Fixing member and fluid product distributor

Abstract

FLUID PRODUCT FIXING AND DISTRIBUTION MEMBER. Pump fixing member (1), produced by plastic molding, comprising a skirt (11), an annular plate (13) and a receiving sleeve (14) defining a receiving recess (L) formed by a molding pin that is forcibly removed upon mold release, the receiving recess (L) comprising an annular entry rib (15) projecting inwards, the fixing flange of a distribution member being held in the receiving recess (L) by said annular entry rib (15), characterized in that the annular entry rib (15) comprises retaining segments (16) for engaging the fixing flange (R2) and mold release segments (17) for engaging the molding pin upon mold release.

Description

1 / 9 FIXING MEMBER AND FLUID PRODUCT DISTRIBUTOR

[001] The present invention relates to a retaining member or ring for mounting a dispensing member on the neck of a reservoir. This type of retaining ring is used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals to permanently or removablely mount dispensing members, such as pumps, valves, caps, etc., on a reservoir of fluid, granulated or powdered product.

[002] In the prior art, the production of the fastening member by plastic molding is known. The fastening member generally defines a vertical axis of symmetry and comprises a skirt engaged in (or around) the neck, an annular plate supported axially on the neck, with an optional flattened seal between them, and a receiving sleeve in which the fastening flange of the distribution member is fixedly received. This receiving sleeve defines a receiving recess that is formed by a molding pin that is forcibly removed upon mold release. This receiving recess comprises an annular entry rib that projects inward and thus reduces the opening of the receiving recess. The fastening flange of the distribution member body is held in the receiving recess by this annular entry rib. Generally, the annular entry rib is presented in the form of a continuous annular cord with a constant cross-section.

[003] It is easily understood that, upon release from the mold, the molding pin that forms the receiving recess exerts significant stress on the annular entry rib. The molding pin, made of metal, therefore deforms the rib. The aim is for this deformation to be temporary and elastic, not permanent. The rib should not be grated, scraped, wavy, or laminated by the pin. It must be ensured that the rib remains as intact as possible. Often, the rib is slightly damaged. In order to impart high elastic deformability to the rib upon release from the mold, it is common to form it into a cylindrical wall that allows for reversible expansion. Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 12 / 45 2 / 9

[004] However, in certain cases, greater flange retention in the receiving recess is required. But the radial projection of the rib cannot be increased, since it is no longer possible to detach it without damaging it. The cylindrical wall where the rib is formed also has elastic deformation limits.

[005] In other cases, the rib must be placed lower, for example, on the annular plate, which offers only a very limited elastic deformation capacity. Detachment in this way often leads to damage to the annular rib.

[006] The objective of the present invention is to preserve, as far as possible, the integrity of the annular entry rib during mold release. In other words, the rib should remain in its initial molding state after the molding pin is removed. Another objective is to avoid complicating the molding and mold release operation, and to avoid imposing a specific plastic material.

[007] To this end, the present invention proposes that the annular entry rib comprises retaining segments for engaging the clamping flange and mold release segments for engaging the molding pin during mold release. In this way, only the mold release segments are forced by the mold release pin and the retaining segments remain undriven by the pin and are therefore intact. It does not really matter if the mold release segments are damaged during mold release, since they do not contribute to the flange retention. The mold release segments act as protective members or shields for the retaining segments, being placed in the first row in the pin release path.It can also be said that the conventional projection bead has been segmented and that one part of the protrusion will fulfill its function of retaining the flange in the recess, while the other part of the protrusion has been dedicated to mold release or detachment in order to preserve the part dedicated to retention.

[008] Advantageously, the retention segment and the segments of Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 13 / 45 3 / 9 The mold release segments comprise, respectively, retaining faces and eccentric faces that are rotated into the receiving recess. The eccentric faces define an inclination relative to the vertical axis that is greater than that of the retaining faces. In this way, the greater inclination of the mold release segments ensures that the pin, during its removal, will strike the eccentric faces of the mold release segments and move away from the retaining faces of the retaining segments. Naturally, only after molding and before release from the mold is the molding pin in contact with the retaining faces and the eccentric faces, as this is what formed them.However, when released from the mold, the pin will only remain in contact with the eccentric faces, due to their increased inclination. The retaining faces will be moved radially outwards without contact with the pin, but through the mold release segments, which are moved radially outwards, even if they are deteriorated by the pin at the same time.

[009] As a non-limiting example, the inclination of the eccentric faces relative to that of the retaining faces is greater than 1 to 10 degrees, advantageously 2 to 6 degrees and preferably around 3 to 5 degrees.

[010] According to a feature of the invention, the retaining segments and the mold release segments can be arranged alternately. They can be joined or separated by grooves. For example, ten retaining segments and ten mold release segments can be provided interposed.

[011] According to another aspect, the retaining segments may project more radially inward than the mold release segments. In a variant or in addition, the retaining segments may have a greater axial height than the mold release segments. The mold release segments may be presented approximately in the form of a mini-retaining segment.

[012] On the other hand, the mold release faces can be displaced axially downwards relative to the retaining faces, so Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, page 14 / 45 4 / 9 that the annular entrance rib has a crenellated upper configuration.

[013] The present invention has a rather particular advantage when the annular entry rib is located in axial proximity or substantially at the same axial level as the annular plate, so that the elastic deformation capacity on mold release is reduced.

[014] The present invention also defines a fluid product distributor comprising a fluid product reservoir, a distribution member, such as a pump or a valve, and a mounting member as defined above, for mounting the distribution member on the fluid product reservoir.

[015] The scope of the invention relates to protecting the retention zones of the entry rib of the receiving recess that will come into contact with the fastening flange with raised zones that are in the first line in the release path and that will absorb the impact of the pin, under risk of being damaged. It is thus ensured that the retention zones emerge intact from the release and can fully perform their retention function.

[016] The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving as a non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[017] In the Figures:

[018] Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid product distributor according to the invention,

[019] Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through a fastening member according to the invention,

[020] Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through the fastening member of Figure 2,

[021] Figure 4a is an enlarged cross-sectional view along a cutting plane passing through a retaining segment of the fastening member of Figures 2 and 3, and Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, page 15 / 45 5 / 9

[022] Figure 4b is a view similar to that of Figure 4b along another cutting plane passing through a mold release segment of the fastening member of Figures 2 and 3.

[023] The distributor of Figure 1 comprises a fluid product reservoir (R), a distribution member (P) and a fixing member (1) which forms the subject of the present invention. Optionally, the distributor may also comprise a finishing band (F) which is engaged around the distribution member (1).

[024] The fluid product reservoir (R) is not critical to the present invention, so it can be made of any suitable material and have any shape. The reservoir (R) comprises a neck (R1), which projects upwards and defines an opening (RO) that makes access to the interior of the reservoir possible. The neck (R1) comprises an annular reinforcement (R2) that projects outwards. In this way, this reinforcement (R2) defines a downward-oriented annular baffle. The neck (R1) also defines an upper annular edge (R3).

[025] The distribution member (P) can be a pump or a valve. It comprises a body (P1) defining a mounting flange (P2) and fitted with an immersion tube (P3). The distribution member (P) also comprises an actuating rod (P4), which has a push button (P5). Thus, by pressing the push button (P5), the actuating rod (P4) sinks into the body (P1), thereby pressurizing a dose of fluid product in the case of a pump or opening an outlet flap in the case of a valve. Again, the type of distribution member (P) is not critical to the present invention. It is sufficient that the body (P1) comprises a protruding mounting flange (P2).

[026] The fastening member (1) of the invention has axial symmetry along a vertical axis X and comprises a skirt (11) that engages with the neck (R1). In the embodiment used to illustrate the present invention, the skirt (11) comprises fastening teeth (12) that engage below the annular reinforcement. Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 16 / 45 6 / 9 (R2). The skirt (11) may be continuous, as is the case in the present application, or also divided, so as to form flexible flaps separated by grooves. The fastening member (1) also comprises an annular plate (13) extending radially inward from the upper end of the skirt (11). This annular plate (13) may serve to flatten a neck seal (G) on the upper annular edge (R3) of the neck (R1). Due to its annular configuration, the plate (13) has a very low radial deformation capacity. The fastening member (1) also comprises a receiving sleeve (14) extending upward from the inner periphery of the plate (13). This receiving sleeve (14) comprises a cylindrical part (141) extending upward from the inner periphery of the plate (13) and an annular flange (142) extending radially inward from the upper end of the cylindrical part (141).At its center, the annular flange (142) forms a central opening (143) through which the actuating rod (P4) of the distribution member (P) extends. The inner wall of the cylindrical part (141) forms an annular entry rib (15) that projects inwards. In this way, the receiving sleeve (14) defines a receiving recess (L), whose entry is reduced by the projection of the annular entry rib (15). It can be noted in Figure 1 that the annular fixing flange (P2) of the distribution member (P) is housed within this receiving recess (L), surrounded by the cylindrical part (141) and sandwiched between the annular entry rib (15) and the annular flange (142). The distribution member (P) is thus kept completely stable, even when sealed, within the receiving sleeve (14). This is a perfectly conventional configuration for a fixture in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

[027] The present invention relates to the annular entry rib (15), which will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4a and 4b.

[028] It can be immediately noted from Figure 2 that the annular entry rib (15) is not constant or regular on its periphery. On the contrary, this annular rib (15) defines an alternation of retaining segments (16) and mold release segments (17) having different Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 17 / 45 7 / 9 configurations. Each retaining segment (16) is bounded by two adjacent mold release segments (17) and vice versa. The segments (16) and (17) can be joined or, conversely, separated by grooves. It can also be noted that the retaining segments (16) have a greater axial height or extension than the mold release segments (17). In Figure 3, it can also be noted that the retaining segments (16) have a greater radial thickness than the mold release segments (17). In summary, the retaining segments (16) are taller and / or more prominent than the mold release segments (17).

[029] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, it can be noted that the retaining segments (16) each comprise a retaining face (161) which is inclined upwards and inwards into the receiving recess (L). It can be said that this retaining face (161) forms the first support of the retaining segment (16) within the receiving recess (L). It is understood that this retaining face (161) will engage with the lower edge of the annular flange (P2) of the distribution member (P), if Figure 1 is cited again.

[030] It can also be noted that the mold release segments (16) form an eccentric face (171), which is oriented upwards and inwards to the receiving recess (L). The eccentric faces (171) are not located at the same axial level as the retaining faces (161), in fact, it can be observed that the eccentric faces (171) are arranged slightly lower than the retaining faces (161), so as to give a crenellated shape to the annular rib (15).

[031] Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view through a retaining rib (16). Its retaining face (161) extends with an inclination that forms an angle α with respect to the vertical Y. Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view through a mold release rib (17). Its eccentric face (171) has an inclination that forms an angle β with respect to the vertical Y. According to the invention, the angle β is greater than the angle α. As an example, the angle α may be 38.5°, while the angle β may be 42°. Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 18 / 45 8 / 9 These values ​​are given purely as information. In fact, the difference between angles α and β, always in favor of angle β, can vary from 1° to 10°, advantageously from 2° to 6°, preferably between 3° and 5°.

[032] The fastening member (1) is conventionally produced by plastic injection / molding. A molding pin (not shown) defines an external impression that corresponds to the internal walls of the fastening member (1). The molding pin therefore comprises a molding head that forms the interior of the receiving recess (L). The head of the molding pin therefore comprises protruding and hollow profiles that correspond negatively to the retaining segments (16) and the mold release segments (17). After injecting plastic around the molding pin, this molding pin must be removed from the interior of the fastening member (1). However, the annular entry rib (15) extends radially inwards, so the molding pin must be forcibly removed, deforming the receiving sleeve (14) and more specifically, its cylindrical wall (141). This is absolutely conventional in the molding of fastening members in the field of perfumery, cosmetics or also pharmaceuticals.

[033] According to the invention, the head of the molding pin will first engage with the mold release segments (17) and leave the retaining segments free of tension. In this way, the mold release segments (17) will optionally or probably be damaged or deteriorated by the molding pin, but the retaining segments (17) will remain intact and will be able to perform their function of retaining the annular flange (P2). In fact, given that the eccentric faces (171) of the mold release segments (17) have a higher or greater inclination than the retaining faces (161), the mold release pin will engage pressed against the eccentric faces (171) and extend from the retaining faces (161), thus leaving them intact.

[034] The mold release segments (17) of the invention make it possible to produce fastening members with greater retention or a rib. Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 19 / 45 9 / 9 annular plate located in close proximity to the annular plate (13), which reduces radial deformation. In fact, it does not matter if the mold release segments (17) are damaged, as long as the retaining segments (16) remain intact or practically intact. In order to guarantee the integrity of the retaining segments (16), it is preferable that the mold release segments be located in direct proximity to the retaining segments and be sufficient in number. In the example used to illustrate the present invention, there are ten retaining segments and ten mold release segments. The retaining and mold release segments may extend angularly over identical or similar extensions.

[035] Thanks to the invention, a fastening member is available in the annular rib (15) of the receiving recess (L) which fully fulfills its function, given that the retaining segments (16) are preserved by the mold release segments (17). Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, p. 20 / 45

Claims

1 / 2 Claims 1. FASTENING ELEMENT (1), for mounting a distribution member (P), such as a pump or a valve, on a neck (R1) of a fluid product reservoir (R), the distribution member (P) comprising a body (P1) forming a fastening flange (P2), the fastening member (1) being produced by plastic molding, the fastening member (1) defining a vertical axis (X, Y) and comprising: a skirt (11) engaged on the neck (R1), an annular plate (13) axially supported on the neck (R1), with an optional seal (G) flattened between them, a receiving sleeve (14) in which the fastening flange (P2) of the distribution member (P) is fixedly received, this receiving sleeve (14) defining a receiving recess (L) formed by a molding pin that is forcibly removed upon mold release, the recess of reception (L) comprising an annular entrance rib projecting inwards (15) and thus,reduces the opening of the receiving recess (L), the clamping flange (R2) being held in the receiving recess (L) by this annular entry rib (15), characterized by the annular entry rib (15) comprising retention segments (16) for engaging the clamping flange (R2) and mold release segments (17) for engaging the molding pin upon mold release.

2. FASTENING MEMBER (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the retaining segments (16) and the mold release segments (17) comprising respectively retaining faces (161) and eccentric faces (171) that are rotated into the receiving recess (L), the eccentric faces (171) defining an inclination with respect to the vertical axis (X, Y) that is greater than that of the retaining faces (161).

3. FASTENING MEMBER (1), according to claim 2, characterized by the inclination of the eccentric faces (171) in relation to that of the retaining faces (161) being greater by 1 to 10 degrees, advantageously by 2 to 6 degrees and preferably around 3 to 5 degrees.

4. FASTENING MEMBER (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the retaining segments (16) and the mold release segments (17) being arranged alternately.

5. FASTENING MEMBER (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the retaining segments (16) projecting more radially inward than the mold release segments (17).

6. FASTENING MEMBER (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the retaining segments (16) have an axial height greater than that of the mold release segments (17).

7. FASTENING MEMBER (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the retaining segments (16) and the mold release segments (17) are joined together.

8. FASTENING MEMBER (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mold release faces (17) are axially displaced downwards relative to the retaining faces (16), so that the annular entry rib (15) has a crenellated upper configuration.

9. FASTENING MEMBER (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the annular entry rib (15) is located in close proximity to, or substantially at the same axial level as, the annular plate (13), so that the elastic deformation capacity on mold release is reduced.

10. FLUID PRODUCT DISTRIBUTOR, characterized by comprising a fluid product reservoir (R), a distribution member (P), such as a pump or a valve, and a fastening member (1), as defined in any of claims 1 to 9, for mounting the distribution member (P) on the fluid product reservoir (R). Petition 870220115249, dated 09 / 12 / 2022, page 22 / 45

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