EP1993931B1 - Dispensing device and dispenser comprising same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a fluid product dispensing device designed to be associated with a fluid product reservoir (1) to form a fluid product dispenser, the device comprising: a dispensing member (2), such as a pump or a valve, including a body (21) and an axial actuating rod (23), the body forming a retaining flange (22), and a crimping ring (5) designed to fix the dispensing member (2) on the reservoir. The invention is characterized in that it further comprises a bushing (41) fixed on the ring (5), the bushing extending axially beyond the ring around the actuating rod (23).

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser device for association with a fluid reservoir to form a fluid dispenser. The present invention also relates to such a fluid dispenser including a dispensing device according to the invention. This dispensing device comprises a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, which defines a body and an axial actuating rod. The body forms a retaining flange for holding the dispensing member on the reservoir. The dispensing device also comprises a crimping ring comprising a first section crimped around the collar of the dispensing member and a second crimp section on or around the reservoir, generally around a neck formed by the reservoir. Such dispensers using dispensing devices of this type are frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.

We will immediately refer to the figure 1 to explain in detail the structure of a dispensing device of the prior art. The dispenser is shown in the mounted state on a tank 1. This tank 1, quite conventionally, comprises a tank body (not shown) for receiving the fluid. The tank body ends with a shoulder 11 which is extended by a neck 12 of reduced opening. The neck 12 defines an upper annular edge 14 and a lower shoulder 13 which will be used for fixing the dispenser on the neck of the reservoir.

The fluid dispenser of the prior art comprises five constituent elements, namely a dispensing member 2, which may be a pump or a valve, a dispensing head 3 which is here in the form of a pusher, a 4A crimping ring, a crimp ring 5A and a trim ring 6. The dispensing member 2 may be of a quite conventional type comprising a body 21 forming at its upper end a retaining flange 22 which makes protruding radially outward. The distribution organ further comprises an axial actuating rod 23 which protrudes out of the body 21 and which is axially movable back and forth. The internal structure of the dispensing member is not critical to the present invention, and may take any suitable form, which may be a pump or a valve.

The actuating rod 23 is capped with a dispensing head 3 which is in the form of a pusher. The head 3 comprises an inner core 32A which is inserted inside an envelope 33. The core 32A can be made of plastic, while the envelope 33 can be made of metal. The core 32A makes the connection between the upper end of the rod 23A and a nozzle 31, which may advantageously allow a distribution in spray form. By pressing on the head 3, it is possible to move the actuating rod 23 inside the body 21 and thus to dispense fluid product in the form of a metered dose or not. After each depression of the head 3, return means (not shown) integrated in the body 21 bring the head back to its initial rest position.

The turret 4A functions with the crimp ring 5A to maintain the dispensing member and its actuating head on the neck of the tank. The turret 4A comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve 40A which defines at its upper end a receiving housing 41A intended to receive, advantageously by snapping, the flange 22 of the body 21. At its lower end, the sleeve 40A forms a bearing heel 42A which presses a neck seal 7 on the upper edge 14 of the neck 12. To push the heel 42A on the seal 7, it uses the crimping ring 5A which engages on the heel 42A and extends from on the other hand around the neck 11 so as to be crimped under the lower shoulder 13.

As for the trim band 6, it comprises a first upper section 61 in fixing engagement around the sleeve 40A of the turret 4A, an outer shoulder 62 which is extended downwards by a lower section 63 which extends around the crimp ring 5A, without coming into contact with it. The fixing of the trim band 6 is entirely ensured by the upper part 61 in fixing engagement around the turret. The final position of assembly of the hoop 6 is reached when the lower end of the hoop bears on the shoulder 11 of the tank.

Thus, in this distribution device of the prior art, the attachment of the dispensing member on the neck of the reservoir requires the implementation of two parts, namely the turret 4A and the crimp ring 5A.

The object of the present invention is to modify the principle of fixing the dispensing member on the neck of the tank while retaining the external shape of the dispensing device, which is entirely provided by the trim band 6 and the head of the 3. Another aim is to be able to use a more standardized dispensing member using a more standardized fastener while retaining the external appearance of this pump of the prior art.

Apart from these very particular problems related to a specific prior art, the present invention makes it possible to solve other problems. These other problems do not concern at all the preservation of the outer shape formed by the trim band, but very different problems of order, for example related to the locking of the rotating pusher, the guide of the pusher, the improvement of fixing of the dispensing member, etc.

To achieve all these problems and those listed below, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser device to be associated with a fluid reservoir to form a fluid dispenser, the device comprising a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, comprising a body and an axial actuating rod, the body forming a retaining flange, and a crimping ring intended to fix the dispenser member on the reservoir, characterized in that the ring is engaged with the flange and the device further comprises a socket attached to or around the ring, the sleeve extending axially beyond the ring around the actuating rod. Advantageously, the ring comprises a first section crimped around the collar and a second section to be crimped on the reservoir, the sleeve is fixed on the first section of the ring. The present invention differs from the aforementioned prior art in that the crimp ring alone ensures the attachment of the dispensing member to the reservoir and in that the sleeve is fixed to the ring, and not the opposite as in the prior art. The socket can thus serve to support a trim band, such as the trim ring 6 of the prior art, but the sleeve can also perform other functions, such as for example the guidance of the actuating head, its locking in rotation, its locking in the rest position or in the actuated position. The bushing can also strengthen the attachment of the crimp ring or improve the seal of the dispenser by further compressing the collar seal. It can thus be seen that the socket can fulfill a wide variety of functions that are not simply limited to the support of a trim band.

According to a practical embodiment, the first section surrounds the collar and thus forms an annular groove under the flange, the sleeve comprising fastening means adapted to engage in this groove. Advantageously, the attachment means comprise projecting hooking profiles intended to be housed in the annular groove. Advantageously, the sleeve comprises axial slots delimiting relatively flexible tabs, the attachment profiles being formed by these flexible tabs. More generally, the sleeve has a deformability characteristic that allows it to be housed in the annular groove formed by the crimp ring. The formation of legs separated by slots is a non-limiting embodiment, and it is also possible to make the sleeve without slots separated by tabs, for example by choosing a particularly flexible plastic material. On the contrary, the sleeve can be made flared outwardly so that it can be placed on the ring without difficulty and without exerting pressure.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the dispensing device further comprises a locking ring adapted to lock the sleeve on the ring. Advantageously, the ring is engaged, in the locking position, around the bushing at the level where the bushing is engaged with the bushing. Advantageously, the ring is initially made integrally with the sleeve being connected to the sleeve by a bridge of breakable material, the bridge being located axially on the sleeve at a level other than that where the sleeve is intended to engage with the ring, the ring being moved axially, after breaking the bridge, to the locking position. Alternatively, the locking ring may be a part completely separate from the socket and have a variety of shapes. The ring may for example be formed directly by a trim band which engages around the sleeve at the level where it achieves the fixing in the annular groove of the crimp ring.

The invention also relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and a dispensing device as described above.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the invention.

• la figure 1 est une vue en section transversale verticale à travers un dispositif de distribution de l'art antérieur,
• la figure 2 est une vue de face du distributeur de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue similaire à la figure 1 pour un dispositif de distribution réalisé conformément à la présente invention, et
• les figures 4a, 4b et 4c sont des vues représentant diverses étapes de montage d'une douille réalisée selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

In the figures:

• the figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing device of the prior art,
• the figure 2 is a front view of the distributor of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 1 for a dispensing device made in accordance with the present invention, and
• the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are views showing various steps of mounting a socket made according to one embodiment of the invention.

The figure 1 , representing a distribution device of the prior art, has already been described in detail. Its external appearance is as represented on the figure 2 . This dispensing member comprises an actuating head 3 provided with a dispensing orifice 31 and a covering band 6 which conceals the interior of the pump between the head 3 and the container 1.

On the figure 3 , there is shown a dispensing device according to the invention. From the outside, this device can be as shown on the figure 2 , so that the dispensing device of the invention has the same external appearance as that of the prior art. However, internally, the structure of the dispensing device has been modified with respect to that of the prior art shown in the figure 1 .

On the figure 1 alphanumeric references end with the letter A. The other references are pure numerical references. In the dispensing device of the invention, the equivalent parts or elements have been designated with the same numerical reference, but without the letter A. As for the pure numerical references, they denote parts or elements which may be similar or strictly identical in both embodiments. In this case, the dispensing device according to the invention comprises a dispensing member 2 defining a body 21 and an actuating rod 23. The body 21 forms a retaining collar 22 which protrudes radially outwards and which is located at the upper end of the body 21. The actuating rod 23 is capped with an actuating head 3 which can be in the form of a pusher defining a dispensing orifice 31, which can optionally be in the form of a jet. The head 3 comprises an inner body 32 and an outer shell 33. The inner body 32 differs slightly from that 32A of the figure 1 in that the connecting sleeve fixed on the free end of the actuating rod 23 is longer in the present invention. As for the envelope 33, it may be identical to that of the figure 1 .

Of course, for the sake of simplicity, the same reservoir 1 has been used in both embodiments, which has a neck defining an upper edge 14 and a lower shoulder 13.

The dispensing device of the invention also comprises a trim band 6 which is identical to that of the figure 1 , which makes it possible to have an identical external appearance, as represented on the figure 2 .

On the other hand, a significant difference can be observed in the fastening of the dispensing member on the container and the fixing of the trim band 6. Whereas in the prior art, these fasteners use a crimp ring 5A associated with a turret 4A, in the present invention is used a crimp ring 5 and a sleeve 4, but of different configuration and function. Indeed, the crimp ring 5 has a first section 51 crimped around the flange 22 and a second section 52 crimped around the neck of the tank taking under the shoulder 13. In the present invention, it is the ring to crimping 5 which directly compresses the seal 7 on the upper edge 14 of the neck. In the prior art of the figure 1 the crimp ring 5A pushes the heel 42A of the bushing 4A onto the neck seal 7. At the point where the first section 51 connects to the second section 52, the crimp ring forms an annular groove 510 which is located just in Below the flange 22. This groove 510 is made because the first section 51 envelops the collar 22 which projects outwards. This crimping ring 5 is of quite conventional design and is widely used for fixing pumps or valves on collars container in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy.

According to the invention, the dispensing device further comprises a bushing 41 in fixed engagement on or around the crimping ring 5, so that the bushing extends axially upwards beyond the bushing to extend around the actuating rod 23. This sleeve 41 can engage with the lower section 52 of the ring, but preferably with the upper section 51 coming to cling advantageously in the annular groove 510. The sleeve 41 can by example include one or more attachment profile (s) 44 intended (s) to be housed in the annular groove 510, for example by snapping. Of course, to gain this position inside the groove, it is necessary beforehand that the attachment profiles 44 pass over the first section - 51 which of course has an outer diameter greater than that of the annular groove 510 It is therefore necessary that the sleeve has a characteristic of elastic deformation allowing it to expand to pass on the first section 51 and then to contract again to be housed in the groove 510. This deformability characteristic can be realized from any way. For example, it is possible to use a perfectly cylindrical sleeve 41, but made of a material that is sufficiently flexible and elastic to achieve this snapping. However, an advantageous technique for achieving this deformability characteristic is to make vertical slots 43 from the lower end of the sleeve so as to define tabs 42 which extend over a portion of the circumference. Referring to Figures 4a to 4c , and more particularly to figure 4a it can be seen that the sleeve 41 is formed with four slots 43 thus defining four tabs 42 which each extend substantially over a quarter circle. The tabs are formed at the lower part of the sleeve 41. Each tab is provided on its inner wall with a protruding bead 44 which acts as a fastening profile. It is easily understood that it is possible to bring the sleeve 41. on the ring 5 at its groove 510 by pressing the sleeve 41 on the first section 51 until the tabs 42 flex slightly radially outwardly for to pass beyond the section 51. Once this section passed, the tabs 42 can again relax or loosen so that the projecting cords 44 are housed in the groove 510. The sleeve 41 then extends around the first section 51 projecting upwards so as to also surround part of the actuating rod 23.

An effective and stable fastening can be obtained with the single sleeve 41, whether it is split or not. However, according to the invention there is further provided a locking ring 45 which is intended to engage around the bushing 41 at the level where its attachment profiles 44 are engaged in the groove 510. This is shown in FIG. figure 3 and on the figure 4c . The locking ring 45 is put in place on the bushing 41, only after the bushing 41 has been mounted on the bushing 5. Advantageously, the ring 45 is made in one piece with the bushing 41 so as to form a part 4. The ring 45 is connected to the bushing 41 by one or more bridges of brittle material 46. In the initial demolding position, as shown in FIG. figure 4a , the ring 45 is connected to the bushing 41 by the bridge (s) 46 at a location axially above the tabs 42. This unitary piece 4 is then attached to the ring 5, as shown in FIG. figure 4a . The thrust may for example be exerted on the sleeve, but preferably on the ring 45. The resistance of the bridge (s) 46 must be such that the thrust exerted on the ring 45 allows to engage the sleeve 41 around of the ring 5 by snapping the attachment profile (s) 44 in the groove 510 without breaking the bridges 46. This is shown on the figure 4b . The ring 45 is therefore still integral with the sleeve 41. However, by increasing the pressure force exerted on the ring 45, the bridge (s) 46 will yield and the ring 45 will be able to slide around the socket 41 to gain its blocking or locking position, as shown on the figure 4c . The ring 45 is then positioned at the tabs 42, and more precisely at the attachment profiles 44 engaged in the annular groove 510. The ring 45 can come to rest on the second section 52, as visible on the figure 4c . This is the final mounting position of the sleeve 41 and its associated locking ring 45 on the crimp ring 5.

The present invention has implemented here a bush 41 associated with a ring 45. However, this ring 45 is quite optional, so that the bush 41 can be fixed permanently on the crimp ring 5 without any other intervention. It has also been described that the ring 45, if one is used, can be made in one piece with the sleeve 41. This is also an optional feature so that it is possible to use a ring which is completely separate of the socket. For example, it is possible to use a constituent element of the dispensing device to fulfill this locking function. It is possible, for example, to use the dressing strip 6. It suffices that it extends around the socket at the level where the socket engages with the ring. In this case, there is no need for a specific locking ring, such as ring 45.

In the present invention as described, the sleeve 41 has a support function for fixing the trim ring 6. Indeed, the upper portion 61 of the trim band is engaged tightly around the sleeve 41 The fixing of the hoop 6 can be done entirely by the sleeve 41. In a variant, the hoop 6 can also be engaged around the ring 5. It is easy to understand by looking at the figure 3 , that it is possible to remove the ring 45 and modify the hoop 6 by slightly extending the upper portion 61 downwardly so that it extends around the sleeve 41 at the level where it is engaged in the groove 510. In this case, the hoop 6 fulfills a locking function of the bushing 41 on the ring 5.

In addition to this support function for the ferrule 6, the sleeve 41 can perform other functions. The sleeve 41 may for example come into engagement with the actuating head 3 to provide various functions, such as for example the locking in rotation of the head 3, its axial guiding, locking in the rest position or in the depressed position. The sleeve 41 can also fulfill an aesthetic function: indeed, one can imagine another form for the sleeve 41 which envelops the entire ring 5 in the manner of the hoop 6. In this case, we could do without a locking ring 45, or on the contrary, one could use an aesthetic locking ring which would be in the form of a small collar, for example of a different color from that of the sleeve. The socket could also serve to support a variety of elements, such as a gripping member or an electronic device.

The invention resides in the fact that a fastening of an element, in this case a socket, is carried out on a crimp ring, this element being able to fulfill a very wide range of functions.

Claims (13)

1. A fluid dispenser device for associating with a fluid reservoir (1) so as to constitute a fluid dispenser, the device comprising:

   • a dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, comprising a body (21) and an axial actuator rod (23), the body forming a holding collar (22); and

   • a crimping ring (5) for fastening the dispenser member (2) on the reservoir;
   the fluid dispenser device being characterized in that the ring (5) is engaged with the collar (22) and the device further comprises a bushing (41) that is fastened on the ring (5), the bushing extending axially beyond the ring, around the actuator rod (23).
2. A fluid dispenser device according to claim 1, in which the ring (5) comprises a first section (51) that is crimped around the collar (22), and a second section (52) for crimping on the reservoir, the bushing (41) is fastened on the first section (51) of the ring (5).
3. A fluid dispenser device according to claim 2, in which the first section (51) surrounds the collar (22), thereby forming an annular groove (510) below the collar, the bushing (41) including fastener means (42, 44) that are suitable for coming into engagement in the groove.
4. A fluid dispenser device according to claim 3, in which the fastener means include projecting fastener profiles (44) for being received in the annular groove (510).
5. A fluid dispenser device according to claim 4, in which the bushing (41) includes axial slots (43) that define tabs (42) that are relatively flexible, the fastener profiles (44) being formed by the flexible tabs (42).
6. A fluid dispenser device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a locking annulus (45) that is suitable for locking the bushing (41) on the ring (5).
7. A fluid dispenser device according to claim 6, in which, in the locking position, the annulus (45) is engaged around the bushing (41), where the bushing is engaged with the ring (5).
8. A fluid dispenser device according to claim 6 or claim 7, in which the annulus (45) is initially made integrally with the bushing (41), being connected to the bushing via a bridge (46) of breakable material, the bridge being situated axially on the bushing at a level other than where the bushing becomes engaged with the ring, the annulus (45) being displaced axially into the locking position after the bridge (46) has been ruptured.
9. A fluid dispenser device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a covering hoop (6) mounted on the bushing (41) in such a manner as to mask the bushing (41) and the ring (5).
10. A fluid dispenser device according to any preceding claims, in which the dispenser member (2) comprises an actuator head (3), the bushing (41) coming into engagement with the actuator head (3) so as to lock it in rotation.
11. A fluid dispenser device according to any preceding claims, in which the dispenser member (2) comprises an actuator head (3), the bushing (41) coming into engagement with the actuator head (3) so as to guide it axially.
12. A fluid dispenser device according to any preceding claims, in which the dispenser member (2) comprises an actuator head (3), the bushing (41) coming into engagement with the actuator head (3) so as to lock it in rest position or in depressed position.
13. A fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid reservoir and a dispenser device according to any preceding claim.

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