CN101166680A - Fixing devices for securing pumps or valves to the neck of containers and dispensers for fluid products incorporating such fixing devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a distribution element (4), such as a pump or a valve, to the neck of a recipient (31). Said device comprises a fixing ring (1) provided with means for fixing (12) the distribution element to the neck of the recipient and stop means (13), and an outer band (2) which axially engages from top to bottom around the ring (1). Said outer band comprises adhesion means (25) which co-operate with the stop means in order to form means for axially holding the band on the ring. The inventive fixing device is characterised in that the holding means comprise a plurality of mutually engaging elements defining distinct axial engagement positions for adhering the band to the ring.

Description

Fixing devices for securing pumps or valves to the neck of containers and dispensers for fluid products incorporating such fixing devices

technical field

[01] The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or a valve, to the neck of a container. The invention also relates to a dispenser of a fluid product comprising a container, a dispensing mechanism such as a pump or a valve, and a fastening device according to the invention.

Background technique

[02] In fact, in many technical fields such as perfumery, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, it is already known to use fluid product dispensers in the form of containers associated with pumps or valves fixed on the opening of the container. Dispenses metered or unmetered fluid products by actuation of pumps or valves. In such fluid product dispensers, it is important that the pump or valve is secured to the container opening in a stable and sealed manner. For this purpose, a fastening device is generally used, which holds the pump or the valve and is equipped with fastening elements for fastening on the opening of the container. These fixing parts can use various techniques, such as screwing, crimping, bonding, or snapping or hooking techniques.

[03] A known embodiment for fixing uses a fixing ring comprising a fixing part for fixing on the container neck and a wrapping sleeve which fits axially around the fixing ring from top to bottom hoop. In the case of the present invention, the covering ferrule comprises hook means which cooperate with the blocking means formed by the fixing ring so as to together form axial retaining means for axially retaining the ferrule on the fixing ring. Document EP1270434 describes such a fastening device in which the lower end of the ferrule is curled inwardly to define an upwardly oriented inner shoulder. This inner shoulder is intended to engage under the retaining ring, which here forms the blocking part. Thus, in this prior art document, the means for axially retaining the ferrule on the retaining ring consist of a ferrule curled end cooperating with the lower end of the retaining ring or more precisely with the end edge of the retaining ring The inner shoulder of the department is determined. The inner shoulder of the ferrule is completely annular to form a circle extending in a single plane. The same is true for the lower end of the retaining ring, which also defines a circle extending in a single plane. Thus, the inner shoulder fits just below the lower end of the retaining ring, which determines the only axial locking position for locking the ferrule on the retaining ring. Thus, the inner shoulder of the ferrule and the lower end of the retaining ring force the ferrule to fit or axially block against the retaining ring when the inner shoulder blocks contact with the retaining ring, wherein the inner shoulder of the ferrule and the retaining ring The lower ends of both extend in coincident planes.

[04] A disadvantage of the fixing device of document EP1270434 is that there is no freedom or flexibility in the axial positioning of the ferrule relative to the fixing ring. In fact, it is sometimes useful to be able to set the collar relative to the fixing ring according to the contour of the container on which the fixing device is supposed to be mounted. Rather, the ferrule should generally be seated with its lower end resting on the container, so as to create some continuity between the container and the fixture. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to insert the ferrule more or less deeply into the retaining ring, which improves the axial position of the ferrule on the retaining ring.

Contents of the invention

[05] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by specifying a fixing device whose covering collar can be arranged and axially locked in different axial positions staggered relative to the fixing ring.

[06] In order to achieve this object, the invention proposes a fixing device for fixing a dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or a valve, on the neck of a container, the device comprising a fixing ring and a ring axially fitted around the fixing ring from top to bottom. Covering the ferrule, the retaining ring includes a retaining member for fixation on the container neck and a blocking member, the ferrule including hooking members cooperating with the retaining member so as to together determine the axial retention of the ferrule on the retaining ring The device is characterized in that the retaining member comprises a plurality of mutually engaging elements, and the engaging elements determine different axial fitting positions of the ferrule fitting on the fixing ring. As in the above-mentioned prior art document, the covering ferrule is always hooked to the fixing ring, but this hooking can take place at different locations offset axially. The mutually engaging elements allowing the axial offset of the hooking can be formed by a ferrule, or by a retaining ring, or both.

[07] According to an interesting embodiment, the hoop comprises an upper end and a lower end intended to rest on the container, said hook means being defined by an inner shoulder oriented upwards and advantageously in the vicinity of said lower end. Ministry formed. The inner shoulder is advantageously formed by an inwardly turned portion of said ferrule at its lower end.

[08] According to another aspect of the invention, the barrier member includes at least one downwardly oriented barrier region.

[09] According to the first practical embodiment, the fixing device is equipped with a plurality of blocking areas located at different axial positions, and different blocking areas define the engaging teeth. Advantageously, said retaining ring comprises a substantially cylindrical skirt fitted around said neck, said skirt defining an outer wall comprising a plurality of axially offset barrier zones. The blocking zone is preferably formed by downwardly directed lower ends of axial longitudinal ribs which extend perpendicularly and protrude radially relative to the outer wall of the skirt, the lower ends of which are located in the axial direction. Staggered positions.

[10] According to another advantageous embodiment, the shoulder of the ferrule has a castellated profile defining some axially offset engagement elements. Advantageously, said castellation forms define castellations of different heights and/or depths.

[11] It should be noted that both embodiments can be combined in the same single fixture. However, the two embodiments are preferably used separately. It can also be pointed out that the axially staggered engagement elements formed by ferrules or fixing rings do not present implementation or manufacturing difficulties relative to the fixing device of document EP-1 270 434 . In fact, the castellation of the hoop curl is very easy to implement. As for molding the ribs onto the skirt, no technical difficulties arise either.

[12] According to another interesting characteristic of the invention, said retaining ring comprises a protruding pre-installation ring with which the hooking means of said ferrule will engage in the pre-installation position. In the pre-installation position, the ferrule is not fully engaged on the fixing ring, which is especially useful during transport, storage and handling of the fixing device. In fact, this protruding collar makes it possible to hold the ferrule on the fixing ring so that they no longer form together a single, non-detachable unit. When the securing device is in place on the container, the retaining ring and ferrule can be operated as if they were a single part. Once the retaining ring has been installed on the container neck, the already pre-installed shroud ferrule can be inserted axially deep onto the retaining ring from top to bottom in order to lock the retaining ring around the neck.

[13] The present invention also defines a fluid product dispenser comprising a container, a dispensing mechanism such as a pump or valve, and a fastening device as defined above.

Description of drawings

[14] The invention will now be described in more depth with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, as non-limiting examples, two embodiments of the invention.

[15] In the figure:

[16] FIG. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device being mounted on a container neck;

[17] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a detail in Figure 1;

[18] Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, but with the fixture pre-installed on the container neck;

[19] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a detail in Figure 3;

[20] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ferrule of a fastening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[21] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing a second embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention;

[22] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a detail in Figure 6;

[23] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fixing ring of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[24] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of an embodiment modification of the ferrule.

Detailed ways

[25] In the two embodiments shown in the figures, the fastening device according to the invention is associated with a dispensing mechanism, here the pump 4 . However, it is of course possible to use valves instead of pumps. On the other hand, the fixing means associated with the pump are mounted on the container 3 defining an opening, advantageously in the form of a neck 31 . The neck 31 extends upwardly from the container body which forms a shoulder 35 in its upper part. The neck 31 thus protrudes from this shoulder 35 . The neck 31 includes a peripheral reinforcement forming a downwardly oriented chime 32 . As will be seen below, the collar 32 is generally used for hooking the fixture. The neck 31 also includes an upper annular rim 33 and an inner wall 34 forming the opening of the container. In the field of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, this is a completely conventional design for containers for fluid products. The container may be formed from any suitable material such as glass, plastic or metal.

[26] The dispensing mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 4, comprises a body 41 provided at its upper end with a retaining collar 42 . The dispensing mechanism 4 also includes an actuating rod 43, which can reciprocate in the main body 41 against the return spring. This is a completely conventional design for pumps or valves in the field of pharmaceuticals, perfumery or cosmetics.

[27] The fixing device is used to fix or hold the distribution mechanism 4 in the opening of the neck 31, and make the actuating rod 43 protrude upward from the neck. Once in place, the dispensing mechanism receives a dispensing head mounted on the upper free end of the actuator rod 43, but not shown in this figure. Advantageously, the dispensing mechanism 4 can also be equipped with a dip tube extending into the container 3 in order to extract the liquid product.

[28] In the two embodiments shown in the figures, the fixation device comprises two constituent elements, namely the fixation ring 1 and the covering ferrule 2 .

[29] In the two embodiments of the accompanying drawings, the fixing ring 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical peripheral skirt 11, said skirt being internally provided with a fixing part 12 which may be in the form of a continuous clip Buckle or some intermittent snap head form. The fixing part 12 protrudes radially inward from the inner wall of the skirt 11 . As can be seen very clearly in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the fixing part 12 is intended to engage under a flange 32 formed by the neck 31 of the container 3 . In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 , the skirt 11 is continuous, so that the fixing part 12 can be in the form of a continuous annular inner band. The mounting of the fixing ring on the neck of the container is thus carried out by press-fitting in order to force the continuous strip 12 under the bead 32 formed by the bead of the periphery of the neck. In contrast, in the second embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 8 , the skirt 11 is discontinuous and therefore takes the form of skirt segments separated by longitudinal vertical slits 111 . This is only an implementation variant: in fact, the skirt in both embodiments can be continuous or slotted.

[30] The skirt 11 extends downwards from an annular land 15 for compressing the neck gasket 5 onto the upper annular end 33 of the neck. Compression of the gasket 5 is obtained by the pull exerted by the skirt 11 , while the fixing part 12 of said skirt is constrained below the collar 32 . This is also a completely traditional design in the world of cosmetics, fragrances or pharmaceuticals.

[31] The fixing ring forms, outside this annular platform 15, a receiving seat 17 in which the ring 42 formed by the body 41 of the dispensing mechanism 4 is received. Said loop 42 can be received, for example, by means of a snap. The snap seat 17 also forms a central channel 18 through which the actuating rod 43 extends.

[32] The overall design of the retaining ring is common to both embodiments. It enables the dispensing mechanism 4 to be held stably and effectively in place on the neck 31 . When the skirt 11 is continuous, the fixing can only be ensured by the fixing ring. Conversely, when the skirt has a gap, as will be seen below, final fixation is obtained by placing a covering ferrule. The invention is used in both cases, a continuous skirt or a slotted skirt.

[33] In both embodiments, the ferrule 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 21 extended at the upper end of the ferrule by a retracted edge 26 defining a large through the opening. The ferrule 2 comprises at its opposite lower end a thinned portion 22 having a wall thickness which is less than that of the majority of the body 21 . The difference in wall thickness between the main body 21 and the thinned portion 22 can be seen in the form of an internal groove 212 extending over the entire inner periphery of the ferrule.

[34] The lower end of the ferrule is formed by the edge 23 produced by the inward curling of the ferrule portion 24 . The curled portion 24, which initially extends in the extension of the thinned portion 22, is folded inwards by a known rolling method. The lower edge 23 thus forms the junction between the thinned portion 22 and the inwardly rolled portion 24 . The free end of the beaded portion 24 forms a shoulder 251 oriented upwards, ie in the direction of the retracted bead 26 .

[35] Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 2 , the shoulder 251 is generally oriented opposite the groove 212 . An annular seat is thus created in the inner wall of the ferrule between the groove 212 and the shoulder 25 . This design of the covering cuff is common in both embodiments.

[36] The fixing ring 1 , the collar 2 , the container neck 31 and the dispensing mechanism 4 all have a certain longitudinal axisymmetry along the axis X which can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6 . When installing the distributor composed of these elements, firstly the distribution mechanism 4 is fitted axially from below into the receiving seat 17 formed by the fixing ring 1 . The fixing ring 1 with its snapped-in dispensing means 4 is then axially attached to the container neck 31 from above until the fixing part 12 of said fixing ring engages under the collar 32 . Finally, the shroud 2 is axially attached to the fixing ring 1 from top to bottom, so that it engages the outer wall of the skirt 11 . In the final position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the lower end or edge 23 of the ferrule 2 rests against, or near, the shoulder 35 formed by the container 3 . In fact, it is desirable for the ferrule to touch the shoulder 35 for aesthetic reasons. In the final position, the retaining ring 1 is no longer even visible, since the dispensing head surrounding said ferrule 2 is still covering the actuating rod 43 or will be inside the ferrule 2 .

[37] In both embodiments, the shoulder 25 of the rolled portion 24 forms a catch means cooperating with the blocking means formed by the fixing ring 1 . The blocking part can be formed, for example, by the lower end 13 of the skirt 11 . The catch means and the blocking means together define an axial retaining means allowing locking of the ferrule on the fixing ring. The ferrule can thus no longer be removed from the fastening ring, which means that the fastening ring 1 can no longer be removed from the container neck. The fixation of the dispensing mechanism 4 on the container neck is thus final and indestructible.

[38] According to the invention, the axial retaining means for axially retaining the ferrule on the fixing ring allow the ferrule to be arranged in a plurality of different axial positions staggered on the fixing ring. In other words, the ferrule 2 can fit over the fixing ring, while its lower edge 23 extends more or less downwards from the lower end of the skirt 11 . This allows the ferrule to be arranged and locked on the retaining ring with the lower edge 23 of the ferrule in contact with the shoulder 35 of the container 3 . This is true regardless of the height of the neck 31 . The axial retaining part thus comprises a plurality of mutually engaging elements which determine the different axial engagement positions of the ferrule axial engagement on the fixing ring. These engagement elements may be formed either by ferrules or by fastening rings. These engagement elements can define defined axial locking positions for locking the collar relative to the fixing ring, depending on the shape of the container neck.

[39] As can be seen with reference to the first embodiment of FIGS. In fact, the shoulder 25 of the curled portion 24 of the covering ferrule has a castellated profile, thus forming castellations of different heights and depths. Referring to FIG. 5 it can be seen that the curled portion 24 forms castellations 251 , 253 and 254 of three heights separated by a castellation base 252 at the same axial height. In contrast, castellation crests 251, 253, and 254 are at different axial heights. The castellation top and castellation bottom define circular arc segments connected by radial segments 241 , 243 and 244 of varying height. Here the shoulder 25 formed by the curled portion 24 forms four mutually engaging elements formed by the castellation tops 251 , 253 and 254 and the castellation bottom 252 . Each of these engagement elements is able to block against the lower end 13 of the skirt 11 , as seen in FIG. 2 with the castellated top 251 against said lower end. If the container neck is made in a shorter or shorter manner, the shoulder 25 is located slightly above and the castellation top 251 cannot now block under the end 13 . On the contrary, the top 253 of the other castellated portion now functions as a hook that is blocked below the lower end portion 13 . If the neck was stubby, the castellation bottom 252 would be blocked under the lower end 13 . It can thus be seen that the shroud 2 can be engaged under the fixing ring 1 in different axially offset positions. This allows the hoop to hang under the retaining ring regardless of the shape of the container neck. Instead of the lower end 13 of the skirt 11 any other blocking area formed by the fixing ring 1 can be considered.

[40] Since a retaining ring made of plastic always has a tendency to deform or creep outwards, the lower end 13 can block against the castellation.

[41] As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the retaining ring 1 is also provided with a raised peripheral pre-mounting collar 16 projecting radially outwards at the land 15 at the upper end of the skirt 11 . This ring 16 is also used for hooking the covering ferrule 2 when the covering ferrule 2 is not finally fitted around the skirt 11 . In the pre-assembled position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the fastening ring 1 can be mounted on the container neck, since the skirt 11 has not yet been prevented from deforming radially outwards by engaging the enclosing collar 2 . On the contrary, the covering ferrule 2 is joined to the fixing ring 1 and together with the fixing ring forms a single non-detachable unit. This is particularly advantageous for the transport, storage and handling of the retaining ring and its associated covering ferrule. The raised collar 16 may engage the shoulder 25 formed by the rolled portion 24, or rather any castellation formed by the castellation of the shoulder. In FIGS. 3 and 4 , it is the castellation bottom 252 that engages the raised collar 16 .

[42] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 . The covering cuff 2 may be identical to that of the first embodiment or, as a variant, the curled portion 24 of the cuff may have a continuous inner shoulder 25, ie without a castellated profile. Instead, here the slotted skirt 11 is provided with sets of vertical longitudinal ribs 14 extending downwards from the protruding collar 16 . Here each set of ribs includes three ribs of different heights. Of course, there can be as many ribs as you want in one set, and as many sets as you want. Since here the fixing ring comprises six skirt segments separated by six slits 111 , the fixing ring is provided with six sets of ribs, each set of ribs comprising three ribs of different heights. The ribs define lower blocking ends 141 , 142 and 143 at different offset axial heights. Each rib end thus defines a downwardly oriented stop, ie in the direction of the shoulder 25 of the curl 24 extending upward. Referring to Figure 7 it can be seen that the shoulder 25 is located just below the blocking end 141 of the longest rib. As with the castellated profile of the first embodiment, sets of ribs with ribs of different heights constitute mutually engaging elements allowing the ferrule to be arranged and locked in a staggered axial position relative to the retaining ring. By engaging the shoulder 25 with the blocking end 143 of the shortest rib, the covering ferrule 2 is seated less on the retaining ring.

[43] As in the first embodiment, the shoulder 25 of the rolled portion 24 can engage under the raised collar 16 in order to pre-seat the covering ferrule 2 on the retaining ring.

[44] A variant embodiment of the ferrule 2 can be seen in FIG. 9, wherein the ferrule does not have a curled portion 24, but instead it forms a peripheral inner groove 24', which is defined to be able to reach the shoulder. 25 lower barrier edge 25' serving the same purpose. The blocking area formed by the fastening ring can thus block against this lower edge. The ferrule does not need to have an upper wall thickness below the lower edge since the barrier formed by the retaining ring will creep in the groove due to the creep properties of the plastic material from which the retaining ring is formed.

[45] As a variant, it is also conceivable to form retaining means at the skirt and at the upper part of the hoop.

[46] The retaining ring is preferably made of plastic material and the ferrule may be made of metal or plastic material.

[47] It may also be noted that the ferrule may engage the retaining ring at other locations than its lower free end.

[48] In all embodiments, the covering ferrule 2 is hooked and locked in axial positions which may vary, for example, according to the contour of the container neck.

Claims (11)

1. anchor fitting, it is used for distributor gears (4) is fixed on container neck (31) as pump or valve, and this anchor fitting comprises:

-set collar (1), it is included in fixed parts (12) and the stop member of fixing on the described container neck (13; 141,142,143); And

-coating cuff (2), its axially be entrenched in from the top down described set collar (1) around, described cuff comprises hanging member (25), and described hanging member cooperates with described stop member, so that determine together described cuff is axially remained on axial holding member on the described set collar;

It is characterized in that described holding member comprises a plurality of elements that are engaged with each other (251,252,253,254; 13; 25,141,142,143), described joint element determines that described cuff axially is entrenched in disalignment on the described set collar to chimeric position.

2. anchor fitting as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described cuff comprises upper end (26) and is used to rest on bottom (23) on the described container, and described hanging member is formed by interior shoulder (25), described in shoulder be determined near the described bottom and orientation up.

3. anchor fitting as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, described interior shoulder (25) is formed by the part that twists inwardly of described cuff in its lower end.

4. as claim 1,2 or 3 described anchor fittings, it is characterized in that described stop member comprises the Resistance that at least one is orientated down.

5. anchor fitting as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, described anchor fitting is equipped with a plurality of Resistance (141,142,143) that are positioned at different axial locations, and joint element is determined in described different Resistance.

6. anchor fitting as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, described set collar comprises that one is entrenched in described neck (31) skirt section that is cylindricality substantially (11) on every side, and described skirt section determines that one comprises the outer wall of a plurality of Resistance of axially staggering (141,142,143).

7. anchor fitting as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that, described Resistance is formed by the bottom (141,142,143) of orientation down of axially vertical rib (14), these axially vertical rib (14) vertical extent, and the outer wall in described relatively skirt section is radially outstanding, and the lower end part of described axially vertical rib is in axial staggered positions.

8. as each described anchor fitting in the claim 1 to 4, it is characterized in that the shoulder (25) of described cuff (2) has battlements shape type body, described battlements shape type body is determined the joint element that some axially stagger.

9. anchor fitting as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, described battlements shape type body is determined height and/or the different castellation portion (251,252,253,254) of the degree of depth.

10. as each described anchor fitting in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that described set collar comprises the pre-installation ring (16) of a projection, the hanging member of described cuff (25) will engage with this ring in pre-installation site.

11. distributor of fluid product, it comprise container, distributor gears such as pump or valve and as above-mentioned claim in each described anchor fitting.

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