EP0349396B1 - Method for vacuum-packaging liquids and pastes in soft tubes provided with a dispenser valve or pump, and apparatus for carrying out this method - Google Patents

Method for vacuum-packaging liquids and pastes in soft tubes provided with a dispenser valve or pump, and apparatus for carrying out this method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0349396B1
EP0349396B1 EP89401781A EP89401781A EP0349396B1 EP 0349396 B1 EP0349396 B1 EP 0349396B1 EP 89401781 A EP89401781 A EP 89401781A EP 89401781 A EP89401781 A EP 89401781A EP 0349396 B1 EP0349396 B1 EP 0349396B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
liquid
air
packaging
paste
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP89401781A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0349396A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Varlet
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Aptar France SAS
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Valois SAS
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Priority to AT89401781T priority Critical patent/ATE80843T1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0097—Means for filling or refilling the sprayer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/026—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/16—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles for filling collapsible tubes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1016—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element
    • B05B11/1018—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element and the controlling element cooperating with means for opening or closing the inlet valve

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to tubes of more or less fluid paste used for dispensing cosmetic or pharmaceutical products such as toilet milks, sun creams, toothpaste, balms, etc. These tubes are provided with a valve distribution comparable to those which are usually arranged on perfume vaporizers for example. They are made of a rather flexible plastic material and the bottom of the tube is closed by the welding of this envelope, giving the tubes a very conventional appearance. They differ from comparable packaging, however, by the air vacuum created in the tubes when they are welded. The invention relates more specifically to the method for performing this welding while removing air from the tube. It also relates to a device useful for implementing this method.
  • the flexible tubes currently used to present pasty products generally do not include a dispensing valve. However, this association can be very advantageous, especially if special valves, called precompression dosing pumps, are used. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the latter was improved in l975 (see French patent 2,305,241) so that it can operate whatever their position relative to the vertical. An example of these improved pumps of the prior art is shown in different positions in FIGS. 1 to 3.
  • the vertical section shown schematically in these figures highlights six different pieces. Three of them are fixed relative to each other. These are the crimping cup l which makes it possible to associate, in a leaktight manner, the assembly of the valve 10 to the container containing the dough (not shown), the spinner 2 intended to be placed on the side from the outside of the container and the body 3, the lower end of which is surrounded by the dough in reserve.
  • the other three parts can slide vertically in the body 3: the hollow piston rod 5, the double valve 4 and the return spring 6.
  • their configuration corresponds to the rest position, valve closed. Without going into all the details of operation of this pump, let us only remember that the depression of the piston rod 5 causes the compression of the fluid trapped in the pump chamber 7. It is only when this compression is greater than the resistance of the spring 6 that the fluid manages to open the passage 8 and escapes.
  • the different parts then have respective positions in accordance with those of FIG. 3 which presents the open valve.
  • Such a valve confers on the tube of dough which carries it three qualities. As a pump, it ensures that the product reserve is used up to at least 95%. The dosing function is particularly valuable for pharmaceutical products, but can also be useful in other applications. Finally, precompression is fundamental vis-à-vis safety or more simply cleanliness of use. Indeed the pressure which must be reached in the chamber 7 so that the passage 8 opens, is much higher than the pressure which could be created in the tube by pressing it with the hand. There is therefore a risk of unintentionally causing a dough emission.
  • French patent application 2,625,729 which discloses a tube fitted with a precompression metering pump, but having a semi-rigid wall, overcomes this drawback by ensuring an initial pressure inside the container. This however leads to the use of specially shaped vial tubes. From an economic point of view, it is more advantageous to keep the flexible tubes commonly used.
  • the present invention therefore aims to solve the problem of priming the pumps used for the distribution of pasty products in combination with flexible tubes.
  • step 2) of the process of the invention occurs before the filled tube is placed in a vacuum atmosphere.
  • the tube is in the open air. So it remains easier to control the pinching of the bottom of the tube accompanying the pre-welding.
  • the latter has, moreover, another advantage.
  • a narrow conduit communicates its interior volume with the rest of the chamber. The risk of product escaping through this conduit is therefore reduced. Also, the quantity of air remaining inside the tube and which must be evacuated is lower. This contributes to a better efficiency of the packaging process.
  • the tubes thus produced can also contain liquids or include less sophisticated valves than the metering pumps mentioned above.
  • the problem of priming the valves is resolved by the air vacuum created.
  • the atmospheric pressure applied to the flexible tube in fact supplies the energy necessary for filling the pump chamber with the same pasty product.
  • Another advantage is the absence of contamination of the liquid or the paste contained in the tube in contact with polluted air or the oxygen it contains.
  • the device of the invention provides for placing the valve making the air pumping system communicate with the bottom of the tube as close to the latter as possible. This arrangement helps to reduce the amount of air that must then be pumped.
  • FIGS. 4 to 8 The welding process with establishment of the air vacuum in the dough tube will now be described with the aid of FIGS. 4 to 8. It in fact presupposes the use of a machine automatically carrying out the different stages of the process.
  • a cylinder 12 of flexible plastic is first cut to the desired length. It is then welded to a piece II, generally cylindrical, forming the neck of the future dough tube. On this neck ll, a precompression metering pump 10 can then be tightly fixed like that described above.
  • Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a metering pump 10 provided with a metal cup crimped on the neck ll. It is however also possible to fix the pump 10 by overmolding the neck II.
  • This support 20 metallic or made of plastic, has an internal housing which can receive the assembly, the pump 10 being arranged downwards while the cylinder 12 opens upwards.
  • This housing is also provided with means 2l capable of securing the valve in the low position of the metering pump 10 (cf. FIG. 2).
  • These means 21 consist, for example, of metal tongues which can slide over a length of travel defined inside horizontal reserves formed in the support 20 and comprising a return spring.
  • the first phase of the process then consists in filling the cylinder l2 with paste l3. This is preferably done using an injection system 30 provided with a fairly long nozzle 31. During filling, the lower end of the spout is kept close to the surface of the dough so as to avoid trapping air bubbles. This implies a relative displacement of the spout relative to the cylinder 12 as the amount of dough placed in the cylinder 12 increases. For example the beak goes up.
  • the support 20 is translated relative to the injection system 30.
  • the support 20 is then placed under a welding station.
  • the upper edge 14 of the cylinder 12 remains where appropriate near a heating ramp not shown in the figures. Its role is to maintain the plastic at a temperature related to the welding operation.
  • the latter is carried out according to a traditional method using jaws 40, preferably metallic, which pinch the cylinder l2 horizontally at its upper edge l4 and press the two lips thus created against each other as indicated on the Figure 5.
  • the jaws 40 are themselves provided with heating resistors in order to perform the welding of the lips in a thermo-mechanical manner. It is then possible to do without an intermediate heating ramp.
  • the jaws 40 here have a fairly deep recess 4l. This is preferably located in the middle of their length (see fig 6) and concerns their entire thickness. It follows that the welding of the bottom of the tube remains partial: a conduit l7, although of small size, still allows inside the tube to communicate with the atmosphere. This is why this phase of the process is rather called the presoldering step.
  • the jaws could also correspond respectively to an anvil and to a sonotrode in order to achieve rather a welding by ultrasound.
  • the paste 13 is thus found under vacuum inside a flexible tube made perfectly tight.
  • the device 50 makes it possible to carry out the last welding step is now described with the aid of FIG. 9.
  • Two groups of parts preferably metallic, can undergo a relative movement of vertical translation. In the absence of effort, they are kept at a maximum distance from each other by means of a spring 60.
  • the group of lower parts essentially consists of a cylindrical part 52 comprising interior recesses of fairly complex shape .
  • In the upper part there is a hollow cylinder 55 of the same axis as the axis of the cylindrical part 52.
  • This hollow cylinder 55 has a variable cross section. It has in particular a throttle 56 which acts as a valve seat.
  • a ball 57 rests on the throttle 56 while a spring 58, introduced at the base of the hollow cylinder 55 and held by a nut 59, pushes the ball 57.
  • a cylindrical channel pierced in the center of the nut 59 allows the hollow cylinder 55 to communicate with a horizontal cut made in the lower part of the cylindrical part 52. The cut has a shape allowing engagement of the bottom of the tube to be welded. This is the 5l guide mentioned above.
  • two horizontal jaws 54 placed symmetrically with respect to the guide, protrude. They are mainly housed inside cylindrical reserves 64 formed in the thickness of the part 52 (cf. fig. 8).
  • each jaw 54 has a shoulder allowing the support of a spring 6l.
  • the latter has a return function tending, in the absence of force, to cause the jaws to retract inside the part 52.
  • Each jaw 54 is also provided with a seal 62 ensuring a tight connection of the jaws and the cylindrical part 52.
  • a ball 63 is engaged in each of the reserves 64 so that it provides a stop for the jaws 54 and opposes the springs 6l.
  • a seal 53 of the same axis as the axis of the part, is finally maintained thanks to a removable ring 65.
  • a skirt 70 adapts to the external vertical wall of the cylindrical part 52. If the external surface of the skirt 70 is smooth, its internal surface is more worked. First of all, it has a shoulder 7l intended to cooperate with a flange 66 projecting from the cylindrical part 52 with a view to a stop. Then, approximately at the height of the jaws 54, the interior of the skirt gradually widens by a cone serving as a cam 72. Thus when the skirt 70 slides on the part 52, the ball 63 engages under the action of the cam 72 more or less in the reserves 64 and the jaws 54 emerge more or less inside the guide 5l.
  • a cylinder 75 can engage vertically in the hollow cylinder 55 of the cylindrical part 52.
  • the corresponding connection is sealed by means of a seal 76.
  • the cylinder 75 in fact ends at its lower part with a needle 77. The sliding of the cylinder 75 in the part 52 therefore results in the depression of the ball 57 which is then pushed back towards the nut 59 thanks to the needle 77.
  • the entire cylinder 75 has a narrow internal channel 78.
  • FIG. 75 and the skirt 70 are rigidly linked with respect to each other by means of a third part 80 in the form of a hollow cylinder threaded along its internal surfaces and external. If the external thread 8l allows the fixing of the skirt 70, the internal thread 82 has the role of promoting the mounting of the entire device 50 on the machine ensuring the automatic implementation of the welding process of the invention.
  • Figure 9 shows in front view a part of the head 90 of this machine which thus ensures the connection with a vacuum pump 9l. This can operate continuously throughout the various phases of the process of the invention. It does not need to be particularly efficient, negative pressures of the order of 0.5 bar being sufficient.
  • the head 90 is also secured to a jack or a mechanical control allowing its movement along a vertical axis.
  • a jack or a mechanical control allowing its movement along a vertical axis.
  • the head When the head rises, it firstly drives the skirt and the needle 77 so that the jaws retract, then the valve 57 closes. Finally, the part 52 lifts up and releases the tube which is now sealed and ready to undergo other finishing operations (for example fitting a pusher, packaging, etc.).
  • the device allowing the implementation of these three operations at very close time intervals is not shown in the drawings. In fact, it can be designed in many ways. However, in order to convince our of the possibility of developing it, we will describe a possible principle. This is similar to the device 50 illustrated in FIG. 9 and proposed in the context of the first embodiment of the present method developed above. Indeed, it is essentially the lower part 52 of the device 50 that should be adapted. For example, the notch 51 takes on a more flared shape while the sealing ring 53 has a larger diameter. Thus, it is possible to present the lower part 52 of the device directly above the support 20 so that the cylinder initially formed by the edge 14 of the tube is entirely covered by the notch 5l. By engaging in it as the device descends on the support 20, the walls of the notch then contribute to the progressive deformation of the edge 14 of the tube. When the device finally comes into contact with the support 20, the edge 14 has two lips facing each other.
  • the new device may include all of the parts provided on the device 50 which are located above the jaws 54. Then, the opening of the valve is obtained by continuing to depress the head 90 on the support 20.
  • the new device should also be provided with welding means capable of welding the two lips formed in the edge 14 over their entire length. These means are not necessarily mechanical. Their actuation will then triggered by a signal (electronic for example) emitted after an appropriate period of time since the instant of the opening of the previous valve. In order to operate more reliably, mechanical actuation also conditioned by further depressing the head 90 is preferable. It could also use jaws moved by a cam system. However, these would apply here on the whole of each of the lips of the edge 14.

Abstract

In order to benefit from all the advantages offered by dispenser valves comparable to precompressed metering pumps 10 when they are arranged on flexible tubes 12 which contain a more or less fluid paste 13, it is valuable to be able to create an air vacuum in the tube when its base 14 is being welded. <??>For this purpose, a packaging method is proposed which comprises at least the following stages: 1) the introduction of the paste through the base of the tube already equipped with its valve 2) the drawing off, through the said base, of the air remaining in the said tube above the said product, then closure of the said tube leaktight by welding its base. <??>Advantageously, an intermediate stage consists in firstly partially welding the base of the tube filled with paste. During stage 2, the air is drawn off through the non-welded part of the base of the tube and this is followed by the completion of the welding of this base. <??>According to this preferred embodiment of the present method, stage 2 is advantageously implemented in its entirety by virtue of a device 50 comprising two groups of pieces which slide relative to each other which can be mounted on a press 90 and connected to a vacuum pump 91. When its lower notch 51 covers the prewelded base 14 of a tube 12 which is placed in a support 20 serving as a stop for the lower unit 52, the driving-in of the upper unit formed by the cylinders 70, 75 and 80, which is caused by the press, in fact triggers, by means of a cam 72 and balls 63, the opening of the valve 57 followed rapidly by the tightening of the jaws 54. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à des tubes de pâte plus ou moins fluide utilisés pour distribuer des produits cosmétiques ou pharmaceutiques tels que des laits de toilette, des crèmes solaires, du dentifrice, des baumes, etc.. Ces tubes sont munis d'une valve de distribution comparable à celles qui sont disposées d'ordinaire sur les vaporisateurs de parfum par exemple. Ils sont réalisés en une matière plastique plutôt souple et le fond du tube est obturé par la soudure de cette enveloppe, donnant aux tubes un aspect très conventionnel. Ils se distinguent toutefois des conditionnements comparables par le vide d'air qui est réalisé dans les tubes au moment de leur soudure. L'invention a trait plus précisément au procédé permettant de réaliser cette soudure tout en évacuant l'air du tube. Elle concerne également un dispositif utile à la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé.The present invention relates to tubes of more or less fluid paste used for dispensing cosmetic or pharmaceutical products such as toilet milks, sun creams, toothpaste, balms, etc. These tubes are provided with a valve distribution comparable to those which are usually arranged on perfume vaporizers for example. They are made of a rather flexible plastic material and the bottom of the tube is closed by the welding of this envelope, giving the tubes a very conventional appearance. They differ from comparable packaging, however, by the air vacuum created in the tubes when they are welded. The invention relates more specifically to the method for performing this welding while removing air from the tube. It also relates to a device useful for implementing this method.

Les tubes souples actuellement utilisés pour présenter des produits pâteux ne comportent généralement pas de valve de distribution. Pourtant cette association peut être très avantageuse surtout s'il est fait appel à des valves spéciales, appelées pompes-doseuses à précompression. Une forme de réalisation particulièrement avantageuse de ces dernières a été améliorée en l975 (voir le brevet français 2 305 24l) de façon à pouvoir fonctionner quelle que soit leur position par rapport à la verticale. Un exemple de ces pompes perfectionnées de l'art antérieur est représenté dans différentes positions sur les figures l à 3.The flexible tubes currently used to present pasty products generally do not include a dispensing valve. However, this association can be very advantageous, especially if special valves, called precompression dosing pumps, are used. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the latter was improved in l975 (see French patent 2,305,241) so that it can operate whatever their position relative to the vertical. An example of these improved pumps of the prior art is shown in different positions in FIGS. 1 to 3.

La coupe verticale schématisée sur ces figures fait ressortir six pièces différentes. Trois d'entre elles sont fixes les unes par rapport aux autres. Ce sont la coupelle de sertissage l qui permet d'associer, de façon étanche, l'ensemble de la valve 10 au récipient contenant la pâte (non représenté), la tourette 2 destinée à être placée du côté de l'extérieur du récipient et le corps 3 dont l'extrémité inférieure est entourée par la pâte en réserve. Les trois autres pièces peuvent coulisser verticalement dans le corps 3: la tige 5 creuse de piston, le clapet double 4 et le ressort de rappel 6. Sur la figure l, leur configuration correspond à la position de repos, valve fermée. Sans entrer dans tous les détails de fonctionnement de cette pompe, rappelons seulement que l'enfoncement de la tige 5 de piston provoque la compression du fluide piégé dans la chambre de pompe 7. C'est seulement lorsque cette compression est supérieure à la résistance du ressort 6 que le fluide parvient à ouvrir le passage 8 et s'échappe. Les différentes pièces ont alors des positions respectives conformes à celles de la figure 3 qui présente la valve ouverte.The vertical section shown schematically in these figures highlights six different pieces. Three of them are fixed relative to each other. These are the crimping cup l which makes it possible to associate, in a leaktight manner, the assembly of the valve 10 to the container containing the dough (not shown), the spinner 2 intended to be placed on the side from the outside of the container and the body 3, the lower end of which is surrounded by the dough in reserve. The other three parts can slide vertically in the body 3: the hollow piston rod 5, the double valve 4 and the return spring 6. In FIG. 1, their configuration corresponds to the rest position, valve closed. Without going into all the details of operation of this pump, let us only remember that the depression of the piston rod 5 causes the compression of the fluid trapped in the pump chamber 7. It is only when this compression is greater than the resistance of the spring 6 that the fluid manages to open the passage 8 and escapes. The different parts then have respective positions in accordance with those of FIG. 3 which presents the open valve.

Une telle valve confère au tube de pâte qui la porte trois qualités. En tant que pompe, elle assure l'épuisement de la réserve de produit à au moins 95 %. La fonction de doseur est particulièrement précieuse pour les produits pharmaceutiques, mais peut aussi être intéressante dans d'autres applications. Enfin la précompression est fondamentale vis-à-vis de la sécurité ou plus simplement de la propreté d'utilisation. En effet la pression qui doit être atteinte dans la chambre 7 pour que le passage 8 s'ouvre, est bien supérieure à la pression qui pourrait être créée dans le tube en le pressant avec la main. Ainsi risque de provoquer involontairement une émission de pâte est-il écarté.Such a valve confers on the tube of dough which carries it three qualities. As a pump, it ensures that the product reserve is used up to at least 95%. The dosing function is particularly valuable for pharmaceutical products, but can also be useful in other applications. Finally, precompression is fundamental vis-à-vis safety or more simply cleanliness of use. Indeed the pressure which must be reached in the chamber 7 so that the passage 8 opens, is much higher than the pressure which could be created in the tube by pressing it with the hand. There is therefore a risk of unintentionally causing a dough emission.

Toutefois, l'emploi de ces pompes-doseuses à précompression pour l'émission de pâte se heurte au problème de leur amorçage. Lorsque la valve vient d'être sertie sur le tube de pâte, sa chambre 7 contient de l'air. Au cours du premier enfoncement de la tige 5 de piston, cet air se comprime. Mais les propriétés du gaz ne lui permettent pas d'atteindre une pression suffisante pour s'échapper par le passage 8. C'est pourquoi le corps 3 est muni d'ordinaire d'un godron 9. La jupe du clapet 4 peut alors être amenée à se décoller légèrement du cylindre intérieur, ouvrant ainsi un passage à l'air comprimé vers l'intérieur du récipient (cf. fig 2). Si ce système amorce convenablement la pompe en présence de gaz ou de liquide, il ne convient nullement à des pâtes en raison de leur consistance plus visqueuse. En effet, l'air chassé dans la réserve de pâte reste à proximité de la chambre 7 sous forme de bulle. Lorsque la tige 5 de piston et le clapet 4 remontent, c'est alors de l'air qui est rappelé dans la chambre 7 de pompe et non la pâte espérée. Ainsi devient-il pratiquement impossible d'amorcer la pompe.However, the use of these precompression dosing pumps for the emission of paste encounters the problem of priming them. When the valve has just been crimped onto the dough tube, its chamber 7 contains air. During the first depression of the piston rod 5, this air is compressed. But the properties of the gas do not allow it to reach a pressure sufficient to escape through the passage 8. This is why the body 3 is usually provided with a gadroon 9. The skirt of the valve 4 can then be caused to come off the inner cylinder slightly, thus opening a passage for compressed air towards the interior of the container (see fig 2). If this system properly primers the pump in the presence of gas or liquid, it is in no way suitable for pasta because of its more viscous consistency. Indeed, the air expelled into the pulp reserve remains near the chamber 7 in the form of a bubble. When the piston rod 5 and the valve 4 go back up, it is then air which is returned to the chamber 7 of pump and not the expected paste. Thus it becomes practically impossible to prime the pump.

La demande de brevet français 2 625 729 qui divulgue un tube muni d'une pompe-doseuse à précompression, mais présentant une paroi semi-rigide, surmonte cet inconvénient en assurant une pression initiale à l'intérieur du récipient. Cela conduit toutefois à l'emploi de tubes-flacons de forme particulière. D'un point de vue économique, il est plus intéressant de garder les tubes souples couramment utilisés. La présente invention a donc pour but de résoudre le problème de l'amorçage des pompes utilisées pour la distribution de produits pâteux en combinaison avec des tubes souples.French patent application 2,625,729 which discloses a tube fitted with a precompression metering pump, but having a semi-rigid wall, overcomes this drawback by ensuring an initial pressure inside the container. This however leads to the use of specially shaped vial tubes. From an economic point of view, it is more advantageous to keep the flexible tubes commonly used. The present invention therefore aims to solve the problem of priming the pumps used for the distribution of pasty products in combination with flexible tubes.

Elle repose sur l'idée de créer le vide d'air à l'intérieur du tube contenant la pâte. A vrai dire, les méthodes connues pour réaliser ce vide dans des récipients destinés à être obturés par une valve de distribution s'appliquent essentiellement à des flacons rigides. Elles consistent en effet à coiffer le flacon avec sa valve par un dispositif qui prend appui sur les parois du récipient et isole ainsi une chambre étanche. L'air peut alors être aspiré hors de cette chambre tandis que la valve aussitôt mise en place sur le flacon est sertie dans une opération suivante. Pour ce qui est des tubes souples, aucune méthode n'a encore été proposée si ce n'est de les souder au travers du produit qu'ils renferment. Ce procédé employé par exemple afin de "saucissonner" un cylindre rempli d'eau de javel en berlingots individuels, n'est toutefois pas réalisable en présence de pâtes graisseuses.It is based on the idea of creating a vacuum inside the tube containing the dough. In fact, the known methods for achieving this vacuum in containers intended to be closed by a dispensing valve apply essentially to rigid bottles. They consist in effect in capping the bottle with its valve by a device which bears on the walls of the container and thus isolates a sealed chamber. The air can then be sucked out of this chamber while the valve immediately put in place on the bottle is crimped in a following operation. Regarding flexible tubes, no method has yet been proposed except to weld them through the product they contain. This process used for example in order to "dick" a cylinder filled with bleach in individual cartons, is however not feasible in the presence of greasy pastes.

Le document EP-A-O275346 déposé en 1987 par RAPPARINI propose cependant une méthode différente de conditionnement sous vide applicable à des récipients en matière souple. Ces derniers consistent en vérité en des sachets plats pour contenir notamment un produit en grains comme du café. La méthode prévoit de disposer chaque sachet dans un support de sorte qu'un côté ouvert du sachet se présente sur le dessus du support. Ainsi peut-il être rempli. Par la suite, le dessus du support est referme par un couvercle qui s'y applique de façon étanche et forme ainsi une chambre étanche. Un vide d'air est ensuite établi dans la chambre grâce à un système de pompes. Puis, le côte ouvert du sachet est soudé au sein même de la chambre sous vide par application de mors chauffants de part et d'autre du sachet plat. Et ce n'est qu'en dernier ressort que la chambre est ramenée à la pression atmosphérique en vue de permettre la libération du sachet fermé.Document EP-A-O275346 filed in 1987 by RAPPARINI, however, proposes a different method of vacuum packaging applicable to flexible material containers. The latter actually consist of flat sachets to contain in particular a bean product such as coffee. The method involves placing each sachet in a holder so that an open side of the sachet is on top of the holder. So it can be filled. Thereafter, the top of the support is closed by a cover which is applied in a sealed manner and thus forms a sealed chamber. An air vacuum is then established in the room thanks to a pump system. Then, the open side of the bag is welded within the vacuum chamber by applying heating jaws on either side of the flat bag. And it is only as a last resort that the chamber is brought back to atmospheric pressure in order to allow the release of the closed bag.

L'application de cette méthode connue à un récipient tel que les tubes souples évoqués plus haut pose au moins un problème. En effet, ces tubes ont au repos la forme d'un cylindre. Ainsi, lorsqu'ils viennent d'être remplis par leur fond ouvert par exemple, le produit offre-t-il une surface circulaire. Il s'ensuit que l'opération de soudure du fond du tube doit en réalité être précédée d'une déformation du tube consistant à le pincer. Bien qu'en théorie, les mors de soudure pourraient effectuer cette déformation en s'appliquant de façon diamétralement opposée sur le fond non déformé et encore circulaire, puis en se rapprochant l'un de l'autre pour definir les deux lèvres à souder, cela est d'une réalisation delicate. Et en pratique, on obtient plus souvent un ratatinement anarchique du fond encouragé par le ramolissement de la matière consécutif par exemple à son échauffement au contact des mors. Et le fait que la soudure intervienne au sein de la chambre sous vide, empêche tout contrôle de ce phénomène indésirable.The application of this known method to a container such as the flexible tubes mentioned above poses at least one problem. Indeed, these tubes have at rest the shape of a cylinder. Thus, when they have just been filled with their open bottom, for example, the product offers a circular surface. It follows that the operation of welding the bottom of the tube must in reality be preceded by a deformation of the tube consisting in pinching it. Although in theory, the welding jaws could carry out this deformation by applying in a diametrically opposite manner on the undistorted and still circular bottom, then by approaching one another to define the two lips to be welded, this is a delicate achievement. And in practice, an anarchic shriveling of the bottom is more often obtained, encouraged by the softening of the material consecutive for example to its heating in contact with the jaws. And the fact that the welding takes place within the vacuum chamber, prevents any control of this undesirable phenomenon.

Le problème posé est donc l'adaptation de la méthode divulguée par RAPPARINI notamment à des tubes ayant au repos la forme d'un cylindre. Il faut par ailleurs que ces tubes soient fermés par une valve de distribution et qu'ils contiennent un produit plutôt fluide. La solution selon l'invention est trouvée dans un procédé de conditionnement d'un produit liquide ou pâteux dans un tube souple, ayant au repos la forme d'un cylindre, comportant un fond ainsi qu'une tête munie d'une valve de distribution, le procédé comprenant au moins les étapes suivantes :

  • 1°) introduire le produit à l'intérieur du tube par son fond,
  • 2°) souder partiellement le fond du tube rempli de produit,
  • 3°) aspirer par la partie non soudée du fond du tube l'air subsistant dans le tube au-dessus du produit,
  • 4°)fermer de façon étanche le tube en achevant la soudure du fond.
The problem posed is therefore the adaptation of the method disclosed by RAPPARINI in particular to tubes having at rest the shape of a cylinder. These tubes must also be closed by a dispensing valve and contain a rather fluid product. The solution according to the invention is found in a method of packaging a liquid or pasty product in a flexible tube, having at rest the shape of a cylinder, comprising a bottom and a head provided with a dispensing valve. , the method comprising at least the following steps:
  • 1 °) introduce the product inside the tube through its bottom,
  • 2) partially weld the bottom of the tube filled with product,
  • 3 °) suck in the non-welded part of the bottom of the tube the air remaining in the tube above the product,
  • 4 °) tightly close the tube by completing the bottom welding.

De façon plus concrète, il faut concevoir que ce procédé comporte en outre

  • une étape préliminaire consistant à placer le tube tête en bas dans un support, le support ayant la forme d'un boîtier sans dessus de sorte que le fond du tube se présente à un côté ouvert du support,
  • après la soudure partielle, une étape supplémentaire consistant à couvrir le côté ouvert du support de façon à le fermer de façon étanche de sorte qu'une chambre étanche est créée qui referme le tube,
  • une étape finale consistant à ouvrir le support et libérer le tube, et que
  • l'étape 3°) s'effectue en établissant un vide d'air dans la chambre étanche, et
  • l'étape 4°) se réalise à l'intérieur de la chambre étanche. D'autres caractéristiques avantageuses du procédé selon l'invention sont exposées dans les revendications 3 à 12.
More concretely, it must be understood that this process also includes
  • a preliminary step consisting in placing the tube upside down in a support, the support having the form of a box without top so that the bottom of the tube is at an open side of the support,
  • after the partial welding, an additional step consisting in covering the open side of the support so as to close it in a sealed manner so that a sealed chamber is created which closes the tube,
  • a final step consisting in opening the support and releasing the tube, and that
  • step 3) is carried out by establishing an air vacuum in the sealed chamber, and
  • step 4) is carried out inside the sealed chamber. Other advantageous characteristics of the process according to the invention are set out in claims 3 to 12.

En effet, l'étape 2°) du procédé de l'invention intervient avant que le tube rempli ne soit placé dans une ambiance sous vide. En d'autres termes, lors de la mise en oeuvre de cette étape, le tube est à l'air libre. Aussi demeure-t-il plus aisé de contrôler le pincement du fond du tube accompagnant la présoudure. Cette dernière présente au demeurant un autre avantage. Lorsque le tube se retrouve dans la chambre sous vide, seul un étroit conduit fait communiquer son volume intérieur avec le reste de la chambre. Le risque de voir du produit s'échapper par ce conduit est donc réduit. Egalement, la quantité d'air restant à l'intérieur du tube et qu'il faut évacuer est plus faible. Cela contribue à une meilleure efficacité du procédé de conditionnement.Indeed, step 2) of the process of the invention occurs before the filled tube is placed in a vacuum atmosphere. In other words, during the implementation of this step, the tube is in the open air. So it remains easier to control the pinching of the bottom of the tube accompanying the pre-welding. The latter has, moreover, another advantage. When the tube is found in the vacuum chamber, only a narrow conduit communicates its interior volume with the rest of the chamber. The risk of product escaping through this conduit is therefore reduced. Also, the quantity of air remaining inside the tube and which must be evacuated is lower. This contributes to a better efficiency of the packaging process.

Afin d'effectuer automatiquement les étapes 3°) et 4°) du procédé de l'invention, un dispositif est proposé. Il est adapté à être monté sur une machine conçue pour mettre en oeuvre le procédé et qui comporte au moins un des supports évoqués plus haut. Il comprend deux groupes de pièces pouvant subir une translation verticale l'un par rapport à l'autre lorsqu'un effort vertical est exercé à l'encontre de moyens élastiques placés entre eux:

  • le premier groupe de pièces comportant une pièce cylindrique d'axe vertical munie, en partie haute, d'un cylindre creux de même axe que celui de la pièce et présentant un étranglement faisant office de siège de clapet, en partie basse, d'une entaille symétrique par rapport à un axe horizontal coupant l'axe de ladite pièce cylindrique et servant à guider le fond d'un tube et, environ à mi-chemin entre les parties haute et basse, de deux réserves cylindriques horizontales symmétriques par rapport à l'axe de ladite entaille, traversant de part en part ladite pièce cylindrique et pouvant recevoir deux mâchoires faisant saillie dans ladite entaille, chaque mâchoire étant liée de façon étanche à ladite pièce cylindrique et pouvant coulisser par rapport à elle sous l'effet conjugué d'un ressort de rappel et d'une bille.
  • le second groupe de pièces comportant une jupe dont la surface interne s'adapte à la surface verticale extérieure de ladite pièce cylindrique pour, d'une part, lui offrir une butée de fin de course et, d'autre part, permettre l'engagement progressif à l'aide d'une came, desdites billes dans lesdites réserves de ladite pièce cylindrique et comportant également, lié rigidement à ladite jupe, un cylindre muni d'un canal central se terminant par une aiguille qui peut s'engager de façon étanche dans l'étranglement dudit cylindre creux de ladite pièce cylindrique et ouvrir ainsi ledit clapet,
       le premier groupe de pièces pouvant collaborer avec ledit support pour former avec lui la chambre étanche, le second groupe étant compatible avec une tête de ladite machine automatique transmettant ledit effort vertical et pompant l'air.
In order to automatically carry out steps 3 °) and 4 °) of the method of the invention, a device is proposed. It is suitable for being mounted on a machine designed to implement the method and which comprises at least one of the supports mentioned above. It comprises two groups of parts which can undergo vertical translation with respect to each other when a vertical force is exerted against elastic means placed between them:
  • the first group of parts comprising a cylindrical part with a vertical axis provided, in the upper part, with a hollow cylinder with the same axis as that of the part and having a throttle acting as a valve seat, in the lower part, with a symmetrical notch relative to a horizontal axis intersecting the axis of said part cylindrical and serving to guide the bottom of a tube and, approximately halfway between the upper and lower parts, of two horizontal cylindrical reserves symmetrical with respect to the axis of said notch, passing right through said cylindrical part and can receive two jaws protruding into said notch, each jaw being tightly connected to said cylindrical piece and being able to slide relative to it under the combined effect of a return spring and a ball.
  • the second group of parts comprising a skirt, the internal surface of which adapts to the external vertical surface of said cylindrical part in order, on the one hand, to offer it a limit stop and, on the other hand, to allow engagement progressive by means of a cam, said balls in said reserves of said cylindrical part and also comprising, rigidly connected to said skirt, a cylinder provided with a central channel ending in a needle which can engage in leaktight manner in the throttle of said hollow cylinder of said cylindrical part and thus open said valve,
    the first group of parts being able to collaborate with said support to form with it the sealed chamber, the second group being compatible with a head of said automatic machine transmitting said vertical force and pumping air.

Comme cette rapide description de l'invention le laisse entendre, les tubes ainsi fabriqués peuvent également contenir des liquides ou comporter des valves moins sophistiquées que les pompes-doseuses évoquées ci-dessus. Dans tous les cas, le problème de l'amorçage des valves est résolu par le vide d'air réalisé. La pression atmosphérique s'appliquant sur le tube souple fournit en effet l'énergie nécessaire au remplissage de la chambre de pompe par le produit même pâteux. Un autre avantage est l'absence de contamination du liquide ou de la pâte contenu dans le tube au contact d'un air pollué ou de l'oxygène qu'il contient.As this rapid description of the invention suggests, the tubes thus produced can also contain liquids or include less sophisticated valves than the metering pumps mentioned above. In all cases, the problem of priming the valves is resolved by the air vacuum created. The atmospheric pressure applied to the flexible tube in fact supplies the energy necessary for filling the pump chamber with the same pasty product. Another advantage is the absence of contamination of the liquid or the paste contained in the tube in contact with polluted air or the oxygen it contains.

D'autres caractéristiques avantageuses du dispositif selon l'invention sont exposées dans les revendications 14 et suivantes. On remarque cependant de façon générale que le dispositif de l'invention prévoit de placer le clapet faisant communiquer le système de pompage de l'air avec le fond du tube aussi près de ce dernier que possible. Cette disposition contribue à réduire la quantité d'air qu'il faut ensuite pomper.Other advantageous characteristics of the device according to the invention are set out in claims 14 and following. However, it is generally observed that the device of the invention provides for placing the valve making the air pumping system communicate with the bottom of the tube as close to the latter as possible. This arrangement helps to reduce the amount of air that must then be pumped.

Le procédé et le dispositif de la présente invention sont décrits dans les pages suivantes à l'aide de dessins. Ceux-ci ont pour rôle essentiel d'en aider la compréhension et ne sauraient fixer leurs modes ou leurs formes de réalisation. En particulier nous avons déjà souligné que la valve de distribution placée sur le tube souple peut très bien être d'un autre type que celui évoqué jusqu'ici. De même l'invention s'applique aussi bien à des liquides. Nous l'illustrerons cependant par une pompe-doseuse à précompression délivrant une pâte conformément à l'esprit d'origine. Sur les dessins:

  • la figure l est une coupe verticale d'une pompe-doseuse à précompression de l'art antérieur qui peut être placée sur les tubes souples qui sont ensuite soudés sous vide d'air conformément au procédé de l'invention. Sur cette figure, la pompe-doseuse est montrée dans sa position fermée de repos,
  • la figure 2 correspond à une coupe similaire lorsque la pompe-doseuse est actionnée en vue de son amorçage,
  • la figure 3 illustre toujours cette coupe, mais l'actionnement de la pompe-doseuse aboutit en l'occurrence à l'émission de la pâte,
  • la figure 4 montre, selon une coupe verticale, un tube muni de sa pompe-doseuse en cours de remplissage selon un mode de réalisation du procédé de la présente invention,
  • la figure 5 illustre, à l'aide d'une coupe verticale similaire à celle de la figure 4, la phase de présoudure du fond d'un tube selon un mode de réalisation du procédé de la présente invention,
  • la figure 6 est une coupe horizontale passant par le plan I-I de la figure 5,
  • la figure 7 représente, à l'aide d'une coupe verticale comparable à celles des figures 4 et 5 la dernière phase de soudure d'un mode de réalisation du procédé de l'invention,
  • la figure 8 est une coupe horizontale suivant le plan II-II de la figure 7,
  • la figure 9 montre, en coupe verticale, l'ensemble d'un dispositif permettant de mettre en oeuvre le procédé de la présente invention.
The method and the device of the present invention are described on the following pages with the aid of drawings. Their essential role is to help understanding and cannot fix their modes or their forms of realization. In particular we have already pointed out that the dispensing valve placed on the flexible tube may very well be of another type than that mentioned so far. Likewise the invention applies equally well to liquids. However, we will illustrate this with a precompression dosing pump delivering a paste in accordance with the spirit of origin. In the drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a vertical section of a precompression metering pump of the prior art which can be placed on the flexible tubes which are then welded under vacuum in accordance with the method of the invention. In this figure, the dosing pump is shown in its closed rest position,
  • FIG. 2 corresponds to a similar section when the dosing pump is actuated with a view to priming it,
  • FIG. 3 still illustrates this section, but the actuation of the dosing pump results in this case in the emission of the dough,
  • FIG. 4 shows, in a vertical section, a tube fitted with its dosing pump during filling according to an embodiment of the process of the present invention,
  • FIG. 5 illustrates, using a vertical section similar to that of FIG. 4, the phase of pre-welding of the bottom of a tube according to an embodiment of the method of the present invention,
  • FIG. 6 is a horizontal section passing through the plane II of FIG. 5,
  • FIG. 7 represents, using a vertical section comparable to those of FIGS. 4 and 5, the last welding phase of an embodiment of the method of the invention,
  • FIG. 8 is a horizontal section along the plane II-II of FIG. 7,
  • Figure 9 shows, in vertical section, the assembly of a device for implementing the method of the present invention.

Le procédé de soudure avec établissement du vide d'air dans le tube de pâte va à présent être décrit à l'aide des figures 4 à 8. Il suppose en fait le recours à une machine réalisant automatiquement les différentes étapes du procédé. Pour faciliter cette automatisation, un cylindre l2 de matière plastique souple est tout d'abord coupé à la longueur souhaitée. Il est ensuite soudé à une pièce ll, généralement cylindrique, formant le col du futur tube de pâte. Sur ce col ll, peut alors être fixée de façon étanche une pompe-doseuse l0 à précompression comme celle décrite précédemment. Les figures 4, 5 et 6 présentent une pompe-doseuse l0 munie d'une coupelle métallique sertie sur le col ll. Une fixation de la pompe l0 par surmoulage du col ll est toutefois également envisageable. L'ensemble formé par la pompe l0 et le cylindre l2 est alors placé sur un support 20 faisant partie de la machine évoquée ci-dessus. Ce support 20, métallique ou en matière plastique, comporte un logement intérieur pouvant recevoir l'ensemble, la pompe l0 étant disposée vers le bas tandis que le cylindre l2 s'ouvre vers le haut. Ce logement est par ailleurs pourvu de moyens 2l propres à assujettir la valve en position basse de la pompe-doseuse l0 (cf. figure 2). Ces moyens 2l consistent par exemple en des languettes métalliques pouvant coulisser sur une longueur de course définie à l'intérieur de réserves horizontales ménagées dans le support 20 et comportant un ressort de rappel. Lorsque l'ensemble pompe-cylindre est introduit à l'intérieur du support, la pompe l0 est alors avantageusement pressée contre le fond du logement de façon que sa tige de piston remonte. Les languettes 2l, qui s'étaient automatiquement rétractées dans le support 20 au passage de la pompe, ressortent sous la poussée de leur ressort et bloquent dès lors la pompe. Dans cette position, la chambre 7 est réduite au minimum si bien que la valve contient le moins d'air possible. Nous verrons toutefois ci-dessous qu'il n'est pas impératif de maintenir ainsi la pompe du moment que l'ensemble pompe-cylindre ne peut pas s'échapper facilement du support 20.The welding process with establishment of the air vacuum in the dough tube will now be described with the aid of FIGS. 4 to 8. It in fact presupposes the use of a machine automatically carrying out the different stages of the process. To facilitate this automation, a cylinder 12 of flexible plastic is first cut to the desired length. It is then welded to a piece II, generally cylindrical, forming the neck of the future dough tube. On this neck ll, a precompression metering pump 10 can then be tightly fixed like that described above. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a metering pump 10 provided with a metal cup crimped on the neck ll. It is however also possible to fix the pump 10 by overmolding the neck II. The assembly formed by the pump 10 and the cylinder 12 is then placed on a support 20 forming part of the machine mentioned above. This support 20, metallic or made of plastic, has an internal housing which can receive the assembly, the pump 10 being arranged downwards while the cylinder 12 opens upwards. This housing is also provided with means 2l capable of securing the valve in the low position of the metering pump 10 (cf. FIG. 2). These means 21 consist, for example, of metal tongues which can slide over a length of travel defined inside horizontal reserves formed in the support 20 and comprising a return spring. When the pump-cylinder assembly is introduced inside the support, the pump 10 is then advantageously pressed against the bottom of the housing so that its piston rod rises. The tongues 21, which had automatically retracted into the support 20 when the pump passes, come out under the pressure of their spring and therefore block the pump. In this position, the chamber 7 is reduced to a minimum so that the valve contains the least amount of air possible. However, we will see below that it is not imperative to maintain the pump in this way as long as the pump-cylinder assembly cannot easily escape from the support 20.

La première phase du procédé consiste alors à remplir le cylindre l2 de pâte l3. Cela est réalisé de préférence à l'aide d'un système d'injection 30 muni d'un bec 3l assez long. Durant le remplissage, l'extrémité inférieure du bec est maintenue à proximité de la surface de la pâte de façon à éviter d'y pièger des bulles d'air. Cela implique un déplacement relatif du bec par rapport au cylindre l2 à mesure que la quantité de pâte placée dans le cylindre l2 augmente. Par exemple le bec remonte.The first phase of the process then consists in filling the cylinder l2 with paste l3. This is preferably done using an injection system 30 provided with a fairly long nozzle 31. During filling, the lower end of the spout is kept close to the surface of the dough so as to avoid trapping air bubbles. This implies a relative displacement of the spout relative to the cylinder 12 as the amount of dough placed in the cylinder 12 increases. For example the beak goes up.

Puis le support 20 est translaté relativement au système d'injection 30. Selon un premier mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux du présent procédé, le support 20 est ensuite placé sous un poste de soudure. Durant ce déplacement, le bord supérieur l4 du cylindre l2 reste le cas échéant à proximité d'une rampe de chauffage non représentée sur les figures. Elle a pour rôle de maintenir la matière plastique à une température en rapport avec l'opération de soudure. Cette dernière s'effectue selon une méthode traditionnelle grâce à des mors 40 de préférence métalliques qui pincent horizontalement le cylindre l2 au niveau de son bord supérieur l4 et pressent l'une contre l'autre les deux lèvres ainsi créées comme cela est indiqué sur la figure 5. Eventuellement, les mors 40 sont munis eux-mêmes de résistances chauffantes en vue d'effectuer la soudure des lèvres de façon thermo-mécanique. Il est alors possible de se passer de rampe de chauffage intermédiaire. Conformément à ce mode préféré de réalisation de la présente invention, les mors 40 comportent ici un évidement 4l assez profond. Celui-ci se situe de préférence au milieu de leur longueur (cf. fig 6) et intéresse toute leur épaisseur. Il s'ensuit que la soudure du fond du tube reste partielle: un conduit l7, bien que de faible taille, permet encore à l'intérieur du tube de communiquer avec l'atmosphère. C'est pourquoi cette phase du procédé est plutôt appelée étape de présoudure.Then the support 20 is translated relative to the injection system 30. According to a first particularly advantageous embodiment of the present method, the support 20 is then placed under a welding station. During this movement, the upper edge 14 of the cylinder 12 remains where appropriate near a heating ramp not shown in the figures. Its role is to maintain the plastic at a temperature related to the welding operation. The latter is carried out according to a traditional method using jaws 40, preferably metallic, which pinch the cylinder l2 horizontally at its upper edge l4 and press the two lips thus created against each other as indicated on the Figure 5. Optionally, the jaws 40 are themselves provided with heating resistors in order to perform the welding of the lips in a thermo-mechanical manner. It is then possible to do without an intermediate heating ramp. In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jaws 40 here have a fairly deep recess 4l. This is preferably located in the middle of their length (see fig 6) and concerns their entire thickness. It follows that the welding of the bottom of the tube remains partial: a conduit l7, although of small size, still allows inside the tube to communicate with the atmosphere. This is why this phase of the process is rather called the presoldering step.

A nouveau le support 20 est translaté relativement au poste de présoudure 40 tandis que le bord l4 du cylindre l2 devenu le fond du tube est encore avantageusement maintenu à proximité d'une rampe de chauffage. Le tout est alors positionné sous un dispositif 50 spécialement conçu pour terminer la soudure du fond du tube et évacuer l'air que l'intérieur du tube contient encore (cf. l'espace l5). Avant de décrire plus précisément ce dispositif, nous pouvons expliquer à l'aide des figures 7 et 8 son mode de fonctionnement. Le fond l4 du tube est tout d'abord engagé dans un guide 5l présenté par la partie inférieure 52 du dispositif 50 jusqu'à ce que cette dernière bute sur la surface du support 20. Un joint 53 assure dès lors l'isolation de la chambre l6 ainsi créée. En même temps le fond l4 du tube présoudé se présente à hauteur de deux mâchoires 54. Le dispositif 50 est conçu de telle sorte qu'il effectue de façon consécutive, mais à des intervalles de temps rapprochés (entre l/l0 et l seconde de battement), les deux opérations suivantes:

  • l°) l'air est aspiré par le canal 55 si bien qu'il est évacué aussi bien de la chambre l6 que de l'espace résiduel l5 intérieur au tube,
  • 2°) les mâchoires sont pressées l'une contre l'autre et referment le conduit l7 en achevant la soudure du fond l4 du tube.
Again the support 20 is translated relative to the pre-welding station 40 while the edge 14 of the cylinder 12 which has become the bottom of the tube is still advantageously kept close to a heating ramp. The whole is then positioned under a device 50 specially designed to complete the welding of the bottom of the tube and to evacuate the air that the interior of the tube still contains (cf. space 15). Before describing this device more precisely, we can explain using Figures 7 and 8 how it works. The bottom 14 of the tube is first engaged in a guide 5l presented by the lower part 52 of the device 50 until the latter abuts on the surface of the support 20. A seal 53 therefore ensures the insulation of the room l6 thus created. At the same time the bottom 14 of the pre-welded tube is at the level of two jaws 54. The device 50 is designed so that it performs consecutively, but at close time intervals (between l / l0 and l second of beat), the following two operations:
  • l °) the air is sucked in through the channel 55 so that it is evacuated both from the chamber 16 and from the residual space l5 inside the tube,
  • 2) the jaws are pressed against each other and close the conduit l7 by completing the welding of the bottom 14 of the tube.

Notons que les mâchoires pourraient aussi correspondre respectivement à une enclume et à une sonotrode afin de réaliser plutôt une soudure par ultra-sons. De toute façon, la pâte l3 se retrouve ainsi sous vide à l'intérieur d'un tube souple rendu parfaitement étanche. Lorsque les moyens 2l sont actionnés pour permettre la libération du tube (grâce à un electro-aimant par exemple), la tige de piston de la pompe ressort tandis que la chambre 7 de la pompe se remplit automatiquement de pâte. Autrement dit la pompe-doseuse à précompression est déjà amorcée.It should be noted that the jaws could also correspond respectively to an anvil and to a sonotrode in order to achieve rather a welding by ultrasound. In any case, the paste 13 is thus found under vacuum inside a flexible tube made perfectly tight. When the means 2l are actuated to allow the release of the tube (thanks to an electromagnet for example), the piston rod of the pump comes out while the chamber 7 of the pump automatically fills with paste. In other words, the precompression dosing pump is already primed.

Signalons qu'en l'absence de moyens 2l pour maintenir la pompe en position basse tout au long du procédé de la présente invention, l'amorçage peut tout de même s'effectuer. En effet la pression atmosphérique entourant le tube souple transmet à la pâte sous vide la pression nécessaire au remplissage de la chambre de pompe. Au demeurant, cette pression peut théoriquement dispenser du recours à une pompe comme organe de distribution de la pâte. Et une simple soupape pourrait suffire sous réserve d'un vide assez poussé et de ne pas être trop exigeant en matière d'épuisement final du tube. Enfin rien n'empêche d'appliquer le procédé à un produit liquide.Note that in the absence of means 2l to keep the pump in the low position throughout the process of the present invention, priming can still take place. In fact, the atmospheric pressure surrounding the flexible tube transmits the pressure necessary for filling the pump chamber to vacuum. Moreover, this pressure can theoretically dispense with the use of a pump as a dough distribution member. And a simple valve could suffice subject to a fairly high vacuum and not to be too demanding in terms of final exhaustion of the tube. Finally, nothing prevents the process from being applied to a liquid product.

Une forme de réalisation du dispositif 50 permettant de mener la dernière étape de soudure est à présent décrite à l'aide de la figure 9. Deux groupes de pièces, de préférence métalliques, peuvent subir un mouvement relatif de translation verticale. En l'absence d'effort, ils sont maintenus à une distance maximale l'un de l'autre grâce à un ressort 60. Le groupe de pièces inférieures se compose essentiellement d'une pièce cylindrique 52 comportant des évidements intérieurs de forme assez complexe. En partie haute, se trouve un cylindre creux 55 de même axe que l'axe de la pièce cylindrique 52. Ce cylindre creux 55 admet une section transversale variable. Il présente en particulier un étranglement 56 qui fait office de siège de clapet. En effet une bille 57 s'appuie sur l'étranglement 56 tandis qu'un ressort 58, introduit à la base du cylindre creux 55 et maintenu par un écrou 59, repousse la bille 57. Un canal cylindrique percé au centre de l'écrou 59 permet au cylindre creux 55 de communiquer avec une entaille horizontale pratiquée en partie basse de la pièce cylindrique 52. L'entaille admet une forme permettant l'engagement du fond du tube à souder. C'est le guide 5l mentionné ci-dessus. Au sommet du guide 5l et sous l'écrou 59, deux mâchoires 54 horizontales, placées symétriquement par rapport au guide, font saillie. Elles sont logées pour l'essentiel à l'intérieur de réserves 64 cylindriques ménagées dans l'épaisseur de la pièce 52 (cf. fig. 8). Elles présentent chacune un épaulement permettant l'appui d'un ressort 6l. Ce dernier a une fonction de rappel tendant, en l'absence de force, à provoquer la rétraction des mâchoires à l'intérieur de la pièce 52. Chaque mâchoire 54 est également munie d'un joint 62 assurant une liaison étanche des mâchoires et la pièce cylindrique 52. A la périphérie de la pièce 52, une bille 63 est engagée dans chacune des réserves 64 de sorte qu'elle offre une butée aux mâchoires 54 et s'oppose aux ressorts 6l. Sur la face inférieure de la pièce 52, un joint 53, de même axe que l'axe de la pièce, est enfin maintenu grâce à un anneau 65 amovible.An embodiment of the device 50 making it possible to carry out the last welding step is now described with the aid of FIG. 9. Two groups of parts, preferably metallic, can undergo a relative movement of vertical translation. In the absence of effort, they are kept at a maximum distance from each other by means of a spring 60. The group of lower parts essentially consists of a cylindrical part 52 comprising interior recesses of fairly complex shape . In the upper part, there is a hollow cylinder 55 of the same axis as the axis of the cylindrical part 52. This hollow cylinder 55 has a variable cross section. It has in particular a throttle 56 which acts as a valve seat. Indeed, a ball 57 rests on the throttle 56 while a spring 58, introduced at the base of the hollow cylinder 55 and held by a nut 59, pushes the ball 57. A cylindrical channel pierced in the center of the nut 59 allows the hollow cylinder 55 to communicate with a horizontal cut made in the lower part of the cylindrical part 52. The cut has a shape allowing engagement of the bottom of the tube to be welded. This is the 5l guide mentioned above. At the top of the guide 51 and under the nut 59, two horizontal jaws 54, placed symmetrically with respect to the guide, protrude. They are mainly housed inside cylindrical reserves 64 formed in the thickness of the part 52 (cf. fig. 8). They each have a shoulder allowing the support of a spring 6l. The latter has a return function tending, in the absence of force, to cause the jaws to retract inside the part 52. Each jaw 54 is also provided with a seal 62 ensuring a tight connection of the jaws and the cylindrical part 52. At the periphery of the part 52, a ball 63 is engaged in each of the reserves 64 so that it provides a stop for the jaws 54 and opposes the springs 6l. On the underside of the part 52, a seal 53, of the same axis as the axis of the part, is finally maintained thanks to a removable ring 65.

L'autre groupe de pièces comporte deux éléments principaux. Tout d'abord une jupe 70 s'adapte à la paroi verticale extérieure de la pièce cylindrique 52. Si la surface extérieure de la jupe 70 est lisse, sa surface interne est plus travaillée. Elle présente tout d'abord un épaulement 7l destiné à coopérer avec un rebord 66 faisant saillie sur la pièce cylindrique 52 en vue d'une butée. Ensuite, à peu près à la hauteur des mâchoires 54, l'intérieur de la jupe s'élargit progressivement par un cône servant de came 72. Ainsi lorsque la jupe 70 coulisse sur la pièce 52, la bille 63 s'engage sous l'action de la came 72 plus ou moins dans les réserves 64 et les mâchoires 54 ressortent plus ou moins à l'intérieur du guide 5l.The other group of parts has two main elements. First of all, a skirt 70 adapts to the external vertical wall of the cylindrical part 52. If the external surface of the skirt 70 is smooth, its internal surface is more worked. First of all, it has a shoulder 7l intended to cooperate with a flange 66 projecting from the cylindrical part 52 with a view to a stop. Then, approximately at the height of the jaws 54, the interior of the skirt gradually widens by a cone serving as a cam 72. Thus when the skirt 70 slides on the part 52, the ball 63 engages under the action of the cam 72 more or less in the reserves 64 and the jaws 54 emerge more or less inside the guide 5l.

Par ailleurs, un cylindre 75 peut s'engager verticalement dans le cylindre creux 55 de la pièce cylindrique 52. La liaison correspondante est rendue étanche au moyen d'un joint 76. Afin de s'adapter à l'étranglement 56 évoqué plus haut, le cylindre 75 se termine en fait à sa partie inférieure par une aiguille 77. Le coulissement du cylindre 75 dans la pièce 52 se traduit donc par l'enfoncement de la bille 57 qui est alors repoussée vers l'écrou 59 grâce à l'aiguille 77. A noter que l'ensemble du cylindre 75 présente un étroit canal intérieur 78.Furthermore, a cylinder 75 can engage vertically in the hollow cylinder 55 of the cylindrical part 52. The corresponding connection is sealed by means of a seal 76. In order to adapt to the constriction 56 mentioned above, the cylinder 75 in fact ends at its lower part with a needle 77. The sliding of the cylinder 75 in the part 52 therefore results in the depression of the ball 57 which is then pushed back towards the nut 59 thanks to the needle 77. Note that the entire cylinder 75 has a narrow internal channel 78.

Le cylindre 75 et la jupe 70 sont liés rigidement l'un par rapport à l'autre grâce à une troisième pièce 80 en forme de cylindre creux fileté le long de ses surfaces interne et externe. Si le filetage 8l extérieur permet la fixation de la jupe 70, le filetage interne 82 a pour rôle de favoriser le montage de l'ensemble du dispositif 50 sur la machine assurant la mise en ouvre automatique du procédé de soudure de l'invention. La figure 9 montre en vue de face une partie de la tête 90 de cette machine qui assure ainsi la liaison avec une pompe à vide 9l. Celle-ci peut fonctionner en continu tout au long des différentes phases du procédé de l'invention. Elle n'a pas besoin d'être particulièrement performante, des pressions négatives de l'ordre de 0,5 bar étant suffisantes.The cylinder 75 and the skirt 70 are rigidly linked with respect to each other by means of a third part 80 in the form of a hollow cylinder threaded along its internal surfaces and external. If the external thread 8l allows the fixing of the skirt 70, the internal thread 82 has the role of promoting the mounting of the entire device 50 on the machine ensuring the automatic implementation of the welding process of the invention. Figure 9 shows in front view a part of the head 90 of this machine which thus ensures the connection with a vacuum pump 9l. This can operate continuously throughout the various phases of the process of the invention. It does not need to be particularly efficient, negative pressures of the order of 0.5 bar being sufficient.

La tête 90 est également solidaire d'un vérin ou d'une commande mécanique permettant son déplacement suivant un axe vertical. Lorsque le dispositif est enfoncé de cette façon sur le fond l4 présoudé d'un tube contenu dans un support 20, le joint 53 rencontre bientôt la surface supérieure de ce support. La pièce 52 est dès lors plaquée contre lui et referme ainsi de façon étanche la chambre l6.The head 90 is also secured to a jack or a mechanical control allowing its movement along a vertical axis. When the device is pressed in this way on the pre-welded bottom 14 of a tube contained in a support 20, the seal 53 soon meets the upper surface of this support. The part 52 is therefore pressed against it and thus tightly closes the chamber 16.

Lorsque la tête 90 descend encore, en s'opposant donc à la résistance du ressort 60, la jupe 70 et l'aiguille 77 coulissent par rapport à la pièce cylindre 52. Cela a pour effet premier de repousser la bille 57 dans le cylindre creux 55. La chambre l6 et l'intérieur l5 du tube (cf. fig 5 et 7) sont alors mis en communication avec la pompe à vide 9l et l'air en est chassé. Le second effet est l'enfoncement des billes 63 selon le mécanisme décrit ci-dessus. En conséquence, les deux mâchoires se pressent l'un contre l'autre à travers le fond l4 du tube et le soudent à l'endroit du conduit l7 (cf. fig. 6). Ces deux effets peuvent intervenir avec un temps de battement plus ou moins long selon la longueur de l'aiguille 77 par rapport à la progression du changement de section interne de la jupe 70. Lorsque la tête remonte, elle entraîne tout d'abord la jupe et l'aiguille 77 si bien que les mâchoires se rétractent, puis le clapet 57 se referme. Enfin, la pièce 52 se soulève et libère le tube désormais étanche et prêt à subir d'autres opérations de finition (par exemple pose d'un poussoir, emballage...).When the head 90 still descends, thus opposing the resistance of the spring 60, the skirt 70 and the needle 77 slide relative to the cylinder part 52. This has the primary effect of pushing the ball 57 back into the hollow cylinder 55. The chamber 16 and the interior 15 of the tube (cf. FIGS. 5 and 7) are then placed in communication with the vacuum pump 9l and the air is expelled therefrom. The second effect is the driving in of the balls 63 according to the mechanism described above. Consequently, the two jaws press against each other through the bottom 14 of the tube and weld it at the location of the conduit 17 (cf. fig. 6). These two effects can occur with a more or less long beat time depending on the length of the needle 77 relative to the progression of the change in internal section of the skirt 70. When the head rises, it firstly drives the skirt and the needle 77 so that the jaws retract, then the valve 57 closes. Finally, the part 52 lifts up and releases the tube which is now sealed and ready to undergo other finishing operations (for example fitting a pusher, packaging, etc.).

Selon un autre mode de réalisation du présent procédé, l'étape de présoudure n'existe pas. Dès que le tube maintenu tête en bas dans le support 20 est plein de pâte L3, l'ensemble tube-support est directement disposé sous un poste capable de réaliser le vide d'air dans le tube et, immédiatement après, de souder la totalité de son fond. Comme précédemment, un système de rampe peut permettre de chauffer le fond du tube durant son passage du poste de remplissage à ce nouveau poste de soudure définitive. Puis ce dernier effectue consécutivement les opérations suivantes:

  • l/ le bord supérieur l4 du tube, qui admet tout d'abord une forme circulaire, est déformé de sorte que deux lèvres apparaissent et sont rapprochées l'une de l'autre,
  • 2/ l'air est aspiré par la fente subsistant entre les deux lèvres du bord l4 déformé,
  • 3/ les deux lèvres sont soudées ensemble.
According to another embodiment of the present method, the presoldering step does not exist. As soon as the tube held upside down in the support 20 is full of paste L3, the tube-support assembly is directly arranged in a station capable of creating a vacuum in the tube and, immediately after, of welding all from its bottom. As before, a ramp system can heat the bottom of the tube during its passage from the filling station to this new final welding station. Then the latter consecutively performs the following operations:
  • l / the upper edge l4 of the tube, which first of all assumes a circular shape, is deformed so that two lips appear and are brought together,
  • 2 / the air is sucked in through the gap remaining between the two lips of the deformed edge 14,
  • 3 / the two lips are welded together.

Le dispositif permettant la mise en oeuvre de ces trois opérations à des intervalles de temps très rapprochés n'est pas représenté sur les dessins. A vrai dire, il peut être conçu de multiples façons. Toutefois, afin de se convaincre de la possibilité de le mettre au point, nous allons en décrire un principe envisageable. Celui-ci se rapproche du dispositif 50 illustré par la figure 9 et proposé dans le cadre du premier mode de réalisation du présent procédé développé ci-dessus. En effet, c'est essentiellement la partie inférieure 52 du dispositif 50 qu'il convient d'adapter. Par exemple, l'entaille 5l prend une forme plus évasée tandis que l'anneau d'étanchéité 53 admet un diamètre plus large. Ainsi est-il possible de présenter la pièce inférieure 52 du dispositif à l'aplomb du support 20 de façon que le cylindre initialement formé par le bord l4 du tube soit entièrement coiffé par l'entaille 5l. En s'y engageant à mesure que le dispositif descend sur le support 20, les parois de l'entaille contribuent alors à la déformation progressive du bord l4 du tube. Lorsqu'enfin le dispositif entre en contact avec le support 20, le bord l4 présente deux lèvres en regard.The device allowing the implementation of these three operations at very close time intervals is not shown in the drawings. In fact, it can be designed in many ways. However, in order to convince ourselves of the possibility of developing it, we will describe a possible principle. This is similar to the device 50 illustrated in FIG. 9 and proposed in the context of the first embodiment of the present method developed above. Indeed, it is essentially the lower part 52 of the device 50 that should be adapted. For example, the notch 51 takes on a more flared shape while the sealing ring 53 has a larger diameter. Thus, it is possible to present the lower part 52 of the device directly above the support 20 so that the cylinder initially formed by the edge 14 of the tube is entirely covered by the notch 5l. By engaging in it as the device descends on the support 20, the walls of the notch then contribute to the progressive deformation of the edge 14 of the tube. When the device finally comes into contact with the support 20, the edge 14 has two lips facing each other.

En même temps, une chambre comparable à la chambre l6 de la figure 7 se trouve alors isolée de l'air ambiant. Il est désormais possible d'y créer le vide de façon similaire au premier mode de réalisation présenté ici grâce à l'ouverture mécanique d'un clapet 57 disposé entre la chambre et une pompe à vide 9l. Pour cela, le nouveau dispositif peut comprendre l'ensemble des pièces prévues sur le dispositif 50 qui se trouvent au-dessus des mâchoires 54. Alors, l'ouverture du clapet s'obtient par une poursuite de l'enfoncement de la tête 90 sur le support 20.At the same time, a room comparable to room 16 in Figure 7 is then isolated from the ambient air. It is now possible to create a vacuum there in a similar manner to the first embodiment presented here thanks to the mechanical opening of a valve 57 disposed between the chamber and a vacuum pump 9l. For this, the new device may include all of the parts provided on the device 50 which are located above the jaws 54. Then, the opening of the valve is obtained by continuing to depress the head 90 on the support 20.

Il convient encore que le nouveau dispositif soit pourvu de moyens de soudure capables de souder sur toute leur longueur les deux lèvres formées dans le bord l4. Ces moyens ne sont pas nécessairement mécaniques. Leur actionnement sera alors déclenché par un signal (électronique par exemple) émis après un laps de temps approprié depuis l'instant de l'ouverture du clapet précédent. En vue d'un fonctionnement plus fiable, un actionnement mécanique conditionné également par la poursuite de l'enfoncement de la tête 90 est préférable. Il pourrait également avoir recours à des mâchoires déplacées par un système de came. Cependant celles-ci s'appliqueraient ici sur l'ensemble de chacune des lèvres du bord l4.The new device should also be provided with welding means capable of welding the two lips formed in the edge 14 over their entire length. These means are not necessarily mechanical. Their actuation will then triggered by a signal (electronic for example) emitted after an appropriate period of time since the instant of the opening of the previous valve. In order to operate more reliably, mechanical actuation also conditioned by further depressing the head 90 is preferable. It could also use jaws moved by a cam system. However, these would apply here on the whole of each of the lips of the edge 14.

Claims (16)

1.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste type substance in a flexible tube, having at rest a cylindrical form (12), comprising a bottom (14) as well as a head (11) provided with a dispensing valve (10), the method comprising at least the following steps :
1°) inserting said substance (13) into said tube via its bottom (14),
2°) welding the bottom (14) of said tube filled with said substance (13) in part,
3°) sucking via the part of said tube bottom (14) which has not been welded the air which remains in the tube above said substance (13),
4°) impervioulsy closing the tube by completing the welding of said bottom (14).
2.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 1, characterized in that said method further includes
- a preliminary step consisting in placing the tube with its head (11) downwardly oriented in a support (20), the support (20) having the form of a topless box so that said bottom (14) of said tube faces an open side of said support (20),
- after the welding in part, a supplementary step consisting in impreviously closing said open side of said support (20) so that an insulated chamber (16) is created in which the tube is encompassed,
- an ultimate step consisting in opening the support (20) and releasing the tube ; in that
- the step 3°) is carried out in establishing an air vacuum in the insulated chamber (16), and in that
- the step 4°) is carried out inside said insulated chamber (16).
3.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 2, characterized in that said dispensing valve (10) is a precompression metering pump.
4.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said dispensing valve (10) is fixed to said tube by crimping or overmolding onto a neck (11) welded onto said tube.
5.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the support (20) forms a part of a machine suitable for implementing the method automatically.
6.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 5, characterized in that said support (20) includes means (21) for keeping said dispensing valve (10) in a position in which it contains as little air as possible.
7.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the step 1°) of inserting said liquid or paste is performed by means of a spout (31) fixed to said machine and having a bottom end which is moved relative to said tube as liquid or paste is injected into the tube in such a manner that said bottom end is maintained permanently above the surface of the liquid or paste in the tube.
8.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the step 2°) of welding the bottom of the tube in part is performed by preheating the bottom (14) of said tube, and then by means of jaws (40) having central notches (41) such that when the jaws are clamped to the bottom of said tube along its entire length, a small passage (17) is left unwelded in the middle of said bottom (14).
9.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 8, characterized in that during the step 3°) of sucking of the air, air is sucked out from the tube via said passage (17) left in the middle of the bottom (14) of said tube which has been welded in part, after which, during the step 4°) of ultimately closing the tube, said passage (17) is, in turn, closed by welding.
10.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 9, characterized in that said passage (17) is welded between 1/10th of a second and 1 second after the commendement of air suction.
11.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the passage (17) is welded ultrasonically.
12.- A method of packaging a liquid or a paste according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the passsage (17) is welded thermomechanically by heating the bottom (14) of said tube prior to implementing the last step of the method.
13.- Apparatus for automatically implementing the last step of the method according to any one of claims 5 to 12, comprising two groups of parts capable of moving in vertical translation relative to each other when a vertical force is exerted against resilient means (60) interposed therebetween :
   the first group of parts comprising : a vertical axis cylindrical part (52) having an upper portion provided with a hollow cylinder (55) about the same axis as the axis of said part (52), said hollow cylinder having a throat (56) constituting the seat of a valve (57) ; a lower portion including a notch (51) disposed symmetrically about a horizontal axis intersecting the axis of said cylindrical part (52) and serving to guide the bottom (14) of an upsidedown tube ; and about halfway between said upper and lower portions, two horizontal cylindrical recesses (64) disposed symmetrically about the axis of said notch (51), passing through said cylindrical part (52) from side to side, and each suitable for receiving a corresponding jaw (54) projecting into said notch (51), each jaw (54) being connected in air-tight manner to said cylindrical part (52) and being capable of sliding relative thereto under the combined effects of a return spring (61) and a thrust ball (63);
   the second group of parts comprising : a skirt (70) whose inside surface fits the vertical outside surface of said cylindrical part (52) firstly to provide an end-of-stroke abutment (71) therefor, and secondly to thrust said balls (63) into said recesses (64) in said cylindrical part (52) progressively by means of a cam (72) ; and also a cylinder (75) rigidly connected to said skirt (70) and provided with a central channel (78) terminating in a needle (77) suitable for engaging in air-tight manner inside the throat (57) of said hollow cylinder (55) of said cylindrical part (52), thereby opening said valve (57) ; and
   said first group of parts is suitable for co-operating with said support (20) in order to form the sealed chamber (16) therewith, while the second group is compatible with a head (90) of said automatic machine for transmitting said vertical force and for pumping the air.
14.- Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the various parts in the two groups are made of metal.
15.- Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said cylindrical part (52) of said first group of parts includes a sealing ring (53) in the bottom face thereof and held in place by a screwed-on ring (65).
16.- Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that said valve (57) is constituted by a ball held in place by a spring which is placed inside said hollow cylinder (55) and which bears against a hollow nut (59) screwed into the top of said notch (51).
EP89401781A 1988-06-28 1989-06-23 Method for vacuum-packaging liquids and pastes in soft tubes provided with a dispenser valve or pump, and apparatus for carrying out this method Expired - Lifetime EP0349396B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89401781T ATE80843T1 (en) 1988-06-28 1989-06-23 PROCESS FOR VACUUM PACKING OF LIQUIDS AND PASTES IN SOFT TUBES WITH DISTRIBUTION VALVE OR PUMP, AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROCESS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8808653A FR2633249B1 (en) 1988-06-28 1988-06-28 PROCESS FOR VACUUM PACKAGING OF LIQUIDS AND PASTA IN FLEXIBLE TUBE WITH VALVE OR DISPENSING PUMP AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME
FR8808653 1988-06-28

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EP0349396A1 EP0349396A1 (en) 1990-01-03
EP0349396B1 true EP0349396B1 (en) 1992-09-23

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US (1) US5144788A (en)
EP (1) EP0349396B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2781992B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE80843T1 (en)
DE (1) DE68902962T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2633249B1 (en)

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US5144788A (en) 1992-09-08
FR2633249B1 (en) 1990-11-02
EP0349396A1 (en) 1990-01-03
ATE80843T1 (en) 1992-10-15
DE68902962D1 (en) 1992-10-29
FR2633249A1 (en) 1989-12-29
DE68902962T2 (en) 1993-03-25
JPH0245324A (en) 1990-02-15
JP2781992B2 (en) 1998-07-30

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