EP3126265A1

EP3126265A1 - Assembly for dispensing an aerosol comprising an improved area for contact with a neck of a container

Info

Publication number: EP3126265A1
Application number: EP15715787.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olivier JOLY
Original assignee: Nemera la Verpilliere SAS
Current assignee: Nemera la Verpilliere SAS
Priority date: 2014-04-02
Filing date: 2015-03-13
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-13
Also published as: CN106170449A; CN106170449B; FR3019535B1; EP3126265B1; WO2015150654A1; US20170029202A1; FR3019535A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing assembly (22) which is intended for being mounted in a neck (24) of a container (26) containing the fluid. The dispensing assembly (22) comprises an annular sealing shoulder (47) intended for engaging with a complementary annular edge of the neck (24), and an annular bearing surface (51) extending axially from the sealing shoulder (47). Said annular bearing surface (51) defines an annular contact area (52) with a constriction (54) of the neck (24), and separates, from a main space (26P) of the vessel (26), an annular isolated space (26I) extending between the sealing shoulder (47) and said annular contact area (52). The annular bearing surface (51) includes at least one recess (55) intended for interrupting the circumferential continuity of the annular contact area (52) and for forming a fluid passage (60) between the main space (26P) and the isolated space (26I).

Description

Aerosol dispensing assembly having an improved contact zone with a reservoir neck

The present invention relates to the technical field of dispensing means of an aerosol-forming fluid, in particular, but not exclusively, dosing valves for dispensing pharmaceuticals.

Fluid product dispensing means, especially dosing valves for dispensing pharmaceutical products in the form of aerosols, are well known in the state of the art. The document FR 2 993 250 A1 describes means for dispensing a fluid product forming a dispensing assembly comprising a cylindrical valve body comprising a metering chamber and a valve stem. This rod slides sealingly in the metering chamber between a rest position (start of stroke), a dispensing position and a limit position.

This dispensing assembly is generally intended to be mounted in a tank neck containing the aerosol so as to form a ready-to-use dispensing device for the use of the aerosol. This assembly thus comprises a valve cup intended to crimp the valve body on the neck and an annular seal provided with a face intended to cooperate with a complementary annular edge of the neck.

In the use position of the dispensing device, the reservoir is above the dispensing assembly. The aerosol it contains flows into the metering chamber through at least one passage opening in the valve body. Conventionally and as for example disclosed in EP 0 692 434, the dispensing assembly further comprises an arrangement ring, the bulk of which is placed when the dispensing device is in the use position. , under the passage opening, to avoid too much dead volume. In addition, the arrangement ring allows the axial positioning of the dispensing assembly in the neck of the reservoir and cooperates with the face of the annular seal which is also in contact with the neck of the reservoir.

This ring therefore has the dual function of reducing the dead volume of the tank neck and ensuring the axial positioning of the valve body in the neck of the tank.

To facilitate the arrangement of the ring in the neck of the tank, which may have drifts of diameter and shape, this ring has a generally U-shaped making it sufficiently elastic radially.

This arrangement ring thus comprises a radially inner wing delimiting a housing for the valve body and a radially outer wing defining an annular contact zone with a constriction of the neck. This outer wing is also provided with a free end in sealing contact with the seal. The contact zone separates, from a main space of the tank, an isolated annular space extending between the seal and this zone. However, as the use of the dispensing device as the use of the dispensing device can be deformed, the contact area is no longer fully sealed, it is possible that varying amounts of different components of the aerosol from the main space of the tank penetrate and remain trapped in the isolated annular space, thus threatening the homogeneity of the fluid.

Indeed, as an aerosol is a set of particles, solid or liquid, suspended in a gaseous medium, generally the different particles of the different components of the aerosol to be dispensed have different sizes. As a result, the smaller particles sometimes pass between the fitting ring and neck throat while the larger particles do not pass.

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a fluid product dispensing means comprising an arrangement ring which allows both the effective axial positioning of the distribution assembly in the neck of the reservoir and a preservation of the homogeneity of the the aerosol.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a distribution assembly for an aerosol-forming fluid intended to be mounted in a reservoir neck containing the fluid, of the type comprising

an annular sealing shoulder designed to cooperate with a complementary annular edge of the neck, and

an annular bearing surface extending axially from the sealing shoulder and intended to define an annular contact zone with a constriction of the neck, this annular contact zone being intended to separate an annular isolated space extending between the sealing shoulder and this annular contact zone with a main space of the reservoir,

characterized in that it comprises at least one recess in the annular bearing surface for interrupting the circumferential continuity of the annular contact area and forming a fluid passage between the main space and the insulated space.

Such a depression allows the circulation of particles of all sizes throughout the tank: the smaller particles are no longer likely to be separated from the rest of the aerosol and trapped in the isolated annular space, so that the homogeneity the aerosol to be dispensed is ensured in the long term.

Preferably, the bottom of the recess is substantially parallel, in a radial plane, to the annular support surface.

The depression may, however, show variations in depth and also have a rounded profile, thus having a rounded connection of the bottom of the recess to the annular bearing surface.

The depression may, for example, extend inclined relative to a radial plane of the bearing surface and the inclination of the depression may, in addition, be scalable.

According to a first variant, the depression is formed by at least one circumferential groove section.

According to a second variant, the recess extends from a first axial end of the annular bearing surface to a second axial end of this annular bearing surface.

According to a fourth variant, the recess extends from a first axial end of the annular support surface towards a second axial end of this annular support surface without reaching this second axial end.

According to a fifth variant, the recess extends between a first axial end of the annular support surface and a second axial end of this annular support surface, without reaching either of these ends.

According to a sixth variant, the recess has a general longitudinal shape axially of variable width, for example increasing towards the sealing shoulder.

Preferably, the dispensing assembly comprises an arrangement ring of the dispensing assembly in the reservoir, this arrangement ring being delimited radially by external and internal surfaces, the external surface forming the annular bearing surface intended to defining the annular contact zone with the throat of the neck, and the inner surface defining a housing for dosing valve means.

This arrangement ring being positioned around the valve body, it can thus provide the triple function of reducing the dead volume, axial positioning of the dispensing assembly in the neck of the tank and circulation of the aerosol to distribute between the two spaces of the tank. The advantage of an independent arrangement ring of the other elements of the distribution assembly, the valve body in particular, lies in its potentiality to be given different shapes depending on the reservoir to which the distribution assembly is to be crimped, without the need to change the structure of the other parts of the distribution assembly.

Advantageously, the sealing shoulder is formed by an annular sealing gasket, the arrangement ring having a generally U-shaped section and having a radially inner wing defining the inner surface and a radially outer wing defining the outer surface and provided with a free end in sealing contact with the seal. As the neck of the reservoir may have drifts of diameter and shape, a generally U-shaped facilitates the arrangement of the ring in the neck by making it radially sufficiently elastic.

Preferably, the free end of the outer flange of the arrangement ring is provided with an annular recess extension having a profile promoting its insertion into the seal.

The crimping of the valve cup around the tank neck causes an additional tightening of the neck of the reservoir on the arrangement ring and increases the stresses to the outer wing. This convergent shape makes it possible to avoid loosening of the first extension when crimping the valve cup around the neck of the reservoir. A tapered shape also frees up space in the insulated space to avoid interactions between the curved edge of the neck of the container and the free end of the outer flange of the arrangement ring.

If appropriate, the thickness of the outer wing is substantially constant, so that the depression formed in the bearing surface corresponds, at the same time, to a depression in the external surface of the outer wing and to a protrusion in an inner surface of this outer wing.

Since the depression may have depth variations and a great depth that may weaken the outer flange of the arrangement ring, it is mechanically safer, to form the recess, to move the material inwards. the wing rather than digging this material.

Advantageously, the annular bearing surface is substantially frustoconical so as to diverge closer to the sealing shoulder.

The stresses exerted axially on the annular bearing surface during repeated use of the dispensing assembly, may have the consequence of driving the dispensing assembly into the tank and breaking the contact between the latter. ci and the shoulder sealing, impeding the tightness of all and threatening the homogeneity of the aerosol to distribute. A frustoconical surface makes it possible to better withstand the axial stresses of use and to ensure a long-term seal.

The annular support surface may comprise several recesses regularly distributed around the axis of this annular bearing surface.

The distribution assembly being of overall shape of revolution, the passage of the aerosol from the main space of the reservoir to the isolated annular space can be done all around the annular contact zone. The presence of several depressions distributed along this annular contact zone makes it possible to avoid residual trapping areas of the smallest particles of the aerosol and thus to ensure better homogeneity of the aerosol to distribute.

The invention also relates to a device for dispensing an aerosol-forming fluid comprising a distribution assembly of an aerosol-forming fluid mounted in a reservoir neck containing the fluid, characterized in that the distribution assembly is such that as defined above.

The invention will be better understood on reading the appended figures, which are provided by way of examples and are in no way limiting, in which:

- Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a dispensing device comprising a dispensing assembly of an aerosol forming fluid, according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a detail view of the marked portion II of Figure 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the arrangement ring of the dispensing assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the arrangement ring illustrated in FIG. 3, in a position reversed with respect to this FIG. 3;

- Figures 5 to 14 are perspective views similar to Figures 3 and 4 showing different embodiments of the arrangement ring of the dispensing device of Figure 1.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a dispensing device 20 according to the invention. This dispensing device 20, of general shape of revolution, comprises a distribution assembly 22 of a fluid 23 forming an aerosol mounted in a neck 24 of a reservoir 26, preferably metal, containing the fluid.

The dispensing assembly 22 comprises a valve body 28 of general shape of revolution, in which is provided a metering chamber 30.

This valve body 28 comprises dosing valve means.

The valve body 28 extends through the neck 24 of the reservoir 26. This valve body 28 is provided with an inner end 28I having at least one opening 32 to allow the passage of fluid from a main portion 26P of the reservoir 26 to the metering chamber 30. The valve body 28 is also provided with an outer end 26E having a flange 34 of radial dimension greater than that of the neck 24.

The flange 34 has a bearing surface facing an opening defined by an annular edge of the neck 24 of the reservoir 26.

A valve stem 38 is slidably mounted axially in the valve body 28. This valve stem 38 includes an outer end 38E projecting out of the valve body 28 and forming a fluid ejection nozzle, and an inner end 38I extending through the metering chamber 30.

In a conventional manner, the valve stem 38 slides in the metering chamber 30 between a rest position (start of race), an intermediate distribution position and an end position.

The valve stem 38 is resiliently biased to the rest position, as shown in FIG. 1, by a helical return spring 40 housed in the internal end 28I of the valve body 28.

According to a conventional operation of the dispensing device 20, when the valve stem 38 is moved by a user in the dispensing position, this valve stem 38 allows the passage of fluid from the dosing chamber 30 to the outside of the dispensing device. distribution 20.

The seal between the metering chamber 30 and the outside of the valve body 28 is provided by a first annular seal 42. The valve stem 38 slides sealingly through this seal 42 which also participates in its axial guidance.

The first seal 42 is interposed between the flange 34 and a valve cup 43, preferably metal, crimped on the neck 24 of the reservoir 26. This cup 43 reinforces the clamping between the neck 24 and the distribution assembly 22 .

The dispensing assembly 22 further includes an arrangement ring 44 placed, when the dispensing device 20 is in the use position, under the opening 32, to avoid excessive dead volume.

The arrangement ring 44 also allows the dispensing assembly 22 to be held in the neck 24 of the reservoir 26. In fact, the arrangement ring 44 extends around the valve body 28 and the neck 24 is tightened around of this arrangement ring 44.

The arrangement ring 44 cooperates axially with a first face 46A of a second annular seal 46 and radially with the valve body 28.

The first face 46A of the second seal 46 forms, in the extension of the annular contact zone with the arrangement ring 44, a sealing shoulder 47 in cooperation with a complementary annular edge of the neck 24, this first face 46A thus bearing on the edge of the neck 24.

Furthermore, the second seal 46 is provided with a second face 46B, opposite the first face 46A, resting on the bearing surface of the collar 34.

Thus, the second seal 46 is clamped between the bearing surface of the flange 34 and the edge of the neck 24 of the reservoir 26 and the distribution assembly 22 is retained axially in the neck 24.

As the neck 24 of the reservoir 26 may have drifts of diameter and shape, the arrangement of the arrangement ring 44 in the neck 24 may be facilitated by a generally U-shaped arrangement of this ring 44 making it sufficiently elastically radially. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the arrangement ring 44 comprises a radially inner wing 48 delimiting a housing for the valve body 28 and a radially outer wing 50, longer than the inner wing 48. outer ring 50 of the arrangement ring 44 is provided with a free end in sealing contact with the second seal 46. To enhance the seal at the contact zone with the second seal 46, this free end of the outer flange 50 of the arrangement ring 44 is provided with an annular recess extension 50P having a profile promoting its insertion into the seal 46.

The radially outer surface of the outer flange 50 of the arrangement ring 44 forms an annular bearing surface 51 extending axially from the sealing shoulder 47.

This annular support surface 51 may be substantially frustoconical so as to diverge closer to the sealing shoulder 47.

This annular support surface 51 defines an annular contact zone 52 with a throat 54 of the neck 24. This annular contact zone 52 separates, from a main space 26P of the reservoir 26, an isolated annular space 26I extending between the sealing shoulder 47 and this annular contact zone 52 in which some components of the fluid 23 to be dispensed may become stuck.

Thus, in addition to providing the dual function of reducing dead volume in the neck 24 and axial positioning of the dispensing assembly 22 in the neck 24 of the reservoir 26, the arrangement ring 44 also provides the function of setting in circulation of the fluid 23 as well as all the aerosol components between the two main 26P and insulated spaces 26I of the tank 26. Thus, the annular support surface 51 formed by the outer flange 50 of the arrangement ring 44 comprises at least one recess 55. This recess 55 thus locally interrupts the circumferential continuity of the annular contact zone 52 and forms a fluid passage 23 between the main space 26P and the insulated space 26I of the reservoir 26.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the depression 55 is formed, preferably, without substantially thinning the material of the outer flange 50 of the arrangement ring 44 so as not to weaken this outer flange 50. The thickness of the external wing 50 is thus substantially constant, so that the depression 55 formed in the annular support surface 51 corresponds, at the same time, to a depression in the external surface of the outer wing 50 and to a projection in a surface internal of this outer wing 50.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 7, the bottom of the recess 55 may be substantially parallel, in a radial plane, to the annular bearing surface 51 formed by the external surface of the outer flange 50 of the ring. arrangement 44. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the depression 55 may extend inclined with respect to a radial plane of the annular support surface 51 and, as can be seen in FIG. 9, the inclination of the depression 55 can be scalable.

As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the depression 55 may be formed by at least one circumferential groove section.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 14, the depression 55 may extend from a first axial end of the annular bearing surface 51 to a second axial end of this annular support surface 51. The two axial ends of the annular support surface 51 are respectively defined by a core 56 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the U-shaped section of the arrangement ring 44 and the free ends of the inner and outer wings 48 , 50.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 5 and 12, the depression 55 may extend from a first axial end of the annular bearing surface 51 towards a second axial end of this annular bearing surface 51 without reaching this second axial end.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, the depression 55 may extend between a first axial end of the annular support surface 51 and a second axial end of this annular support surface 51, without reaching either of these ends.

As can be seen in FIG. 14, the depression may have a general longitudinal shape axially of variable width, for example increasing toward the sealing shoulder 47.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14, the potentially frustoconical annular support surface 51 may comprise several recesses 55 regularly distributed around the axis of this annular bearing surface 51.

The invention is not limited to the examples described above and other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In particular, it is possible to form the annular support surface 51 with an arrangement ring 44 which is not generally U-shaped, as in FIGS. 12 and 13. In this case, the arrangement ring 44 may have a solid section, the annular bearing surface 51 then being formed by the radially outer surface of the arrangement ring 44.

Claims

A dispensing assembly (22) for an aerosol fluid (23) for mounting in a reservoir neck (24) (26) containing the fluid (23), of the type comprising

an annular sealing shoulder (47) intended to cooperate with a complementary annular edge of the neck (24), and

an annular bearing surface (51) extending axially from the sealing shoulder (47) and intended to define an annular contact zone (52) with a throat (54) of the neck (24), this zone of annular contact (52) for separating an annular isolated space (26I) extending between the sealing shoulder (47) and said annular contact area (52) from a main space (26P) of the reservoir ( 26), characterized in that it comprises at least one depression (55) formed in the annular bearing surface (51) intended to interrupt the circumferential continuity of the annular contact zone (52) and to form a passage (60 ) fluid (23) between the main space (26P) and the isolated space (26I).

A dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the recess (55) is substantially parallel, in a radial plane, to the annular bearing surface (51).

A dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 1, wherein the depression (55) extends inclined with respect to a radial plane of the annular bearing surface (51).

The dispensing assembly (22) of claim 3, wherein the inclination is scalable.

The dispensing assembly (22) of claim 1, wherein the depression (55) is formed by at least one circumferential groove section.

A dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (55) extends from a first axial end of the annular bearing surface (51) to a second axial end of said annular bearing surface (51).

The dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (55) extends from a first axial end of the annular bearing surface (51) to a second axial end thereof. annular support (51) without reaching this second axial end.

8. Dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (55) extends between a first axial end of the annular support surface (51) and a second axial end of this bearing surface. annular (51), without reaching either of these ends.

9. Dispensing assembly (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the depression (55) has a general longitudinal shape axially of variable width, for example increasing toward the sealing shoulder (47).

A dispensing assembly (22) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having an arrangement ring (44) of the dispensing assembly (22) in the reservoir (26), said arrangement ring (44). being delimited radially by outer and inner surfaces, the outer surface forming the annular bearing surface (51) for defining the annular contact area (52) with the throat (54) of the neck (24), and the surface internal device defining a housing for dosing valve means (28).

1 1. The dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 10, wherein the sealing shoulder (47) is formed by an annular seal (46), the fitting ring (44) having a generally U and having a radially inner wing (48) defining the inner surface and a radially outer wing (50) defining the outer surface and provided with a free end in sealing engagement with the seal (46).

The dispensing assembly (22) of claim 10, wherein the free end of the outer flange (50) of the fitting ring (44) is provided with an annular recess extension (50P) having a profile promoting its insertion into the seal (46).

13. Dispensing assembly (22) according to claim 11 or 12 wherein, the thickness of the outer wing (50) is substantially constant, so that the depression (55) formed in the bearing surface (51) corresponds, at the same time, to a depression in the external surface of the outer wing (50) and a projection in an inner surface of the outer wing (50).

14. Dispensing assembly (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular bearing surface (51) is substantially frustoconical so as to diverge closer to the sealing shoulder (47).

15. Dispensing assembly (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular bearing surface (51) has a plurality of recesses (55) regularly distributed about the axis of this annular support surface (51). ).

16. A dispensing device (20) for an aerosol fluid (23) comprising a dispensing assembly (22) of an aerosol fluid (23) mounted in a reservoir neck (24) containing the fluid (23), characterized in that the dispensing assembly (22) is according to any one of the preceding claims.