Dispenser for a pressurised container

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser. The dispenser is provided with: - an attachment ring (10); - a push-button (20) which is able to pivot about an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position; and - a rotation ring (30) for retaining the push-button on the attachment ring; - first retaining means being provided in order to retain the rotation ring on the attachment ring while leaving it free to rotate; and - second retaining means being provided in order to attach the push-button to the rotation ring; - connecting means (134) being provided so that, in the initial state, the push-button and the attachment ring form an integral assembly, the connecting means (134) needing to be broken in order to separate the push-button from the attachment ring and allow the push-button to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Description

Diffuser for pressure vessel

[0001] The invention relates to a diffuser for a pressure vessel. The diffuser extends along a main axis and can move from a locked position in which it is not possible to actuate the valve of the pressure vessel to an unlocked position in which it is possible to actuate the valve. Technological background

[0002] ON / OFF type diffusers are common. Typically, a push button, the upper face of which forms a finger cot, is pivotally connected to a fixing ring. The push button can pivot between a locked position in which it cannot be pressed to open the valve and an unlocked position in which it can be pressed and actuate the valve. Such a diffuser is known, for example, from WO 2017 / 067 835.

[0003] To function, the push button and the finger rest must therefore have rotational symmetry.

[0004] WO 2016 / 170 169 A discloses an ON / OFF type diffuser in which the finger rest is oval in shape. The ON / OFF device consists of a moving part inside the diffuser and which is actuated from the outside. This moving part pivots around a film hinge. There is a risk that this hinge could give way, rendering the ON / OFF device ineffective.

[0005] The objective of the invention is to improve the type of ON / OFF diffuser with a pivoting finger rest relative to the fixing ring to allow the use of a finger rest not having symmetry of revolution.

[0006] This objective is achieved with the diffuser of the invention which is provided with: - a fixing ring provided with fixing means for fixing the diffuser to a pressure container, - a push button configured to pivot about the main axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, and in the unlocked position being able to move from a high position which does not actuate the valve of the pressure container to a low position which actuates the valve of the pressure container, and - a rotation ring for retaining the push button on the fixing ring, - first retaining means being provided for retaining the rotation ring on the fixing ring while leaving the rotation ring free to pivot about the axis relative to the fixing ring, and - second retaining means being provided for fixing the push button on the rotation ring,the push button being locked in rotation around the axis relative to the rotation ring, - connecting means being provided so that in the initial state, the push button and the fixing ring form a single unit, the connecting means having to be broken to separate the push button from the fixing ring and allow the push button to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.,

[0007] In a simple embodiment of the invention, the connecting means consist of material bridges. These material bridges give way at the first rotation of the push button.

[0008] The diffuser may be provided with locking means movable between a locking position in which the push button cannot move from the up position to the down position and an unlocking position in which the push button can move from the up position to the down position. The locking means may comprise a locking tab and a bearing surface provided with a notch. The locking tab is pivotable relative to the bearing surface and the notch, one of (i) the locking tab and (ii) the bearing surface with the notch being placed on the push button and the other being placed on the fixing ring. The push button is in the unlocked position when the locking tab is aligned with the notch into which it can penetrate allowing the push button to move from the up position to the down position.The push button is in the locked position when the locking tab is moved away from the notch and is facing the bearing surface which blocks the locking tab preventing the push button from moving to the down position.

[0009] The fixing ring may be provided with fixing means for fixing it to a pressure container, these fixing means preferably being a continuous or discontinuous ring configured to engage behind an edge of the pressure container. This edge may in particular be the rolled edge of an aerosol can.

[0010] To facilitate the recycling of the pressure vessel, means of detachment may be provided to render the means of fixing the fixing ring to the pressure vessel inoperative.

[0011] The diffuser is provided with an outlet conduit, one inlet end of which is configured to cooperate with the valve of a pressure vessel to open it and one outlet end of which opens outside the diffuser.

[0012] The inlet end of the outlet conduit may be in the form of an actuating stem for a female type valve, or in the form of a tip configured to cooperate with the outlet stem of a male type valve. The outlet conduit is preferably attached to the push button, and the rotation ring is provided with an outlet opening in the extension of the outlet end of the outlet conduit.

[0013] The second retaining means may comprise one or more support ribs each provided with a slot and one or more securing tabs configured to forcefully engage the slots. The one or more support ribs provided with the slots are placed on one of (i) the rotation ring and (ii) the push button, and the one or more securing tabs are placed on the other of (i) and (ii).

[0014] Rotation limiting means may be provided to limit rotation of the rotation ring relative to the securing ring. The rotation limiting means preferably comprises one or two stops and one or two stop ribs, the stop or stops being located on one of (i) the securing ring and (ii) the rotation ring, and the stop or stops being located on the other of (i) and (ii).

[0015] Audible means may be provided for emitting one or more sounds, preferably one or more clicks, when moving between the locked position and the unlocked position. Brief description of the figures

[0016] The invention is described in more detail with the aid of the figures which show: : an exploded perspective view of the diffuser according to the invention (a) in the initial “ON” position and (b) in the “OFF” position; : a perspective view of the diffuser of the (a) in the initial position and (b) in the OFF position; : a sectional view of the diffuser of the mounted on a pressure vessel; : a sectional and perspective view of the fixing ring / push button assembly; : perspective views of the fixing ring / push button assembly; : perspective views of the fixing ring / push button assembly (a) in the initial “ON” position with the finger rest in the upper position, (b) after separation in the “OFF” position with the finger rest in the upper position, and (c) in the pressed “ON” position with the finger rest in the lower position; : perspective views of the rotation ring; : a sectional and perspective view of the rotation ring;: sectional and perspective views of the diffuser (a) in the “ON” position with the finger rest in the lower position, and (b) in the “OFF” position with the finger rest in the upper position; : horizontal sectional views of the diffuser showing the stops and stop ribs (a) in the “ON” position and (b) in the “OFF” position.; Detailed description

[0017] The diffuser of the invention (1) is intended to actuate the valve of a pressurized container such as an aerosol generator. It is intended to be fixed on the neck (81) of the housing of the pressurized container or on the cup (71) of the valve.

[0018] The diffuser (1) of the invention can be used in all positions. In the figures illustrating this application, it is generally shown with the push button facing upwards (see for example la). The references "top" / "bottom" or "upper" / "lower" have only a relative value in relation to the representations of the attached figures. It goes without saying that the diffuser can be used in all positions and that what is at the top in the position shown here will not necessarily be at the top during use. Furthermore, the diffuser extends longitudinally along a main axis (A), vertical in many representations of the attached figures such as la. The terms "radial", "axial" and "transverse" refer to this main axis (A).

[0019] The diffuser consists essentially of a fixing ring (10), a push button (20) and a rotation ring (30).

[0020] In operation, the push button (20) can pivot between a locked “OFF” position in which it is not possible to press the push button (20) to open the valve, and an unlocked “ON” position in which it is possible to press the push button (20) to open the valve and withdraw the product contained in the housing. The push button (20) is connected to the fixing ring (10) via the rotation ring (30) while being free to rotate relative to the fixing ring between two extreme positions, generally the “ON” and “OFF” positions.

[0021] The fixing ring (10)

[0022] The fixing ring (10) consists of a first cylindrical wall (11) extending around the main axis (A). The first cylindrical wall (11) is provided at a first end on its inwardly directed face with a first ring (111) for fixing the fixing ring to the neck (81) of the housing (80). The upper end of the first cylindrical wall (11) continues with an annular wall (12) directed towards the center of the fixing ring. In the present example, the annular wall is flat and radial. It could also be inclined relative to the horizontal and / or be curved in one direction or the other. A second cylindrical wall (13) coaxial with the first cylindrical wall (11) is fixed to the inner edge of the annular wall (12), the edge opposite the edge connected to the first cylindrical wall (11). This second cylindrical wall (13) protrudes above the annular wall (12).It is provided on its outer face, preferably at its upper end, with a second ring (131) for fixing the rotation ring (30) to the fixing ring (10).

[0023] The fixing ring is also provided with two stops (121) preferably arranged on the annular wall (12). These stops serve to limit the rotation of the rotation ring, and with it of the push button, between two extreme positions, generally close to the “ON” and “OFF” positions.

[0024] The upper edge of the second cylindrical wall (13) constitutes a bearing surface (132). A notch (133) is made in the upper edge of the second cylindrical wall. In the example presented here, this notch extends to the annular wall (12). The notch is delimited by two lateral edges defined by the second cylindrical wall (13) and a lower edge. The lateral edges are preferably vertical.

[0025] The second cylindrical wall (13) may also protrude downwards below the annular wall (12). In this case, reinforcing elements (122) may be provided under the annular wall (12) in contact with at least two of the cylindrical walls (11, 13) and the annular wall (12). These reinforcing elements (122) also serve as an upper stop for the penetration of the neck (81) of the housing (see).

[0026] The push button

[0027] The push button (20) comprises a finger rest (21) on which the user must press with his finger to actuate the valve. This finger rest is in the form of a support surface which is extended for essentially aesthetic reasons by a substantially vertical skirt (22) directed downwards. In the example presented here, the finger rest is in the form of an inclined plate with an oval or elliptical outline. It may be slightly concave, in particular in the direction corresponding to the position taken by a finger during use.

[0028] An outlet duct (23) is fixed under the finger cot (21). In the example presented here, this duct is intended to actuate a female valve. It therefore comprises an actuating rod (231) whose lower end is configured to be able to penetrate into the opening of a female valve to spread the seat (73) against the effect of a spring (74) and received in a valve body (72). This actuating rod (231) extends substantially vertically. If the product to be sampled must exit upwards, the actuating rod (231) opens into an opening provided in the finger cot. In the example presented here, the sampled product must exit to the side. The actuating rod (231) is therefore extended by a transverse duct (232) which passes through the skirt of the finger cot and opens out of the push button. A housing for a nozzle can be provided at the outlet of the transverse duct. The transverse duct (232) protrudes from the skirt (22) towards the outside.

[0029] The projecting portion of the transverse duct (232) is provided with two parallel vertical tabs (233) which extend downwardly from the transverse duct (232). Each tab (233) is provided with a fixing tab (234) consisting of a vertical plate which is flat or arcuate around the main axis (A). The tabs extend from their respective tab in the opposite direction to the other tab. It would also be possible to provide only one tab from which two fixing tabs would extend in the opposite direction.

[0030] Opposite the transverse duct (232), the skirt (22) is provided with a locking tab (221) which extends outwards. In the example presented here, this locking tab is in the form of a horizontal plate extending radially from the lower end of the skirt (22). The locking tab could be located at a distance from the lower edge of the skirt. The locking tab (221) is dimensioned such that it can penetrate without friction into the notch (133) made in the second cylindrical wall (13) of the fixing ring.

[0031] Before first use, the push button (20) is secured to the fixing ring (10). These two parts are preferably molded together to form a single piece. For this, one or more material bridges are provided. In the example presented here, three material bridges (134, 135) are provided. The first material bridge connects an outer corner of the locking tab (221) to the top of a lateral edge of the notch (133) closest to it. The other two material bridges (135) are made between the bottom of the tabs (233) surrounding the transverse duct (232) and the upper edge of the second cylindrical wall (13), preferably at the level of the bearing surface (132). In the initial state, when the push button is connected to the fixing ring by the material bridges, it is preferable, to facilitate the molding of this fixing ring / push button assembly, that the locking tab (221) is in alignment with the notch (133).In other words, the push button (20) is initially in the “ON” position. It goes without saying that other positions could be envisaged (“OFF” position, or any other intermediate position), for example if one of the two parts (10, 20) were overmolded onto the other (20, 10).

[0032] The rotation ring

[0033] The rotation ring (30) is provided with a first outer tubular wall (31) crossed by an outlet orifice (311). The rotation ring preferably has a symmetry of revolution. In the example presented here, it has a substantially truncated cone shape.

[0034] The first tubular wall (31) continues, at its upper end, by a front wall (32) extending towards the inside of the rotation ring. This front wall (32) is annular in shape so as to leave a central opening (321) for the finger cot (21). Opposite the outlet orifice (311), the front wall (32) lowers, forming a depression (322) leaving a space for the finger to be able to press the push button (20). A marking (322a) can be placed for example in the depression (322) to encourage the user to turn the rotation ring, or to indicate the direction of the "ON" position or the "OFF" position.

[0035] A second inner tubular wall (33), concentric with the first tubular wall (31), is provided under the front wall (32). This second tubular wall (33) has a symmetry of revolution. In the example presented here, it is cylindrical. A third rod (331) is placed on the inner face of this second tubular wall (33) at its lower end.

[0036] Two stop ribs (312) are provided in the annular space between the two tubular walls (31, 33) below the front wall (32). These two stop ribs are radial and vertical and extend from the front wall (32) to the bottom of the second tubular wall (33). They cooperate with the stops (121) of the annular wall (12) of the fixing ring.

[0037] Two support ribs (313) are also provided on either side of the outlet opening (311). These support ribs (313) are vertical and parallel to each other. They extend from the front wall (32) downwards and from the first tubular wall (31) to the second tubular wall (33), or even beyond inwards. Each support rib (313) is provided with a vertical slot (313a) open downwards. These slots are intended to receive the fixing tabs (234) of the push button. The second tubular wall (33) is interrupted between the two support ribs (313).

[0038] For better gripping, vertical grooves (314) can be provided on the outer face of the first tubular wall (31) of the rotation ring.

[0039] Functioning

[0040] The diffuser of the invention works as follows.

[0041] As previously stated, the fixing ring (10) and the push button (20) are manufactured in one piece. The rotation ring (30) is threaded onto the push button (20) from above. The finger rest (21) is positioned in the central opening (321) of the front wall, which has a complementary shape. The fixing tabs (234) located under the projecting part of the transverse duct (232) are forced into the fixing slots (313a) of the rotation ring. The second tubular wall (33) of the rotation ring surrounds the second cylindrical wall (13) of the fixing ring. The lower edge of the first tubular wall (31) of the rotation ring rests on the annular wall (12) of the fixing ring.The respective snap rings (131, 331) of the fixing ring and the rotation ring engage one behind the other so that the rotation ring (30) is retained on the fixing ring (10) while being free to rotate about the main axis (A). Preferably, the first tubular wall (31) of the rotation ring is dimensioned to lie in the extension of the first cylindrical wall (11) of the rotation ring to give an impression of continuity as is clearly visible in Figures 3 and 9.

[0042] In this position, a first stop rib (312) of the rotation ring rests on a first stop (121) of the fixing ring. This is visible in Figure 10a.

[0043] During the first rotation of the rotation ring (30) relative to the fixing ring (10), the push button (20) is rotated by the rotation ring (30) due to the engagement of the fixing tabs (234) in the fixing slots (313a) of the rotation ring. The material bridges (134, 135) which held the push button (20) on the fixing ring (10) give way, separating the push button (20) from the fixing ring (10). To facilitate this break, it is preferable for the first bridge (134) to be located on the upstream side of the locking tab (221) relative to the first rotational movement, in this case from the “ON” position to the “OFF” position.

[0044] Although the push button is no longer connected to the fixing ring, it cannot escape from the diffuser. It is held in place on the rotation ring on the one hand by its fixing tabs (234) which cannot come out of the fixing slots (313a) closed at the top, and on the other hand by the locking tab (221) which moves between on the one hand the bearing surface (132) of the fixing ring then the notch (133) and on the other hand the lower face of the front wall (32) of the rotation ring, at the depression (322). This is clearly visible on the. Similarly, the push button (20) cannot sink into the diffuser other than for the movement necessary to activate the valve. On the one hand the forceful engagement of the fixing tabs (234) in the fixing slots (313a) ensures sufficient retention.Furthermore, if this were not sufficient, the tabs (233) surrounding the transverse conduit (232) and by which the push button (20) was initially connected to the fixing ring (10) via the bridges (135) are at a minimal distance from the bearing surface (132) on which they can bear if necessary. Finally, the penetration of the valve actuating rod (231) is limited to the opening stroke of the valve seat (73). The push button is automatically returned to the upper position by closing the valve after sampling.

[0045] Rotation is limited on the "ON" side by the first stop rib (312a) of the rotation ring coming into contact with the first stop (121a) of the fixing ring (Figure 10a), and on the "OFF" side by the second stop rib (312b) coming into contact with the second stop (121b) (Fig. 10b). It goes without saying that it would have been possible to provide only one stop and two stop ribs, or two stops and a single stop rib, or any other device for limiting rotation.

[0046] In the "ON" position, the locking tab (221) is aligned with the notch (133) of the fixing ring. The finger rest (21) of the push button (20) can be pressed in towards the valve (Fig. 6c), which causes the actuating rod (231) to move downwards, which enters the female valve and spreads the valve seat (73), opening the valve. The finger rest thus moves from an upper to a lower actuating position. The upper position is its rest position. As soon as the rotating ring leaves the "ON" position with the finger rest (21) in the upper position (Fig. 6a), the locking tab (221) passes over the contact surface (132) of the fixing ring (Fig. 6b). It is no longer possible to press in the finger rest, and with it the actuating rod (231) to actuate the valve.

[0047] The first cylindrical wall (11) of the fastening ring and the first snap ring (111) for fastening to the housing (80) of the pressure vessel are designed for tight snap-fastening of the fastening ring onto the housing so that the fastening ring, during normal use, is rotationally locked on the container housing. The diffuser is dimensioned in such a way that the torque for rotating the rotation ring relative to the fastening ring, in particular during the first rotation causing the breakage of the bridges (134, 135), is less than the torque required to rotate the fastening ring relative to the pressure vessel. However, it would be possible for the fastening ring to also be rotatable relative to the pressure vessel. In this case, it may be useful to provide gripping grooves also on the outer face of the first cylindrical wall (11) of the fastening ring.

[0048] The diffuser of the invention makes it possible in particular to pivot on the fixing ring (10) a push button (20) whose finger rest (21) does not have a symmetry of revolution. Here, the finger rest (21) of the push button and the central opening (321) of the rotation ring have an oval or elliptical shape.

[0049] It is intended that the first rotation be carried out upon manufacture of the diffuser, so that the diffuser is in the locked "OFF" position when it is placed on the pressure vessel. It is also possible to deliver it in the initial position, with the bridges intact, and for the first rotation to be carried out either by the conditioner or by the user.

[0050] The embodiment presented here shows a diffuser for a female valve. It is therefore provided with an actuating rod (231) intended to penetrate into the valve. It would be possible to shorten this rod and provide it with an end piece designed to cooperate with the outlet rod of a male type valve. If it is necessary to separate the end piece from the valve rod in the "OFF" position, a chamfer can be provided on the bearing surface (132) of the fixing ring at the downstream edge of the notch, to form a rise ramp allowing the locking tab (221) to be raised at the start of the rotational movement towards the "OFF" position.

[0051] A device could be provided for emitting one or more sounds, such as one or more clicks, when moving from one extreme position to the other. A separate or hinged cap could also be provided, in particular to protect the free end of the outlet duct from dust.

[0052] It would also be possible to provide means of detachment to render the retaining means (111) of the fixing ring on the pressure container inoperative.

[0053] The main parts (10, 20, 30) of the diffuser are preferably made of polyolefins, in particular polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). The materials may be different or identical. They may have the same color or different colors. The materials selected may be virgin or recycled.

[0054] 1 Diffuser 10 Fixing ring 11 1 ère cylindrical wall 111 1 er fixing ring to the housing 12 Annular wall 121 Stops 122 Reinforcing elements 13 2 ème cylindrical wall 131 2 ème rotating ring fixing ring 132 Support surface 133 Notch 134 1 ermatter bridge 135 2 èmes material bridges20 Push button 21 Finger cot 22 Finger cot skirt 221 Locking tab 23 Outlet duct 231 Valve actuating rod 232 Cross duct 233 Tabs 234 Fixing tabs30 Rotation ring 31 1 ère Tubular wall 311 Outlet opening 312 Stop ribs 313 Support ribs 313a Fixing slot 314 Gripping grooves 32 Front wall 321 Central opening 322 Depression 322a Marking 33 2 ème tubular wall 331 3 ème Rotating ring fixing ring70 Valve 71 Cup 72 Valve body 73 Valve seat 74 Spring80 Housing 81 Housing neck

Claims

Diffuser (1) for a pressure vessel extending along a main axis (A), the diffuser being characterized in that it is provided with: - a fixing ring (10) provided with fixing means (111) for fixing the diffuser to a pressure vessel (80), - a push button (20) configured to pivot about the main axis (A) between a locked position and an unlocked position, and in the unlocked position being able to move from a high position which does not actuate the valve of the pressure vessel to a low position which actuates the valve of the pressure vessel, and - a rotation ring (30) for retaining the push button (20) on the fixing ring (10), - first retaining means (131, 331) being provided for retaining the rotation ring (30) on the fixing ring (10) while leaving the rotation ring free to pivot about the axis (A) relative to the rotation ring (30). fixing,and- second retaining means (234, 313a) being provided for fixing the push button (20) on the rotation ring (30), the push button being blocked in rotation about the axis (A) relative to the rotation ring,- connecting means (134, 135) being provided so that in the initial state, the push button (20) and the fixing ring (10) form a single-piece assembly, the connecting means (134, 135) having to be broken to separate the push button (20) from the fixing ring (10) and allow rotation of the push button between the locked position and the unlocked position., Diffuser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means consist of material bridges. Diffuser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser is provided with locking means which can be moved between a locking position in which the push button (20) cannot move from the high position to the low position and an unlocking position in which the push button (20) can move from the high position to the low position. Diffuser (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking means comprise a locking tab (221) and a bearing surface (132) provided with a notch (133), the locking tab being able to pivot relative to the bearing surface (132) and the notch (133), one of (i) the locking tab and (ii) the bearing surface (132) with the notch (133) being placed on the push button (20) and the other of (i) and (ii) being placed on the fixing ring (10). Diffuser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing ring (10) is provided with fixing means for fixing it to a pressure container, these fixing means preferably being a continuous or discontinuous ring (111) configured to engage behind an edge of the pressure container, preferably the rolled edge (81) of a housing. Diffuser (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that detachment means are provided to render inoperative the fixing means (111) of the fixing ring on the pressure container. Diffuser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with an outlet conduit (23) of which one inlet end is configured to cooperate with the valve of a pressurized container to open it and one outlet end of which opens outside the diffuser. Diffuser (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inlet end of the outlet conduit (23) is in the form of an activation rod (231) for a female type valve, or in the form of a tip configured to cooperate with the outlet rod of a male type valve. Diffuser (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the outlet duct (23) is fixed to the push button, and the rotation ring (30) is provided with an outlet opening (311) in the extension of the outlet end (232) of the outlet duct (23). Diffuser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second retaining means comprise one or more support ribs (313) each provided with a slot (313a) and one or more fixing tabs (234) configured to forcefully penetrate into the slots (313a), the support rib(s) (313) provided with the slots (313a) being placed on one of (i) the rotation ring (30) and (ii) the push button (20), and the fixing tab(s) (234) being placed on the other of (i) and (ii). Diffuser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that rotation limiting means (121, 312) are provided for limiting the rotation of the rotation ring (30) relative to the fixing ring (10), the rotation limiting means preferably comprising one or two stops (121) and one or two stop ribs (312), the stop or stops (121) being placed on one of (i) the fixing ring (10) and (ii) the rotation ring (30), and the stop or stops (312) being placed on the other of (i) and (ii). Diffuser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sound means are provided for emitting one or more sounds, preferably one or more clicks, when passing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

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