FR2842790A1 - DISPENSING HEAD AND PACKAGING AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY OF A VARIABLE FLOW RATE PRODUCT - Google Patents

Abstract

The dispensing head for activating a dispensing valve (34) on a container (30) comprises means (11) for fixing the head on the container. A dispensing pipe (14) communicating with the product inside the container comprises two passages (15a) of different sections and is fixed to the fixings by a deformable connection (12). Means (20) activating the dispensing valve are provided with a dispensing orifice (51) formed at the end of a channel (24) of greater length than the diameter of the dispensing orifice. Independent claims are included for dispensing and packaging unit and its use for a cosmetic product.

Description

DISTRIBUTION HEAD AND PACKAGING AND PACKAGE ASSEMBLY

  DISTRIBUTION OF A VARIABLE FLOW RATE PRODUCT

  The present invention relates to a product dispensing head intended for actuating a dispensing member mounted on a container, in particular a valve mounted on a pressurized container, and for dispensing a product contained in the container. In particular, the invention relates to a dispensing head allowing the dispensing of the product at at least two flow rates

different.

  Dispensing heads of this type have already been described, in particular in the

  US patents 3,363,968 and US 3,703,994.

  The dispensing head described in US Pat. No. 3,363,968 uses a hoop fixed on the container and a push button which moves axially to actuate a valve stem, the push button being movable in rotation relative to the hoop between two dispensing positions at two different rates. For this purpose, the push button is crossed transversely by a conduit which ends at its two ends by openings of different section. The conduit is intended, when the push button is pressed, to be placed opposite a channel, formed in the hoop, which opens out through a dispensing orifice. The user angularly positions the push button relative to the hoop so that one or other of the openings of the duct can come opposite the channel in order to distribute the product according to the

  flow rate selected by pressing the push button.

  The dispensing head described in US Pat. No. 3,703,994 uses a hoop movable axially relative to the container in response to the depressing of a push button surmounting the hoop and provided for actuating a valve. The push button is also movable in rotation relative to the hoop between three dispensing positions at three different flow rates. The hoop comprises an axial duct which communicates with the interior of the container, when the valve is actuated, and which opens laterally by three openings of different section, each of the openings opening out above a stud also called "centerpost". The push button has a spray nozzle which, in each dispensing position, faces a centerpost. A conduit of complementary shape, integral with the push button, is inserted into the conduit of the hoop. The push-button duct comprises an axial slot, which in each position for dispensing the push-button comes opposite one of the openings. The clearance required between the nozzle and each center10 post to rotate the push button between the three positions does not allow the nozzle to be correctly positioned opposite each centerpost so that it is difficult to obtain a good spray. In addition, such a game does not allow the nozzle to be positioned identically opposite the different centerposts so that it is very difficult to obtain a reproducible spray from one position to the other. Furthermore, the conduit connecting the valve to the nozzle defines a relatively large volume so that, after the user has released

  the push button, all the product remaining in this volume is dispensed.

  It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to produce a head for

  distribution which does not have the drawbacks of the prior art.

  It is also an object of the invention to produce a new dispensing head allowing the distribution of a product at at least two different flow rates. It is in particular an object of the invention to produce such a head which is

  simple to make and inexpensive.

  It is yet another object of the invention to produce such a head which makes it possible to pass easily from one of the distribution positions to the other of the

distribution positions.

  According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a distribution head of axis X intended for the actuation of a distribution member mounted on a container and for the distribution of a product contained in the container, said head comprising : a) means for fixing the head on the container; b) a distribution duct, able to communicate with the product inside the container, comprising at least two openings of different section, the duct being obtained from molding from a single piece with the fixing means with which it is secured via deformable connecting means 1 0; c) means for actuating the dispensing member and communicating the conduit with the interior of the container, the actuating means being provided with a dispensing orifice and being movable relative to the conduit between at least two positions, one first position in which the dispensing orifice communicates with one of the openings, and a second position in which the dispensing orifice communicates with the other

openings.

  By opening of different section means openings whose surface

is different.

  The presence of the elastically deformable connecting means makes it possible to produce a conduit by a molding process from a single piece with fixing means, which can move relative to the means of

  fixation. Such a part is simple to produce and is inexpensive.

  Advantageously, the connecting means are elastically deformable, so that they return to their initial position when the stress which

distorts ceases.

  Advantageously, the fixing means are fixedly mounted axially on the container so that the head is correctly

held on the container.

  The connecting means allow movement of the conduit in response to

  actuation of the actuation means.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting means consist of a wall transverse to the axis X, which is corrugated. This configuration of the wall allows it to easily deform and return easily to its

initial position.

  The duct is formed along the axis X and has a first end on which the actuating means are fitted and a second end capable of cooperating with the dispensing member. Thus, the conduit directly transmits the pressure exerted on the actuating means to the dispensing member. The openings may be slots extending parallel to the axis X which are of different width which are angularly spaced. It is obvious that any other form of opening can be used. The actuating means are then mobile in rotation around the axis X between the

first and second positions.

  Advantageously, the dispensing head can be configured so as to authorize actuation of the dispensing member only when the actuation means are in the first and second positions. To this end, the dispensing head may include an axial stop against which the actuating means come to bear when they are not in one or the other of the first and second positions so as to prevent actuation from

the distribution body.

  Advantageously, the dispensing head can comprise at least two

  radial stops limiting the rotational movement of the actuating means.

  Advantageously also, the dispensing head can comprise sound identification means for signaling the positioning in one or the other of the first and second positions. The sound identification means can be constituted by the cooperation of a first relief formed on the actuation means and of a second relief integral with the conduit, the first relief being suitable, during the displacement of the actuation means relative to the conduit, to come into contact with the second relief and to cross it by deforming it

  elastically so as to produce an audible signal.

  The dispensing head can also include identification means

  visual to identify the first and second positions.

  The invention also relates to a packaging and dispensing unit for a product comprising: - a container containing the product and equipped with a dispensing member; - a dispensing head as just described, provided for

  activate the dispenser to distribute the product.

  The container can be pressurized and the dispensing member can be a male valve comprising a valve stem on which the duct is fitted, or a female valve, that is to say without a valve stem, in which is fitted leads him. Alternatively, the container is under pressure

  atmospheric and is equipped with a pump.

  The invention is particularly useful for packaging and distribution

  a cosmetic or care product, in particular a hair product.

  The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which : - Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging and distribution assembly provided with a dispensing head according to the invention; - Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a top view along arrow 3 of a portion of the dispensing head illustrated in Figure 2; - Figure 4 shows in axial section the dispensing head in the closed position; - Figure 5 shows in axial section the dispensing head in a dispensing position, the valve not being actuated; - Figure 6 shows a detail of the dispensing head when passing from the closed position to the dispensing position; and - Figure 7 shows in axial section the dispensing head in position

  dispensing, the valve being actuated.

  The packaging and distribution assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 is formed by a pressurized container 30, partially represented in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 7 on which is fixed a distribution head 1 according to the invention which

can be closed by a cover 40.

  The container 30 is formed by a pressurized container of axis X, formed by a cylindrical body 31 of revolution, the upper end of which is closed by a cup 32 set on a rolled edge 33 of the container. The cup 32 is provided with a valve 34 which comprises a hollow valve stem 35 and which can be actuated for example by depressing the valve stem. It is obvious that one can alternatively use a valve which can be actuated by

valve stem tilting.

  The container 30 may contain a product to be sprayed, for example a cosmetic product, and a propellant gas, which may or may not be stored in a liquefied form in the container 30 and may or may not be supplied with the product. The product then leaves in the form of a spray, that is to say in the form of fines.

  suspended particles either in the gas or in the air.

  The dispensing head 1 is also of axis X and is formed of two parts which are movable relative to one another between two positions, each allowing the dispensing of the product at a different flow rate. The first part of the head consists of a hoop 10 for protecting the valve stem and intended to be fixed on the container. The second part consists of a push button 20, allowing the valve to be actuated and which is movable in rotation relative to the hoop. Each of the two parts is obtained by molding a

  thermoplastic material from a single piece.

  The hoop 10 comprises a fixing skirt 11 for fixing the head on the container.

  The fixing skirt 11 is provided with an annular bead 110 on its inner wall making it possible to fix it on the container by snapping under the rolled edge 33 of the container and the cup. The fixing skirt 11 has a radial recess 111 towards the interior of the skirt and extends axially above the recess to an upper end from which a transverse wall 12 is formed. Radial fins 13, angularly spaced on the periphery of the internal surface of the fixing skirt, extend parallel to the axis X from the recess 111 to a lower free edge 130. The free edge 130 is designed to abut against the container in the mounted position of the hoop on the container, as can be seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7. The fins 13 thus make it possible to limit the sinking

  axial of the hoop when it is snapped onto the container.

  The transverse wall 12 is a thin wall which has an undulation so that it is elastically deformable which allows it to deform when it is stressed axially. The wall 12 is traversed in its center by a conduit 14 formed in the axis X. The conduit 14 extends on either side of the transverse wall 12 from an open lower end 14a which comes to be fitted on the rod valve 35, to an upper end 14b, also open, on which is fitted an axial skirt 23 of the push button. An annular groove 14c is provided on the external surface of the duct 14 to receive an annular bead 23a provided on the internal surface of the axial skirt 23 of the push button in order to ensure the axial retention of the push button on the hoop. In addition, the cooperation of the annular bead 23a with the annular groove 14c

  provides a seal between the duct and the interior of the push button.

  The duct 14 is of cylindrical shape of revolution and defines in its lower part a stepped housing in which the upper part of the valve stem 35 can engage in a substantially sealed manner.

  the upper end 35a abuts against the shoulder of the housing.

  The lower end 14a of the conduit flares slightly in order to facilitate the positioning of the conduit on the valve stem. The upper end 14b has two axial slots I5a and 15b of different width which define two passages for the product of different section allowing the product to come out at two different flow rates. It is obvious that one can provide as many slots of different width as one wishes to obtain different flow rates. According to the particular example shown, the two slots 15a and 15b

  are angularly spaced about 800 apart.

  The fixing skirt 11 is connected at the step 111, by an annular transverse wall 16, to an outer skirt I17, concentric with the fixing skirt 11. The outer skirt 17 is intended to form the extension of the wall of the container when the dispensing head is mounted on the container. Two marks M are provided on the external surface of this skirt 17

  which visually indicate the angular positions of the two slots I5a and 15b.

  A first mark M is for example the number "1" which corresponds to the position of the slot 15b of smaller width and therefore which allows distribution at a low flow rate, and a second mark M is for example the number "2" which corresponds to the position of the slot 15a of greater width and therefore which allows distribution at a higher flow rate. The outer skirt 17 has a shoulder 170 and is extended axially above this shoulder by an axial ring 171. The ring 171 has an annular bead 172 on its outer wall allowing the fastening cap 40 to be fixed by snapping into an annular groove 410 present on the internal surface of the side wall 41 of the cover. In the mounted position of the cover on the dispensing head, the side wall 41 of the cover constitutes the extension of the outer skirt 17 and the free edge 411 of the cover

  is in abutment against the shoulder 170.

  The annular transverse wall 16 of the hoop is crossed by two openings in an arc 18 and 19, diametrically opposed on the annular transverse wall, formed near the outer skirt 17, and in which are intended to move two tabs of the push button , as will be seen in detail later. The first opening 18 is formed on the side of the axial slots 15a and 15b of the duct and the second opening 19

  is formed at the rear of the axial slots 15a and 15b.

  The second circular arc opening 19 ends, near each end of the circular arc, by two opening portions 19a and 19b which extend the opening 19 radially inwards. The opening portions 19a and 19b are angularly spaced by about 800 and are each formed respectively according to the diameter passing through each of the axial slots 15a and 15b. The portion 160 of the annular transverse wall 16 located between each opening portion 19a and 19b serves as an axial stop for the push-button as will be seen in detail later. Two vertical stops 190a and 190b respectively line each outer edge of each opening portion 19a and 19b. The stops 190a and 190b extend axially from the annular transverse wall 16 to an upper free edge, and extend radially from the external surface of the fixing skirt 11 to the slot 19. The stops 190a and 190b are relatively rigid because they are integral with both the transverse annular wall 16 and the fixing skirt 11, and thus make it possible to limit the rotational movement of the push button. Two radial tongues 191a and 191b extend axially from the annular transverse wall 16 to an upper free edge 191a 'and 191b'. They are formed on the side of the inner edge of each opening portion 19a and 19b. The tongues 191a and 191b extend over an axial height less than that of the stops 190a and b and are also less wide than the stops 190a and 190b. The tongues 191a and 191b do not extend until the opening in an arc 19 and are formed at a distance from the fixing skirt 11 so that they are elastically deformable. The tongues 191a and 191b cooperate with the push button so as to constitute a sound identification means for

  indicate the transition to the position of use.

  To actuate the valve, the dispensing head comprises a push button 20 which has an upper wall 21, intended to serve as a support for a user's finger. The upper wall 21 is connected at the periphery to a first

  skirt 22, of diameter less than the diameter of the outer skirt 17 of the hoop.

  The push button 20 includes, inside the first skirt 22, a second skirt 23, cylindrical of revolution. The skirt 23 is of axis X and comes to be fitted on the upper end 14b of the duct 14 around which it is movable in rotation. In the upper part of the skirt 23 opens, through a first end 24a, a channel 24, substantially radial, the second end 24b of which opens into a nozzle support. The nozzle support comprises a stud 25, or "centerpost" on which can be fixed a conventional vortex channel nozzle 50. The nozzle 50 defines an orifice

distribution 51.

  An arrow F is provided on the upper wall 21 to indicate the angular position of the end 24a of the channel 24, so that when it is placed opposite one or the other mark M provided on the hoop, this visually indicates to the user the two positions in which he can operate

  the push button to dispense the product.

  A tip 26 of axis X is formed inside the second skirt 23 and is inserted inside the duct 14 when the push button is mounted on the hoop. The tip 26 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the

  so as to form an annular passage for the product inside the duct.

  The tip 26 makes it possible to limit the dead volume inside the duct and thus limit the pressure drops inside the duct in order to optimize the flow rate with which the product leaves. In addition, by reducing the dead volume, the volume of product that the dispensing head can contain between the valve 34 and the dispensing orifice 51 is reduced. Thus, the spraying of the product through the dispensing orifice stops substantially. at the moment when the user releases the push button, that is to say as soon as the valve is no longer open since the quantity of

  product remaining inside the head is relatively small.

  The peripheral skirt 22 of the push button extends axially, in its lower part, over two diametrically opposite angular portions, by two tabs 27 and 28, each provided to move in the circular arc openings 18 and 19 provided in the fret. Each tab 27 and 28 is provided at its lower end with a hook 270 and 280 which abuts under the annular transverse wall 16, when the tabs pass through the openings 27 and 28. The hooks 270 and 280 serve to hold the button axially -pusher on the fret. The tab 27, located on the side of the dispensing orifice 51, is designed to move in the opening in an arc of a circle 18. The tab 28 is provided to move in the opening in an arc of a circle 19. The tab 28 includes a rib 281, the axial length and the radial length are sufficient to abut against each stop

  a and 190b during the rotary movement of the push button on the hoop.

  The rib 281 has a shoulder 281a in its lower part which

  allows to move away from the vertical edge of the tongues 191a and 191b.

  However, the shoulder 280a comes into contact with the upper free edges 191a 'and 191b' of each tongue 191a and 191b and passes through them, elastically deforming them, as seen in FIG. 6, so as to produce

an audible signal.

  In the storage position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conduit 14 closes off the end 24a of the channel 24 so as to prevent any communication between the outlet orifice 51 and the interior of the distribution conduit 24. In this position, the tab 28 crosses the slot 19 and is located between the two openings 19a and 19b. The lower end of the rib 281 formed on the push button 10 is in axial abutment against the portion 160 of the annular transverse wall 16 so that if the user presses the push button 20,

  it cannot sink and therefore cannot actuate valve 34.

  To distribute the product, the user turns the push button 20 around the axis X so as to position the arrow F opposite one of the marks M. If he wishes to spray the product at a relatively high rate, he chooses the mark "2" so that the slot 15a is positioned opposite the end 24a of the channel 24. When the push button rotates, the tab 27 moves in the opening in an arc 18 and the tab 28 moves in the opening in an arc 19 until the shoulder 281a of the rib 281 comes against the tongue 191a and, due to its elasticity, crosses it to come into abutment against the stop 190a by emitting an audible signal allowing the user to know that the push button is placed in a dispensing position. In this position shown in Figure 5, the rib 281 is located above the opening 19a and the orifice

  distribution 51 communicates with the interior of the duct 14, via the slot 15a.

  The user can then actuate the valve by pressing the push button as shown in FIG. 6. By pressing on the upper wall 21, the rib 281 of the tab 28 sinks into the opening portion 19a then that the tab 27 remains attached to the transverse wall 16 by the hook 270. The skirt 23 then moves in a movement having an axial and radial component, causing in its movement the conduit 14, on which it is fitted, the movement of the conduit being possible thanks to the fact that the wall 12 is deformed. The lower end 14a of the conduit in turn exerts pressure on the valve stem 35 which sinks so as to actuate the valve 34. The product contained in the container then leaves the container through the interior channel of the valve stem and arrives at the dispensing orifice 51 in

  passing through the conduit 14 and the channel 24. When the user releases the push button, the valve stem rises and the dispensing of the product is interrupted.

  When the user no longer wishes to spray any product, he turns the push button 10 so as to position it between the two dispensing positions before repositioning the closure cover 40. A third mark M, which is not shown, indicating this closing position can be provided

  between the two distribution brands M.

  In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of

  preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations

  be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (21)

  1. - Distribution head (1) of axis X intended for the actuation of a distribution member (34) mounted on a container (30) and for the distribution of a product contained in the container, said head comprising : a) means (11) for fixing the head on the container; b) a distribution duct (14), capable of communicating with the product inside the container, comprising at least two openings (15a; 15b) of different section, the duct being obtained by molding from a single piece with the fixing means with which it is secured via deformable connecting means (12); c) rhoyens (20) for actuating the dispensing member and making the conduit communicate with the interior of the container, the actuating means being provided with a dispensing orifice (51) and being movable relative to the conduit between at least two positions, a first position in which the dispensing orifice (51) communicates with one of the openings (15a), and a second position in which the dispensing orifice   communicates with the other of the openings (15b).   2. - Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the   connecting means (12) are elastically deformable.   3. - Dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing means (11) are fixedly mounted axially on the container (30).   4. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the connecting means (12) allow a displacement of the conduit (14) in response to the actuation of the means actuation (20).   5. - Dispensing head according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the connecting means (12) consist   by a wall transverse to the X axis, the wall being wavy.   6. - Dispensing head according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the conduit (14) has a first   end (14a) able to cooperate with the dispensing member (34).   7. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the conduit has a second   end (14b) on which the actuating means (20) are fitted.   8. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the conduit (14) is formed along the axis X.   9. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that a point (26) is disposed inside the duct (14) so as to define an annular passage for the product on a at least part of the duct.   10. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the openings (1 5a; 1 5b) are slots   extending parallel to the X axis, said slots being of different width.   11. - Dispensing head according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the actuating means (20) are   movable in rotation about the X axis between the first and second positions.   12. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   above, characterized in that it is configured so as to authorize actuation of the dispensing member (34) only when the means   actuators (20) are in the first and second positions.   13. - Dispensing head according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises an axial stop (160) against which the actuating means (20) come to bear when they are not in one or the other of the first and second positions so as to prevent actuation of the member from distribution (34).   14. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that it comprises at least two radial stops (190a; 190b) limiting the rotational movement of the means actuation (20).   15. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that it comprises sound identification means (281, 191a; 191b) for signaling the positioning in one or   the other of the first and second positions.   16. - Dispensing head according to claim 15, characterized in that the sound identification means consist of the cooperation of a first relief (281) formed on the actuating means (20) and a second relief (191a; 191b) integral with the conduit, the first relief being able, when the actuating means move relative to the conduit, to come into contact with the second relief and to pass through it elastically deforming it   so as to produce an audible signal.   17. - Dispensing head according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that it comprises means of identification   visual (F; M) to identify the first and second positions.   18. - Package for packaging and dispensing a product comprising: - a container (30) containing the product and equipped with a dispensing member (34) surmounting the container; and   - a dispensing head (1) according to any one of the claims   previous planned to activate the dispenser to distribute the product. 19. - assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the container   (30) is pressurized and in that the dispensing member (34) is a valve.   20. - assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the conduit   (14) is fitted onto a valve stem (35) of the valve (34).   21. - Use of an assembly according to any one of claims 18 to   for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product or   care, in particular of a hair product.