ES2314930T3 - FIXING DEVICE FOR FIXING A PUMP OR A VALVE ON A FLUID CONTAINER AND DISTRIBUTOR NECK THAT INCLUDES SUCH A FIXING DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Fixing device for fixing a distribution element (4), such as a pump or a valve, on a container neck (31), the device comprising: - a fixing ring (1) comprising fixing means (12) on the container neck and stop means (13; 141, 142, 143), and - a clamp clamp (2) axially coupled from top to bottom around the ring (1), the clamp means (25) comprising engagement they act together with the stop means to define together axial retention means of the clamp on the ring, characterized in that the retention means comprise several elements (251, 252, 253, 254; 13; 25, 141, 142, 143) of mutual grip that define axial coupling positions other than the clamp on the ring.

Description

Fixing device to fix a pump or a valve on a container neck and product distributor fluid comprising such fixing device.

The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a distribution element, such like a pump or a valve, on a container neck. The invention also relates to a product distributor fluid comprising a container, such a distribution element as a pump or a valve, and a fixing device according to the invention. In fact it is known in numerous technical fields, such such as perfume, cosmetic or even pharmacy, use fluid product distributors in the form of a container associated with a pump or a valve fixed on the container opening By operating the pump or the valve is distributed fluid product dosed or not. In this class of fluid product distributor, it is essential that the pump or the valve is fixed stably and tightly over the opening of the container. To do this, it is usual to use a device fixing that holds the pump or valve, and that is equipped with fixing means on the opening of the container. These means of fixing can use diverse techniques, such as by example screwed, crimped, glued or even techniques ratchet or hitch.

A widely known embodiment for a fixing description implements a fixing ring comprising the fixing means on the neck of the container and a clamp clamp axially coupled from above Down around the ring. In the case of the present invention, the clamp clamp comprises engaging means that act together with stop means formed by the ring for define together axial retention means of the clamp on the ring. EP 1 270 434 describes a device for fixing of this type in which the lower end of the clamp is edged inward so that a protrusion is defined internal facing up. This internal highlight is intended to grip under the fixing ring that forms in this place stop means. In this prior art document, the axial retention means of the clamp on the ring is defined therefore by the internal protrusion of the edged end of the clamp acting together with the lower end of the ring, or more precisely the end edge of the ring of fixation. The internal shoulder of the clamp is completely annular, so that it defines a circle that extends in a plane only. The same goes for the lower end of the ring of fixation, which also defines a circle that extends in a single plane Thus, the coupling of the internal projection just below the lower end of the ring defines a position Unique axial locking of the clamp on the ring. By consequently, the coupling or the axial stop of the clamp with with respect to the ring is determined by the internal projection of the clamp and the lower end of the fixing ring that extend the two within the planes that are confused when the Highlight comes into contact with the ring.

The inconvenience with the fixing device of EP 1 270 434 is that there is no freedom or modularity in the axial positioning of the clamp with Regarding the ring. In fact, it is sometimes useful to have axially the clamp with respect to the ring depending on the configuration of the container on which the fixing device More precisely, the clamp must go usually with its lower end resting on the container, so that a type of continuity is created between the container and the fixing device. Therefore, it is necessary in sometimes tighten the clamp on the ring, which means to modify the axial position of the clamp on the ring.

The present invention aims at solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the technique previous defining a fixing device whose clamp lining can be arranged and locked axially with respect to the ring in different axial positions displaced.

To achieve this goal, the present invention proposes a fixing device for fixing an element of distribution, such as a pump or valve, on a neck container, the device comprising a fixing ring comprising fixing means on the container neck and stop means, and a cladding clamp attached axially from top to bottom around the ring, comprising the clamp hitch means that act in conjunction with the stop means for defining together axial retention means of the clamp on the ring, characterized in that the means of retention comprise several mutual grip elements that define axial coupling positions other than the clamp on the ring. As in the document mentioned above of the prior art, the clamp clamp is always hook on the ring, but this hitch can be done on different axially displaced places. Gripping elements mutual that allow axial displacement of the hitch can be formed either by the clamp or by the ring, or both to the time

According to an interesting embodiment, the clamp comprises an upper end and a lower end intended to rest on the container, the hooking means by an internal projection facing upwards and advantageously defined near the lower end. Advantageously, the internal shoulder is formed by an edging of the clamp inward at the level of its lower end.

According to another aspect of the invention, the means stopper comprises at least one stopper area oriented towards down.

According to a first practical embodiment, several buffer zones provided in axial positions are provided different, defining the different areas of butt the teeth of grab Advantageously, the fixing ring comprises a skirt noticeably cylindrical coupled around the neck, defining the skirt an external wall comprising several buffer zones axially displaced. Preferably, the buffer zones are formed by the lower ends oriented downwards of axial longitudinal ribs that extend vertically making a projection radially with respect to the outer wall of the skirt, the lower ends of the ribs in axially displaced positions.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the highlight of the clamp presents a crenellated profile that defines axially displaced grip elements. Advantageously, the crenellated profile defines battlements of heights and / or depths different.

Note that the two embodiments they can be implemented cumulatively in a single and same fixing device However, it is preferable to put them in practice separately. It can also be observed that axially displaced grip elements, already formed by the clamp or by the ring, do not generate realization difficulties or manufacturing, with respect to the fixing device of the EP-1 270 434. Indeed, the crenellation of the edged part of the clamp is very simple to perform. In Regarding the modeling of the ribs on the skirt, it does not generate No technical difficulty

According to another interesting feature of the invention, the ring comprises a preassembly protrusion collar with which the hitch means of the clamp are caught in preassembled position The preassembly position, in which the clamp is not completely attached on the ring, it is useful especially during transport, storage and fixing device manipulation. Indeed, this collar protrusion allows to hold the clamp on the ring so that Only form a single non-detachable unit together. During the placing the fixing device on a container, the ring and clamp can be handled as if it were a single piece Since the fixing ring is mounted on the neck of the container, the pre-assembled clamp clamp can sink axially from top to bottom on the ring to lock it in grip around the neck.

The invention also defines a distributor of fluid product comprising a container, an element of distribution such as a pump or a valve and a device fixation as defined above.

The invention will be described below. widely with reference to the attached drawings, giving title non-limiting example two embodiments of the invention.

In the figures:

Figure 1 is a partially sectioned view vertical cross section of a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the state mounted on a bowl neck,

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a detail of figure 1,

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of the Figure 1, with the fixing device in the preassembled state on a bowl neck,

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a detail of figure 3,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the clamp of the fixing device according to the first mode of embodiment of the invention,

Figure 6 is a view similar to that of the Figure 1 for a second embodiment of a device for fixing according to the invention,

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of figure 6,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fixing ring of the fixing device according to the second embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 9 is a view similar to that of the Figure 7 for a variant embodiment of the clamp.

In the two embodiments represented on the figures, the fixing device according to the invention is associated with a distribution element, in this case a pump 4. However, a valve can also be implemented instead of the bomb. Moreover, the fixing device associated to the pump is mounted on a container 3 that defines an opening, advantageously in the form of a neck 31. The neck 31 extends upward from the body of the container, which forms a protrusion at the top 35. The neck 31 therefore makes a protrusion from this protrusion 35. The neck 31 comprises an external peripheral reinforcement that forms a flange 32 facing down. This flange 32 serves conventionally for the attachment of the fixing device, as will be seen in continuation. The neck 31 also comprises an annular edge 33 upper as well as an internal wall 34 defining the opening of the container. In this case it is a conception totally conventional for a container that serves to contain a product fluid in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even the pharmacy. This container can be made in any material appropriate, such as glass, plastic or metal.

The distribution element, designated in its set by reference number 4, comprises a body 41 equipped with a maintenance collar 42 at the level of its end higher. The distribution element 4 also comprises a drive rod 43 that can move reciprocatingly against a return spring inside the body 41. It is treated in this case of a classic design by a pump or a valve in the Pharmacy, perfumery or cosmetic fields.

The fixing device is used to fix or keep the distribution element 4 in the neck opening 31, with the drive rod 43 making a projection toward up from the neck. Once in place, the element of distribution houses a distribution head that is mounted on the upper free end of the drive rod 43, but This is not represented. Advantageously, item 4 of distribution can also be equipped with an immersion tube that extends inside the container 3 to extract the product fluid.

In the two embodiments represented in the figures, the fixing device comprises two elements constitutive, namely a fixing ring 1 and a clamp 2 of coating.

In the two embodiments of the figures, the fixing ring 1 comprises a peripheral skirt 11 substantially cylindrical which is internally provided with means 12 fasteners that can be in the form of a ratchet band continuous or point ratchet heads. Fixing means 12 they make a projection radially inwards from the inner wall of the skirt 11. The fixing means 12 are intended to be held below the flange 32 formed by the neck 31 of container 3, as can be seen very clearly in Figures 1 and 6. In the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, skirt 11 is continuous, so that means 12 of fixation can occur in the form of an internal annular band keep going. The mounting of the fixing ring on the neck of vessel is then effected by snap adjustment to make press the band 12 under pressure below the flange 32 formed by the outer peripheral flange of the neck. For him opposite, in the second embodiment of figures 6 to 8, skirt 11 is discontinuous and is then presented in the form of skirt segments separated by longitudinal slots 111 vertical In this case, these are only variants of embodiment: indeed, the skirts in the two embodiments can be continuous or grooved.

Skirt 11 extends downward from an annular plate 15 used to compress a neck joint 5 over the upper annular end 33 of the neck. Crushing the joint 5 is obtained by the traction exerted by the skirt 11 whose fixing means 12 are forced to stay under the flange 32. It is also a classic design for a ring fixing in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery or pharmacy.

Beyond this ring plate 15, the ring of fixing forms a receiving housing 17 in which the collar 42 formed by the body 41 of the distribution element 4. The collar 42 can be accommodated for example by means of a ratchet. He ratchet housing 17 also forms a central step 18 to through which the drive rod 43 extends.

This general fixing ring design is common to the two embodiments. Allows maintenance stable distribution element 4, an effective situation on the collar 31. When the skirt 11 is continuous, the fixation only It can be guaranteed by the ring. On the contrary, when the skirt it is grooved, the final fixation is obtained by placing the clamp clamp, as will be seen below. The The present invention is applied in both cases, namely skirt continuous or slotted skirt.

In both embodiments, the clamp 2 it comprises a substantially cylindrical body 21 that extends in its upper end by an incoming fold 26 that defines a large passage opening. At its opposite lower end, clamp 2 it comprises a thin part 22 whose wall thickness is less than of most of the body 21. The difference in wall thickness between the body 21 and the thin part 22 is visible in the form of internal displacement 212 extending over the entire periphery internal of the clamp.

The lower end of the clamp is formed by an edge 23 resulting from the edging of a part 24 of the clamp inwards. This part 24 edged, which originally extended in the extension of the thin part 22 is edging inwards by a very edging procedure known. The lower edge 23 thus makes the connection between the part 22 thin and the inner part 24 edged. The free end of the edged part 24 forms a shoulder 251 that is oriented towards above, that is in the direction of the incoming withdrawal 26.

The highlight 251 is therefore oriented substantially in front of slip 212, as can be seen in figure 2. An annular housing is thus created on the wall internal of the clamp between offset 212 and the shoulder 25. This clamp clamp design is common in both embodiments.

The fixing ring 1, the clamp 2, the container neck 31 and the distribution element 4 have all a certain longitudinal axial symmetry along an X axis visible in figures 1 and 6. During the assembly of the distributor composed of these elements, the distribution element 4 is engages first axially by the bottom in the inside the receiving housing 17 formed by the ring 1. Then, ring 2 with its ratchet distribution element 4 it is arranged axially by the upper part on the neck 31 of container until its fixing means 12 are grasped under the flange 32. Finally, the clamp 2 is arranged axially from top to bottom on the fixing ring 1, so that clings to the outer wall of the skirt 11. In position end, represented in figures 1 and 6, the lower end or lower edge 23 of the clamp 2 is supported or arranged near the protrusion 35 formed by the container 3. It is intended in effect that the clamp comes into contact with the shoulder 35 for reasons aesthetic In the final position, the fixing ring 1 is no longer visible, taking into account that the drive rod 43 is still covered by the distribution head surrounding the clamp 2 or is housed inside clamp 2.

In both embodiments, the shoulder 25 of the edged part 24 forms engaging means that act together with stop means formed by ring 2. These stop means may be formed for example by end 13 bottom of the skirt 11. The coupling means and the stop means together define axial retention means that allow blocking the clamp on the ring. In this way it is no longer possible to withdraw the ring clamp, which implies that ring 2 can no longer withdraw from the container neck. In this way, fixing the distribution element 4 on the container neck is Definitive and inviolable.

According to the invention, the retention means axial of the clamp on the ring allow to arrange the clamp on the ring in several displaced axial positions different. In other words, the clamp 2 can be coupled over the ring with its bottom edge 23 extending more or less towards down from the bottom end of skirt 11. This allows arrange and lock the clamp on the ring with the edge 23 bottom of the clamp in contact with shoulder 35 of the container 3. And this, regardless of neck height 31. The axial retention means thus comprise several elements of mutual grip that define different axial coupling positions of the clamp on the ring. These grip elements can be formed either by the clamp, or by the ring. These grip elements allow you to define axial positions certain locking of the clamp with respect to the ring in function of the physiognomy of the container neck.

Referring to the first mode of embodiment of figures 1 to 5, it can be seen that the elements of Mutual grip are formed by clamp 2 cladding. In effect, the shoulder 25 of the edged part 24 of the clamp coating has a crenellated profile that defines battlements of different height and depth. Referring to the figure 5, it can be seen that the edged part 24 defines three heights of battlements 251, 253 and 254 separated by 252 battlement funds located in the same axial height. On the contrary, tips 251, 253 and 254 battlements are located at different axial heights. The battlement tips and battlement bottoms define arc segments of circle that are connected by segments 241, 243 and 244 variable height radials. The shoulder 25 formed by part 24 edging defines here four elements of mutual grip formed by tips 251, 253 and 254 of battlements and funds 252 of battlements. Every  one of these grip elements is adapted to stop against the lower end 13 of the skirt 11, as can be seen in figure 2 with the battlement tip 251. If the neck of container would have been made more chubby or short, the highlight 25 would be located a little higher, and then tip 251 of battlement could not have capped below the end 13. On the contrary, the other tip 253 of the battlement would have fulfilled then the butt hitch function under the lower end 13. And if the neck were even more plump, it would be the bottom 252 of battlement the one that would make a stop under the lower end 13. It looks so the clamp 2 can be attached under the ring 1 in different axial positions displaced. This allows hook the clamp under the ring regardless of the physiognomy of the vessel neck. Instead of end 13 bottom of skirt 11, another formed buffer zone can be provided by ring 1.

The lower end 13 can butt against the battlements so that the ring, made of plastic material, It always has a tendency to deform or flow outwards.

Referring to figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that the fixing ring 1 is also provided with a collar 16 outgoing preassembly peripheral radially outgoing outward at plate level 15 at the upper end of the skirt 11. This collar 16 also serves to engage the clamp 2 cladding when the latter has not yet been definitely coupled to skirt 11. In the position of preassembly depicted in figures 3 and 4, ring 1 of fixing can be mounted on a container neck, since the skirt 11 is still not prevented from radially deforming towards the outside by coupling cladding clamp 2. On the contrary, the clamp 2 is integral with the fixing ring 1 and constitutes, together with the ring, an entity Unitary not removable. This is particularly advantageous for the transport, storage and handling of the ring fixing and its cladding clamp thus associated. He protruding collar 16 can grip the shoulder 25 formed by the part 24 edged or more precisely with any battlement formed by the crenellated profile of the projection. In figures 3 and 4, it is the 252 bevel bottom which is attached to collar 16 outgoing.

Reference is now made to figures 6 to 8 to explain the second embodiment of the invention. The clamp 2 may be identical to that of the first embodiment, or by varying, the edged part 24 of the clamp can present a continuous internal projection 25, i.e. devoid of crenellated profile. On the contrary, skirt 11, which in this case it is grooved, it is equipped with several series of vertical longitudinal ribs 14 extending towards down from the outgoing collar 16. Each series of ribs It comprises in this case three ribs of different heights. Obviously, as many ribs can be provided as desired in a series, and as many series as desired. Given that the fixing ring comprises six separate skirt segments here by six slots 111, the ring is equipped with six sets of three ribs of different heights. The ribs define extremes 141, 142 and 143 lower bumper that are arranged at axial heights different displaced. Each rib end thus defines means upside down, that is in the direction of shoulder 25 of the edged part 24 extending upward. In reference to figure 7, it is seen that the shoulder 25 is housed just by below the end 141 of the longest rib stop. As that the crenellated profile of the first embodiment, the series of ribs of different heights constitute grip elements mutual that allow to arrange and lock the clamp with respect to the ring in displaced axial positions. Grasping the shoulder 25 to end 143 of the shortest rib stop, clamp 2 Coating sinks less over the ring.

As in the first embodiment, the shoulder 25 of the edged part 24 can be grasped under the 16 protruding collar to replace the clamp 2 on the fixing ring.

In Figure 9, a variant of embodiment for clamp 2, which is devoid of part 24 edged, but forms a 24 'internal peripheral hollow that defines a bottom 25 'butt edge that can fulfill the same function that the projection 25. Thus the stop zone formed by the ring can butt over this bottom edge. The clamp does not need a upper wall thickness below the bottom edge, since the buffer zone formed by the ring will flow into the gap due to to the fluidity properties of the plastic material that constitutes ring.

As a variant, it is also possible to form the retention means at the level of the upper part of the skirt and of the clamp.

The ring is preferably made of material plastic and the clamp can be made of metal or material plastic.

It can also be seen that the clamp you can grab the ring in a different place at its end bottom free.

In all embodiments, the clamp 2 lining is hooked and locked in positions axes that can vary for example depending on the physiognomy of the bowl neck

Claims (11)

1. Fixing device to fix a distribution element (4), such as a pump or a valve, on a neck (31) of container, comprising the device:

-

a fixing ring (1) comprising fixing means (12) on the container neck and stop means (13; 141, 142, 143), Y

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a clamp clamp (2) axially coupled from top to bottom around the ring (1), the clamp comprising means (25) of coupling that act together with the stop means for define together axial retention means of the clamp on the ring,

characterized in that the retention means comprise several elements (251, 252, 253, 254; 13; 25, 141, 142, 143) of mutual grip which define axial coupling positions other than the clamp on the ring.

2. Fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises one end (26) upper and a lower end (23) intended to rest on the container, the engagement means being formed by a shoulder (25) internal facing up defined in proximity to the Lower end. 3. Fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the internal shoulder (25) is formed by an inward clamp trim at the level of its end lower. 4. Fixing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the stop means comprise the minus a downward facing buffer zone. 5. Fixing device according to claim 4, wherein several zones are provided (141, 142, 143) stoppers arranged in different axial positions, defining the Different buffer zones grip elements. 6. Fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the fixing ring comprises a skirt (11) noticeably cylindrical coupled around the neck (31), the skirt defining an external wall comprising several zones (141, 142, 143) displaced axially. 7. Fixing device according to claim 6, wherein the stop zones are formed by the lower ends (141, 142, 143) oriented downwards of axial longitudinal ribs (14) that extend vertically making a projection radially with respect to the outer wall of the skirt, the lower ends being located of the ribs in axially displaced positions. 8. Fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protrusion (25) of the clamp (2) presents a crenellated profile that defines elements of axially displaced grip. 9. Fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the crenellated profile defines battlements (251, 252, 253, 254) of different heights and / or depths. 10. Fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a preassembly shoulder (16) with which the means (25) Clamp hitch grabs in preassembled position. 11. Distributor of fluid product that it comprises a container, a distribution element, such as a pump or a valve and a fixing device according to a any of the preceding claims.