in the structure illustrated above the helical rib <NUM> functioning as shifting mechanism is formed on the piston rod, the shifting mechanism can also be formed on any other part and other position of the movable portion of the lotion pump <NUM>, which is also within the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, the shifting mechanism can also be formed on the stationary portion of the lotion pump <NUM>, for example a helical rib can be formed on an inner wall of the cylinder <NUM>, and correspondingly, a helical slot can be formed on a periphery of the supporting seat <NUM>. Or, in lotion pump of some structure, the piston rod formed with helical rib is a stationary portion of the lotion pump, while the cylinder is a movable portion (such a case will be explained in detail in the following embodiments). These also do not fall beyond the scope of the present invention.

<FIG> show a lotion pump <NUM> of a second embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, features identical or similar to those of the lotion pump <NUM> of the first embodiment will not be described in detail, and only the features of the lotion pump <NUM> of the second embodiment not included in the first embodiment will be described. Unless contrarily expressed or structural conflicting, the features disclosed in the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

<FIG> respectively show the lotion pump <NUM> in the locked state and the lotion pump <NUM> in the standby state. The lotion pump <NUM> includes a press head <NUM>, a toothed sleeve <NUM>, a cylinder <NUM>, a spring <NUM> and a piston rod <NUM>. A supporting seat <NUM> is provided in the cylinder <NUM>. Identical to the first embodiment, a trough <NUM> is formed in the outer wall of the cylinder <NUM>, a guide block <NUM> of the supporting seat <NUM> is slidably received in the trough <NUM>, so that the supporting seat <NUM> can only longitudinally move relative to the piston rod <NUM>.

<FIG> show various views of the supporting seat <NUM> in the lotion pump <NUM> of the second embodiment, wherein <FIG> is a top view of the supporting seat <NUM>, <FIG> is a sectional view of the supporting seat <NUM>, <FIG> is another sectional view of the supporting seat <NUM>, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the supporting seat <NUM>.

The support ring <NUM> in the lotion pump <NUM> of the second embodiment is also generally ring shaped, having at least one guide block <NUM> (two guide blocks <NUM> provided in opposite is shown in the drawings). At least one supporting seat cutout, preferably a pair of supporting seat cutouts <NUM> provided in opposite shown in the figure, is formed in an inner side of the supporting seat <NUM>. Preferably, at least one supporting seat stop <NUM> is further formed at inner side of the supporting seat <NUM>, preferably the upper and lower portions of inner side of the supporting seat <NUM> are respectively formed with the supporting seat stop <NUM>.

<FIG> respectively show front and perspective views of the piston rod <NUM>. Corresponding to the supporting seat cutout <NUM> in the supporting seat <NUM>, a guide strip <NUM> is formed on periphery of the piston rod <NUM>. In addition, the piston rod <NUM> is preferably further formed with an upper locking block <NUM> and a lower locking block <NUM> respectively positioned on upper and lower sides of the guide strip <NUM>. The upper locking block <NUM> and the lower locking block <NUM> mate with the supporting seat stop <NUM>, so that the piston <NUM> can only rotate in a preset direction.

The piston rod <NUM> and the supporting seat <NUM> mate with each other as shown in <FIG>. The operation of the lotion pump <NUM> of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the lotion pump <NUM> is in the locked state, the supporting seat <NUM> is positioned above the guide strip <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM>, and the supporting seat cutout <NUM> offsets from the guide strip <NUM>, so that the position of the supporting seat <NUM> fixes with respect to the piston rod <NUM>.

When the lotion pump <NUM> is to be used, the press head <NUM> is rotated in an opening direction, so that the supporting seat cutout <NUM> aligns to the guide strip <NUM>, at this time, the press head <NUM> can be manually pulled upward to its highest point of stroke, the supporting seat <NUM> moves relative to the piston rod <NUM> below the guide strip <NUM>. Then, rotation of the press head <NUM> continues, so that the supporting seat cutout <NUM> once again offsets from the guide strip <NUM>, so that the guide strip <NUM> limits the supporting seat <NUM> at a position below it. At this time, the spring <NUM> is loaded, so that pumping is possible by pressing the press head <NUM>.

After use, if it is needed to return the lotion pump <NUM> to the locked state, the press head <NUM> can be rotated in an oppose direction, so that the supporting seat cutout <NUM> once again aligns to the guide strip <NUM>, then the press head can be manually pressed to its lowest point of stroke, the rotation of the press head <NUM> continuous, so that the supporting seat cutout <NUM> offsets from the guide strip <NUM>, and the guide strip <NUM> holds the supporting seat <NUM> at a position thereabove.

Preferably, in the case that the piston rod <NUM> is provided with the upper locking block <NUM> and the lower locking block <NUM>, and the supporting seat <NUM> is provided with the supporting seat stop <NUM>, the upper and lower locking blocks <NUM>, <NUM> interact with the supporting seat stop <NUM>, so that the user can rotate the press head <NUM> only in a preset direction.

<FIG> show a lotion pump <NUM> of a third embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, features identical or similar to those of the lotion pumps of the first and second embodiments will not be described in detail, and only the features of the lotion pump <NUM> of the third embodiment not included in the first and second embodiments will be described. Unless contrarily expressed or structural conflicting, the features disclosed in the first and second embodiments also may be applied to the third embodiment.

The lotion pump <NUM> includes a press head <NUM>, a toothed sleeve <NUM>, a cylinder <NUM>, a spring <NUM> and a piston rod <NUM>, and the lotion pump <NUM> also includes a supporting seat <NUM>. In the lotion pump <NUM> of the third embodiment, a reversed snap ring <NUM> is formed on the piston rod <NUM>, a first chamfer <NUM> facing upwardly is formed on the reversed snap ring <NUM>, and a second chamfer <NUM> facing downwardly is formed correspondingly on the supporting seat <NUM>.

In the locked position shown in <FIG>, the press head <NUM> is at the lowest point of its stroke, the supporting seat <NUM> is positioned above the reversed snap ring <NUM>. After the press head <NUM> is rotated to an opening position, the press head <NUM> is pulled to the highest point of its stroke, during which the reversed snap ring <NUM> moves upwardly through the supporting seat <NUM> and above the supporting seat <NUM>. At this time, the structure of the reversed snap ring <NUM> prevents the supporting seat <NUM> returning back again to the position above the reversed snap ring <NUM>. Thus, the lotion pump <NUM> is held in the standby state shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show a lotion pump <NUM> of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, features identical or similar to those of the lotion pumps of the first to third embodiments will not be described in detail, and only the features of the lotion pump <NUM> of the fourth embodiment not included in the first to third embodiments will be described. Unless contrarily expressed or structural conflicting, the features disclosed in the first to third embodiments may also be applied to the fourth embodiment.

The lotion pump <NUM> of the fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the lotion pump <NUM> of the first embodiment, and it is distinguished only in that the upper spring seat <NUM> and the lower spring seat <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is omitted. In other words, in the lotion pump <NUM>, the upper end of the elastic strip of the spring <NUM> is directly connected to the supporting seat <NUM>, and the lower end of the elastic strip is directly connected to the lower part of the cylinder <NUM>.

<FIG> show a lotion pump <NUM> of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, features identical or similar to those of the lotion pumps of the first to fourth embodiments will not be described in detail, and only the features of the lotion pump <NUM> of the fifth embodiment not included in the first to fourth embodiments will be described. Unless contrarily expressed or structural conflicting, the features disclosed in the first to fourth embodiments may also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of a lotion pump <NUM> in a lower locked state, and <FIG> shows a sectional view of the lotion pump <NUM> in a standby state. It can be seen from <FIG> that, in the fifth embodiment, the press head <NUM> of the lotion pump <NUM> is provided at its lower part with an outer thread, and is secured in a locked position via a thread connection between the press head <NUM> and the toothed sleeve <NUM>. <FIG> shows the outer thread <NUM> on the press head <NUM> more clearly. Correspondingly, an inner thread mating with the outer thread <NUM> is formed in an opening of the toothed sleeve.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, the piston rod <NUM> of the lotion pump <NUM> is formed separately from the piston <NUM>, and they are connected together. A helical rib functioning as a shifting part can be formed on the outer surface of any one of the piston rod <NUM> and the piston <NUM>, or is partially formed on the outer surface of the piston rod <NUM> and partially formed on the outer surface of the piston <NUM>. In the structure shown in the drawings, a helical rib <NUM> is formed on the outer surface of the piston <NUM>.

Of course, the structures of reversed snap ring and chamfer of the third embodiment may also be applied to the case that piston rod and piston are separately formed as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show variations of a part of the structure of the fifth embodiment. Wherein, the piston rod <NUM> and the piston <NUM> are also separately formed, and then connected together. Different from the structure shown in <FIG>, in the structure shown in <FIG>, a casing <NUM> is additionally provided, the outer surface of the casing <NUM> is formed with a helical rib <NUM> or other types of shifting parts. And, the casing <NUM> is sleeved on the outer surfaces of the piston rod <NUM> and the piston <NUM> connected together, as shown in <FIG>. Preferably, such structure as rib <NUM> is also formed on an inner surface of the casing <NUM>, which facilitates in close engagement to the outer surface of the piston rod <NUM> and/or the piston <NUM>.

<FIG> show a lotion pump <NUM> of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, features identical or similar to those of the lotion pumps of the first to fifth embodiments and variations thereof will not be described in detail, and only the features unique in the lotion pump <NUM> of the sixth embodiment will be described. And, unless contrarily expressed or structural conflicting, the features disclosed in the first to fifth embodiments may also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of a lotion pump <NUM> in a lower locked state, and <FIG> shows a sectional view of the lotion pump <NUM> in a standby state. It can be seen in the drawings that the lotion pump <NUM> includes a press head <NUM>, and a cylinder <NUM> is connected to a lower part of the press head <NUM>. So, in the sixth embodiment, movement of the press head <NUM> (such as rotation or moving up and down) brings the cylinder <NUM> to move together, so that the press head <NUM> and the cylinder <NUM> configures at least a part of the movable portion of the lotion pump.

In addition, in the lotion pump <NUM> of the sixth embodiment, a spring bracket <NUM> is connected on the toothed sleeve <NUM>, one end of the spring <NUM> (specifically the lower end shown in <FIG>) is supported on the spring bracket <NUM>, and the other end of the spring <NUM> (upper end in the drawings) is supported on the spring supporting seat <NUM>.

The spring bracket <NUM> is further fixed with the piston rod <NUM>, and the piston on one end of the piston rod <NUM> extends into the cylinder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first protrusion <NUM> and a second protrusion <NUM> are formed on an outer wall of the cylinder <NUM>, and a slot <NUM> is formed on an inner surface of the spring supporting seat <NUM>. As the press head <NUM> and the cylinder <NUM> move up and down, the slot <NUM> can mate respectively with one of the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM>. For example, when the slot <NUM> mates with the protrusion <NUM> positioned above (the state shown in <FIG>), the spring <NUM> is in non-loaded state, and when the slot <NUM> mates with the second protrusion <NUM> positioned below, or even is below the second protrusion <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is in its loaded state.

Claim 1:
A lotion pump (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), which can be mounted on a container for dispensing product in the container, the lotion pump (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, when used, the movable portion is movable relative to the container, and the stationary portion remains stationary relative to the container, wherein the lotion pump (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises:
an elastic restoring mechanism, one end of which contacts or connects to the movable portion and the other end of which is fixed to the stationary portion; and
a shifting mechanism provided to mate with the elastic restoring mechanism, so that when the movable portion rotates in a first direction and/or moves upwardly, the one end of the elastic restoring mechanism moves relative to the movable portion to a first position, so that the elastic restoring mechanism is loaded to be brought into a standby state, and when the movable portion rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction and/or moves downwardly, the one end of the elastic restoring mechanism moves relative to the movable portion to a second position, so that the elastic restoring mechanism is brought into a non-standby state;
wherein the shifting mechanism is provided on the movable portion;
wherein the shifting mechanism includes a first mating part, and a second mating part is formed on the elastic restoring mechanism, when the movable portion moves relative to the container, the first mating part cooperates with the second mating part, so that the one end of the elastic restoring mechanism is moved between the first position and the second position;
the elastic restoring mechanism includes a spring (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a spring supporting seat (<NUM>, <NUM>), the spring supporting seat (<NUM>, <NUM>) is positioned at the one end of the spring (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the second mating part is formed on the spring supporting seat (<NUM>, <NUM>) ;
characterized in that
one of the first mating part and the second mating part is a helical rib (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the other one of the first mating part and the second mating part is a helical slot (<NUM>), the helical rib (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can mate into the helical slot (<NUM>), so that when the movable portion rotates, the helical slot (<NUM>) and the helical rib (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) act with each other, so that the one end of the elastic restoring mechanism moves between the first position and the second position.