Abstract:
A dispensing assembly which is intended for being mounted in a neck of a container containing the fluid. The dispensing assembly includes an annular sealing shoulder intended for engaging with a complementary annular edge of the neck, and an annular bearing surface extending axially from the sealing shoulder. The annular bearing surface defines an annular contact area with a constriction of the neck, and separates, from a main space of the vessel, an annular isolated space extending between the sealing shoulder and the annular contact area. The annular bearing surface includes at least one recess intended for interrupting the circumferential continuity of the annular contact area and for forming a fluid passage between the main space and the isolated space.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the technical field of means for dispensing a fluid which forms an aerosol, and in particular, but not exclusively, to measuring valves for dispensing pharmaceutical products. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Means for dispensing fluid products, in particular measuring valves for dispensing pharmaceutical products in the form of aerosols are well known in the prior art. Document FR 2 993 250 A1 describes means for dispensing a fluid product which forms a dispensing assembly comprising a cylindrical valve body comprising a measuring chamber and a valve rod. This rod slides in a sealed manner in the measuring chamber, between a position of rest (start of course), a dispensing position and an end of stroke position. 
         [0003]    This dispensing assembly is generally designed to be fitted in a container neck which contains the aerosol, such as to form a dispensing device which is ready to use for utilization of the aerosol. This assembly thus comprises a valve cup which is designed to crimp the valve body on the neck and an annular seal provided with a face which is designed to cooperate with a complementary annular edge of the neck. 
         [0004]    In the position of use of the dispensing device, the container is above the dispensing assembly. The aerosol which it contains flows into the measuring chamber through at least one passage opening which is provided in the valve body. In a conventional manner, and as disclosed for example in document EP 0 692 434, the dispensing assembly additionally comprises an arrangement ring, the substantial part of the volume of which is placed, when the dispensing device is in the position of use, below the passage opening, in order to prevent an excessive dead volume. In addition, the arrangement ring permits axial positioning of the dispensing assembly in the container neck, and cooperates with the face of the annular seal which is also in contact with the container neck. 
         [0005]    This ring thus has the dual function of reducing the dead volume of the container neck and ensuring the axial positioning of the valve body in the container neck. 
         [0006]    In order to facilitate the arrangement of the ring in the container neck, which can have allowances of diameter and shape, this ring has the general shape of a “U”, which makes it sufficiently resilient radially. 
         [0007]    This arrangement ring thus comprises a radially inner wing which delimits a receptacle for the valve body, and a radially outer wing which defines an area of annular contact with a constriction of the neck. This outer wing is also provided with a free end which is in sealed contact with the seal. 
         [0008]    The contact area separates, from a main space of the container, an isolated annular space which extends between the seal and this area. However, as the dispensing device is used, the arrangement ring can be deformed, and since the contact area is no longer completely sealed, it may happen that variable quantities of the different components of the aerosol obtained from the main space of the container penetrate and remain trapped in the isolated annular space, thus endangering the homogeneity of the fluid. 
         [0009]    In fact, since an aerosol is an assembly of liquid or solid particles in suspension in a gaseous medium, generally the different particles of the different components of the aerosol to be dispensed have different sizes. As a result, the smallest particles sometimes manage to pass between the arrangement ring and the constriction of the neck, whereas the largest particles do not pass. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The objective of the present invention is thus to propose a means for dispensing a fluid product comprising an arrangement ring which permits both efficient axial positioning of the dispensing assembly in the container neck, and preservation of the homogeneity of the aerosol. 
         [0011]    For this purpose, the objective of the invention is an assembly for dispensing a fluid forming an aerosol which is designed to be fitted in a container neck containing the fluid, of the type comprising:
       an annular sealing shoulder which is designed to cooperate with a complementary annular edge of the neck: and   an annular support surface which extends axially from the sealing shoulder, and is designed to define an annular area of contact with a constriction of the neck, this annular contact area being designed to separate an annular isolated space, which extends between the sealing shoulder and this annular contact area, from a main space of the container,
 
characterized in that it comprises at least one recess provided in the annular support surface which is designed to interrupt the circumferential continuity of the annular contact area, and to form a passage for fluid between the main space and the isolated space.
       
 
         [0014]    A recess of this type permits the circulation of particles of all sizes in the container assembly: the smallest particles are no longer liable to be separated from the remainder of the aerial and trapped in the isolated space, such that the homogeneity of the aerosol to be dispensed is ensured in the long term. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the base of the recess is substantially parallel, on a radial plane, to the annular support surface. 
         [0016]    The recess can however have variations of depth and also have a round profile, thus having a rounded connection of the base of the recess to the annular support surface. 
         [0017]    The recess can for example extend in a manner which is inclined relative to a radial plane of the support surface, and in addition the inclination of the recess can be progressive. 
         [0018]    According to a first variant, the recess is formed by at least one section of a circumferential groove. 
         [0019]    According to a second variant, the recess extends from a first axial end of the annular support surface to a second axial end of this annular support surface. 
         [0020]    According to a fourth variant, the recess extends from a first axial end of the annular support surface to a second axial end of this annular support surface, without reaching this second axial end. 
         [0021]    According to a fifth variant, the recess extends between a first axial end of the annular support surface and a second axial end of this annular support surface, without reaching either of these ends. 
         [0022]    According to a sixth variant, the recess has a generally longitudinal shape with a width which is variable axially, for example increasing towards the sealing shoulder. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the dispensing assembly comprises a ring for arrangement of the dispensing assembly in the container, this arrangement ring being delimited radially by inner and outer surfaces, with the outer surface forming the annular support surface which is designed to define the area of annular contact with the constriction of the neck, and the inner surface delimiting a receptacle for means which form a measuring valve. 
         [0024]    Since this arrangement ring is positioned around the valve body, it can thus ensure the triple function of reduction of the dead volume, axial positioning of the dispensing assembly in the container neck, and putting the aerosol to be dispensed into circulation between the two spaces of the container. The advantage of an arrangement ring which is independent from the other elements of the dispensing assembly, and from the valve body in particular, consists of its potential of being able to be provided with different forms according to the container on which the dispensing assembly must be crimped, without needing to modify the structure of the other parts of the dispensing assembly. 
         [0025]    Advantageously, the sealing shoulder is formed by an annular seal, with the arrangement ring having a cross-section in the general shape of a “U” and comprising a radially inner wing which defines the inner surface, and a radially outer wing which defines the outer surface, and is provided with a free end which is in sealed contact with the seal. 
         [0026]    Since the container neck can have allowances of diameter and form, a shape in the general form of a “U” facilitates the arrangement of the ring in the neck whilst making it sufficiently resilient radially. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the free end of the outer wing of the arrangement ring is provided with an annular recess extension with a profile which assists its penetration into the seal. 
         [0028]    The crimping of the valve cup around the container neck gives rise to additional tightening of the container neck on the arrangement ring, and increases the stresses sustained by the outer wing. This convergent form makes it possible to prevent the removal of the first extension during the crimping of the valve cup around the container neck. A beveled form also makes it possible to clear room in the isolated space, in order to prevent interactions between the curved edge of the container neck and the free end of the outer wing of the arrangement ring. 
         [0029]    If applicable, the thickness of the outer wing is substantially constant, such that the recess which is provided in the support surface corresponds both to a recess in the outer surface of the outer wing, and to a projection on an inner surface of this outer wing. 
         [0030]    Since the recess can have variations of depth, and a large depth can make the outer wing of the arrangement ring fragile, it is mechanically more secure, in order to form the recess, to carry out displacement of material to the interior of the wing, rather than hollowing out this material. 
         [0031]    Advantageously, the annular support surface is substantially frusto-conical, such as to diverge as it approaches the sealing shoulder. 
         [0032]    The stresses which are exerted axially on the annular support surface during repeated use of the dispensing assembly can have the consequence of pushing the dispensing assembly in towards the interior of the container, and breaking the contact between the latter and the sealing shoulder, thus detracting from the sealing of the assembly, and endangering the homogeneity of the aerosol to be dispensed. A frusto-conical surface makes it possible to withstand better the axial stresses in use, and to ensure long-term sealing. 
         [0033]    The annular support surface can comprise a plurality of recesses distributed regularly around the axis of this annular support surface. 
         [0034]    Since the dispensing assembly has a form globally of revolution, the passage of the aerosol from the main space of the container to the isolated annular space can take place around the entire periphery of the annular contact area. The presence of a plurality of recesses distributed around this annular contact area makes it possible to prevent residues of areas of trapping of the smallest particles of the aerosol, and thus to ensure better homogeneity of the aerosol to be dispensed. 
         [0035]    The invention also relates to a device for dispensing a fluid forming an aerosol comprising an assembly for dispensing a fluid which forms an aerosol fitted in a container neck containing the fluid, characterized in that the dispensing assembly is as previously defined. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    The invention will be better understood by reading the appended figures which are provided by way of example, and do not have any limiting nature, in which: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  is a view in axial cross-section of a dispensing device comprising an assembly for dispensing a fluid which forms an aerosol according to the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a detailed view of the part marked II in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is a view in perspective of the arrangement ring of the dispensing assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a view in perspective of the arrangement ring illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in a position which is overturned in comparison with that of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 5 to 14  are views in perspective similar to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , showing different embodiments of the arrangement ring of the dispensing device in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]      FIGS. 1 and 2  represent a dispensing device  20  according to the invention. This dispensing device  20 , with a generally rotationally symmetrical shape, comprises an assembly  22  for dispensing a fluid  23  which forms an aerosol fitted in a neck  24  of a container  26 , preferably made of metal, which contains the fluid. 
         [0043]    The dispensing assembly  22  comprises a valve body  28  with a generally rotationally symmetrical shape, in which a measuring chamber  30  is provided. 
         [0044]    This valve body  28  comprises means which form a measuring valve. 
         [0045]    The valve body  28  extends through the neck  24  of the container  26 . This valve body  28  is provided with an inner end  281  comprising at least one opening  32  in order to permit the passage for fluid from a main part  26 P of the container  26  to the measuring chamber  30 . The valve body  28  is also provided with an outer end  26 E comprising a flange  34  with a radial dimensional larger than that of the neck  24 . 
         [0046]    The flange  34  has a support surface opposite an opening which is delimited by an annular edge of the neck  24  of the container  26 . 
         [0047]    A valve rod  38  is fitted such as to slide axially in the valve body  28 . This valve rod  38  comprises an outer end  38 E which projects outside the valve body  28 , and forms a nozzle for ejection of fluid, and an inner end  381  which extends through the measuring chamber  30 . 
         [0048]    In a conventional manner, the valve rod  38  slides into the measuring chamber  30  between a position of rest (start of stroke), an intermediate dispensing position, and an end of stroke position. 
         [0049]    The valve rod  38  is returned resiliently to the position of rest, as represented in  FIG. 1 , by a helical return spring  40  which is accommodated in the inner end  281  of the valve body  28 . 
         [0050]    According to conventional functioning of the dispensing device  20 , when the valve rod  38  is displaced by a user to the dispensing position, this valve rod  38  permits passage for fluid from the measuring chamber  30  to the exterior of the dispensing device  20 . 
         [0051]    The sealing between the measuring chamber  30  and the exterior of the valve body  28  is ensured by a first annular seal  42 . The valve rod  38  slides in a sealed manner through this seal  42 , which also participates in its axial guiding. 
         [0052]    The first seal  42  is interposed between the flange  34  and a valve cup  43 , preferably made of metal, which is crimped on the neck  24  of the container  26 . This cup  43  reinforces the crimping between the neck  24  and the dispensing assembly  22 . 
         [0053]    The dispensing assembly  22  also comprises an arrangement ring  44  which, when the dispensing device  20  is in the position of use, is placed below the opening  32 , in order to prevent an excessive dead volume. 
         [0054]    The arrangement ring  44  also permits retention of the dispensing assembly  22  in the neck  24  of the container  26 . In fact, the arrangement ring  44  extends around the valve body  28  and the neck  24  is tightened around this arrangement ring  44 . 
         [0055]    The arrangement ring  44  cooperates axially with a first face  46 A of a second annular seal  46 , and radially with the valve body  28 . 
         [0056]    The first face  46 A of the second seal  46  forms, in the extension of the area of annular contact with the arrangement ring  44 , a sealing shoulder  47  in cooperation with a complementary annular edge of the neck  24 , this first face  46 A thus being supported on the edge of the neck  24 . 
         [0057]    In addition, the second seal  46  is provided with a second face  46 B opposite the first face  46 A, supported on the support surface of the flange  34 . 
         [0058]    Thus, the second seal  46  is clamped between the support surface of the flange  34  and the edge of the neck  24  of the container  26 , and the dispensing assembly  22  is retained axially in the neck  24 . 
         [0059]    Since the neck  24  of the container  26  can have allowances of diameter and shape, the arrangement of the arrangement ring  44  in the neck  24  can be facilitated by a shape in the general shape of a “U” of this arrangement ring  44  which makes it sufficiently resilient radially. 
         [0060]    Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the arrangement ring  44  comprises a radially inner wing  48  which delimits a receptacle for the valve body  28 , and a radially outer wing  50  which is longer than the inner wing  48 . The outer wing  50  of the arrangement ring  44  is provided with a free end in sealed contact with the second seal  46 . In order to reinforce the sealing at the area of contact with the second seal  46 , this free end of the outer wing  50  of the arrangement ring  44  is provided with an annular penetration extension  50 P with a profile which assists its penetration into the seal  46 . 
         [0061]    The radially outer surface of the outer wing  50  of the arrangement ring  44  forms an annular support surface  51  which extends axially from the sealing shoulder  47 . 
         [0062]    This annular support surface  51  can be substantially frusto-conical, such as to diverge as it approaches the sealing shoulder  47 . 
         [0063]    This annular support surface  51  defines an area of annular contact  52  with a constriction  54  of the neck  24 . This annular contact area  52  separates, from a main space  26 P of the container  26 , an isolated annular space  261  which extends between the sealing shoulder  47  and this annular contact area  52  in which certain components of the fluid  23  to be dispensed can be wedged. 
         [0064]    Thus, as well as ensuring the dual function of reduction of the dead volume in the neck  24  and axial positioning of the dispensing assembly  22  in the neck  24  of the container  26 , the arrangement ring  44  also ensures the function of circulation of the fluid  23 , as well as the assembly of the aerosol components between the two, main  26 P and isolated  261  spaces of the container  26 . Thus, the annular support surface  51  formed by the outer wing  50  of the arrangement ring  44  comprises at least one recess  55 . This recess  55  thus interrupts locally the circumferential continuity of the annular contact area  52 , and forms a passage  60  for fluid  23  between the main space  26 P and the isolated space  261  of the container  26 . 
         [0065]    As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the recess  55  is preferably formed virtually without thinning of material of the outer wing  50  of the arrangement ring  44 , in order not to make this outer wing  50  fragile. The thickness of the outer wing  50  is thus substantially constant, such that the recess  55  provided in the annular support surface  51  corresponds both to a recess in the outer surface of the outer wing  50 , and to a projection on an inner surface of this outer wing  50 . 
         [0066]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 to 7 , the base of the recess  55  can be substantially parallel on a radial plane to the annular support surface  51  formed by the outer surface of the outer wing  50  of the arrangement ring  44 . 
         [0067]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the recess  55  can extend in a manner which is inclined relative to a radial plane of the annular support surface  51 , and, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the inclination of the recess  55  can be progressive. 
         [0068]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the recess  55  can be formed by at least one section of a circumferential groove. 
         [0069]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 14 , the recess  55  can extend from a first axial end of the annular support surface  51 , to a second axial end of this annular support surface  51 . The two axial ends of the annular support surface  51  are defined respectively by a core  56  (illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the section in the shape of a “U” of the arrangement ring  44  and the free ends of the inner and outer wings  48 ,  50 . 
         [0070]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3, 5 and 12 , the recess  55  can extend from a first axial end of the annular support surface  51  to a second axial end of this annular support surface  51 , without reaching this second axial end. 
         [0071]    As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the recess  55  can extend between a first axial end of the annular support surface  51 , and a second axial end of this annular support surface  51 , without reaching either of these ends. 
         [0072]    As can be seen in  FIG. 14 , the recess can have a general longitudinal shape with a width which is variable axially, which for example increases towards the sealing shoulder  47 . 
         [0073]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 , the annular support surface  51  which is potentially frusto-conical can comprise a plurality of recesses  55  distributed regularly around the axis of this annular support surface  51 . 
         [0074]    The invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and other embodiments of the invention will become clearly apparent to persons skilled in the art. 
         [0075]    In particular, it is possible to form the annular support surface  51  with an arrangement ring  44  which does not have the general shape of a “U”, as in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In fact, in this case, the arrangement ring  44  can have a solid cross-section, with the annular support surface  51  then being formed by the radially outer surface of the arrangement ring  44 .