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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: - an axial tube (12) which comprises an elastically deformable outer envelope defining an internal space (16) enclosing the product, - a collar (14) which defines an open internal passage for the passage of the product, - a drop generation device (16) comprising an elastically deformable part (22) mounted inside the neck of the tube around a rigid member (24). ), the elastically deformable part having a through end portion (30b) located outside the neck and through which the product is likely to exit the device in case of pressure on the outer casing, the open end portion (30b) ) being deformed in a first position as a result of its mounting bearing on a through end (36) of the rigid member when no pressure is exerted on the casing of the tube.
    公开号:FR3077997A1
    申请号:FR1851358
    申请日:2018-02-16
    公开日:2019-08-23
    发明作者:Jean-Philippe Lamboux
    申请人:Techniplast SARL；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    APPARATUS L FOR DISTRI BUTI ON OF LIQUID PRODUCT WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OREES
    The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product in the form of drops.
    The devices known to date for generating drops of product are encountered, for example, in the field of ophthalmic products and fall into two categories.
    In the first category we find single-dose devices whose container, made of flexible plastic (the containers are generally manufactured and offered for sale in the form of a package containing a strip of containers fixed to each other detachably by a user ), is sealed by a cap which must be removed irreversibly before any use. The user presses hard on the outer envelope of the container in order to remove the liquid product in the form of drops through the non-closable orifice. This type of device is designed to deliver a single dose of product (daily dose made up of one or more drops) and once the user has extracted the prescribed dose from the container, even if the product remains in it, there is n It is not possible to close the orifice and therefore the product is liable to deteriorate on contact with air. The cost of the prescribed dose is therefore relatively expensive since it requires one container per dose.
    In the second category we find devices that come in the form of a bottle containing several doses for a complete treatment over several days. However, the product contained in the bottle is in contact with the ambient air each time the bottle is opened and it is therefore exposed to various pollutions carried by the air. Therefore, manufacturers are obliged to add preservatives to the product such as anti-bacterial agents, antioxidants ... However, such agents are likely to generate reactions with the eyes of users.
    In view of the above, there is therefore a need for a new device for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product which overcomes at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular which limits pollution of the device, and can find many applications including in particular the ophthalmic field.
    Document US 2013/0037574 discloses a device for dispensing drops of liquid product in the form of doses, but which is however not satisfactory.
    The present invention thus relates to a device for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product, characterized in that it comprises:
    - an axial tube which comprises an elastically deformable external envelope defining an internal space containing the product,
    - a neck portion which defines an open internal passage for the passage of the product,
    a device for generating drops which is arranged at the level of the neck and which is capable, on the one hand, of forming and expelling a drop of product from the device as a result of pressure exerted on the external envelope tending to deform and reduce the volume of the internal space and, on the other hand, to prevent any return of product in the device when the pressure on the envelope ceases, the drop generation device comprising an elastically deformable part mounted on the inside the neck of the tube around a rigid member, the elastically deformable part comprising an opening end portion situated outside the neck and through which the product is capable of leaving the device in the event of pressure on the external envelope, the opening end part being deformed in a first position as a result of the penetration of an opening end of the rigid member in said part d With a through end when no pressure is exerted on the envelope of the tube.
    The elastically deformable part is put under stress when it is mounted inside the neck around the rigid member, the latter forcing the opening end portion of the part to deform according to a first deformed position, by no pressure exerted on the envelope. Stressing is exerted by the through end of the rigid member which pushes the deformable through end portion from the inside by forcing it to deform outward.
    The opening end part thus rests deformed by pressing on (and around) the opening end of the rigid member which exerts an axial thrust force on it. The contact between the through end portion and the through end is therefore tight, which makes it possible to ensure the seal (vis-à-vis any return of product in the device) between these two elements in l absence of pressure on the outer envelope of the tube.
    According to other possible characteristics:
    the through end of the rigid member has an outside diameter greater than the outlet diameter of the open end part, in the absence of deformation, so that the open end of said rigid member radially deforms the end part emerging when the latter is mounted in abutment on the opening end of the rigid member; it will be noted that the through end portion which has thus been put under stress during assembly is of the type to deform radially to adopt a second deformed position which allows the passage of a drop of product in the event of pressure exerted on the envelope. ; during the radial deformation the internal diameter of the already deformed end portion increases to move away from the rigid member without however rising and increasing the axial extension of the elastically deformable part; this radial (annular) deformation allows the device not to take up product (or in any case to significantly reduce the take-up of product) when the pressure exerted on the tube ceases, which considerably limits contamination of the tube; in the prior art, the deformable end pieces of the dispensing devices generally carry out a pivoting movement by rising up to open the orifice and a reverse pivoting movement by falling back to the reclosure, such a movement promoting product recovery; a difference between the two diameters between 2 and 6/10 e mm is possible;
    - the elastically deformable part is mounted under stress inside the neck of the tube around the rigid member so that a portion of the rigid member penetrates into an area of the elastically deformable part where it exerts an axial compression , the axial compression zone being distant from the through end of said part and defining therewith the through end part of the part; the permanent compression of the elastically deformable part by the rigid member defines the deformation zone of said part which corresponds to the opening end part of the part, which thus makes it possible to control the length of this zone or part of deformation; by adjusting during the design the length of this zone or part of deformation it is possible to adjust the pressure force to be exerted on the outer envelope of the tube to distribute a drop of product; for example, the greater the length of this zone or part of deformation, the lower the pressure force on the envelope of the tube will be low; the axial compression of the elastically deformable part by a portion of the rigid member defines and blocks both the pivot point of the through end part of the part, which ensures the latter controlled radial deformation which limits the phenomenon of product recovery when the distribution action ceases; it will be noted however that axial compression is not always necessary and the elastically deformable part can only be put under stress by the through end of the rigid member which induces the deformation of the through end part of the part;
    - The portion of the rigid member enters the compression zone at an axial distance between 2 and 4/10 e mm;
    - The rigid member enters the zone of the elastically deformable part according to a plane contact between the rigid member and the zone of the part;
    - the rigid member enters the area of the part following a bevel-shaped contact between the rigid member and the area of the part;
    - The rigid member enters the area of the elastically deformable part according to a point-like contact between the member and the area of the part;
    - the opening end part of the elastically deformable part is supported on the open end of the rigid member by means of an edge; the contact on an edge limits the contact surface and therefore the possible possibilities of bonding of the part on the rigid member after the product has passed between these elements for its exit from the tube; this is for example the case with an ophthalmic product;
    -the opening end part of the elastically deformable part is supported on the open end of the rigid member by means of a support surface; this arrangement can prove useful when the product of the tube is not of the type to stick to surfaces over time;
    - The end portion opening out of the elastically deformable part deformed according to the first permanent deformation adopts a curved shape whose concavity is oriented towards the outside of the device; the shape is for example that of a peripheral edge of a part which internally delimits an orifice and which is rolled up towards the outside under the action of a member forcefully introduced into the orifice and which forces the edge to deform radially by bending outwards like lips which open;
    - the through end portion tends, in the event of pressure exerted on the envelope of the tube, to move away radially from the open end of the rigid member by deforming until it adopts a second deformed position, in said second deformed position the opening end part defining with the opening end of the rigid member an orifice through which a drop of product is formed during the crossing of said orifice by the product.
    Other characteristics and advantages will appear during the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
    - Figure 1 is a general schematic view of a drop dispensing device according to an embodiment of the invention;
    - Figure 2 is a view of the apparatus of Figure 1 without the drop dispensing device;
    - Figure 3 is an exploded view of the various elements of the apparatus of Figure 1 without the tube;
    - Figure 4a is an enlarged view of the upper part of the apparatus of Figure 1 without the tube;
    - Figure 4b shows the tube of Figure 1 in the inverted position for use in the distribution of product drops;
    - Figures 5a and 5b are comparative views of two different configurations of drop dispensing device with (fig. 5a) and without (fig. 5b) stressing the elastically deformable part around the rigid member;
    - Figure 5c shows another embodiment of the drop dispensing device;
    - Figures 6a and 6b illustrate alternative embodiments of the drop dispensing device with different ways of achieving axial compression of the elastically deformable part;
    - Figures 7a and 7b illustrate alternative embodiments of the drop dispensing device with different contacts on the central part of the rigid member;
    - Figure 8 is a schematic view of a drop delivery device (in the inverted position) combining the effect of a needle on spring with that of an elastically deformable part mounted under stress.
    As represented in FIG. 1 and designated by the general reference noted 10, an apparatus for distributing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product according to an embodiment of the invention comprises, on the one hand, a container 12 in the form of flexible axial tube on which is mounted a neck forming part 14 and, on the other hand, a device or tip for generating drops 16 disposed at the neck. In this embodiment, the product is liquid and it is, for example, an ophthalmological product. Alternatively, the product may for example be a very fluid cream such as milk, or even a gel.
    In Figure 1 the tube is arranged vertically in the storage position, with the device 16 positioned at the top of the tube. The tube is a conventional tube on the market.
    More particularly, the tube 12 is in the form of a deformable external envelope, for example made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and defining an internal space 18 which encloses the product to be dispensed (not shown in FIG. 1).
    The tube 12 has two opposite ends, namely an upper end 12a in FIG. 1 which is provided with a first opening at the level of which the device 16 is fixed and a lower end 12b which forms a bottom of the tube. During the manufacture of the tube, the bottom of the tube is left open (second opening) for filling the tube with product. Once the product has been introduced into the internal space 18 of the tube, the bottom is closed, for example by carrying out a welded pinching of the edges of the external envelope delimiting the second opening.
    The neck portion 14 is more particularly fixed at the edges of the first opening (the neck portion is for example mounted by a force adjustment in the opening, but can alternatively be snapped, screwed, welded, etc.) which defines, in its central portion, a passage 20 for the product to be dispensed. The neck portion 14 has on its outer surface an external thread 14a and has a generally substantially cylindrical shape which extends axially from an enlarged base 14b fixed to the envelope of the tube up to a vertex 14c. The central passage 20 extends axially from the base to the top of the neck 14.
    The device or tip for generating drops 16 is partially mounted inside the neck 14 and is able, on the one hand, to form a drop of product and to expel it out of the device (when the tube is turned upside down. position of use) due to an external pressure exerted on the external envelope and which tends to deform it and reduce the internal volume 18 and, on the other hand, to prevent any return of product in the device when the pressure outside on the envelope ceases.
    The drop generation device 16 more particularly comprises an elastically deformable piece 22 and a rigid member 24 both mounted inside the neck 14 with the piece 22 which surrounds the member 24 and is wedged between the inner surface of the neck and the member 24. The part 22 and the member 24 form for the device what may be called a valve system.
    Figure 2 shows the tube 12 and its neck 14 open without the device
    16. Figures 3 and 4a illustrate the mounting of elements 22 and 24 of the device 16 inside the neck 14 (the tube is not shown for the sake of simplification).
    This assembly will make it possible to stress the elastically deformable part 22 inside the neck 14, between the latter and the rigid member 24. It will be noted that the present principle of stress mounting of an elastically deformable part of a drop dispensing device inside the neck of a product tube and around a rigid member placed in the neck applies to other forms of device, neck, elastically deformable part and organ rigid than those illustrated in the figures and described here.
    FIG. 3 is an exploded view which represents the order of assembly of the various elements of the device for dispensing drops in the neck 14.
    As shown in Figure 3, the neck portion 14 has an internal portion 14d located at the bottom of the threaded cylindrical portion 14a, on the inside of the neck and which forms an internal annular rim narrowing the passage 20 for the product. This internal rim 14d serves as an axial support for the rigid member 24.
    The elastically deformable part or membrane 22 has here a symmetry of revolution along the axis A and is made of flexible elastic material, of the elastomer or rubber type. This piece forms what is called a shutter.
    The part 22 comprises a side skirt of substantially cylindrical shape of revolution 26, surmounted by a thicker portion 28 which extends radially beyond the diameter of the cylinder 26. The part 22 also comprises a terminal portion 30 which comprises the emerging end of the part and which has a substantially conical shape providing an axial orifice 32 at its top. The configuration of the part 22 can vary in particular as regards the skirt 26, the enlarged portion 28 and the conical end portion 30.
    The rigid member 24, also called a needle, is more rigid than the part 22 but can however admit certain deformations. The member 24 includes an inner cylindrical skirt of revolution 34 and a tip 36 located inside the skirt 34 and projecting axially beyond said skirt. The tip 36 is internally connected by an internal arm 38 perpendicular to the skirt 34, thus leaving at least one passage orifice 40 for the product clear. The tip 36 has an axial central position relative to the skirt 34 offset laterally.
    In this embodiment, the upper end 34a of the skirt is flat and here exhibits symmetry of axial revolution. This end 34a is intended to come into contact with an inner surface 30a of the conical end portion 30 which also has symmetry of axial revolution.
    The rigid member 24 also includes an outer skirt 42 which surrounds a lower part of the inner skirt 34 and is connected to the lower end 34b of the latter. The outer skirt 42 extends axially lower than the inner skirt 34 in the form of a terminal portion 42a widened towards the outside of the rigid member. The internal skirt 34 and the external skirt 42 define between them a substantially annular groove 44.
    The rigid member 24 comprises a plurality of radially elastic elastic tabs 46, 48 (there are two in FIG. 3) distributed around the inner skirt 34 according to a symmetry of revolution. The legs 46, 48 (and those not shown) extend upwards the outer skirt 42.
    The legs 46, 48 define with the inner skirt 42 a receiving space in the groove 44, in which the side skirt 26 of the part 22 is introduced axially as illustrated in FIG. 4 during the axial insertion of the rigid member 24 inside the neck 14 until the end portion 42a comes into axial abutment on the internal rim 14d.
    The tabs 46, 48 deform radially in the direction of the lateral skirt 26 and come to bear against a peripheral hook 26a of this located between two cylindrical zones. The free ends 46a, 48a of the tabs have a shape adapted to cooperate with the hook 26a and, for example, have a beveled shape which matches the beveled shape of the hook. The legs 46, 48 are made of a more rigid material than that of the part 22 and thus penetrate radially into the skirt 26 to exert a radial clamping force on the part 22. The enlarged portion 28 (annular rim) of the part 22 comes into axial abutment against the end 14c of the neck 14.
    The configuration of the member 24 may vary in particular as regards the internal skirt 34, the tip 36, the external skirt 42 and its legs. Other forms of the organ are possible.
    In the position of FIG. 4a, part of the device 16 is located outside the neck 14 and projects axially with respect to the latter.
    When the part 22 is engaged in force (under stress) inside the neck 14, between the neck and the rigid member 24, the rigid member exerts on the piece 22 stresses (ex: axial, radial) which induce a first deformation in the terminal portion 30 of said part. This first deformation is permanent in the sense that it is maintained as long as the part 22 is mounted under stress in the neck with the rigid member 24.
    The rigid member 24 has a portion which penetrates from the inside into a zone Z of the part 22 (zone of the terminal portion 30) in order to generate an axial compression stress therein. Zone Z is located at a distance from the emerging end of the part 22 (this is the end whose outer peripheral edge surrounds the orifice 32) and defines with this end (with the edge delimiting the orifice 32 ) a part of the part called the opening end part 30b (fig. 4a). This axial compression zone thus defines and freezes the point or the zone from which the through end portion 30b is capable of moving. By virtue of this axial stressing which blocks the through end portion 30b at the axial compression zone, said portion 30b can subsequently only move radially or annularly away from the tip 36 of the rigid organ. With this axial compression, the flexible part 22 cannot slide on the rigid member 24 unlike the embodiment of FIG. 5c.
    This axial compression arrangement makes it possible to control the zone or part of deformation of the flexible part and the manner in which the zone or end part emerging 30b (lip (s)) will deform to open an orifice or passage in order to allow the flow of the product in the form of a drop when the user will press on the tube.
    The axial compression of the part 22 by a penetrating portion of the rigid member 24 is ensured in this example by a planar contact between the two elements concerned (eg: here the elements 30a and 34a). Other penetrating portion configurations are however possible as will be seen later.
    As shown in FIG. 4a, during the mounting of the part 22 in the neck 14 with the member 24, the tip 36 (which forms the through end of the rigid member and itself comprises an end portion 36a) exerts an axial thrust on the inside of the through end portion 30b, in particular at the peripheral edge delimiting the orifice 32 (inside outlet diameter of the through end portion 30b), due to the larger outside diameter of the tip 36 (for example a difference of the order of 2 to 6/10 e mm between the two diameters is possible). This tends to enlarge the orifice 32. The through end portion 30b is thus also deformed radially by its bearing on the periphery of the tip 36 (it is pushed back by the tip 36). This arrangement thus guarantees the sealing of the device vis-à-vis the outside.
    The through end portion 30b thus deformed by putting under stress during mounting in the neck adopts a generally curved shape whose concavity is turned towards the outside of the part 22 (ex: upturned edge (s) of the or lips delimiting the orifice 32).
    Thus, the axial compression of the part 22 by the rigid member at the level of the zone Z has made it possible to define the deformable part or zone of this part (through end part 30b). This deformable part or zone 30b participates in controlling the dimensions and the regularity of the drop dispensed, that is to say the dose of product. This part constitutes a sort of adjustment zone whose parameters (length, thickness, material, etc.) selected in an appropriate manner make it possible in particular to measure the pressure force to be applied to the tube, to control the geometry of the drop. ..
    The axial compression can for example be obtained with a penetration distance of 2 to 4/10 e of mm in the part 22.
    Parts 22 and 24 can have respective Shore hardnesses from 35 to 45 and 60 to 80.
    In FIG. 4a (enlarged view of the upper end of the apparatus in FIG. 1 without the tube), the through end portion 30b is supported by means of a contact edge 50 on the external periphery of the tip 36. Such support makes it possible to limit, or even completely eliminate the possible bonding of the elements in contact with the product remains when it has left the device.
    In the positions of Figures 1 and 4a, no pressure is exerted on the tube to dispense drops of product. It will be noted that in order to dispense drops of product, the device 10 must be turned over (upside down or at least inclined downwards) as shown in FIG. 4b. The user presses on the outer envelope of the tube 12, which causes the radial separation of the through end portion 30b of the tip 36 and the generation of a drop
    G through the enlarged opening 32. More explanations will be given below with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b.
    FIGS. 5a and 5b are comparative views, in the inverted position, showing the configuration and the opening behavior of the through end portion of the invention (FIG. 5a) and of the same elastically deformable part mounted around the same rigid body without putting under stress during mounting inside the neck (fig. 5b).
    In FIG. 5a, the position 30b (F) of the through end portion is that obtained after the assembly under stress of the part 22 around the member 24 in the neck (identical to the position of FIGS. 1 and 4a). This is a first position in which the part 30b has undergone a first deformation as explained above (at the level of the axial compression zone Z and the edge 50). It will be noted that this first deformation can be obtained differently and in particular by placing it in axial compression according to another type of contact penetrating rigid member-elastically deformable workpiece and / or by another type of elastically deformable workpiece support.
    In position 30b (F), the device is closed and does not allow any drop of product to pass because the user of the device 10 does not exert any pressure on the flexible tube 12.
    In FIG. 5a, the position 30b (O) of the opening end part is that obtained when the user of the device 10 exerts pressure on the flexible tube 12.
    To dispense a drop of product, the user holds the tube between the fingers of one hand and presses on the deformable external envelope of the tube 12 as illustrated in FIG. 4b. By thus deforming the envelope, the volume of the internal space 18 containing the product is reduced, which generates a rise in pressure of the liquid product in the envelope. The pressure of the liquid product inside the tube is thus proportional to the force of support of the user on the tube. The force exerted by the user is for example between 200 and 500g.
    The liquid product under pressure pushes on the internal face F of the through end portion 30b (see the direction of the vertical arrows in FIG. 5a), thus spreading radially outward the edge or edges 30b1 of the wall which delimit the orifice 32. The orifice 32 widens while the through end portion 30b deviates radially from the tip 36 of the rigid member 24, while remaining in the same axial position as evidenced by the axial position L .
    This movement is obtained due to the fact that the through end portion 30b is blocked / limited in its movement by the axial compression exerted by the rigid member at the level of the axial compression zone Z. To reach the open position (O ) the opening end part 30b (this part is similar to a deformable lip) is therefore deformed (second deformation) only in a radial direction.
    In this position 30b (O) the liquid product can flow through the enlarged orifice 32 (eg outlet of cylindrical shape).
    In FIG. 5b, the same references as in FIG. 5a have been repeated with a sign "’ "to distinguish the elements.
    According to this unconstrained configuration, it can be seen that the part 30b 'is not deformed in its closed position 30b' (F) and simply rests on the rigid member 24 'while being supported, on the one hand, on the end 34a 'of the skirt 34' via a contact zone Z 'and, on the other hand, on the conical surface of the tip 36'. At the opening, the thrust of the product on the internal face F 'of the end part 30b' causes the latter to pivot down as indicated by the arrow and the open position in broken lines 30b '(F) . As the part 30b 'is not constrained at the level of the zone Z', it performs a conventional pivoting movement and the end of the part 30b 'changes its axial position between the closed position (axial position L1) and the position open (extended axial position L2).
    This configuration does not make it possible to control the dimensions and the regularity of the drops formed. Consequently, the dose of product dispensed by such a device is less precise than with the device of FIG. 5a, in its form or in its various embodiments and possible variants.
    Furthermore, the configuration of Figure 5b is much more subject to product recovery when the device is closed (when the pressure on the tube ceases) than the configuration of Figure 5a, as will be explained below.
    Back to the distribution of drops of product with the configuration of FIG. 5a, it will be noted that by pressing slowly, constantly with a reasonable pressure on the tube, the phenomena of adhesion of the materials in contact with the product (tensions surface) keep the product in suspension at the end of the device (valve system) and thus form a drop of product. This drop drops when its weight is greater than the resistance generated by the surface tensions that hold the drop.
    The volume of the drop is defined by several parameters which are the shapes, the dimensions, the surface conditions, the materials of the device 16 (valve system) as well as the very constitution of the product (viscosity, etc.).
    A drop of product thus formed corresponds to a dose of product. The user manages his dose since he generates the drops himself while, in a device provided with pumping means, it is the pump which manages the dose but it does not manage drops.
    When the user stops pressing on the tube, the pressure of the liquid product in the latter decreases and, thanks to the elasticity of the material constituting the part 22, in particular of the through end portion 30b (flexible wall) , the part 30b closes around the rigid member 24 (tip 36) by tightening radially (annular contraction) and resumes its initial shape, as does the orifice 32 (Figures 1 and 2), thus preventing any passage of the produced outside the device 16.
    When the through end portion 30b resumes its initial shape, the edge or edges 30b1 of the wall which delimit the orifice 32 (deformable lips) tighten and thus separate the drop in the course of formation from the product remaining inside the valve system. The drop thus remains in suspension on the outer end of the device 16 (valve system) in the closed position.
    Therefore, the drop is not sucked back inside the valve system when the pressure on the tube ceases. This product anti-return function (antipollution) is advantageous since it makes it possible to avoid adding preservatives (antioxidants, anti-bacteria ...) to the product to be distributed, or in any case to limit the addition of such agents.
    The anti-recovery or non-return function is considerably improved with the configuration in FIG. 5a. Indeed, the annular constriction movement when the device is closed and which passes the through end part from position 30b (O) to 30b (F), makes it possible to detach the product which still adheres to the device (via the phenomena surface tension) as close as possible to the latter, in particular as close as possible to the point 36 (and to its terminal part 36a). The part 30b (curved) shears / detaches the product neatly, substantially at the level of the edge 50, moving substantially along a radius (horizontally) and therefore in the same axial position, without bringing any product inside the device. On the contrary, in FIG. 5b, the pivoting movement of the part 30b 'from the bottom upwards to pass from the open position 30b (O) to the closed position 30b (F) is similar to the movement of folding down a valve. which brings back, inside the device, product having been in contact with the external atmosphere and in particular with an area external to the device (and therefore in contact with the outside), namely the conical bearing of the tip 36 ' . This is in particular the product which was present at the opening between the internal face F ’and the conical bearing of the tip 36’ when the part 30b was in the position 30b (O).
    Once the distribution of drops has been carried out and the device 16 (valve system) according to the invention has closed, it is therefore possible to use the device again (multi-dose device) to dispense one or more several drops of product (according to the desired dose), immediately after or else later in the same day, after one or more hours, or even another day and, for example, repeatedly over time over a period predetermined.
    Note that to generate several drops consecutively you can either alternate the steps of pressing and releasing on the tube, or press and hold it.
    FIG. 5c illustrates another embodiment in which the elastically deformable part 22 is mounted under stress around the rigid member, in particular its tip 36, only by the abutment of the through end portion 30b on the periphery external (here on an edge 50 but it could be a bearing surface) of the tip 36 of larger diameter as already explained above. By cons, the portion of the rigid member 34a does not enter the elastically deformable part as in Figure 5a. The elastically deformable part is simply mounted in abutment against the portion 34a via the bearing surface 30a. Thus, the through end portion 30b is not blocked in its subsequent movement of radial deformation to allow a drop to pass as illustrated in broken lines in Figure 5c. The through end portion 30b can thus move away from the rigid member (tip 36) by sliding over the portion 34a of the rigid member (portion spaced apart axially from the tip 36). Such an arrangement can prove useful for having an enlarged passage orifice and / or for reducing the pressure force to be exerted on the tube, for example as a function of the viscosity of the product.
    Other embodiments for the penetrating portion of the rigid member 24 in the elastically deformable part 22 are possible:
    - in FIG. 6a, the rigid member enters the zone of the elastically deformable part according to a bevel-shaped contact between the rigid member and the zone of the part: the upper end 34a "of the skirt 34" has a form of re-entrant bevel (turned inwards) which penetrates into an interior zone 30a ”of the terminal portion 30” in order to generate axial compression stresses therein.
    - in FIG. 6b, the rigid member penetrates into the area of the elastically deformable part according to a point-shaped contact between the member and the area of the piece: the upper end 34a '' of the skirt 34 '”a an upwardly facing point shape which penetrates into an interior zone 30a '' of the terminal portion 30 '' in order to generate axial compression stresses therein.
    The two embodiments of FIGS. 6a and 6b make it possible to anchor the rigid member more in the flexible part, thus providing better immobilization of the latter. The spacing of the terminal portion 30 ", 30" is made more difficult. The tightness between the flexible piece and the central rigid member is thus improved. With the arrangement of FIG. 6b, the immobilization is even more marked than with FIG. 6a.
    FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate alternative embodiments of contact between the through end portion of the elastically deformable part and the through end of the rigid member.
    In FIG. 7a, the through end portion 60b of the terminal portion 60 of the elastically deformable part 62 rests on the through end 64 (tip) of the rigid member 64 via a surface of support s and not an edge.
    In FIG. 7b, the through end portion 70b of the end portion 70 of the elastically deformable part 72 rests on the through end 74 of the rigid member 76 by means of a contact edge a. The shape of the through end 74 of the rigid member is straight and not in the shape of a point as in FIG. 4a.
    In this configuration, the open end of the rigid member penetrates further axially into the deformable part, which allows the latter (more particularly, its open end part 70b) to rest on the outside diameter of the through end 74. This configuration can, under certain circumstances, have an effect on the drops (eg shape ...) and in particular constitute an additional adjustment means.
    FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment (here the dispensing device is directed downwards in the dispensing position) in which the rigid member is different from that of FIG. 4a. The rigid member 90 always includes an axial skirt 92 which here is pierced with lateral openings O for the passage of the product. The skirt 92 contains in its part closest to the base B of the neck C an elastic element such as a spring 94. The rigid member 90 comprises a needle 96 mounted axially sliding on the spring (like a piston), inside the skirt 92.
    The opening end portion 98 of the elastically deformable part 100 put under stress as explained above is supported on the peripheral edge of the needle 96 by means of a contact edge a ’.
    When the user presses on the tube, the product descends to the dispensing device of FIG. 8 and causes the needle 93 to rise as indicated by the arrow, while the open end part 98 (lips) moves away radially of the needle as explained above.
    The two combined effects (retraction of the needle and deformation of the through end part 98) allow a finer adjustment of the distribution of drops by playing, not only, on the open end part 98 (material, dimensions ...), but also on the characteristics of the elastic element 94.
    It will also be noted that, during filling of the tube, the product is introduced inside the internal space 18 of the tube, leaving a predetermined free volume unoccupied by the product. This predetermined free volume is greater than the volume of product contained in the area of the device which is non-deformable. The predetermined volume to be left free of product depends on the volume of the non-deformable zone. This area corresponds to the area of the tube (generally located at the upper end 12a of the tube and below the base 14b of the neck 14) in which residual product remains trapped at the end of use of the device due to the non-deformable appearance of the device in this area. The predetermined free volume is thus occupied by a gas such as air (or even an inert gas such as nitrogen) which, under the effect of the pressure exerted by the user on the external envelope of the tube, expels the product accumulated in this area towards passage 20. This arrangement improves the rate of return of the device. As an example, a predetermined volume of air is left about one third of the volume of the internal space 18 of the tube.
    When an embodiment is shown in an embodiment described above with a type of support of the through end part on the open end of the rigid member and with a type of axial compression, it is advisable note that different other types of support and / or axial compression can be used.
    For example, the types of axial compression of Figures 6a and 6b can be used in place of the type of axial compression of Figures 7a and 7b. Similarly, the supports of Figures 7a and 7b can be used in place of the supports of Figures 1 to 5c.
    In addition, the absence of axial compression in Figure 5c can also be used in any of the embodiments of the other Figures 1 to 5b and 6a to 8.
    It will be noted that the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 and 4b does not include any pumping means, in particular no pumping means comprising a pusher mounted on a metering pump, making it possible to raise the product to the top of the apparatus in view of its distribution. With such a pumping means, the user does not manage the dose of product dispensed because it is imposed by the pump. The apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the invention is therefore simpler in design than an apparatus which would require such pumping means.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    REVENDI CATI ONS
    1. Apparatus for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product, characterized in that it comprises:
    - an axial tube (12) which comprises an elastically deformable external envelope defining an internal space (18) containing the product,
    - a neck portion (14) which defines an open internal passage for the passage of the product,
    - a drop generation device (16) which is arranged at the neck and which is able, on the one hand, to form and expel a drop of product (G) from the device as a result of pressure exerted on the external envelope tending to deform it and reduce the volume of the internal space and, on the other hand, to prevent any return of product in the device when the pressure on the envelope ceases, the device for generating drops (16 ) comprising an elastically deformable part (22) mounted inside the neck of the tube around a rigid member (24, 36), the elastically deformable part comprising a through end portion (30b) situated outside the neck and by which the product is likely to leave the device in the event of pressure on the external envelope, the opening end part (30b) being deformed in a first position as a result of the penetration of a opening end (36) of the rigid member in said through end portion (30b) when no pressure is exerted on the envelope of the tube.
    [2" id="c-fr-0002]
    2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the through end (36) of the rigid member (24) has an outer diameter greater than the outlet diameter of the through end portion, in the absence of deformation , so that the through end of said rigid member radially deforms the open end portion when the latter is mounted in abutment on the open end of the rigid member.
    [3" id="c-fr-0003]
    3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening end portion of the deformed elastically deformable part bears on the emerging end (64) of the rigid member by means of an edge (50).
    [4" id="c-fr-0004]
    4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the through end portion (60b) of the elastically deformable deformed part is supported on the through end of the rigid member via a surface support (s).
    [5" id="c-fr-0005]
    5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastically deformable part (22) is mounted under stress inside the neck (14) of the tube around the rigid member so that a portion (34a) of the rigid member penetrates into a zone (Z) of the elastically deformable part (22) where it exerts an axial compression, the compression zone being distant from the through end of said part and defining with that -ci the end portion opening (30b) of the part.
    [6" id="c-fr-0006]
    6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the portion (34a) of the rigid member enters the compression zone (Z) at an axial distance between 2 and 4/1 0 e mm.
    [7" id="c-fr-0007]
    7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the rigid member enters the region of the elastically deformable part according to a planar contact (34a) between the rigid member and the region of the part.
    [8" id="c-fr-0008]
    8. Apparatus according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the rigid member enters the region of the elastically deformable part according to a bevel-shaped contact (34a ") between the rigid member and the zone of the part.
    [9" id="c-fr-0009]
    9. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the rigid member penetrates into the region of the elastically deformable part according to a point-shaped contact (34a ’”) between the organ and the region of the part.
    [10" id="c-fr-0010]
    10. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the through end portion (30b) of the elastically deformable deformed part adopts a curved shape whose concavity is oriented towards the outside of the device.
    [11" id="c-fr-0011]
    11. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the through end portion (30b) tends, in the event of pressure exerted on the envelope of the tube (12), to deviate radially from the opening end (36) of the rigid member by deforming until adopting a second deformed position, in said second deformed position the opening end portion defining with the opening end of the rigid member an orifice (32) through which a drop of product (G) is formed when the product passes through said orifice.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    FR3077997B1|2020-05-29|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    BE433081A|
    FR747465A|1932-12-13|1933-06-17|Tube closure|
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    US11148904B2|2019-12-19|2021-10-19|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Expandable coil deployment system for drum assembly and method of using same|
    US11204114B2|2019-11-22|2021-12-21|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Reusable pipe fitting systems and methods|
    US11208257B2|2016-06-29|2021-12-28|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Pipe coil skid with side rails and method of use|
    US11231145B2|2015-11-02|2022-01-25|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Real time integrity monitoring of on-shore pipes|
    US11231134B2|2014-09-30|2022-01-25|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Connector for pipes|
    US11242948B2|2019-11-22|2022-02-08|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Potted pipe fitting systems and methods|
    法律状态:
    2019-02-20| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2019-08-23| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20190823 |
    2020-02-19| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2021-11-12| ST| Notification of lapse|Effective date: 20211005 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1851358A|FR3077997B1|2018-02-16|2018-02-16|APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING LIQUID PRODUCT WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE|
    FR1851358|2018-02-16|FR1851358A| FR3077997B1|2018-02-16|2018-02-16|APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING LIQUID PRODUCT WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE|
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