EP2085068B1 - Liquid-dispensing nozzle and liquid packaging and dispensing system comprising such a nozzle - Google Patents

Liquid-dispensing nozzle and liquid packaging and dispensing system comprising such a nozzle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2085068B1
EP2085068B1 EP20090151767 EP09151767A EP2085068B1 EP 2085068 B1 EP2085068 B1 EP 2085068B1 EP 20090151767 EP20090151767 EP 20090151767 EP 09151767 A EP09151767 A EP 09151767A EP 2085068 B1 EP2085068 B1 EP 2085068B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support part
nozzle according
passage
distribution nozzle
membranes
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.)
Active
Application number
EP20090151767
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2085068A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume Grevin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BPrex Healthcare Offranville SAS
Original Assignee
Rexam Healthcare Offranville SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2085068A1 publication Critical patent/EP2085068A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/18—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages for discharging drops; Droppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1605—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior
    • B65D51/1616—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior by means of a filter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/1443—Containers with means for dispensing liquid medicaments in a filtered or sterile way, e.g. with bacterial filters
    • A61J1/145—Containers with means for dispensing liquid medicaments in a filtered or sterile way, e.g. with bacterial filters using air filters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/1443—Containers with means for dispensing liquid medicaments in a filtered or sterile way, e.g. with bacterial filters
    • A61J1/1456—Containers with means for dispensing liquid medicaments in a filtered or sterile way, e.g. with bacterial filters using liquid filters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/1468—Containers characterised by specific material properties

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing tip, of the type comprising two filter membranes and support portions for supporting the membranes and channeling fluid through the membranes, as is known for example from the document EP 1 495 747 A1 .
  • the filter membranes used in the tips of this type are fragile. This makes the manufacture of such a delicate and expensive liquid dispensing tip, especially when the tip comprises several membranes.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a liquid distribution nozzle with several filter membranes, which is easy and economical to manufacture.
  • the invention provides a liquid dispensing tip of the aforementioned type, comprising a connecting part which molds the support parts to fix them mutually, and wherein the support parts comprise an upper support part, a part of a lower support and an intermediate support part disposed between the upper support part and the lower support part, and a membrane is held between the upper support part and the intermediate support part and a membrane is held between the support part intermediate and the lower support portion.
  • the invention also relates to a liquid packaging and dispensing assembly, comprising a container having a neck, and a nozzle as defined above disposed on the neck.
  • the Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a set 2 for packaging and dispensing an ophthalmic liquid in the form of an aqueous solution.
  • the assembly 2 comprises a receptacle 4 intended to contain the ophthalmic liquid, a dropper tip 6, a closure cap 8 for the receptacle 4, and a tamper-evident belt 10 or ring 10 which constitutes a first opening control of the assembly 2. .
  • the container 4 is in the example illustrated a plastic bottle, containing the ophthalmic liquid which has not been shown in the figures.
  • the container 4 has a hollow body 12 extended by an upper neck 14, which extends along a longitudinal axis A-A vertical.
  • the walls of the body 12 are elastically deformable by pinching to cause a decrease in the internal volume of the body 12, and the expulsion of the ophthalmic liquid through the neck 14.
  • the neck 14 comprises an external thread 16 complementary to an internal thread 18 of the plug 8 for screwing the plug 8 on the neck 14.
  • the tamperproof ring 10 is initially connected to the plug 8 by frangible bridges 20, and is intended to separate the plug 8 during the first opening of the latter.
  • the tamperproof ring 10 comprises lugs (not shown) projecting towards the inside of the tamperproof ring 10 and intended to cooperate with a ring gear 22 (FIG. figure 2 ) of the neck 14 to allow rotation of the tamperproof ring 10 in the screwing direction of the cap 8 to allow the introduction thereof, and prohibit the rotation of the tamperproof ring 10 in the direction of unscrewing of the cap 8, so as to retain the tamper-proof ring 10 until the rupture of the bridges 20 during the first opening of the cap 8.
  • the tip 6 is intended to be plugged into the neck 14 to allow the distribution of ophthalmic liquid drop by drop, while filtering the ophthalmic liquid leaving the container 12 and the air entering the container 12.
  • the tip 6 has two separate and separate passages: a first passage 24 of liquid outlet, and a second passage 26 of air inlet ( figure 1 ).
  • the tip 6 comprises a hydrophilic microfibrous membrane 28 disposed across the first passage 24, and a hydrophobic microfilter membrane 30 disposed across the second passage 26.
  • the function of the hydrophilic membrane 28 is to filter the liquid leaving the container 12, and to prevent the entry of air through the first passage 24.
  • the hydrophobic membrane 30 has the function of filtering the air entering the container 12 to to avoid a contamination of the liquid, and to prevent the exit of liquid by the second passage 26.
  • the tip 6 comprises support portions having a lower portion 32, an upper portion 34 and an intermediate portion 36 disposed between the support portions 32, 34.
  • the tip 6 comprises a connecting portion 38 overmolded on the support portions 32, 34, 36 to fix each other.
  • the membranes 28, 30 are held between the support portions 32, 34, 36, and the two passages 24, 26 are defined through the support portions 32, 34, 36, whose function is to channel the liquid and the air through membranes 28, 30.
  • the lower portion 32 has a generally cylindrical disc shape AA axis and comprises an opening 42, a cannula 44 projecting upwardly, a fixing skirt 45 projecting downwards and intended to be plugged inside the neck 14, and an upper flange 46 annular projecting upward and provided with internal reliefs 48 distributed along the upper flange 46.
  • the intermediate portion 36 has the general shape of a cylindrical disc with an axis AA and comprises a first duct 50 and a second duct 52 passing through the intermediate portion 36.
  • the first duct 50 is stepped and extends along the longitudinal axis in s' widening upwards.
  • the second conduit 52 includes an inlet channel 54 and a chamber 56, the chamber 56 being open downward, and the inlet channel 54 extending transversely between a lateral outer surface of the intermediate portion 36 and the chamber 56 .
  • the upper portion 34 has a generally cylindrical disk shape AA axis and comprises a lower annular rim 58 projecting downwards, delimiting a recess 60 open downwards and provided with internal reliefs 61, a nipple 62 for dispensing liquid projecting upward, and an outlet channel 64 extending inside the stud 62 between a bottom of the recess 60 and the upper end of the stud 62.
  • the outlet channel 64 allows an ophthalmic liquid distribution drop by drop, with a calibrated droplet size, when the body 12 is gripped by the user between his fingers. To do this, it comprises in a conventional manner a constriction followed by a divergent.
  • the opening 42 is connected to the chamber 56 so as to define the second passage 26 which opens, downwards and through the opening 42, through the lower part 32, and transversely through the inlet channel 54, through the intermediate portion 36, between the upper part 34 and the lower part 32.
  • the cannula 44 is connected to the first conduit 50, which connects to the recess 60, so as to define the first passage 24, which opens at one end, downwards and through the cannula 44, through of the lower part 32, and at the other end, upwards and through the outlet channel 44, through the upper part 34.
  • the hydrophobic membrane 30 is disposed between the lower part 32 and the intermediate part 36.
  • the lower part 32 and the intermediate part 36 comprise annular bearing surfaces 66 between which the hydrophilic membrane 28 is pinched so that the hydrophobic membrane 30 extends in through the second passage 26, and a marginal region 31 of the hydrophobic membrane 30 projects externally.
  • the hydrophilic membrane 28 is disposed between the upper portion 34 and the intermediate portion 36.
  • the upper portion 34 and the intermediate portion 36 comprise annular bearing surfaces 68 between which the hydrophilic membrane 28 is pinched so that the hydrophilic membrane 28 extends into through the first passage 24 and a marginal region 29 of the hydrophilic membrane 28 protrudes externally.
  • the tip 6 comprises snap fastening means of the lower portion 32 on the intermediate portion 36, and the intermediate portion 36 on the upper portion 34.
  • the latching means comprise a first set of flexible members 70 provided on the intermediate portion 36 and intended to cooperate with the internal reliefs 61 of the lower flange 58, and a second set of flexible members 72 provided on the intermediate portion 36 and intended to cooperate with the internal reliefs 48 of the upper flange 46.
  • the flexible members 70 of the first set are inclined and project radially outwardly and upwardly.
  • Each flexible member 70 extends around the axis AA on a limited angular sector.
  • the flexible members 70 are distributed around the intermediate portion 36, and separated by spaces 74.
  • the flexible members 70 of the first set engage by elastic return on the internal reliefs 61 and immobilize the intermediate portion 36 on the upper portion 34.
  • the flexible members 72 of the second set are analogous. They extend protruding radially outward and downward. Each flexible member 72 extends around the axis A-A on a limited angular sector. They are distributed around the intermediate portion 34, and separated by spaces 76.
  • the flexible members 72 of the second set spring-back engage the internal reliefs 48 and immobilize the intermediate portion 36 on the lower part 32.
  • the connecting portion 38 is overmolded on the lower part 32, the upper part 34 and the intermediate part 36. Its function is to provide a mechanical connection and a seal between the support portions 32, 34, 36.
  • the binding portion 38 also serves to immobilize the membranes 28, 30, by overmolding the marginal regions 29, 31 of the membranes 28, 30 which protrude outside the passages 24, 26.
  • the connecting portion 38 extends between the lower portion 32 and the upper portion 34, and engages on the flanges 46, 58, in particular on the internal reliefs 48, 61 of these flanges 46, 58.
  • the connecting portion 38 surrounds the intermediate portion 36 forming a sleeve around it. It further envelopes between the flexible members 70, 72, thereby ensuring effective attachment of the intermediate portion 36, and locks the flexible members 70, 72, so that the intermediate portion can no longer be separated from the lower portion 32 and the upper part 34.
  • a method of manufacturing the endpiece 6 comprises an assembly step, in which the lower part 32, the upper part 34, the intermediate part 36 and the membranes 28, 30 are stacked and put in place.
  • the latching means flexible members 70, 72 and reliefs 48, 61).
  • This stack can be handled easily without damaging the membranes 28, 30, since they are held and protected by the lower part 32, the upper part 34 and the intermediate part 36.
  • the method then comprises an injection step illustrated on the figure 8 , in which the stack is placed in a mold 78 comprising a lower die 80 comprising a receiving recess of the lower portion 32 and an upper die 82 comprising a receiving fingerprint of the upper portion 34, and then injecting plastic under pressure to form the connecting portion 38.
  • a tip-shaped insert 84 is engaged within the inlet channel 54.
  • the insert 84 is for example movably mounted and retractable (arrow F) on the lower die 80.
  • the molten plastic material is injected between the lower part 32 and the upper part 34, around the intermediate part 36.
  • the plastic material flows through the spaces 74 and 76 ( Figures 6 and 7 ) between the flexible members 70 and 72, so that it engages the internal reliefs 41 and 68 and envelops the flexible members 70 and 72.
  • the connecting portion 38 molds the support portions 32, 34, 36 as well as the marginal regions 29, 31 of the membranes 28, 30, which ensures their retention relative to the support portions 32, 34, 36.
  • the connecting portion 38 also forms a seal between the support portions 32, 34, 36 which define the passages 24, 26.
  • the connecting portion 38 extends in the space between the upper portion 34 and the lower portion 32.
  • the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and alternatively, the portion link 38 extends outside this gap and bypasses the edges of the upper 34 and lower 34 to cover their outer surfaces, and further improve the attachment.
  • the intermediate portion 36 has the function of maintaining the spacing between the lower portion 32 for connection to the neck 14, and the upper 32 of ophthalmic liquid distribution drop by drop.
  • the intermediate portion 36 is not supported by the dies 80, 82 of the mold 78.
  • the intermediate portion 36 comprises a set of reinforcing ribs 86 arranged in a star on the upper face of the intermediate portion 36, and a set of ribs 88 arranged in a star on the lower face of the intermediate portion 36.
  • the sets of ribs of reinforcement allow to limit the amount of material used for the manufacture of the intermediate part, while giving it sufficient rigidity.
  • the plastic is injected radially into the mold 78 closed, from injection points distributed circumferentially around the axis AA of the nozzle 6, preferably in a regular manner.
  • two injection points 90 are used ( figure 8 ) diametrically opposed.
  • the intermediate portion 36 is held radially inside the mold 78 during the injection step.
  • the closing insert 84 of the inlet channel 54 and another similar insert 92, for example diametrically opposed, which is engaged in a blind hole 94 (FIG. figure 4 ) provided for this purpose in the intermediate part 36.
  • the invention also applies to the packaging and distribution of other medical liquids, provided for distribution, particularly drop by drop, such as solutions for the nose or ears.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Devices For Use In Laboratory Experiments (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Supply Of Fluid Materials To The Packaging Location (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

The nozzle has support parts for supporting hydrophilic filter membranes (28, 30) and canalizing liquid through the membranes. A connection portion (38) molds the support parts for fixing the support parts with each other. The support parts include an upper support part (34), a lower support part (32) and an intermediate support part (36) arranged between the upper and lower support parts. The membrane (28) is maintained between the upper and intermediate support parts. The membrane (30) is maintained between the intermediate and lower support parts. An independent claim is also included for a liquid packaging and dispensing system comprising a nozzle arranged on a collar of a container.

Description

La présente invention concerne un embout de distribution de liquide, du type comprenant deux membranes de filtrage et des parties de support pour supporter les membranes et canaliser du fluide au travers des membranes, comme il est connu par exemple du document EP 1 495 747 A1 .The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing tip, of the type comprising two filter membranes and support portions for supporting the membranes and channeling fluid through the membranes, as is known for example from the document EP 1 495 747 A1 .

Les membranes de filtrage utilisées dans les embouts de ce type sont fragiles. Ceci rend la fabrication d'un tel embout de distribution de liquide délicate et coûteuse, et ce d'autant plus lorsque l'embout comprend plusieurs membranes.The filter membranes used in the tips of this type are fragile. This makes the manufacture of such a delicate and expensive liquid dispensing tip, especially when the tip comprises several membranes.

Un but de l'invention est de fournir un embout de distribution de liquide à plusieurs membranes de filtrage, qui soit facile et économique à fabriquer.An object of the invention is to provide a liquid distribution nozzle with several filter membranes, which is easy and economical to manufacture.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un embout de distribution de liquide du type précité, comprenant une partie de liaison qui surmoule les parties de support pour les fixer mutuellement, et dans lequel les parties de support comprennent une partie de support supérieure, une partie de support inférieure et une partie de support intermédiaire disposée entre la partie de support supérieure et la partie de support inférieure, et une membrane est maintenue entre la partie de support supérieure et la partie de support intermédiaire et une membrane est maintenue entre la partie de support intermédiaire et la partie de support inférieure.For this purpose, the invention provides a liquid dispensing tip of the aforementioned type, comprising a connecting part which molds the support parts to fix them mutually, and wherein the support parts comprise an upper support part, a part of a lower support and an intermediate support part disposed between the upper support part and the lower support part, and a membrane is held between the upper support part and the intermediate support part and a membrane is held between the support part intermediate and the lower support portion.

Selon d'autres modes de réalisation, l'embout de distribution de liquide comprend une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prise(s) isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • les membranes sont surmoulées par la partie de liaison ;
  • les parties de support et les membranes sont superposées suivant une direction longitudinale ;
  • il comprend deux passages de circulation de fluide séparés définis par les parties de support, chacune des deux membranes s'étendant en travers d'un passage respectif ;
  • un passage débouche à une extrémité au travers de la partie de support supérieure et à une extrémité au travers de la partie de support inférieure ;
  • un passage débouche à une extrémité au travers de la partie de support intermédiaire, et à l'autre extrémité au travers de la partie de support inférieure ;
  • il comprend un passage de circulation d'air, la membrane s'étendant en travers du passage d'air étant hydrophobe, et un passage de circulation de liquide, la membrane s'étendant en travers du passage de liquide étant hydrophile ;
  • la partie intermédiaire est reliée à chacune de la partie de support inférieure et de la partie de support supérieure par encliquetage ;
  • la partie de liaison entoure la partie de support intermédiaire ;
  • la partie de support intermédiaire comprend des nervures de renfort ;
  • les nervures de renfort comprennent au moins un jeu de nervures radiales s'étendant en travers d'un conduit de canalisation de fluide de la partie de support intermédiaire ;
  • la partie de liaison est surmoulée par injection à partir de plusieurs points répartis autour d'un axe d'empilement des parties de support ;
  • la partie intermédiaire comprend au moins un trou de réception d'un organe de blocage d'un moule d'injection de la partie de liaison, destiné à être inséré dans le trou pour immobiliser la partie intermédiaire pendant l'injection de la partie de liaison ; et
  • au moins un trou de réception d'un organe de blocage délimite un tronçon d'un passage de circulation de fluide au travers de l'embout, débouchant latéralement par ledit trou.
According to other embodiments, the liquid dispensing tip comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:
  • the membranes are overmolded by the connecting part;
  • the support portions and the membranes are superimposed in a longitudinal direction;
  • it comprises two separate fluid circulation passages defined by the support portions, each of the two membranes extending across a respective passage;
  • a passage opens at one end through the upper support portion and at one end through the lower support portion;
  • a passage opens at one end through the intermediate support portion, and at the other end through the lower support portion;
  • it comprises an air circulation passage, the membrane extending across the air passage being hydrophobic, and a liquid circulation passage, the membrane extending across the liquid passage being hydrophilic;
  • the intermediate portion is connected to each of the lower support portion and the upper support portion by snap-fastening;
  • the connecting portion surrounds the intermediate support portion;
  • the intermediate support portion comprises reinforcing ribs;
  • the reinforcing ribs comprise at least one set of radial ribs extending across a fluid channel conduit of the intermediate support portion;
  • the connecting part is overmolded by injection from several points distributed around a stack axis of the support parts;
  • the intermediate portion comprises at least one receiving hole of a locking member of an injection mold of the connecting part, intended to be inserted into the hole in order to immobilize the intermediate part during the injection of the connecting part ; and
  • at least one receiving hole of a locking member delimits a section of a fluid circulation passage through the nozzle, opening laterally through said hole.

L'invention concerne également un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution de liquide, comprenant un récipient ayant un col, et un embout tel que défini ci-dessus disposé sur le col.The invention also relates to a liquid packaging and dispensing assembly, comprising a container having a neck, and a nozzle as defined above disposed on the neck.

L'invention et ses avantages seront mieux compris à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple, et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés, sur lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution de liquide comprenant un embout de distribution de liquide conforme à l'invention ;
  • les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues éclatées, respectivement en perspective et en coupe de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution de liquide de la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues en coupe respectivement éclatée et assemblée de l'embout seul ;
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues de dessous et de dessus d'une partie de support intermédiaire de l'embout ; et
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe de l'embout reçu dans le moule ; et
  • la figure 9 est vue en coupe selon IX-IX sur la figure 8.
The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the description which will follow, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a sectional view of a liquid conditioning and dispensing assembly comprising a liquid dispensing nozzle according to the invention;
  • the figures 2 and 3 are exploded views, respectively in perspective and in section, of the packaging and liquid distribution assembly of the figure 1 ;
  • the figures 4 and 5 are cross-section respectively exploded and assembled views of the tip alone;
  • the Figures 6 and 7 are bottom and top views of an intermediate support portion of the tip; and
  • the figure 8 is a sectional view of the tip received in the mold; and
  • the figure 9 is seen in section according to IX-IX on the figure 8 .

Les figures 1 à 3 illustrent un ensemble 2 de conditionnement et de distribution d'un liquide ophtalmique sous forme d'une solution aqueuse.The Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a set 2 for packaging and dispensing an ophthalmic liquid in the form of an aqueous solution.

L'ensemble 2 comprend un récipient 4 destiné à contenir le liquide ophtalmique, un embout 6 compte-gouttes, un bouchon 8 de fermeture du récipient 4, et une ceinture ou bague d'inviolabilité 10 formant témoin de première ouverture de l'ensemble 2.The assembly 2 comprises a receptacle 4 intended to contain the ophthalmic liquid, a dropper tip 6, a closure cap 8 for the receptacle 4, and a tamper-evident belt 10 or ring 10 which constitutes a first opening control of the assembly 2. .

Le récipient 4 est dans l'exemple illustré un flacon en matière plastique, contenant le liquide ophtalmique qui n'a pas été représenté sur les figures. Le récipient 4 possède un corps 12 creux prolongé par un col 14 supérieur, qui s'étend selon un axe longitudinal A-A vertical.The container 4 is in the example illustrated a plastic bottle, containing the ophthalmic liquid which has not been shown in the figures. The container 4 has a hollow body 12 extended by an upper neck 14, which extends along a longitudinal axis A-A vertical.

De manière classique, les parois du corps 12 sont déformables élastiquement par pincement pour provoquer une diminution du volume interne du corps 12, et l'expulsion du liquide ophtalmique au travers du col 14.Conventionally, the walls of the body 12 are elastically deformable by pinching to cause a decrease in the internal volume of the body 12, and the expulsion of the ophthalmic liquid through the neck 14.

Le col 14 comprend un filetage extérieur 16 complémentaire d'un filetage intérieur 18 du bouchon 8 pour le vissage du bouchon 8 sur le col 14.The neck 14 comprises an external thread 16 complementary to an internal thread 18 of the plug 8 for screwing the plug 8 on the neck 14.

La bague d'inviolabilité 10 est initialement liée au bouchon 8 par des pontets 20 frangibles, et est destinée à se séparer du bouchon 8 lors de la première ouverture de ce dernier.The tamperproof ring 10 is initially connected to the plug 8 by frangible bridges 20, and is intended to separate the plug 8 during the first opening of the latter.

Pour ce faire, la bague d'inviolabilité 10 comprend des ergots (non représentés) en saillie vers l'intérieur de la bague d'inviolabilité 10 et destinés à coopérer avec une couronne dentée 22 (figure 2) du col 14 pour autoriser la rotation de la bague d'inviolabilité 10 dans le sens du vissage du bouchon 8 pour permettre la mise en place de celui-ci, et interdire la rotation de la bague d'inviolabilité 10 dans le sens du dévissage du bouchon 8, de façon à retenir la bague d'inviolabilité 10 jusqu'à la rupture des pontets 20 lors de la première ouverture du bouchon 8.To do this, the tamperproof ring 10 comprises lugs (not shown) projecting towards the inside of the tamperproof ring 10 and intended to cooperate with a ring gear 22 (FIG. figure 2 ) of the neck 14 to allow rotation of the tamperproof ring 10 in the screwing direction of the cap 8 to allow the introduction thereof, and prohibit the rotation of the tamperproof ring 10 in the direction of unscrewing of the cap 8, so as to retain the tamper-proof ring 10 until the rupture of the bridges 20 during the first opening of the cap 8.

L'embout 6 est destiné à être enfiché dans le col 14 pour permettre la distribution de liquide ophtalmique goutte à goutte, tout en filtrant le liquide ophtalmique sortant du récipient 12 et l'air rentrant dans le récipient 12.The tip 6 is intended to be plugged into the neck 14 to allow the distribution of ophthalmic liquid drop by drop, while filtering the ophthalmic liquid leaving the container 12 and the air entering the container 12.

L'embout 6 possède deux passages distincts et séparés : un premier passage 24 de sortie de liquide, et un deuxième passage 26 d'entrée d'air (figure 1).The tip 6 has two separate and separate passages: a first passage 24 of liquid outlet, and a second passage 26 of air inlet ( figure 1 ).

L'embout 6 comprend une membrane microfiltrante hydrophile 28 disposée en travers du premier passage 24, et une membrane microfiltrante hydrophobe 30 disposée en travers du deuxième passage 26.The tip 6 comprises a hydrophilic microfibrous membrane 28 disposed across the first passage 24, and a hydrophobic microfilter membrane 30 disposed across the second passage 26.

La membrane hydrophile 28 a pour fonction de filtrer le liquide sortant du récipient 12, et à empêcher l'entrée d'air par le premier passage 24. La membrane hydrophobe 30 est a pour fonction de filtrer l'air entrant dans le récipient 12 pour éviter une contamination du liquide, et d'empêcher la sortie de liquide par le deuxième passage 26.The function of the hydrophilic membrane 28 is to filter the liquid leaving the container 12, and to prevent the entry of air through the first passage 24. The hydrophobic membrane 30 has the function of filtering the air entering the container 12 to to avoid a contamination of the liquid, and to prevent the exit of liquid by the second passage 26.

Tel que représenté sur la figure 3, l'embout 6 comprend des parties de support comportant une partie inférieure 32, une partie supérieure 34 et une partie intermédiaire 36 disposées entre les parties de support 32, 34.As shown on the figure 3 , the tip 6 comprises support portions having a lower portion 32, an upper portion 34 and an intermediate portion 36 disposed between the support portions 32, 34.

L'embout 6 comprend une partie de liaison 38 surmoulée sur les parties de support 32, 34, 36 pour les fixer mutuellement.The tip 6 comprises a connecting portion 38 overmolded on the support portions 32, 34, 36 to fix each other.

Les membranes 28, 30 sont maintenues entre le parties de supports 32, 34, 36, et les deux passages 24, 26 sont définis au travers des parties de support 32, 34, 36, qui ont pour fonction de canaliser le liquide et l'air au travers des membranes 28, 30.The membranes 28, 30 are held between the support portions 32, 34, 36, and the two passages 24, 26 are defined through the support portions 32, 34, 36, whose function is to channel the liquid and the air through membranes 28, 30.

Tel que représentée sur la figure 4, la partie inférieure 32 présente une forme générale de disque cylindrique d'axe A-A et comprend une ouverture 42, une canule 44 en saillie vers le haut, une jupe de fixation 45 en saillie vers le bas et destinée à être enfichée à l'intérieur du le col 14, et un rebord supérieur 46 annulaire en saillie vers le haut et muni de reliefs internes 48 répartis le long du rebord supérieur 46.As shown on the figure 4 , the lower portion 32 has a generally cylindrical disc shape AA axis and comprises an opening 42, a cannula 44 projecting upwardly, a fixing skirt 45 projecting downwards and intended to be plugged inside the neck 14, and an upper flange 46 annular projecting upward and provided with internal reliefs 48 distributed along the upper flange 46.

La partie intermédiaire 36 présente une forme générale de disque cylindrique d'axe A-A et comprend un premier conduit 50 et un deuxième conduit 52 traversant la partie intermédiaire 36. Le premier conduit 50 est étagé et s'étend suivant l'axe longitudinal en s'élargissant vers le haut. Le deuxième conduit 52 comprend un canal d'entrée 54 et une chambre 56, la chambre 56 étant ouverte vers le bas, et le canal d'entrée 54 s'étendant transversalement entre un surface extérieure latérale de la partie intermédiaire 36 et la chambre 56.The intermediate portion 36 has the general shape of a cylindrical disc with an axis AA and comprises a first duct 50 and a second duct 52 passing through the intermediate portion 36. The first duct 50 is stepped and extends along the longitudinal axis in s' widening upwards. The second conduit 52 includes an inlet channel 54 and a chamber 56, the chamber 56 being open downward, and the inlet channel 54 extending transversely between a lateral outer surface of the intermediate portion 36 and the chamber 56 .

La partie supérieure 34 présente une forme générale de disque cylindrique d'axe A-A et comprend un rebord inférieur 58 annulaire en saillie vers le bas, délimitant un évidement 60 ouvert vers le bas et muni de reliefs internes 61, un téton 62 de distribution de liquide en saillie vers le haut, et un canal de sortie 64 s'étendant à l'intérieur du téton 62 entre un fond de l'évidement 60 et l'extrémité supérieure du téton 62.The upper portion 34 has a generally cylindrical disk shape AA axis and comprises a lower annular rim 58 projecting downwards, delimiting a recess 60 open downwards and provided with internal reliefs 61, a nipple 62 for dispensing liquid projecting upward, and an outlet channel 64 extending inside the stud 62 between a bottom of the recess 60 and the upper end of the stud 62.

Le canal de sortie 64 permet une distribution de liquide ophtalmique goutte par goutte, avec une taille de goutte calibrée, lorsque le corps 12 est pincé par l'utilisateur entre ses doigts. Pour ce faire, il comprend de manière classique un étranglement suivi d'un divergeant.The outlet channel 64 allows an ophthalmic liquid distribution drop by drop, with a calibrated droplet size, when the body 12 is gripped by the user between his fingers. To do this, it comprises in a conventional manner a constriction followed by a divergent.

Lorsque les parties de support 32, 34, 36 sont superposées suivant l'axe A-A, la partie supérieure 34 et la partie inférieure 32 sont maintenue écartées axialement l'une de l'autre par la partie intermédiaire 36.When the support portions 32, 34, 36 are superimposed along the axis A-A, the upper part 34 and the lower part 32 are held apart axially from each other by the intermediate portion 36.

En outre, d'une part, l'ouverture 42 se raccorde à la chambre 56 de façon à définir le deuxième passage 26 qui débouche, vers le bas et par l'ouverture 42, au travers de la partie inférieure 32, et transversalement par le canal d'entrée 54, au travers de la partie intermédiaire 36, entre la partie supérieure 34 et la partie inférieure 32.In addition, on the one hand, the opening 42 is connected to the chamber 56 so as to define the second passage 26 which opens, downwards and through the opening 42, through the lower part 32, and transversely through the inlet channel 54, through the intermediate portion 36, between the upper part 34 and the lower part 32.

D'autre part, la canule 44 se raccorde au premier conduit 50, qui se raccorde à l'évidement 60, de façon à définir le premier passage 24, qui débouche à une extrémité, vers la bas et par la canule 44, au travers de la partie inférieure 32, et à l'autre extrémité, vers le haut et par le canal de sortie 44, au travers de la partie supérieure 34.On the other hand, the cannula 44 is connected to the first conduit 50, which connects to the recess 60, so as to define the first passage 24, which opens at one end, downwards and through the cannula 44, through of the lower part 32, and at the other end, upwards and through the outlet channel 44, through the upper part 34.

La membrane hydrophobe 30 est disposée entre la partie inférieure 32 et la partie intermédiaire 36. La partie inférieure 32 et la partie intermédiaire 36 comprennent des portées annulaires 66 entre lesquelles la membrane hydrophile 28 est pincée de façon que la membrane hydrophobe 30 s'étend en travers du deuxième passage 26, et qu'une région marginale 31 de la membrane hydrophobe 30 fait saillie à l'extérieur.The hydrophobic membrane 30 is disposed between the lower part 32 and the intermediate part 36. The lower part 32 and the intermediate part 36 comprise annular bearing surfaces 66 between which the hydrophilic membrane 28 is pinched so that the hydrophobic membrane 30 extends in through the second passage 26, and a marginal region 31 of the hydrophobic membrane 30 projects externally.

La membrane hydrophile 28 est disposée entre la partie supérieure 34 et la partie intermédiaire 36. La partie supérieure 34 et la partie intermédiaire 36 comprennent des portées annulaires 68 entre lesquelles la membrane hydrophile 28 est pincée de façon que la membrane hydrophile 28 s'étend en travers du premier passage 24 et qu'une région marginale 29 de la membrane hydrophile 28 fait saillie à l'extérieur.The hydrophilic membrane 28 is disposed between the upper portion 34 and the intermediate portion 36. The upper portion 34 and the intermediate portion 36 comprise annular bearing surfaces 68 between which the hydrophilic membrane 28 is pinched so that the hydrophilic membrane 28 extends into through the first passage 24 and a marginal region 29 of the hydrophilic membrane 28 protrudes externally.

L'embout 6 comprend des moyens de fixation par encliquetage de la partie inférieure 32 sur la partie intermédiaire 36, et de la partie intermédiaire 36 sur la partie supérieure 34.The tip 6 comprises snap fastening means of the lower portion 32 on the intermediate portion 36, and the intermediate portion 36 on the upper portion 34.

Dans l'exemple illustré, les moyens d'encliquetage comprennent un premier jeu d'organes flexibles 70 prévus sur la partie intermédiaire 36 et destinés à coopérer avec les reliefs internes 61 du rebord inférieur 58, et un deuxième jeu d'organes flexibles 72 prévus sur la partie intermédiaire 36 et destinés à coopérer avec les reliefs internes 48 du rebord supérieur 46.In the illustrated example, the latching means comprise a first set of flexible members 70 provided on the intermediate portion 36 and intended to cooperate with the internal reliefs 61 of the lower flange 58, and a second set of flexible members 72 provided on the intermediate portion 36 and intended to cooperate with the internal reliefs 48 of the upper flange 46.

Tel que représentés sur les figures 6 et 7, les organes flexibles 70 du premier jeu sont inclinés et s'étendent en saillie radialement vers l'extérieur et vers le haut. Chaque organe flexible 70 s'étend autour de l'axe A-A sur un secteur angulaire limité. Les organes flexibles 70 sont répartis autour de la partie intermédiaire 36, et séparés par des espaces 74.As represented on the Figures 6 and 7 , the flexible members 70 of the first set are inclined and project radially outwardly and upwardly. Each flexible member 70 extends around the axis AA on a limited angular sector. The flexible members 70 are distributed around the intermediate portion 36, and separated by spaces 74.

Lorsque l'on rapproche la partie intermédiaire 36 de la partie supérieure 34, les organes flexibles 70 du premier jeu s'enclenchent par retour élastique sur les reliefs internes 61 et immobilisent la partie intermédiaire 36 sur la partie supérieure 34.When the intermediate portion 36 is brought closer to the upper portion 34, the flexible members 70 of the first set engage by elastic return on the internal reliefs 61 and immobilize the intermediate portion 36 on the upper portion 34.

Les organes flexibles 72 du deuxième jeu sont analogues. Ils s'étendent en saillie radialement vers l'extérieur et vers le bas. Chaque organe flexible 72 s'étend autour de l'axe A-A sur un secteur angulaire limité. Ils sont répartis autour de la partie intermédiaire 34, et séparés par des espaces 76.The flexible members 72 of the second set are analogous. They extend protruding radially outward and downward. Each flexible member 72 extends around the axis A-A on a limited angular sector. They are distributed around the intermediate portion 34, and separated by spaces 76.

Lorsque l'on rapproche la partie intermédiaire 36 de la partie inférieure 32, les organes flexibles 72 du deuxième jeu s'enclenchent par retour élastique sur les reliefs internes 48 et immobilisent la partie intermédiaire 36 sur la partie inférieure 32.When the intermediate portion 36 is brought closer to the lower part 32, the flexible members 72 of the second set spring-back engage the internal reliefs 48 and immobilize the intermediate portion 36 on the lower part 32.

Tel que représenté sur la figure 5, la partie de liaison 38 est surmoulée sur la partie inférieure 32, la partie supérieure 34 et la partie intermédiaire 36. Elle a pour fonction d'assurer une liaison mécanique et une étanchéité entre les parties de support 32, 34, 36.As shown on the figure 5 , the connecting portion 38 is overmolded on the lower part 32, the upper part 34 and the intermediate part 36. Its function is to provide a mechanical connection and a seal between the support portions 32, 34, 36.

La partie de liaison 38 a également pour fonction d'assurer l'immobilisation des membranes 28, 30, en surmoulant les régions marginales 29, 31 des membranes 28, 30 qui dépassent à l'extérieur des passages 24, 26.The binding portion 38 also serves to immobilize the membranes 28, 30, by overmolding the marginal regions 29, 31 of the membranes 28, 30 which protrude outside the passages 24, 26.

La partie de liaison 38 s'étend entre la partie inférieure 32 et la partie supérieure 34, et vient en prise sur les rebords 46, 58, notamment sur les reliefs internes 48, 61 de ces rebords 46, 58.The connecting portion 38 extends between the lower portion 32 and the upper portion 34, and engages on the flanges 46, 58, in particular on the internal reliefs 48, 61 of these flanges 46, 58.

La partie de liaison 38 entoure la partie intermédiaire 36 en formant un manchon autour de celle-ci. Elle enveloppe en outre entre les organes flexibles 70, 72, assurant ainsi une fixation efficace de la partie intermédiaire 36, et verrouille les organes flexibles 70, 72, de sorte que la partie intermédiaire ne peut plus être séparée de la partie inférieure 32 et de la partie supérieure 34.The connecting portion 38 surrounds the intermediate portion 36 forming a sleeve around it. It further envelopes between the flexible members 70, 72, thereby ensuring effective attachment of the intermediate portion 36, and locks the flexible members 70, 72, so that the intermediate portion can no longer be separated from the lower portion 32 and the upper part 34.

Selon l'invention, un procédé de fabrication de l'embout 6 comprend une étape d'assemblage, dans laquelle on empile la partie inférieure 32, la partie supérieure 34, la partie intermédiaire 36 et les membranes 28, 30 et on met en prise les moyens d'encliquetage (organes flexibles 70, 72 et reliefs 48, 61).According to the invention, a method of manufacturing the endpiece 6 comprises an assembly step, in which the lower part 32, the upper part 34, the intermediate part 36 and the membranes 28, 30 are stacked and put in place. the latching means (flexible members 70, 72 and reliefs 48, 61).

Ceci permet de maintenir l'empilage au moins temporairement de façon suffisante. Cet empilage peut être manipulé facilement sans abîmer les membranes 28, 30, puisqu'elles sont maintenues et protégées par la partie inférieure 32, la partie supérieure 34 et la partie intermédiaire 36.This makes it possible to maintain the stack at least temporarily sufficiently. This stack can be handled easily without damaging the membranes 28, 30, since they are held and protected by the lower part 32, the upper part 34 and the intermediate part 36.

Le procédé comprend ensuite une étape d'injection illustrée sur la figure 8, dans laquelle on dispose l'empilage dans un moule 78 comprenant une matrice inférieure 80 comprenant une empreinte de réception de la partie inférieure 32 et une matrice supérieure 82 comprenant une empreinte de réception de la partie supérieure 34, puis on injecte de la matière plastique sous pression pour former la partie de liaison 38.The method then comprises an injection step illustrated on the figure 8 , in which the stack is placed in a mold 78 comprising a lower die 80 comprising a receiving recess of the lower portion 32 and an upper die 82 comprising a receiving fingerprint of the upper portion 34, and then injecting plastic under pressure to form the connecting portion 38.

Pendant l'étape d'injection, pour éviter un écoulement de la matière plastique en fusion dans le canal d'entrée 54, on engage un insert 84 en forme de pointe à l'intérieur du canal d'entrée 54. L'insert 84 est par exemple monté mobile et escamotable (flèche F) sur la matrice inférieure 80.During the injection step, to prevent flow of the molten plastic material into the inlet channel 54, a tip-shaped insert 84 is engaged within the inlet channel 54. The insert 84 is for example movably mounted and retractable (arrow F) on the lower die 80.

La matière plastique en fusion est injectée entre la partie inférieure 32 et la partie supérieure 34, autour de la partie intermédiaire 36. La matière plastique s'écoule au travers des espaces 74 et 76 (figures 6 et 7) entre les organes flexibles 70 et 72, de façon qu'elle vient en prise sur les reliefs internes 41 et 68 et enveloppe les organes flexibles 70 et 72.The molten plastic material is injected between the lower part 32 and the upper part 34, around the intermediate part 36. The plastic material flows through the spaces 74 and 76 ( Figures 6 and 7 ) between the flexible members 70 and 72, so that it engages the internal reliefs 41 and 68 and envelops the flexible members 70 and 72.

Il en résulte que la partie de liaison 38 surmoule les parties de support 32, 34, 36 ainsi que les régions marginales 29, 31 des membranes 28, 30, ce qui assure leur maintien par rapport aux parties de support 32, 34, 36.As a result, the connecting portion 38 molds the support portions 32, 34, 36 as well as the marginal regions 29, 31 of the membranes 28, 30, which ensures their retention relative to the support portions 32, 34, 36.

La partie de liaison 38 forme également joint d'étanchéité entre les parties de support 32, 34, 36 qui définissent les passages 24, 26.The connecting portion 38 also forms a seal between the support portions 32, 34, 36 which define the passages 24, 26.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la partie de liaison 38 s'étend dans l'espace compris entre la partie supérieure 34 et la partie inférieure 32. L'invention n'est pas limitée à ce mode de réalisation, et en variante, la partie de liaison 38 s'étend à l'extérieur de cet espace et contourne les bords des parties supérieure 34 et inférieure 34 pour recouvrir leur surfaces externes, et améliorer encore la fixation.In the example shown, the connecting portion 38 extends in the space between the upper portion 34 and the lower portion 32. The invention is not limited to this embodiment, and alternatively, the portion link 38 extends outside this gap and bypasses the edges of the upper 34 and lower 34 to cover their outer surfaces, and further improve the attachment.

La partie intermédiaire 36 a pour fonction de maintenir l'écartement entre la partie inférieure 32 de raccordement au col 14, et la partie supérieure 32 de distribution de liquide ophtalmique goutte par goutte.The intermediate portion 36 has the function of maintaining the spacing between the lower portion 32 for connection to the neck 14, and the upper 32 of ophthalmic liquid distribution drop by drop.

Lors de l'étape d'injection, la partie intermédiaire 36 n'est pas soutenue par les matrices 80, 82 du moule 78.During the injection step, the intermediate portion 36 is not supported by the dies 80, 82 of the mold 78.

La pression exercée sur la surface extérieure de la partie intermédiaire 36 est élevée, et tend à écraser la partie intermédiaire 36. Pour éviter un tel écrasement, et telle que représenté sur le figure 6 et 7, la partie intermédiaire 36 comprend un jeu de nervures de renfort 86 disposées en étoile sur la face supérieure de la partie intermédiaire 36, et un jeux de nervures 88 disposées en étoile sur la face inférieure de la partie intermédiaire 36. Les jeux de nervures de renfort permettent de limiter la quantité de matière utilisée pour la fabrication de la partie intermédiaire, tout en lui conférant une rigidité suffisante.The pressure exerted on the outer surface of the intermediate portion 36 is high, and tends to crush the intermediate portion 36. To avoid such crushing, and as shown in FIG. figure 6 and 7 , the intermediate portion 36 comprises a set of reinforcing ribs 86 arranged in a star on the upper face of the intermediate portion 36, and a set of ribs 88 arranged in a star on the lower face of the intermediate portion 36. The sets of ribs of reinforcement allow to limit the amount of material used for the manufacture of the intermediate part, while giving it sufficient rigidity.

De préférence, pour éviter un déplacement latéral de la partie intermédiaire 36 pendant l'étape d'injection, et tel que représenté sur la figure 9, on injecte la matière plastique radialement dans le moule 78 fermé, à partir de points d'injection répartis circonférentiellement autour de l'axe A-A de l'embout 6, de préférence de manière régulière. On utilise par exemple deux points d'injection 90 (figure 8) diamétralement opposés.Preferably, to avoid lateral displacement of the intermediate portion 36 during the injection step, and as shown in FIG. figure 9 the plastic is injected radially into the mold 78 closed, from injection points distributed circumferentially around the axis AA of the nozzle 6, preferably in a regular manner. For example, two injection points 90 are used ( figure 8 ) diametrically opposed.

Par ailleurs, en option, on maintient la partie intermédiaire 36 radialement à l'intérieur du moule 78 pendant l'étape d'injection. Pour ce faire, tel que représenté sur les figures 8 et 9, il est possible d'utiliser l'insert 84 de fermeture du canal d'entrée 54, et un autre insert 92 analogue, par exemple diamétralement opposé, que l'on engage dans un trou borgne 94 (figure 4) prévu à cet effet dans la partie intermédiaire 36.Furthermore, optionally, the intermediate portion 36 is held radially inside the mold 78 during the injection step. To do this, as shown on the Figures 8 and 9 it is possible to use the closing insert 84 of the inlet channel 54, and another similar insert 92, for example diametrically opposed, which is engaged in a blind hole 94 (FIG. figure 4 ) provided for this purpose in the intermediate part 36.

L'invention s'applique également aux ensembles de conditionnement et de distribution d'autres liquides médicaux, prévus pour une distribution, notamment goutte par goutte, tels que les solutions pour le nez ou les oreilles.The invention also applies to the packaging and distribution of other medical liquids, provided for distribution, particularly drop by drop, such as solutions for the nose or ears.

Claims (15)

  1. A nozzle for distributing liquid, of the type comprising two filtering membranes (28, 30) and support parts (32, 34, 36) for supporting the membranes and channelling fluid through the membranes (28, 30),
    characterised in that it comprises a connecting part (38) which moulds the support parts (32, 34, 36) in order to fix them to one another, in that the support parts (32, 34, 36) comprise an upper support part (34), a lower support part (32) and an intermediate support part (36) disposed between the upper support part (34) and the lower support part (32), and in that a membrane (28) is held between the upper support part (32) and the intermediate support part (36), and a membrane (30) is held between the intermediate support part (36) and the lower support part (32).
  2. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 1, wherein the membranes (28, 30) are moulded by the connecting part (38).
  3. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the support parts (32, 34) and the membranes (28, 30) are overlapped in a longitudinal direction (A-A).
  4. The distribution nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two separate passages (24, 26) for the circulation of fluid defined by the support parts (32, 34, 36), each of the two membranes (28, 30) extending through a respective passage (24, 26).
  5. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 4, wherein a passage (24) opens out at one end through the upper support part (34) and at one end through the lower support part (32).
  6. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 5, wherein a passage (26) opens out at one end through the intermediate support part (36), and at the other end through the lower support part (32).
  7. The distribution nozzle according to any of Claims 4 to 6, comprising a passage (26) for the circulation of air, the membrane (30) extending through the air passage being hydrophobic, and a passage (24) for the circulation of liquid, the membrane (28) extending through the liquid passage (24) being hydrophilic.
  8. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 7, wherein the intermediate part (36) is joined to each of the lower support part (32) and the upper support part (34) by a lock mechanism.
  9. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the connecting part (38) surrounds the intermediate support part (36).
  10. The distribution nozzle according to any of the claims, wherein the intermediate support part (36) comprises reinforcing ribs (86, 88).
  11. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 10, wherein the reinforcing ribs comprise at least one set of radial ribs (86, 88) extending through a duct in the intermediate support part (36) for channelling fluid.
  12. The distribution nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting part (38) is injection moulded from several points spread around a stacking axis (A-A) of the support parts (32, 34, 36).
  13. The distribution nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate part (36) comprises at least one hole (54, 94) for receiving a blocking component for an injection mould (78) of the connecting part (38) intended to be inserted into the hole (54, 94) in order to immobilise the intermediate part during injection of the connecting part (38).
  14. The distribution nozzle according to Claim 13, wherein at least one hole (54) for receiving a blocking component delimits a segment of a passage (26) for the circulation of fluid through the nozzle, opening out laterally via said hole (54).
  15. A unit for the processing and distribution of liquid, comprising a recipient (12) that has a neck (14) and a nozzle (6) according to any of the preceding claims disposed on the neck (14).
EP20090151767 2008-02-04 2009-01-30 Liquid-dispensing nozzle and liquid packaging and dispensing system comprising such a nozzle Active EP2085068B1 (en)

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FR0850680A FR2927064B1 (en) 2008-02-04 2008-02-04 LIQUID DISTRIBUTION TIP, AND PACKAGING ASSEMBLY AND LIQUID DISPENSING COMPRISING SUCH A TIP.

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AT (1) ATE475396T1 (en)
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FR2962044B1 (en) 2010-04-21 2013-02-22 Horus Pharma LACRYMIMETIC EMULSION
FR2963240B1 (en) 2010-07-28 2013-03-15 Horus Pharma COMPOSITION FOR TOPICAL USE WITHOUT PRESERVATIVE COMPRISING HYALURONIC ACID
EP2700588B1 (en) * 2012-08-21 2015-04-01 Aptar France SAS Dispensing closure having a vent valve
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JP6537319B2 (en) * 2015-03-30 2019-07-03 東京ライト工業株式会社 cap
FR3080844B1 (en) * 2018-05-07 2020-06-05 Horus Pharma PACKAGING AND DISPENSING DEVICE OF A PRODUCT WITH BOTTLE AND METERING CAP WITH FILTER
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EP2085068A1 (en) 2009-08-05
ATE475396T1 (en) 2010-08-15
US20090223883A1 (en) 2009-09-10
US7967983B2 (en) 2011-06-28
JP5449790B2 (en) 2014-03-19
JP2009213876A (en) 2009-09-24
FR2927064A1 (en) 2009-08-07
DE602009000078D1 (en) 2010-09-09

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