EP2373430B1 - Securing collar and dispenser comprising such a collar - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fixing ring for mounting a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, on a neck of a reservoir. In general, the ring comprises receiving means able to receive the pump or the valve fixedly, and fixing means able to come into engagement with the neck of the reservoir. Such fixing rings are commonly used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. The present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser integrating a reservoir, a pump or a valve, and a fixing ring according to the invention.

There are already in the prior art many documents describing fixing rings for fixing a pump or a valve on a tank neck. The means for fixing the ring can use various known techniques, such as for example screwing, crimping, snap-fastening, etc. In the latching technique, there are two distinct types, namely the latching carried out only by the fixing ring, and the latching produced by the cooperation of the fixing ring with a locking band which comes to surround the ring. The crimping and snap-on techniques make it possible to make a final fixing, in the sense that the user is not normally required to remove the pump from the reservoir. The screwing technique achieves a non-final fixing allowing the user to unscrew the ring to be able to have access to the interior of the tank through the neck. The invention will find a preferred application with the permanent fixing rings, but may also be applied to non-permanent fixing rings, if this proves to be necessary or useful.

Increasingly, it is required to be able to recycle the distributor, that is to say to be able to separate these various constituent elements in order to recycle them separately. Of course, when the fixing ring achieves a final fixing (crimping, snap-fastening), disassembly of the distributor is complicated, since it requires destroying the fixing ring, which often turns out to be complicated. With the fixing rings to be screwed, the problem only arises in a limited way, since it is possible to unscrew the ring from the neck. However, in certain applications, it may be desirable to be able to remove the ring without having to unscrew it. However, this is not possible with the conventional fixing rings which are currently on the market.

The object of the present invention is to remedy this aforementioned drawback of the prior art by defining a new fixing ring which allows easy and rapid recycling of the dispenser, without thereby increasing the number of component parts of the dispenser or complicating the manufacture. of these building blocks.

To achieve this object, the present invention provides a fixing ring according to claim 1. The rupture means, during the use of the dispenser, fulfill absolutely no function, and even seems non-existent. Indeed, the fixing ring will fulfill its primary function of intermediate piece between the pump or the valve and the neck of the reservoir. The user of the dispenser does not even know that these means of rupture are present in the dispenser. In addition, the breaking means are calculated in such a way that an average user, under normal conditions of use, cannot exert the force necessary to break the breaking means. Thus, any risk of involuntary or accidental breakage by the user is avoided. On the other hand, it will be easy to adjust the automatic machine dedicated to the rupture of the ring with the force or the torque necessary to cause the rupture means to rupture. In other words, when it is a final fixing ring (crimping, snap-fastening), the final character is very real for the user, but not for the subsequent recycler.

The skirt can be an internal skirt intended to come into engagement with the inside of the neck, or in a preferential variant, the skirt can be an outside skirt coming into engagement around the neck.

According to another interesting aspect of the invention, the breaking means are in the form of windows arranged so as to form an annular breaking line. Instead of through windows, one can also imagine one or more grooves making it possible to locally reduce the wall thickness, thus creating a line of least resistance. Whether the rupture means are in the form of windows or grooves, their purpose is to locally weaken the ring so as to impose the location of the rupture as well as the force necessary to achieve this rupture.

Such a fixing ring, when it is a snap-on fixing ring, can be associated with an external hoop, which can be a covering hoop when the ring achieves a final fixing on its own, or a locking hoop engaged around the ring to lock the fixing means around the neck, when it is a fixing ring requiring the cooperation of a hoop.

• un réservoir formant un col,
• un organe de distribution, tel qu'une pompe ou une valve, et
• une bague de fixation telle que définie ci-dessus,

caractérisé en ce qu'il est en outre prévu des moyens de blocage en rotation pour bloquer la bague en rotation sur le col, de sorte qu'un couple exercé sur la bague, par exemple au niveau des ses moyens de réception, a pour effet de rompre les moyens de rupture. Ce mode réalisation s'applique plus particulièrement aux bagues de fixation à encliqueter ou à sertir, mais peut également s'appliquer aux bagues à visser, les moyens de blocage en rotation faisant alors office de moyens d'anti-dévissage. Le but est de bloquer en rotation la partie de la bague de fixation qui vient en prise avec le col de manière à pouvoir exercer un couple sur l'autre partie de la bague de manière à faire rompre les moyens de rupture. En ajustant avec précision la conception des moyens de rupture, il est facile de déterminer avec précision le couple nécessaire pour faire rompre les moyens de rupture. Avantageusement, les moyens de blocage sont formés entre le col et les moyens de fixation. De préférence, le col comprend un profil de blocage et la bague comprend une jupe formant un logement apte à recevoir le profil de blocage du col.The present invention also defines a fluid dispenser comprising:

• a reservoir forming a neck,
• a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, and
• a fixing ring as defined above,

characterized in that it is further provided with rotation blocking means for blocking the ring in rotation on the neck, so that a torque exerted on the ring, for example at its receiving means, has the effect to break the means of breaking. This embodiment applies more particularly to the fixing rings to be snapped or crimped, but can also be applied to the rings to be screwed, the rotation locking means then acting as anti-unscrewing means. The object is to block in rotation the part of the fixing ring which comes into engagement with the neck so as to be able to exert a torque on the other part of the ring so as to cause the breaking means to break. By precisely adjusting the design of the rupture means, it is easy to determine with precision the torque necessary to cause the rupture means to rupture. Advantageously, the blocking means are formed between the neck and the fixing means. Preferably, the neck comprises a blocking profile and the ring comprises a skirt forming a housing capable of receiving the blocking profile of the neck.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the dispenser can also include a locking hoop engaged around the ring to lock the fixing means around the neck. The hoop then fulfills a technical function. As a variant, it is also possible to use a covering band, fulfilling only an aesthetic function, with a fixing ring which alone fixes it.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ring comprises a skirt extending below the rupture means and a sleeve extending above the rupture means, the hoop being in stronger engagement with the sleeve than with the skirt.

In this case, the rupture of the rupture means makes it possible to separate the tabs individually from the rest of the ring, which on the one hand facilitates the removal of the collar fixing ring and the removal of the tabs, since they are no longer interconnected.

The spirit of the present invention is to create a controlled weakness at the level of the fixing ring which is taken advantage of, not by the user of the distributor who is unaware of the presence of this weakness, but by a subsequent operator responsible for recycling. , including disassembly, the distributor. This weakness makes it possible to permanently destroy the fixing ring and thus to remove the pump or the valve from the tank.

The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings which give, by way of nonlimiting examples, several embodiments of the invention.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale partielle à travers une bague de fixation selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 pour un second mode de réalisation non revendiquée de l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue partiellement de face, partiellement en section transversale, d'une partie d'un distributeur utilisant une bague de fixation selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une vue en plan de la bague de fixation et de l'organe de distribution de la figure 3, et
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de la partie supérieure du réservoir intégrant le col utilisé dans le distributeur de la figure 3.

In the figures:

• the figure 1 is a partial cross-section view through a fixing ring according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 for a second unclaimed embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 3 is a partially front view, partially in cross section, of a part of a distributor using a fixing ring according to a third embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 4 is a plan view of the fixing ring and of the dispensing member of the figure 3 , and
• the figure 5 is a perspective view of the upper part of the tank incorporating the neck used in the dispenser of the figure 3 .

We will first refer to the figure 1 to describe in detail the first embodiment of the invention. The fixing ring 3 can be produced by injection molding of suitable plastic material. Alternatively, the ring can also be made of metal. The ring generally has a symmetry of axial revolution. The ring includes receiving means 31, an annular plate 32, a fixing skirt 33 and a guide sleeve 34.

The receiving means 31 may be in the form of an annular groove 311 making it possible to receive, advantageously by snap-fastening, a projecting radial flange (not shown) formed by a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve. The reception of the distribution member in this groove 311 must not only allow stable maintenance of the distribution member, but also a perfect seal. The receiving means 31 also include an axial opening 312 through which the actuating rod (not shown) of the dispensing member can extend. In place of the annular snap-on groove 311, one can imagine other structures making it possible to achieve stable and sealed fixing of the dispensing member on the ring.

The annular plate 32 extends radially outwards from the external periphery of the receiving means 31. The purpose of this plate 32 is to exert an axial pressure on the upper annular edge of the neck to seal it. level. Conventionally, a neck seal is interposed between the plate 32 and the upper edge of the neck, and this seal is pressed against the neck by the plate 32.

The fixing skirt 33 extends freely downwards from the external periphery of the plate 32. This skirt 33 has a generally substantially cylindrical shape. Most of the skirt 33 is formed by tabs 331 separated by vertical slots 333 which are open downwards. The lower ends of the legs 331 are formed internally with fixing means 332, which may for example be in the form of one or more internal radial protuberances. On the figure 3 , the fixing means 332 are in the form of horizontal bars which extend over the entire width of the legs. These bars all together form a sort of discontinuous annular bead at the level of the slots 333. As will be seen below, the fixing means 332 are intended to cooperate with a hooking shoulder formed by the neck of the reservoir.

The guide bush 34 extends freely upwards from the external periphery of the plate 32. Advantageously, the bush 34 extends in alignment with the skirt 33 so as to form together a cylindrical outer wall. The sleeve 34 has a guiding purpose for a locking hoop (not shown), which is engaged with clamping around the cylindrical outer wall of the sleeve 34 and the skirt 33 to lock the fixing means 332 permanently engaged with the collar.

It is a completely conventional structure well known for a fixing ring allowing a final fixing in association with an external locking band. During assembly, the fixing ring 3, already equipped with its pump or its valve, is engaged on the neck: more precisely, the skirt 33 is engaged around the neck, and to do this, the lugs 331 are deformed radially towards the exterior until these fixing means 332 can at least be housed under the shoulder (not shown) of the neck. Then, the locking hoop is lowered around the skirt 33 to constrain the fixing means 332 under the shoulder of the neck and lock them in this position. This gives a final fixing of the ring on the tank neck. This is a completely conventional mounting technique well known in the field of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.

According to the invention, the ring 3 is provided with rupture means 35 making it possible to break it into at least two parts so as to be able to withdraw the pump or the valve from the reservoir. These breaking means 35 are according to the invention provided between the fixing means 332 and the receiving means 31. The breaking means 35 can for example be provided at the level of the plate 32. According to the invention, the breaking means 35 are provided at the skirt 33. According to the invention, the rupture means 35 are produced at the upper ends of the legs 331, approximately at the level where the legs 331 are connected to the rest of the ring. The means of disruption 35 may for example be in the form of elongated through windows 35 which pass through the wall thickness of the tabs. As we can see on the figure 1 , each tab 331 may for example be provided with two rectangular windows, leaving three small bridges of material 351. It is easily understood that the formation of windows 35 considerably weakens the connection of the tabs 331 with the rest of the ring, since the 351 bridges are weak. Thus, an appropriate traction or torque makes it possible to break the bridges 351, which makes it possible to separate the lugs 331 from the rest of the ring. It can be noted that three bridges of material 351 are formed only by two windows 35, since the end bridges are formed in cooperation with the slots 333. Given the arrangement of the windows 35, the rupture of the bridges 351 makes it possible to separate each leg 331 individually, which facilitates the disassembly operation of the dispenser. On the other hand, since the tabs 331 are separate, they do not remain in place around the neck, which would otherwise require an additional operation.

Instead of the windows 35, one can also imagine other embodiments for the breaking means. These can be produced in the form of one or more grooves making it possible to locally reduce the wall thickness of the ring. These grooves can be considered as non-through windows.

In use, the fixing ring 3 of the figure 1 is associated with a locking band (not shown). The tensile force or the torque can then be applied to the hoop at the level of the guide bush 34.

The figure 2 shows a second embodiment not claimed for a fixing ring. This fixing ring, designated 3 ', has a simpler design than that of the figure 1 . The ring 3 'comprises an annular plate 32 defining in its center an opening 312 for the passage of the actuating rod of the pump or of the valve. The receiving means 31 do not have a special configuration, and are located just below the plate 32 which will have the function of wedging a projecting collar of the pump or valve on the upper edge of the neck. This collar can act as a neck seal. As in the previous embodiment, the ring 3 'includes a guide sleeve 34 which extends freely upwards from the outer periphery of the plate 32. The ring 3' also forms a fixing skirt 33 which s 'freely extends downwards from the outer periphery of the plate 32. The skirt 33 internally forms fixing means 332 which may have a design substantially similar to those of the figure 1 . However, unlike skirt 33 of the figure 1 , the skirt of the ring 3 ′ is not formed with legs separated by slots, but is, on the contrary, continuous over its entire periphery. Thus, the skirt 33 has a lesser deformation capacity, but on the other hand allows definitive fixing on its own without the aid of an additional locking hoop. A covering band can however be used to improve the aesthetic appearance by masking the ring 3 '.

This fixing ring 3 ′ comprises rupture means 35 which can for example be in the form of recesses, that is to say non-through windows. These recesses locally reduce the wall thickness of the skirt 33, thereby creating a line of least resistance to traction or shearing. The recesses extend over the entire internal periphery of the skirt 33 so as to together create an annular rupture line. By exerting an appropriate traction or torque, for example at the socket 34, the skirt 33 can be separated from the rest of the ring. However, the skirt 33 will remain in position around the neck, which will require an additional operation of cutting or tearing off the skirt 33.

We will now refer to figures 3 to 5 to explain a preferred embodiment. On the figure 3 , we see a fluid dispenser whose tank 1 has only been shown very partially. Indeed, we only see the upper part of the tank 1 forming a neck 11 provided with an external shoulder 12 and several rotation locking profiles 13. The neck 11 conventionally defines an opening 10 making it possible to make communicate the inside of the tank with the outside. This is visible on the figure 5 . The shoulder 12 serves as an attachment profile intended to cooperate with the fixing means 332 of the ring 3 ". The shoulder 12 extends over the entire outer periphery of the neck 11 which is oriented downwards. say that the fixing means will engage under the shoulder 12. The locking profiles 13 are advantageously distributed equidistantly around the neck. These profiles 13 extend from the body 14 of the reservoir upwards to reach 'at the level of the shoulder 12. The profiles 13 even project radially outwards with respect to the shoulder 12. Each profile 13 has a substantially trapezoidal shape, the upper end of the profile 13 does not extend as far as at the upper annular edge 15 of the neck, the external surface of the profile 13 is substantially vertical, the reservoir 1 can be made of glass or plastic.

The fixing ring 3 "has a design substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. The skirt 33 forms legs 331 separated by slots 333. The breaking means 35 are formed at the upper ends of the legs 331 at the level where they join the rest of the ring. Although not shown, the ring 3 "comprises reception means, for example by snap-fastening, making it possible to receive a dispensing member 2, which comprises a body 21, a fluid inlet 22, a dip tube 23 and a pusher 25. On the figure 4 , it can also be seen that the dispensing member 2 comprises an actuating rod 24 on which the pusher 25 is mounted.

To block the tabs 331 under the shoulder 12 of the neck, a locking hoop 4 is provided which is engaged around the ring 3 "in tight contact to force and block the fixing means 332 under the shoulder 12. The hoop locking device 4 can for example be made of metal.

In this particular embodiment, the fixing ring 3 "comprises several housings 335 formed between two adjacent legs 331. The housing 335 can be considered as a particular slot since it separates two legs. This is clearly visible on the figure 3 and the figure 4 . The housing 335 extends to the level of the means of 35. According to the invention, the housings 335 are intended, during mounting of the ring on the neck, to receive the rotation blocking profiles 13 formed by the neck. This is visible on the figure 3 . The profiles 13, due to their advantageous trapezoidal shape, easily engage in the respective housings 335, which also have a corresponding trapezoidal shape. The profiles 13 fill the housings 335, so that the tabs 331 can no longer perform a rotational movement around the neck. The engagement of the locking hoop 4 around the ring, makes it possible to hide the tabs, but also the profiles 13. Thus, for the user, the profiles 13 are not visible. On the other hand, for the operator responsible for recycling the distributor, these profiles 13 engaged in the housings 335 will make it possible to exert a torque on the hoop 4 by maintaining it for example at the level of the guide bush 34. This couple will allow to cause the breaking means 35 to break, given that the lugs 331 are locked in rotation by the profiles 13.

Preferably, the hoop is in stronger or more supported engagement with the sleeve 34 than with the skirt 33. Thus, the hoop is more integral with the sleeve than with the skirt, and as the sleeve is separated from the skirt by the rupture means 35, a tensile and / or rotational force exerted on the hoop will act mainly or primarily on the sleeve, which will induce a stress on the rupture means, which will ultimately break.

Instead of the rotation blocking profiles 13, one can imagine any equivalent means allowing the ring to be blocked in rotation on the neck. In the case of a fixing ring to be screwed, one can for example imagine that the rotation blocking profiles are in the form of notches allowing the screwing, but preventing any unscrewing of the ring.

Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to quickly and cleanly dismantle a fluid dispenser, whether the fixing ring is for permanent or non-permanent mounting.

Claims (7)

1. A fastener ring (3; 3") for mounting a dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, on a neck (11) of a reservoir (1) so as to constitute a fluid dispenser, the ring comprising:

   - reception means (31) that are suitable for receiving in stationary manner, the dispenser member (2), and

   - a skirt (33) forming fastener means (332) that are suitable for coming into engagement with the neck (11),

   - rupture means (35) formed by the skirt (33) between the reception means (31) and the fastener means (332) so as to separate the reception means from the fastener means, in such a manner as to be able to remove the dispenser member (2) from the reservoir (1),

   - annular plate (32) for exerting pressure on the neck (11), the plate being situated between the reception means (31) and the skirt (33), characterized in that the ring comprises a brushing (34) extends in alignment with the skirt (33) upward from the plate (32), and in that A fastener ring according to claim 32, wherein the skirt (33) forms a plurality of tabs (331) that are separated by gaps (333), the rupture means (35) being formed in each tab (331).
2. A ring according to claim 1, wherein the rupture means (35) are in the form of slots that are disposed in such a manner as to form an annular rupture line.
3. A fluid dispenser comprising:

   - a reservoir (1) forming a neck (11),

   - a dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, and

   - a fastener ring (3") according to any preceding claim,
   the fluid dispenser being characterized in that it is also provided with blocking means (13, 335) for preventing the ring (3") from turning on the neck, so that a torque exerted on the ring, e.g. at its reception means (31), has the effect of rupturing the rupture means (35).
4. A fluid dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the blocking means (13, 335) are formed between the neck (11) and the fastener means (332).
5. A fluid dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the neck (11) includes a blocking profile (13) and the ring (3") includes a skirt (33) forming a housing (335) that is suitable for receiving the blocking profile (13) of the neck.
6. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a locking hoop (4) that is engaged around the ring (3; 3") so as to lock the fastener means (332) around the neck (11).
7. A fluid dis penser according to claim 6, wherein the hoop (4) being in stronger engagement with the bushing than with the skirt.

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