Housing for a dispensing device, dispensing device and associated dispensing assembly

Abstract

Housing for a dispensing device, dispensing device and associated dispensing assembly. This housing (30) is configured to be clipped onto a flange (128) of a container opening (12) along an assembly axis (A12). The housing (30) defines a cavity (324), which is configured to receive the flange (128), and includes clipping elements (328) configured to cooperate with the flange (128) when the flange is received in the cavity. Advantageously, the housing (30) includes a protrusion (350) located opposite the cavity along the assembly axis (A12). (See Figure 2b for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Housing for a dispensing device, dispensing device and associated dispensing assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing for a dispensing device, in particular a drug dispensing device, and a dispensing device comprising such a housing. The invention also relates to a dispensing assembly comprising such a dispensing device.

[0002] We are particularly interested here in dispensing assemblies comprising a container, which holds several doses of a product to be dispensed, for example in liquid form, and a dispensing device comprising a dispensing member, for example a pump, actuated by a user, to deliver a predetermined quantity of the product contained in the container, in other words, to deliver a dose of the product. The container generally comprises a mouth with a collar above a neck, while the dispensing device comprises clipping members, configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with the collar, so as to ensure the assembly of the dispensing device to the container. EP-0653359-A1 describes, for example, such a dispensing device.

[0003] The shapes and dimensions of this type of collar are well known to those skilled in the art and are specified in particular in standard EN 14854:2021, or are described in several industry standards established by the European Aerosol Federation, or FEA, in particular standard FEA206. By extension, the designations FEA15 and FEA20 commonly refer to bottles with a collar having an external diameter of 15 or 20 millimeters respectively.

[0004] In the case where the product contained in the container is a medicine, it is advantageous for the user to be able to know how many doses are still available in the container to ensure that they can take their treatment, so the dispensing device preferably includes a dose counting element, which is activated each time the user operates the activation device, for example by means of a mechanical linkage between the activation device and the counting element.

[0005] The dispensing device, generally a housing, is fixed to the opening of the container and comprises a shell-like structure providing an internal space. The housing includes a lower wall in which a cavity is provided, fitted with clipping elements. The lower wall is configured to be fixed to the opening of the container along an assembly axis, the clipping elements cooperating with the collar. The housing also includes an upper wall, which is located at The distance from the lower wall along the assembly axis, and a peripheral wall connecting the upper and lower walls, the upper, lower, and peripheral walls creating an internal space in which some of the components of the distribution device are housed, namely a portion of the distribution element and, where applicable, at least a portion of the metering element. When the distribution element is a pump, an opening at the top is generally provided in the upper wall, with the distribution element protruding from the upper wall through this opening, so that a user can operate the distribution element, for example, by pressing an actuator on the distribution element.

[0006] The housing generally comprises several parts, typically two shells, which are distinct from one another and which allow the components of the dispensing device to be positioned within the internal space before being assembled together to close the housing. Generally, the dispensing device is fully assembled before being attached to the container. During the assembly of the dispensing device to the container, the flange of the spout is inserted into the cavity along the assembly axis, and then an assembly force, preferably an axial force parallel to the assembly axis, is applied to the upper wall of the housing to elastically deform the clipping elements to accommodate the passage of the flange, thus securing the dispensing device to the container by elastic return of the clipping elements around the flange.In this type of configuration, the radial dimensions of the housing, that is to say perpendicular to the assembly axis, are greater than those of the mouthpiece.

[0007] Snap-on rings intended to be secured to container mouths are assembled by applying an assembly force directly to the cavity, so that the clipping elements are not hindered from deforming during the passage of the flange. The assembly forces are generally in the range of 250 to 600 Newtons.

[0008] Due to the shell-like structure and radial dimensions of the housing, the application of an assembly force on the upper wall is transmitted to the lower wall primarily via the peripheral walls located radially further away than the clipping elements. Combined with the fact that the clipping elements are located inside the cavity, the transmission of the assembly force to the clipping elements occurs via the lower wall and the side wall containing the clipping elements. The stress induced on the side wall limits the flexibility of the side wall, and therefore of the clipping elements, necessary for the passage of the collar during the assembly of the housing to the container. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the assembly force required to pass the collar past the clipping elements during the assembly of the housing onto the mouthpiece. The shell-like structure Because it is more flexible, the risk of plastic deformation of the casing is also increased, which is undesirable. The increased assembly forces also lead to a risk of breakage of the container or loss of seal between the dispensing device and the container.

[0009] It is known to strengthen the shell structure by changing the material and / or adding stiffening ribs along the peripheral wall, however this does not significantly impact the additional stress on the clipping members due to the transmission of forces from the upper wall to the lower wall by the peripheral wall.

[0010] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a casing that is easier to assemble to the container.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a housing configured to be clipped onto a flange of a container's mouth along an assembly axis, the housing defining a cavity configured to receive the flange and comprising clips for attaching the flange when it is received in the cavity. According to the invention, the housing includes a protrusion located opposite the cavity along the assembly axis.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, during the assembly of the housing to the container, each protrusion ensures the transmission of axial forces directly to the area of ​​the housing coinciding with the cavity receiving the flange to which the housing will be attached. This facilitates the assembly of the dispensing device to the container, regardless of the shape of the housing and / or the cavity. With such a design, the clipping elements are subjected to less stress and are freer to deform when the flange passes over the container. As a result, the protrusion(s) limit the deformation of the housing during assembly. With the invention, the deformation of the housing in sensitive areas is between 5 and 20 times lower compared to a housing of similar shape, dimensions, and structure but without the protrusions of the invention.

[0013] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a distribution device may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination:

[0014] Advantageously, the housing comprises a plurality of protrusions. Thus, the transmitted force is distributed more uniformly.

[0015] Advantageously, the cavity has a generally cylindrical shape forming a cavity axis. Thus, the cavity fits snugly into most container openings. Preferably, the cavity axis coincides with the assembly axis.

[0016] Advantageously, the housing is hollow and delimits an internal space distinct from the cavity, and comprises an upper wall extending transversely to the assembly axis, a lower wall located at a distance from the upper wall along the axis assembly, and a peripheral wall connecting the upper wall to the lower wall and extending parallel to the assembly axis, while the cavity is formed in the lower wall. The protrusion(s) extend into the internal space between the upper and lower walls.

[0017] Advantageously, the housing comprises a transverse wall forming the bottom of the cavity, and a lateral wall delimiting the cavity radially to the assembly axis. The lateral wall includes the collar clipping elements, while the protrusion is located opposite the transverse wall along the assembly axis, on the side facing the cavity. Thus, the assembly force is transmitted directly to the transverse wall forming the bottom of the cavity without adding stress to the clipping elements.

[0018] Advantageously, the lower wall comprises the transverse wall and the lateral wall.

[0019] Advantageously, the protrusion is configured to abut against the transverse wall during a step of assembling the housing onto the flange. Indeed, permanent contact between the protrusions and the transverse wall could generate problems during the assembly of the housing.

[0020] Advantageously, the housing comprises an upper shell and a lower shell configured to be assembled together to form the housing, the lower shell comprising the lower wall, and the upper shell comprising the protrusion.

[0021] Advantageously, the protrusion includes a free end located opposite the lower shell and configured to abut against the lower shell. Preferably, the protrusion includes a free end located opposite the transverse wall and configured to abut against the transverse wall.

[0022] Advantageously, the free end is not in contact with the transverse wall when the housing is not assembled onto the flange. Preferably, the protrusion and the transverse wall are separated by a distance sized to allow for slight elastic deformation of the housing during assembly onto the mouthpiece. Preferably, the distance between the protrusion and the transverse wall is non-zero, advantageously between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. Such a range of values ​​ensures the presence of a gap, taking into account manufacturing tolerances, and limits plastic deformation of the housing, which could lead to malfunctions of any components included inside the housing.

[0023] The expression "between... and..." should be understood as including the bounds of the interval thus defined.

[0024] Advantageously, the protrusion extends parallel to the assembly axis. Thus, the structure of the protrusion allows the assembly force to be transmitted efficiently.

[0025] Advantageously, the peripheral wall includes an upper peripheral portion and a lower peripheral portion, while the upper shell includes the upper wall and the upper peripheral portion, and the lower shell includes the lower wall and the lower peripheral portion, the upper and lower peripheral portions including attachment organs of the upper and lower shells.

[0026] Advantageously, the protrusion is a pillar. Preferably, the pillar is formed solely from the upper wall.

[0027] Advantageously, the protrusion is a rib. Preferably, the rib is formed from material of the upper wall and the peripheral wall.

[0028] Advantageously, the upper wall and the lower wall extend transversely to the axis of assembly, and the peripheral walls extend parallel to the axis of assembly.

[0029] Advantageously, the housing provides an internal space and is configured to receive, in the internal space, a part of a product distribution device capable of distributing a plurality of product doses.

[0030] Advantageously, the housing is configured to receive, in the internal space, a dose counting device.

[0031] Advantageously, the protrusion is arranged so as to transmit a predominantly axial force to the lower shell.

[0032] Advantageously, the pillar includes a stiffening rib. Such a stiffening rib increases the force transmissible by the pillar and can transmit significant forces.

[0033] Advantageously, the container's clipping elements are bosses, preferably clips. Alternatively, the clipping elements are formed by a continuous circumferential ring.

[0034] Advantageously, one of the protrusions is axially aligned with one of the bosses. Preferably, each protrusion is aligned with the clipping members. Thus, the transmitted force is distributed uniformly among all the clipping members.

[0035] Advantageously, one of the protrusions has an annular or rectangular sector as its cross-section.

[0036] Alternatively, one of the protrusions is of circular section.

[0037] Alternatively, one of the protrusions is cross-sectionally shaped.

[0038] Alternatively, the protrusion extends axially from the transverse wall towards the upper shell and includes a free end configured to butt against the upper shell when assembling the housing onto the mouth of the container.

[0039] Alternatively, the upper shell includes an upper protrusion and the lower shell includes a lower protrusion, the upper and lower protrusions being opposite each other, the upper and lower protrusions each comprising a free end, the free ends of the upper and lower protrusions being configured to butt against each other when the housing is assembled onto the mouth of the container.

[0040] The invention also relates to a distribution device, which includes the housing as described above, and a product distribution member capable of distributing a plurality of doses of product, the distribution member being partly received in the internal space.

[0041] Advantageously, the distribution device is a pump or a valve. A pump is understood to be a device capable of drawing in and discharging a fluid. A valve is understood to be a device capable of selectively retaining and releasing a pressurized fluid. The valve is said to be a "metering" valve if, during the action of releasing the fluid, the quantity of fluid released is independent of the duration of the valve's actuation. The valve is said to be a "continuous" valve if the quantity of fluid released depends on the duration of the valve's actuation.

[0042] Advantageously, the distribution unit comprises a distribution head and a body.

[0043] Advantageously, the dispensing device includes a removable cap attached to the housing and configured to cover the dispensing head. Preferably, the removable cap is provided with a locking mechanism, for example, a child-resistant closure.

[0044] Advantageously, the distribution head is mobile relative to the body, so that a movement of the latter causes the distribution of the product.

[0045] Advantageously, the delivery head is a mouthpiece, nasal or ear tip configured to deliver an aerosol, such as a spray, or a jet.

[0046] Advantageously, the assembly effort of the distribution device on the mouthpiece is exerted on the cap.

[0047] The invention finally relates to a distribution assembly, comprising the distribution device as described above and a container containing several doses of product to be distributed and comprising a mouthpiece provided with a collar, the collar being able to be received in the cavity for the assembly of the container to the housing.

[0048] Advantageously, the container includes a mouth equipped with a collar of circular section.

[0049] Advantageously, the product to be distributed is a pharmaceutical product.

[0050] Products, particularly pharmaceuticals, that may be distributed by the distribution network include, for example, formulations containing at least one active ingredient such as peptides, proteins, hormones, active ingredients of biological origin such as live inactivated viruses, virus proteins, viral vectors and viral subunits, nucleotide-based active ingredients such as DNA, RNA or oligonucleotides, active ingredients with a molecular weight of up to 1500 Da, polysaccharides, vaccines, enzymes, antibodies, nutritional formulas or other active substances or mixtures thereof.

[0051] Products, particularly pharmaceuticals, that can be distributed by the dispensing device 10 include, for example, formulations containing as active ingredients tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, midazolam, benzodiazepines, morphine, naloxone, sufentanil, fentanyl, epinephrine, adrenaline, ketamines including esketamine, norketamine, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, decongestants, vasoconstrictors, nalmefene, salbutamol, ipratropium, montelukast, anesthetic agents, antihistamines, antiemetics, desmopressin, oxytocin, GnRH analogues, nafarelin, busurelin, calcitonin, insulin, sumatriptan, the zolmitriptan, dihydroergotamine, metoclopramide, ondansetron, bevacizumab, zavegepant, nicotine, corticosteroids, steroids, sedatives, dexmedetomidine, ketorolac, lorazepam, lidocaine or xylocaine, or combinations thereof..

[0052] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a distribution device and a distribution assembly, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] - [Fig. 1] Figures 1a) and 1b) represent a conformal distribution set to the invention, observed respectively in perspective and in partially exploded perspective;

[0054] - [Fig.2] Figures 2a) and 2b) respectively represent a section along two orthogonal plans of the distribution assembly, some parts being hidden, the distribution assembly comprising a container, a housing and a cap;

[0055] - [Fig. 3] Figures 3a) and 3b) are views analogous to Figures 2a) and 2b), the rooms being far apart from each other;

[0056] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an exploded perspective view of the parts of the assembly of distribution of the [Fig.2];

[0057] - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of an upper shell of the housing the [Fig.2],

[0058] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of an upper shell belonging to a casing conforming to a second embodiment.

[0059] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of an upper shell belonging to a casing conforming to a third embodiment.

[0060] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an upper shell belonging to a casing conforming to a fourth embodiment.

[0061] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a lower shell belonging to a casing conforming to a fourth embodiment

[0062] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0063] A dispensing assembly 10 is shown in [Fig. 1]. The dispensing assembly 10 comprises a container 12, here a bottle, the container 12 being configured to be assembled to a dispensing device 20. In Figure 1a), the dispensing assembly 10 is shown in an assembled configuration, while in Figure 1b), the dispensing assembly 10 is shown in a partially exploded perspective, the dispensing device 20 being located at a distance from the container 12. The container 12 is configured to contain a product, in particular a liquid product, such as a solution or a suspension. The product contained in the container 12 is not shown. The product contained in the container 12 is advantageously a pharmaceutical product.

[0064] The container 12, shown in cross-section in figures 2 and 3, has here a generally revolutionary shape with an opening 122 centered on an assembly axis A12. By extension, the assembly axis A12, defined with reference to the container 12, is also taken as a reference for the other elements of the distribution assembly 10.

[0065] The container 12 comprises a main body 124, which delimits an internal volume V124 for receiving a liquid, a constricted portion forming a neck 126, and a collar 128, which is located above the neck 126. The collar 128 is sometimes called a "neck ring" or simply a "ring". The container 12 is preferably made of glass or plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0066] The distribution device 20 comprises a housing 30, which is configured to be assembled to the container 12, and a distribution element 22, which is partially received in the housing 30 and is actuable by a user, so as to distribute a or several doses of the product contained in container 12. The distribution device 22 is shown only in figure 1b).

[0067] Typically, the container 12 contains several doses of the product to be dispensed, depending on the size of the container, the type of product it contains, and the dispensing member 22. In the illustrated example, the container 12 is configured to hold 10 milliliters of product, while the dispensing member 22 is configured to dispense 100-microliter doses. In other words, the container 12 is configured to hold up to 100 doses of the product to be dispensed. Other containers with capacities ranging from 5 milliliters to 20 milliliters are compatible with the housing 30. Other dispensing members configured to deliver from 15 microliters to 200 microliters are also compatible with the housing 30.

[0068] The dispensing device 20 advantageously includes a counting element 24, which is configured to provide the user with information on the number of doses of the product dispensed or remaining to be dispensed. The counting element 24 is therefore a dose counter. In the illustrated example, the counting element 24 is housed in the casing 30, with only a portion of the counting element 24, preferably bearing a numerical indication, being visible to the user through a window 302 provided in the casing 30.

[0069] For example, the counting member 24 indicates a number that incrementally increases each time the user operates the dispensing member 22, indicating to the user the number of doses dispensed. Alternatively, the counting member 24 indicates a number that decreases each time the user operates the dispensing member 22, indicating to the user the number of doses remaining in the container 12. The counting member 24 is not described in further detail in this description.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the distribution member 22 is a pump, which includes a distribution head 221 and a body 222. The distribution head 221 here includes a spray orifice 223, through which the distributed product exits, in a general direction defining a spray axis A223.

[0071] The distribution head 221 protrudes from the housing 30 by means of an upper wall 304 of the housing 30. More precisely, the distribution head protrudes from the housing through an opening 306 formed in the upper wall 304 of the housing 30. The opening 306 is advantageously circular and advantageously centered on the assembly axis A12. The opening 306 is advantageously located at the end of a cylindrical portion 307 extending from the upper wall 304. The dimensions of the opening 306 are adjusted to those of the distribution head 221.

[0072] The upper wall 304 defines an upper side of the housing 30. The body 222 protrudes from the housing 30, here on a side located opposite the distribution head 221, in other words on a lower side of the housing 30.

[0073] The terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", etc., are defined with reference to the orientation of the elements of the distribution set 10 as shown in the figures, bearing in mind that this may be different in reality. More precisely, the terms "bottom" and "lower" refer to a direction towards the container 12, and the terms "top" and "upper" to an opposite direction.

[0074] Advantageously, the distribution head 221 is movable in translation relative to the body 222, so that a displacement of the distribution head 221 relative to the body 222 results in the distribution of the product contained in the container 12. In the illustrated example, the body 222 is fixed to the housing 30, so that a displacement of the distribution head 221 relative to the housing 30 results in the distribution of the product via the distribution orifice 223.

[0075] Advantageously, the distribution assembly 10 includes a cap 26. The cap 26 is removable and is reversibly attached to the housing 30, the cap 26 being configured to cover the distribution head 221, so as to prevent unintentional actuation of the distribution member 22. Preferably, the cap 26 is screwed onto the housing 30, and more specifically screwed onto the cylindrical portion 307. Preferably, the cap 26 bears against the upper wall 304 and is configured to transmit an axial force to the upper wall 304.

[0076] Preferably, the cap 26 is provided with a safety device, which prevents the untimely removal of the cap 26, in particular a child-resistant closure which limits the risks of the device being opened by a young child.

[0077] The dispensing head 221 is advantageously a mouthpiece configured to deliver one or more doses of the product contained in the container 12 in the form of an aerosol, such as a spray, or a jet. An aerosol is understood to be a suspension of droplets in the air. A spray is defined as an aerosol sprayed around the spray axis A223 and having a substantially conical shape, with a relatively wide apex angle, typically between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. A jet is defined as an aerosol sprayed around the spray axis A223 and having a substantially conical shape, with a relatively narrow apex angle, typically less than 20°, or a straight shape, whether continuous or not.

[0078] In an alternative not shown, the dispensing head 221 is a nasal tip configured to deliver an aerosol, such as a spray, or a jet.

[0079] In an alternative configuration not shown, the distribution element 22 is a valve or equivalent. This configuration is found in particular when the container 12 is under pressure.

[0080] We now detail the structure of the case 30.

[0081] The housing 30 is hollow, and provides an internal space V30. The internal space V30 is configured to receive a part of the components of the distribution device 20, namely a part of the distribution component 22, such as a pump, and, where applicable, at least a part of the metering component 24. In the illustrated example, the metering component 24 is entirely received within the internal space V30.

[0082] The housing 30 is made in several parts and here comprises two shells 310, each shell including a lower shell 320, which is configured to be assembled to the container 12, and an upper shell 340. The lower shell 320 and the upper shell 340 are configured to be assembled together to form the housing 30, thus defining the internal space V30. Each of the lower shell 320 or upper shell 340 is preferably made of a thermoplastic polymer material and is advantageously manufactured by an injection molding process. Thus, each of the lower shell 320 or upper shell 340 is preferably monobloc, that is to say, made in one piece.

[0083] The lower shell 320 includes a lower wall 321 in which a cavity 324 is provided for receiving the collar 128. The lower wall 321 includes a transverse wall 322, which separates the internal space V30 from the cavity 324. The transverse wall 322 has an opening 323, which allows the passage of the distribution member 22, in particular here the passage of the body 222. Preferably, the transverse wall 322 extends transversely to the assembly axis A12, that is to say that the transverse wall 322 is globally planar and geometrically supported by a plane orthogonal to the assembly axis A12.

[0084] The lower wall 321 also includes a side wall 326, which extends from a lower face of the transverse wall 322 on a side opposite the internal space V30 in a direction substantially parallel to the assembly axis A12 and which delimits the cavity 324 radially to the assembly axis A12. In the illustrated example, the side wall 326 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section. During the assembly of the container 12 to the housing 30, the side wall 326 forms a guide for the flange 128 until the container 12 abuts against the transverse wall 322, the container 12 then being in an assembled position relative to the lower shell 320, and by extension relative to the housing 30. The distribution assembly 10 is then in the assembled configuration. The transverse wall 322 thus forms a bottom of the cavity 324.A sealing gasket, not shown, is generally interposed between the container 12 and the transverse wall 322 limiting leakage of products outside the container 12 during handling of the distribution assembly 10.

[0085] The side wall 326 also includes clipping elements 328 for the collar 128, the clipping elements 328 being formed by bosses projecting from the side wall 326, more precisely from an inner face of the side wall 326, the inner face being oriented towards the assembly axis A12. In the illustrated example, three bosses are distributed around the assembly axis A12. During the assembly of the container 12 to the housing 30, the side wall 326 is configured to deform elastically, so as to accommodate the passage of the collar 128 over the clipping elements 328. When the container 12 is abutted against the transverse wall 322, the elastic return of the wall 326, and therefore of the clipping elements 328, maintains the container 12 in the assembled position. In particular. The clipping elements 328 are configured to prevent the unintentional removal of the container 12 from the housing 30.Advantageously, the 328 clipping elements include in their lower part a ramp to facilitate the passage of the collar, and in their upper part a shoulder configured to create a firm stop with the collar.

[0086] In an alternative not shown, the clipping members comprise elastic tabs, at the ends of which the bosses are arranged. According to another alternative not shown, the clipping members are formed by a continuous circumferential ring, which projects outwards on the inner face of the side wall 326.

[0087] The upper wall 304 is here part of the upper shell 340. The upper wall 304 extends at a distance from the transverse wall 322, and therefore also at a distance from the lower wall 321. The housing 30 also includes a peripheral wall 330, which delimits the internal space V30 radially to the assembly axis A12. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall 330 connects the upper wall 304 to the lower wall 321. The transverse wall 322 is connected to the peripheral wall 330 by the lateral wall 326, which delimits the cavity 324. The lateral wall 326 is connected to the peripheral wall 330 by a portion of the lower wall 321 extending from the lateral wall 326 to the peripheral wall 330. Overall, the peripheral wall 330 extends parallel to the assembly axis A12.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall 330 is separated into two portions, which include a lower peripheral portion 332, which belongs to the lower shell 320, and a higher peripheral portion 334, which belongs to the upper shell 340. Thus each of the lower peripheral portions 332 and upper peripheral portions 334 extends substantially parallel to the assembly axis A12.

[0089] Advantageously, the lower peripheral portion 332 and the upper peripheral portion 334 include fastening members 336, which are provided for attaching the lower shell 320 to the upper shell 340. The fastening members 336 here include lugs 336A, which are configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with recesses 336B, so as to allow the assembly of the lower shell 320 to the upper shell 340. The lugs 336A are visible in [Fig. 9]. In the illustrated example, the lugs 336A are formed on the lower shell 320, while the recesses 336B are formed on the upper shell 340. Another arrangement of the fastening elements 336 is of course possible, in particular a mirror configuration.

[0090] The housing 30 includes a protrusion 350, which is located opposite the cavity 324 along the assembly axis A12. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the housing 30 advantageously comprises a plurality of protrusions 350, the protrusions 350 including two protrusions which each form a pillar 352, and another protrusion in the form of a rib 354 on the upper peripheral portion 334. The protrusions 350 are here part of the upper shell 340 and extend into the internal space V30 towards the lower shell 320.

[0091] Each protrusion 350 extends into the internal space V30, on the opposite side of the cavity 324 from the transverse wall 322. Each protrusion 350 extends between the upper wall 304 and the lower wall 321. Preferably, each protrusion 350 extends between the upper wall 304 and the transverse wall 322, each protrusion 350 being configured to transmit to the transverse wall 322 a predominantly axial force, parallel to the assembly axis A12, which is applied to the upper wall 304, in particular during the assembly of the housing 30 to the container 12. In other words, each protrusion 350 is arranged so as to transmit a predominantly axial force to the lower shell 320, and more precisely to the transverse wall 322 of the lower shell 320.

[0092] Preferably, at least one protrusion 350, advantageously each protrusion 350, extends parallel to the assembly axis A12, so as to ensure a direct transmission of axial forces during assembly.

[0093] Each protrusion 350 includes a captive end 356, by which the protrusion 350 in question is connected to the rest of the corresponding shell, here the upper shell 340, and a free end 358, which is located opposite the other shell, here opposite the transverse wall 322 of the lower shell 320 when the lower shell 320 is assembled to the upper shell 340, in other words when the housing 30 is assembled.

[0094] Preferably, a distance D358 is provided between each free end 358 and the opposite transverse wall 322, the distance D358 being non-zero when the housing 30 is not assembled to the flange 128. The distance D358 is measured parallel to the assembly axis A12. This avoids interfering with the proper functioning of the fastening elements 336 during the assembly of the lower shell 320 to the upper shell 340. In other words, each free end 358 is not in contact with the transverse wall 322 when the housing 30 is not assembled to the flange 128 and the housing 30 is not subjected to any external force, in particular no axial force along the assembly axis A12, gravity being neglected. Preferably, the distance D358 between the free end 358 and the opposite transverse wall 322 is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.

[0095] During the assembly of the housing 30 to the container 12, the collar 128 is inserted into the cavity 324, and then an assembly force is applied to the housing 30 to clip it onto the container 12, preferably applied directly to the upper wall 304. Alternatively, the assembly force is applied indirectly to the housing 30; for example, the assembly force is applied to the cap 26, which then transmits the assembly force to the upper wall 304. This assembly force is an axial force along the assembly axis A12.The assembly force tends to elastically deform the housing 30, in particular tends to deform the upper wall 304 and the peripheral wall 330, until the free end 358 of each protrusion 350 comes to rest against the transverse wall 322 of the lower shell 320, the protrusions 350 then ensuring the direct transmission of the assembly force between the upper shell 340 and the lower shell 320, which limits the overall deformation of the housing 30, in particular the deformation of the peripheral wall 330. In other words, during assembly, when the assembly force is applied to the housing 30, the distance D358 becomes zero. The assembly of the housing 30 to the container 12 is thus facilitated and limits the risks of plastic deformation of the housing which could lead to a malfunction of the distribution element 22 or the counting element 24.More generally, the free end 358 of each protrusion 250 is configured to abut against the lower shell 320, here against the transverse wall 322. .

[0096] Preferably, once the housing 30 is assembled to the container 12, the distance D358 resumes a non-zero value, by elastic return of the housing 30, once the assembly effort is interrupted.

[0097] Preferably, the free ends 358 are axially aligned, that is, aligned along the assembly axis A12, with the side wall 326, so as to efficiently transmit axial forces to the clipping members 328. This limits deformations of the transverse wall 322, reduces the assembly force required, and thus limits the risks of improper assembly of the housing 30 onto the container 12, breakage of the container 12, and leaks between the housing 30 and the container 12. In other words, advantageously, one of the protrusions 350 is axially aligned with one of the bosses. Preferably, each protrusion 350 is axially aligned with the clipping members 328.

[0098] Advantageously, the protrusions 350 border the opening 306 and are distributed, in a substantially regular manner, around the assembly axis A12, so as to limit the deformations of the housing 30. In the illustrated example, the two pillars 352 and the rib 354 are substantially distributed at 90° to each other around the assembly axis A12.

[0099] Each pillar 352 advantageously includes a stiffening rib 353. Each stiffening rib 353 extends parallel to the assembly axis A12, on a side of the pillar 352 oriented opposite to the assembly axis A12. The stiffening ribs 353 reduce the risk of bending of the pillar 352 when the housing 30 is subjected to an axial force, in particular the assembly force.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the protrusions 350 are part of the upper shell 340 and extend into the internal space V30 towards the lower shell 320.

[0101] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, there are two pillars 352, each with an annular sector cross-section centered on the assembly axis A12. In this example, the radial thickness of each pillar is between 0.8 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.9 mm and 1.1 mm. Each pillar 352 extends along an angular sector, measured from the assembly axis A12, which is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, preferably between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0102] Other embodiments will now be presented, with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Only the differences and specific features compared to the first embodiment are detailed. Any element or characteristic not explicitly mentioned is incorporated into these embodiments.

[0103] In a second embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 6], the protrusions 350 include two pillars 362, each having a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. In this example, the diameter of the pillars 362 is between 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters.

[0104] In a third embodiment illustrated by [Fig.7], the protrusions 350 include two pillars 363 each having a cylindrical shape with a cross-shaped section.

[0105] In a fourth embodiment illustrated by [Fig.8], the protrusions 350 include two ribs 364, which are made of materials with the upper wall 304 and the upper peripheral portion 334. In this example, the thickness of the ribs 364 is between 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters.

[0106] In a fifth embodiment shown in [Fig. 9], each protrusion 350 is now part of the lower shell 320. Each protrusion 350 is here a pillar 365, which extends from the transverse wall 322 on a side opposite the cavity 324, that is, in the direction of the upper shell 340 when the lower shell 320 is assembled to the upper shell 340. The free end 358 of each protrusion 350 is then configured to abut against the upper shell 340 during assembly of the housing 30, preferably against the upper wall 304. In this example, there are three protrusions 350, each with an annular sector-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the upper shell 340 does not include any protrusions.

[0107] According to an embodiment not shown, the upper shell comprises an upper protrusion and the lower shell comprises a lower protrusion, the upper and lower protrusions being opposite each other. More specifically, the free end of the upper protrusion is located opposite the free end of the lower protrusion. When an axial force is exerted on the housing, the opposite free ends bear against each other, ensuring the transmission of the axial force directly between the upper wall and the transverse wall.

[0108] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Housing (30) configured to be clipped onto a flange (128) of an opening (122) of a container (12) along an assembly axis (A12), the housing (30) defining a cavity (324) configured to receive the flange (128) and comprising clipping elements (328) to the flange (128) when the flange (128) is received in the cavity (324), the housing (30) comprising a protrusion (350) located opposite the cavity (324) along the assembly axis (A12), the housing (30) being hollow and providing an internal space (V30) different from the cavity (324), the housing (30) being made in several parts and comprising a lower shell (320), which is configured to be assembled to the container (12), and an upper shell (340), the lower shell (320) comprising a lower wall (321) in which is formed the cavity (324) for receiving the collar (128),the housing (30) comprising an upper wall (304) forming part of the upper shell (340), the housing (30) comprising a peripheral wall (330) which connects the upper wall (304) to the lower wall (321), the peripheral wall (330) being divided into a lower peripheral portion (332), which belongs to the lower shell (320), and an upper peripheral portion (334), which belongs to the upper shell (340), in which the protrusion (350) forms part of a first shell among the upper shell (340) and the lower shell (320) and extends into the internal space (V30) towards a second shell among the upper shell (340) and the lower shell (320), between the lower wall (321) and the upper wall (304).

2. Housing (30) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (30) comprises a transverse wall (322) forming a bottom of the cavity (324), and a lateral wall (326) delimiting the cavity (324) radially to the assembly axis (A12), the lateral wall (326) comprising the clipping members (328) to the collar (128), and wherein the protrusion (350) is located opposite the transverse wall (322) along the assembly axis (A12), on a side opposite the cavity (324).

3. Housing (30) according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion (350) is configured to abut against the transverse wall (322) during a step of assembling the housing (30) onto the collar (128).

4. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the protrusion (350) comprises a free end (358) configured to abut against the transverse wall (322).

5. Housing (30) according to claim 4, wherein the free end (358) is not in contact with the transverse wall (322) when the housing (30) is not assembled on the collar (128).

6. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protrusion (350) extends parallel to the assembly axis (A12).

7. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protrusion (350) is a pillar (352; 362; 363; 365).

8. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protrusion (350) is a rib (354; 364).

9. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (30) comprises a plurality of protrusions (350).

10. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper wall (304) extends transversely to the assembly axis (A12), wherein the lower wall (321) is located at a distance from the upper wall (304) along the assembly axis (A12), and wherein the peripheral wall (330) connecting the upper wall (304) to the lower wall (321) extends parallel to the assembly axis (A12).

11. Housing (30) according to claim 10, wherein the upper (334) and lower (332) peripheral portions comprise fastening elements (336) for the upper (340) and lower (320) shells.

12. Housing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (30) is configured to receive, in the internal space (V30), a part of a product distribution element (22) capable of dispensing a plurality of product doses.

13. Housing (30) according to claim 12, wherein the housing (30) is configured to receive, in the internal space (V30), a dose counting device (24).

14. Distribution device (20), comprising the housing (30) according to any one of claims 12 or 13 and a distribution member (22) of product capable of distributing a plurality of doses of product, the distribution organ (22) being partly received in the internal space (V30).

15. Dispensing assembly (10), comprising the dispensing device (20) according to claim 14 and a container (12), the container (12) containing several doses of product to be dispensed and comprising a mouthpiece (122) provided with a collar (128) suitable for being received in the cavity (324) for assembling the container (12) to the housing (30).

Images