EP3573891A1

EP3573891A1 - Method for manufacturing a device for dispensing a product

Info

Publication number: EP3573891A1
Application number: EP18704885.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guillaume Boulais
Original assignee: GB Developpement
Current assignee: GB Developpement
Priority date: 2017-01-25
Filing date: 2018-01-25
Publication date: 2019-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-25
Also published as: BR112019015248A2; EP3573891B1; JP7092773B2; RU2019123323A; WO2018138230A1; RU2765081C2; FR3062116A1; RU2019123323A3; CN110225864B; FR3062115A1; KR102505647B1; FR3062115B1; KR20190129033A; US11084606B2; JP2020505282A; US20190389606A1; CN110225864A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a device (1) for dispensing a product, which comprises: supplying a device (1) comprising a vessel (3), said vessel being connected to a deformable chamber (45) and being provided with a filling opening (8), the inside of the deformable chamber being at least partially defined by a movable wall (13), a movement of which causes the volume of the deformable chamber to change; an evacuation step, in which a partial vacuum is created inside the deformable chamber (45) relative to a reference pressure; a filling step in which the vessel is filled with the product (16), so that in a so-called "intermediate" state of the device, the vessel is filled with product, while the inside of the deformable chamber is at an intermediate pressure lower than the reference pressure; and a closing step in which the filling opening (8) is sealed. The invention can be used, for example, in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food-processing industries.

Description

"Method of manufacturing a product dispensing device"

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a device for dispensing a product.

The field of the invention is more particularly that of the distribution of products such as liquids, gels or creams, for example for the pharmaceutical or cosmetic or agri-food industry.

State of the art

Devices are known for dispensing products such as, for example, that described in patent FR 3,005,459 A1. Such a device comprises:

- a deformable chamber,

- a reservoir,

a dispensing valve for the product outlet from the chamber towards the outside of the device,

- A supply valve for the passage of the product from the tank to the chamber.

This device, although it is good, can still be improved because it still poses some technical problems.

A first problem is that of priming, that is to say when the chamber is filled with air when the device is new, and a user is pressing on the chamber so as to pump the product from the reservoir trying to fill the room.

This problem is particularly true:

if the supply valve is flexible especially for a very viscous product to be dispensed, and / or

- if the dispensing valve is very rigid. Indeed, the dispensing valve is a privileged door for the entry of bacteria and oxygen into the tank. Plus the dispensing valve is waterproof and therefore rigid, the device is difficult to prime, that is to say that the gas initially present in the chamber has difficulties to exit through the dispensing valve and the gas initially contained in the chamber will go rather to the tank through the supply valve.

Thus for priming, by pressing the chamber, air can pass through the supply valve rather than through the dispensing valve. It is then difficult to raise the product from the tank into the chamber.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a product dispenser device to solve this problem.

Presentation of the invention

This object is achieved with a method of manufacturing a product dispensing device, comprising:

a vacuuming step in which a depression is created in a deformable chamber with respect to a reference pressure

a filling step in which a tank is filled with product,

a supply of a device comprising the reservoir, said reservoir being connected to the deformable chamber and being provided with a filling opening, the inside of the deformable chamber being delimited at least in part by a movable wall whose displacement causes a variation of the volume of the deformable chamber and:

o being separated from the tank at least by a supply valve, and / or

o being separated from an output of the device at least by a dispensing valve, then

the steps of evacuation, filling and supply being implemented so that in a so-called "intermediate" state of the device the tank is filled with product while the inside of the deformable chamber is at an intermediate pressure lower than the reference pressure,

a closing step in which the filling opening is sealed or closed.

According to different embodiments:

the method according to the invention may comprise the step of evacuation and the filling step, then an assembly of the deformable chamber and the reservoir so as to form the device and implement the step of supplying the device ; the closing step is preferably performed during assembly of the deformable chamber and the reservoir, or

the method according to the invention can be a method of manufacturing a product dispensing device, comprising:

a supply of a device comprising a reservoir, said reservoir being connected to a deformable chamber and being provided with a filling opening, the inside of the deformable chamber being defined at least in part by a movable wall whose displacement causes a variation of the volume of the deformable chamber, the device comprising an output

whatever the order of the following steps:

an evacuation step in which a depression is created in the deformable chamber with respect to a reference pressure and a filling step in which the reservoir is filled with product, so that in a so-called "intermediate" state of the device the tank is filled with product while the inside of the deformable chamber is at an intermediate pressure lower than the reference pressure, o a closing step in which the filling opening is sealed or closed.

The inside of the deformable chamber can:

o be separated from the tank at least by a supply valve, and / or

o be separated from the output of the device at least by a dispensing valve, then

The method according to the invention may further comprise, after the closing step, a priming step during which product is fed from the reservoir to the inside of the deformable chamber.

The boot step can be implemented:

by exerting a force on the reservoir from outside the reservoir, preferably by mechanical means, and / or

- by subjecting the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve to vibrations, and / or

- by directly opening the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve by a mechanical action, for example by pressing on it.

The priming step may include increasing the pressure around the reservoir to the reference pressure.

The priming step can start while the inside of the deformable chamber is at a priming pressure lower than the reference pressure.

The output may be clogged during the boot step

During the vacuum stage:

the volume of the chamber (i.e. preferably moving the movable wall of the chamber) can be varied so as to increase the volume of the chamber and / or to reduce the volume of the chamber, and / or

the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve can be subjected to vibrations, and / or

the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve can be opened directly by mechanical action, for example by pressing on it. The evacuation step can create the depression in the tank, around the tank, in the deformable chamber, the deformable chamber to the outlet of the device, and / or the deformable chamber to the tank.

The output may not be clogged during the evacuation step.

Reservoir walls can be kept apart during the evacuation step and / or during the filling step. Keeping apart the walls of the reservoir during evacuation and / or keeping them apart from the walls of the reservoir during the filling step may comprise:

a maintenance spaced apart from one another by the walls of the reservoir by a filling nozzle inserted into the reservoir through the filling opening and through which the product is discharged during the filling step, and / or

- Keeping spaced between them the tank walls by at least two spacers so that the reservoir is located between the at least two spacers.

In the intermediate state, the reservoir can be filled with product while around the reservoir, from the deformable chamber to the outlet of the device, and / or from the deformable chamber to the reservoir, the pressure can be at the intermediate pressure and or less than the reference pressure.

The outlet may be clogged during the filling step.

The closing step can be implemented while the device is in its intermediate state.

The outlet may be clogged during the closing step.

The evacuation step may precede the filling step.

The steps of evacuation, filling and closure can be performed within the same vacuum chamber.

Steps :

- filling on the one hand and

- closing on the other hand can be performed in two separate enclosures. In this case, the filling step may precede the vacuuming step.

The leakage rate through the movable wall may be zero and / or the leakage rate through the dispensing valve may be zero.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for manufacturing a product dispensing device, comprising:

vacuum means arranged to create a vacuum in a deformable chamber relative to a reference pressure

optionally, filling means arranged to fill a tank with product,

means for providing a device comprising the reservoir (said supply means comprising, for example, means for assembling the deformable chamber and the reservoir and / or means for conveying the device), said reservoir being connected to the deformable chamber and being provided with a filling opening, the inside of the deformable chamber being delimited at least in part by a movable wall whose displacement causes a variation of the volume of the deformable chamber and:

o being separated from the tank at least by a supply valve, and / or

the means of evacuation, (optionally filling) and supply being arranged so that in a so-called "intermediate" state of the device the reservoir is filled with product while the inside of the deformable chamber is at a lower intermediate pressure at the reference pressure,

- Closing means arranged to seal or close the filling opening. According to different embodiments:

- The supply means may comprise assembly means arranged for an assembly (for example after a depression created by the evacuation means and a filling by the filling means) of the deformable chamber and the reservoir; the closure means may comprise the assembly means and may be arranged to seal or close the filling opening during assembly of the deformable chamber and the tank by the assembly means, or

- The supply means may be arranged to provide a device comprising the deformable chamber already assembled to the reservoir, before this device can be submitted (in any order) to the vacuum means, the filling means and the means of closure.

The inside of the deformable chamber can:

o be separated from the tank at least by a supply valve, and / or

The system according to the invention may comprise priming means arranged to bring product from the reservoir to the inside of the deformable chamber.

The priming means can be arranged to bring this product:

- by directly opening the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve by a mechanical action, for example by pressing on it. The priming means can be arranged to bring this product by increasing the pressure around the reservoir to the reference pressure.

The priming means can be arranged to start priming while the inside of the deformable chamber is at a priming pressure lower than the reference pressure.

The priming means may be arranged to implement priming (i.e. bring this product) while the output is clogged.

The vacuum means can be arranged to create depression while:

- varying the volume of the chamber (i.e. preferably moving the movable wall of the chamber) so as to increase the volume of the chamber and / or to reduce the volume of the chamber, and / or

subjecting the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve to vibrations, and / or

- Directly opening the dispensing valve and / or the supply valve by a mechanical action, for example by pressing on it.

The vacuum means may be arranged to create the vacuum in the tank, around the tank, in the deformable chamber, the deformable chamber to the outlet of the device, and / or the deformable chamber to the tank.

The vacuum means may be arranged so that the outlet is not clogged during the creation of the vacuum by the vacuum means.

The system according to the invention may comprise means for keeping apart the walls of the tank during the creation of the vacuum by the vacuum means and / or during filling by the filling means, for example:

by holding the walls of the tank apart from each other by means of a filling nozzle inserted into the tank through the filling opening and through which the product is discharged during the filling stage, and / or by keeping the walls of the tank apart from each other by at least two spacers so that the tank is located between the at least two spacers.

The filling means may be arranged so that the outlet is clogged during filling by the filling means.

The closure means may be arranged to seal or close the filling opening while the device is in its intermediate state.

The closure means may be arranged to seal or close the filling opening while the outlet is plugged.

The evacuation means and the filling means may be arranged so that the creation of depression by the evacuation means precedes the filling by the filling means.

The means of evacuation, filling and closure can be grouped within one vacuum chamber.

Ways :

- filling on the one hand and

- closing on the other hand

can be located in two separate enclosures. In this case, the filling means and the closure means may be arranged so that the filling by the filling means precedes the creation of depression by the vacuum means.

Description of the Figures and Embodiments

Other advantages and particularities of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of implementations and non-limiting embodiments, and the following appended drawings: FIG. 1 is a profile sectional view illustrating an initial step of a first method embodiment according to the invention for manufacturing a device 1,

FIG. 2 is a profile sectional view illustrating a vacuuming step of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 3 is a profile sectional view illustrating a filling step of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 4 is a profile sectional view illustrating a closing step of the first method embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a profile sectional view illustrating a priming step of the first embodiment; process according to the invention,

FIG. 6 is a profile sectional view of a detail of the device 1 being manufactured in a variant of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device 1 in a variant of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 8 is a profile sectional view illustrating a step of evacuating a second embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 9 is a profile sectional view illustrating a closing step of the second embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 10 is a profile sectional view illustrating a priming step of the second embodiment of the method according to the invention,

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a system or installation for implementing a method according to the invention,

FIG. 12 is a profile sectional view illustrating different steps of a third embodiment of the method according to the invention;

FIGS. 13 to 16 are complete (FIGS. 13 and 14) or partial (FIGS. 15 and 16) sectional views of the device 1 during manufacture illustrating various steps of a fourth embodiment of the method according to FIGS. invention, and FIGS. 17 to 19 are sectional sectional views illustrating a variant of each of the previous embodiments of the method according to the invention. These embodiments being in no way limiting, it will be possible to consider variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described or illustrated subsequently isolated from the other characteristics described or illustrated (even if this selection is isolated within a sentence including these other characteristics), if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one preferably functional characteristic without structural details, and / or with only a part of the structural details if this part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art. earlier.

Firstly, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, a first embodiment of the method according to the invention for manufacturing a product dispenser device 16 will be described.

The various technical means described for implementing this method constitute the manufacturing system 10 according to the invention.

The initial step of this process illustrated in FIG. 1 is a step of supplying a device 1 comprising a reservoir 3 and a head 2.

The head 2 comprises a rigid frame (for example polypropylene

(PP)), on which is fixed a movable wall 13 and / or deformable (for example polypropylene (PP) with a thickness much thinner than the frame) more flexible than the frame.

The head 2 comprises a deformable chamber 45.

The reservoir 3 is formed by a flexible bag, typically a multilayer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / aluminum / cast polypropylene (PP) film, the PET layer being towards the outside of the tank 3. The tank 3 is provided with:

an orifice 7 communicating with the deformable chamber 45 (via a supply duct and a supply valve 4) and

- a filling opening 8.

During this initial supply step, the interior of the chamber 45 is at a reference pressure.

The filling opening 8 is a direct communication between the inside of the tank 3 and the outside of the device 1.

The inside of the deformable chamber 45 is delimited at least in part by the wall 13, a displacement of which causes a change in the volume of the deformable chamber 45.

During this initial step, the device 1 is "empty".

During this initial step, the reservoir 3 does not include the product 16, and is preferably filled with only gas, preferably air and / or a neutral gas such as nitrogen.

During this initial step, the device 1 does not include the product 16, and is preferably filled with only gas, preferably air and / or a neutral gas such as nitrogen.

During this initial step, the device 1 is in an initial state said

"Unsealed" because the filling opening 8 exists and is not yet sealed.

The chamber 45 is separated from the tank 3 at least by the supply valve 4.

The supply valve 4 is flexible, typically thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer of 80 Shore A.

The chamber 45 is arranged so that a decrease in the volume of the chamber 45 (for example by pressing on the wall 13) closes the supply valve 4, at least when the chamber 45 is filled (preferably completely) with the product 16 (which is not yet the case in this initial step). The chamber 45 is arranged so that an increase in the volume of the chamber 45 (for example by releasing the wall 13) opens the supply valve 4, at least when the chamber 45 is filled (preferably completely) with the product 16 (which is not yet the case in this initial step).

The chamber 45 is separated from an outlet 6 of the device 1 at least by a dispensing valve 5.

The dispensing valve 5 is flexible, typically thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer of 80 Shore A.

The chamber 45 is arranged so that a decrease in the volume of the chamber 45 (for example by pressing on the wall 13) opens the dispensing valve 5, at least when the chamber 45 is filled (preferably completely) by the product 16 (which is not yet the case in this initial step).

The chamber 45 is arranged so that an increase in the volume of the chamber 45 (for example by releasing the wall 13) closes the dispensing valve 5, at least when the chamber 45 is filled (preferably completely) with the product 16 ( which is not yet the case in this initial stage).

When open, the supply valve 4 allows a product passage, typically from the tank 3 to the chamber 45. When closed, the supply valve 4 does not allow such a product passage.

When open, the dispensing valve 5 allows a product passage, typically from the chamber 45 to the outlet 6. When closed, the dispensing valve 5 does not allow such a product passage.

A supply port connects the chamber 45 to the supply conduit.

The supply valve 4 comprises a membrane which, in the closed state of this supply valve 4, is pressed against the supply orifice so as to plug this supply orifice, and in the open state of this supply valve 4, deviates from the orifice supply so as to open this supply port; the supply valve 4 is an independent part of the head 2, and is housed (at least its membrane) on the side of the chamber 45.

The supply valve 4 (movable between its closed and open positions) is, in its closed state, kept pressed against a stationary part (called the feeding seat, which at least partially surrounds the periphery of the associated supply port ) and "rigid" (ie no flexible material) of an inner wall of the chamber 45. Specifically, the supply valve 4 comprises a membrane which, in the closed state of the supply valve 4, is kept pressed against the feeding seat, and away from this feeding seat in its open state.

The wall 13 is not mechanically connected to the supply valve 4. The supply valve 4 is a single wall that covers the feed seat, the feed valve 4 does not fit into the feed channel. 'food.

The feeding seat is located inside the chamber 45.

A dispensing orifice connects the chamber 45 to the dispensing duct.

The dispensing valve 5 is an independent part of the head 2 and is housed (entirely) inside the distribution duct.

The dispensing valve 5 comprises a membrane which, in the closed state of this dispensing valve 5, is pressed against the dispensing orifice so as to plug this dispensing orifice, and in the open state of this dispensing valve. 5, deviates from the dispensing orifice so as to open this dispensing orifice.

The dispensing orifice is located on a side wall of the dispensing duct, so that the dispensing orifice, the dispensing duct and the dispensing valve 5 are arranged so that the product travels globally (i.e. to say on a larger scale than the vortices of the microparticles of the product 16) a right angle or substantially a right angle passing from the chamber 45 to the distribution duct, that is to say between the direction of propagation of the product at the entrance of the valve distribution 5 and the direction of propagation of the product at the outlet of the dispensing valve 5.

The dispensing valve 5 (movable between its closed and open positions) is, in its closed state, kept pressed (sufficiently firmly, by means of return means or a return spring of the valve 5 for example as described in the patent WO 2015/155 318) against an immobile part (called dispensing seat, which surrounds at least partially the periphery of the associated dispensing orifice) and "rigid" (ie not flexible material) of an inner wall of the conduit of distribution respectively in which it is housed. More specifically, the dispensing valve 5, respectively, comprises a diaphragm which, in the closed state of the dispensing valve, is kept pressed against the dispensing seat, and away from this seat in its open state. It is further noted that the dispensing seat is a lateral part of the dispensing duct respectively, that is to say that this seat is limited to a face, preferably plane, of an internal wall of the dispensing duct respectively and does not all around a section of the distribution duct that would be made in a plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the distribution duct.

The dispensing seat is located outside room 45.

The supply port is located on a side wall of the supply duct, so that the supply port, the supply duct and the supply valve 4 are arranged so that the product generally travels at an angle. right or substantially a right angle passing from the supply duct to the chamber 45, that is to say between the direction of propagation of the product at the inlet of the supply valve 4 and the direction of propagation of the product at the outlet of the supply valve 4.

The supply valve 4 and the distribution valve 5 are connected by a connecting element, this supply valve 4, this dispensing valve 5 and the connecting element being integral and in a single piece (manufactured for example a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic elastomer of polyurethane). This single piece is monobloc. The junction element typically has a drain of 70-80 Shore A. A hole creates a passageway between the delivery conduit and the feedstock without passing through the chamber 45. The mouthpiece this hole and is held by tightening in this hole.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the process according to the invention comprises a "vacuuming" step (also called a vacuum step) in which a vacuum is created in the chamber. deformable 45 relative to the reference pressure.

This reference pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure is equal to 1 bar.

This depression corresponds to a pressure difference of at least 0.2 or even 0.3 bar relative to the reference pressure, preferably at least 0.5 bar relative to the reference pressure, preferably at least 0.7 bar relative to the reference pressure.

It should be noted that, in the present description, any reference to pressure or vacuum refers to a gas, the composition of which may possibly evolve during the process according to the invention.

During the evacuation step, the wall 13 is moved so as to increase the volume of the chamber 45 and / or the wall 13 is moved so as to reduce the volume of the chamber, for example by means of a vibrating actuator 25, preferably in at least one (or even more than one) aler-retou r (s), each aler-return comprising a displacement of the wall 13 so as to increase the vol ume of the chamber 45 and a displacement of the wall 13 so as to reduce the volume of the chamber 45.

The valve 4 and the valve 5 are thus opened and the good performance of the vacuum or vacuum (which is a partial vacuum) is thus ensured inside the chamber 45 despite the existence of the valves 4 and / or 5 .

The action of the cylinder 25 is a useful aid, but is not particularly required in the case of a valve 4 and / or a valve 5 very flexible (s) or not very tight with a possible space between valve 4 or 5 and its seat. During the evacuation step, the device 1 is in an enclosure 18 in which the vacuum is produced by suction carried by suction means 26 (such as a pump).

The vacuum stage creates the depression:

in the tank 3,

in a space around (and in contact with) the tank 3,

in the deformable chamber 45,

from the deformable chamber 45 to the outlet 6 of the device 1, that is to say in the distribution duct, and

- From the deformable chamber 45 to the tank 3, that is to say in the supply duct.

The outlet 6 is not blocked during the evacuation step. This can help to get the air out also through the exit 6.

Are kept apart from each other walls 31, 32 of the tank 3 during the evacuation step.

Maintaining spaced between them the walls 31, 32 of the reservoir 3 during the evacuation comprises a maintenance spaced apart from each other by the walls 31, 32 of the reservoir 3 by a filling nozzle 11 inserted in the reservoir 3 by the filling opening 8 .

Then, with reference to FIG. 3, the first embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises a filling step in which at least part of the tank 3 is filled with the product 16.

Product 16 is a liquid, a cream, a paste, a gel or a mixture thereof.

The walls 31, 32 of the tank 3 are kept apart between them during the filling step.

Maintaining, spaced apart, the walls 31, 32 of the reservoir during the filling step comprises:

a maintenance apart from each other of the walls 31, 32 of the tank 3 by the filling nozzle 11 inserted into the tank 3 through the filling opening 8 and through which the product 16 is discharged during the filling step, and - Holding apart from each other walls 31, 32 of the tank 3 by at least two spacers 12 so that the reservoir 3 is located between the at least two spacers 12. The spacers 12 are on the outside of the tank 3 in contact with the spaced walls 31, 32. Each spacer 12 is a suction cup.

The outlet 6 is plugged during the filling step.

In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention illustrated, the vacuuming step precedes the filling step. This allows:

- To get out of the air also through the opening 8 during the evacuation step, and

- Do not trap air bubbles between the product 16 and the reservoir 3 during the filling step.

The order of the vacuuming and filling steps can be reversed.

The steps of evacuation and filling are combined or succeed each other so as to obtain a so-called "intermediate" state of the device 1 in which:

the reservoir 3 is filled (at least in part) with the product 16, and the inside of the deformable chamber 45 does not include the product

But includes a gas at an intermediate pressure lower than the reference pressure.

This intermediate pressure is equal to the pressure obtained by the vacuum created during the evacuation step.

This intermediate pressure is less than 0.7 bar, preferably less than 0.5 bar, preferably less than 0.3 bar or even 0.2 bar.

The intermediate pressure is at least 0.2 or even 0.3 bar lower than the reference pressure, preferably at least 0.5 bar with respect to the reference pressure, preferably at least 0.7 bar relative to the reference pressure. In the intermediate state corresponding to the end of the step illustrated in FIG. 3, the reservoir 3 is filled (at least in part) with the product 16 while:

in the space 15 around the tank 3,

from the deformable chamber 45 to the outlet 6 of the device 1, i.e. in the distribution duct, and

optionally, if the product 16 is sufficiently viscous, from the deformable chamber 45 to the tank 3, i.e. in the feed duct,

there is no product 16 but gas whose pressure is lower than the reference pressure (and preferably equal to the intermediate pressure).

Then, with reference to FIG. 4, the first embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises a closing step in which the filling opening 8 is sealed or closed.

The closing step is implemented while the device 1 is in its intermediate state.

Closing is performed for example by means of a clamp 9 of ultrasonic welding or hot welding.

The outlet 6 is plugged during the closing step.

There is a means (not shown) arranged to bring the edges of the bag (ie the edges of the walls 31, 32 delimiting the opening 8) before welding or closing the opening 8, and implementing a step of bringing the edges closer together of the bag (ie edges of the walls 31, 32 delimiting the opening 8) before welding or closing the opening 8.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the first embodiment of the method according to the invention further comprises, after the closing step and the evacuation step and the filling step, a priming step. during which product 16 is fed from the reservoir 3 to the inside of the deformable chamber 45 (at least as far as between the feed valve 4 and an inner wall (more exactly the feed seat) of the chamber 45), preferably so as to fill the product 16 with at least 1% or at least 5% of the internal volume of the chamber 45 (that is to say at the seat of the inlet valve 4) for example if the product 16 is highly viscous, preferably so as to fill the product 16 at least 30% of the internal volume of the chamber 45 for example if the product 16 is low viscosity, preferably so as to fill completely the product 16 the chamber 45.

The priming step starts while the inside of the deformable chamber 45 is at a starting pressure (equal to the intermediate pressure) lower than the reference pressure, which greatly helps this priming.

This priming pressure is less than 0.7 bar, preferably less than 0.5 bar, preferably less than 0.3 bar or even 0.2 bar.

The priming pressure is respectively at least 0.2 or even 0.3 bar lower than the reference pressure, preferably at least 0.5 bar with respect to the reference pressure, preferably at least 0.5 bar. at least 0.7 bar relative to the reference pressure.

The boot step is implemented:

by exerting a force on the tank 3 from the outside of the tank by mechanical means 14, here identical to the means 12, and

by increasing the pressure of the gas in the space around the tank 3 starting from the priming pressure and at least up to the reference pressure (up to the reference pressure or beyond the reference pressure); this increase is implemented by opening the enclosure 18 in which the device 1 is located so as to introduce gas 17 (for example air) into the space 15 around the reservoir 3. This has the advantage of to be very simple and very quick to implement.

Output 6 is clogged during the boot step. This prevents the entry of air or gas into the device 1 through the outlet 6 when opening the enclosure.

After booting, the device 1 is then in its "final" state, ready to be used by a user. In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the steps of evacuation, filling, closing and priming are performed within the same chamber 18 for evacuation.

In this first embodiment:

the vacuuming step precedes the filling step,

the vacuuming step precedes the closing step,

the filling step precedes the closing step,

the closing step precedes the priming step.

In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, when the outlet 6 is plugged, it is typically plugged by a plug 19 (for example rubber or polymer) which is pressed against the outlet 6. However, in variants:

- With reference to Figure 6, when the outlet 6 is clogged, it can be plugged by a rod 20 (for example stainless steel) which is inserted into the distribution channel connecting the dispensing valve 5 to the outlet 6; the inserted rod 20 being arranged to lock the valve 5 in its closed position, or - with reference to Figure 7, when the outlet 6 is plugged, it can be plugged by a plug or film or cover 21 (for example a multilayer film Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / Aluminum / Polypropylene (PP)) fixed (preferably glued) on the outlet 6.

Note that, in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the opening 8 is always located higher than the orifice 7 (the height increasing away from the Earth parallel to the gravitational field Terrestrial, or away from a flow direction of the product 16 of the nozzle 11 to the reservoir 3 during the filling step).

A second method embodiment of the invention for manufacturing a product dispenser device 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

This second embodiment will only be described for its differences with respect to the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, and all the numerical references already described above will not necessarily be described again.

In this second embodiment, the reservoir 3 is not formed by a flexible bag but by a tube.

In this second embodiment, the outlet 6 is plugged during the evacuation step, the method being compatible with the manufacture of a device 1 carrying a plug 22. It is also clogged during the filling step , the closing step and the priming step.

In this second embodiment, when the outlet 6 is plugged, it is plugged by a removable plug 22, preferably connected to the head 2 by a hinge 23.

The hinge 23 and the stopper 22 are ideally in the same material as the frame of the head 2.

In this second embodiment, the walls 31, 32 do not need to be kept apart.

Figure 8 illustrates the vacuuming step of this second embodiment.

The filling step by the tip 11 is not illustrated.

Figure 9 illustrates the closing step of this second embodiment.

Figure 10 illustrates the boot step of this second embodiment.

We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 11, variants of each of the two embodiments just described. In these variants, all the steps of the method according to the invention are not necessarily implemented in the same enclosure. In particular the steps:

filling (and possibly evacuation) on the one hand and

- closing (and possibly booting) on the other hand

are made in two separate chambers 181, 182. The evacuation step is carried out in a first enclosure 181, so as not to trap air between product 16 and reservoir 3 and to create the vacuum in chamber 45, particularly if the product 16 is viscous.

The filling step is then performed in the first enclosure

181.

The device 1 is then transported from the first enclosure 181 to a second enclosure 182 with the outlet 6 plugged by the means 19, 20 or 21, so as to be able to maintain the vacuum in the chamber 45.

Then, the "vacuum" is achieved at the priming pressure near the tank 3 in the second chamber 182 in anticipation of priming.

The closing step of the tank 3 is then carried out by welding in the second chamber 182.

A first part of the priming step (by increasing the pressure) is then performed during the opening of the chamber 182 and the gas inlet 17 in the volume 15.

A second part of the priming step is carried out outside the chambers 181, 182 by the mechanical means 14 crushing the tank 3.

The separation of the steps of the process according to the invention in different

"Stations" or different speakers can increase the rate.

Referring to FIG. 12, a third embodiment of the method according to the invention for the manufacture of a product distribution device is described.

This third embodiment is described only for its differences from the first embodiment of the process according to the invention, and all the numerical references already described above will therefore not necessarily be described again.

In this third embodiment:

the filling step precedes the closing step,

the closing step precedes the vacuuming step, the closing step precedes the priming step,

the vacuuming step precedes the priming step.

This third embodiment is implemented on a continuous vertical filling machine.

The reservoir 3 is formed by two flexible films which are assembled.

Each of these two films is for example a multilayer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / aluminum / polypropylene (PP) film.

These two assembled flexible films form several devices 1 connected in series and which move in a direction 24 from one station to another of the filling machine.

The initial step of supplying a device 1 is implemented by assembling these two films between which is inserted the head 2 of this device 1, as illustrated on the part 101 at the top of FIG. films are assembled (typically by ultrasonic and / or hot welding technique), leaving the opening 8 open.

Then the device 1 moves in the direction 24 and takes place the step of filling the reservoir 3 of the device 1 by the nozzle 11 with the product 16, as shown in the part 102 in the middle of Figure 12.

Then the device 1 moves in direction 24 and takes place:

the step of closing the opening 8 (typically by an ultrasonic welding technique) then

the evacuation step in which the depression is created in the deformable chamber 45, this depression being created by suction via the outlet 6 (by the means 26), then

the priming step (typically by the means 14 pressing on the tank 3 as previously described),

as shown in part 103 at the bottom of FIG.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. Note that in the embodiments described the filling step precedes the closing step.

Note that in the embodiments described the closing step precedes the priming step.

Note that in the embodiments described the vacuuming step precedes the priming step.

Note that in the embodiments described the vacuuming step can take place:

before the filling step and / or before the closing step, or after the filling step (in the chamber 18, 181, 182 or elsewhere):

^■ between the filling step and the closing step

^■ after the closing step (between the closing step and the priming step).

In addition, in the embodiments described, the priming step is not mandatory and this priming can be performed later manually by a user, although this is much less advantageous (in case of leakage, the inside the chamber 45 can gradually return to atmospheric pressure).

In addition, in a variant of the embodiments described, the spaced apart apart from the walls 31, 32 of the tank 3:

during the evacuation step, can be replaced or combined by holding with the spacers 12, and / or

during the filling step, may use only the tip 11 or the spacers 12.

In addition, in a variant of the embodiments described, the booting step can be implemented:

- only by exerting a force on the tank 3 from the outside of the tank by mechanical means 14, or

- only by increasing the pressure of gas in space

15 around the tank 3 from the priming pressure and up to the reference pressure or beyond the reference pressure. Furthermore, in a variant of the described embodiments, the deformable mobile wall 13 can be replaced by a movable wall such as a rigid piston connected to an actuating button arranged to move the piston so as to vary the volume of the chamber 45.

In addition, in a variant of the embodiments described, the initiation may comprise (preferably at the end of the cycle after the various other steps previously described of the initiation) the exercise of a force on the chamber 45, typically on the wall 13. This may for example allow a little more product 16 to enter the chamber 45 to ensure that the device 1 does not defuse thereafter.

A fourth method embodiment of the invention for manufacturing a product dispenser device 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

This fourth embodiment will only be described for its differences with respect to the first method embodiment of the invention, and all the numerical references already described above will therefore not necessarily be described again.

With reference to FIG. 13, in this fourth embodiment, we begin by making:

the evacuation step in which the depression in the deformable chamber 45 is created with respect to the reference pressure (lbar), in the chamber 18 in which the vacuum is produced by an aspiration carried out by the means of suction 26, and

the filling step (before, during or after the vacuuming step) in which at least part of the tank 3 is filled with the product 16.

The vacuum stage creates the depression:

in the space around (and in contact with) the tank 3, and

in the deformable chamber 45. Next, with reference to FIG. 14, this fourth embodiment comprises an assembly of the deformable chamber 45 and the reservoir 3 so as to form the device 1 and implement the step of supplying the device 1. The step of closing is performed during assembly of the deformable chamber 45 and the tank 3, more precisely by plugging the opening 8 by the head 2.

After this assembly, the previous stages of evacuation and filling are combined or succeeding so as to obtain a so-called "intermediate" state of the device 1 in which:

the reservoir 3 is filled (at least in part) with the product 16, and

the inside of the deformable chamber 45 does not include the product 16 but comprises a gas at an intermediate pressure lower than the reference pressure.

Then, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, this fourth embodiment comprises the priming step, during which product 16 is brought from the reservoir 3 to the inside of the deformable chamber 45.

The amount of product that rises depends on the tightness of the chamber 45 and the level of depression in the chamber 45.

FIG. 15 illustrates the minimum level of product rise in the chamber 45 (product 16 from the reservoir 3 up between the feed valve 4 and an inner wall (more exactly the feed seat) of the chamber 45)) .

FIG. 16 illustrates a high level of product rise in the chamber 45: product 16 from the reservoir 3 to the interior of the deformable chamber 45, preferably so as to fill the product 16 with at least 1% or at least 5% of the internal volume of the chamber 45 (that is to say at the level of the seat of the intake valve 4), preferably so as to fill the product 16 with at least 20%, even at least 30% of the volume inside the chamber 45 for example if the dispensing valve 5 is more hermetic and / or if the product 16 is low viscosity, preferably so as to fill 70% or integrally of product 16 the chamber 45 for example if in addition the depression is high. The level of rise required for priming also depends on the nature of the product, a gel in general requires less recovery.

The priming step starts when the inside of the deformable chamber 45 is at the priming pressure (equal to the intermediate pressure) lower than the reference pressure, which considerably helps this priming.

The tank 3 is delimited at least in part by a movable wall

46 in contact with the space 15.

The priming step is carried out by increasing the pressure of the gas in the space 15 of the tank 3 from the priming pressure and at least up to the reference pressure (up to the reference pressure or beyond the reference pressure); this increase is implemented by opening the chamber 18 in which the device 1 is located so as to introduce gas 17 (for example air) into the space 15 around the tank 3.

This increase provokes an aspiration by the chamber 45 and a thrust of the wall 46 so as to reduce the volume of the reservoir 3.

This facilitates priming.

This has the advantage of being very simple and very quick to implement.

The dispensing valve 5 is lighter than the supply valve

4.

For the same depression (typically at least 0.2 or even 0.3 bar or at least 0.5 bar or at least 0.7 bar or between 0.7 and 0.95 bar, corresponding to the vacuum in the chamber created during the evacuation step or corresponding to the difference between the reference pressure and the "intermediate pressure" or the difference between the reference pressure and the "pressure". priming "):

in the chamber 45 with respect to the outlet 6 or to the space 15 (suction is taken from the chamber 45, preferably during a test in which the dispensing valve 5 is kept, but the valve is removed. 'food 4), and thus likely to leak through the valve 5 of the outlet 6 to the chamber 45, and

- In the orifice 7 or the supply duct relative to the chamber 45 (is sucked from the orifice 7, preferably during a test in which the supply valve 4 is kept but the valve is removed. of distribution

5), and thus capable of creating a leak through the valve 4 of the chamber 45 towards the orifice 7,

the gas leakage (in unit of volume per unit of time) is greater through the supply valve 4 than through the dispensing valve 5, preferably at least twice or even at least 10 times greater, at least for air. Note in passing that this difference in sealing between the valves 4 and 5 is also present in all of the previously described embodiments. The gas leakage through the dispensing valve 5 is preferably even zero.

For the same depression (typically at least 0.2 or even

0.3 bar or at least 0.5 bar or at least 0.7 bar or between 0.7 and 0.95 bar, corresponding to the vacuum in the chamber created during the evacuation step or corresponding to the difference between the reference pressure and the "intermediate pressure" or the difference between the reference pressure and the "priming pressure"):

in the chamber 45 with respect to the outlet 6 or to the space 15 (and thus capable of creating a leak through the valve 5 of the outlet 6 towards the chamber 45) and

in the chamber 45 with respect to the orifice 7 or the supply duct (and thus capable of creating a leak through the valve 4 of the orifice 7 towards the chamber 45),

the gas leakage (in unit of volume per unit of time) is greater through the supply valve 4 than through the dispensing valve 5, preferably at least twice or even at least 10 times greater, at least for air. It should be noted in passing that this difference in sealing between the valves 4 and 5 is also present in all the modes of previously described. The gas leakage through the dispensing valve 5 is preferably even zero.

The leakage rate of the supply valve 4 is greater than 1 cm ³ / minute (typically for air at 20 ° C and the vacuum in the chamber 45 corresponding to the priming pressure, that is, ie at the start of the boot step).

The leak rate (typically for air at 20 ° C) through the wall 13 is zero or almost zero.

The leak rate (typically for air at 20 ° C) through the valve 5 is zero or almost zero.

These zero or almost zero leakage rates of the wall 13 and / or of the valve 5 are measured with a pressure difference (in the chamber 45 and the reservoir 3 with respect to the outlet 6 or the space 15) of 0 , 9 bar for 1 hour having removed the supply valve 4 for measurements, the sum of the chamber 45 and the tank 3 having a total volume of one liter.

The outlet 6 is preferably plugged during the priming step, to prevent any air entering through the outlet 6 to the chamber 45.

It is further noted that the chamber 45 is completely sealed, apart from the valves 4 and / or 5 which can open. In other words, the chamber 45 (apart from the valve 4 and / or 5):

- is bounded only by non-gas permeable walls (i.e. any type of gas, preferably at least air), and

- In the case where the chamber 45 is constituted by an assembly of different walls, all the junctions of these different walls

· Are not permeable to gases (i.e. to any type of gas, preferably at least air), or

• have, for the total of all these junctions, a leakage rate of less than 1 cm ³ / second or even 0.1 cm ³ / second for the depression (typically at least 0.2 or even 0.3 bar or at least 0.5 bar or at least 0.7 bar or between 0.7 and 0.95 bar) corresponding to the vacuum in the chamber created during the vacuum stage or corresponding to the difference between the pressure of reference and the "intermediate pressure" or the difference between the reference pressure and the "priming pressure").

Each junction is for example maintained by clamping (for example between two clamping rings respectively 50 and 51 or 150 and 151) or by welding (for example by ultrasonic welding or overmoulding or bi-injection).

In the present case, there are only two junctions:

- a junction (annular) "down" between the wall 13 and the bottom wall 53 carrying the feed valve 4 and / or the feeding seat, and - a junction (annular) "up" between the wall 13 and the cap

54 carrying the dispensing valve 5 and / or the dispensing seat.

This makes it possible to prevent the entry of air or gas into the device 1 via the outlet 6 during the opening of the chamber 18, and makes it possible to keep the vacuum in the chamber 45 until it is primed. .

The final state is shown in Figure 15 or 16.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 17 to 19, a variant of the previous embodiments of the method according to the invention, combinable with each of the previously described variants.

In these variants, the enclosure (typically 18) in which the vacuum is carried out is provided with a vibrating support 49 on which the device (s) 1 (s) rest.

During the evacuation step, the dispensing valve 5 is opened. Typically, during the evacuation step:

- The dispensing valve 5 and / or the supply valve 4 is subjected to vibrations so as to facilitate the creation of the vacuum in the chamber 45 through the valve 4 and / or 5. This makes it possible to facilitate the passage gas through valve 4 and / or 5, and / or

the valve 5 is opened directly by a mechanical action, for example by pressing on it (for example with a tool 55) as illustrated in FIG. 19, preferably if the distributors 70 according to the invention are placed head 2 at the top as illustrated FIG. 17. During the priming step, or open the feed valve 4. For example:

the depression is used in the pocket 45, and / or

the imitation valve 4 is subjected to vibrations. This makes it possible to facilitate the passage of gas through the valve 4. It is preferable that the valve 5 is more sealed than the valve 4.

In these variants, the enclosure (typically 18) in which the vacuum is placed is located along a conveyor and bordered by two removable doors 47 and 48.

If the distributors 80 according to the invention have the head 2 downwards in the enclosure (the disengagement valve 5 towards the ground) as shown in FIG 17 vibration is not necessary, the depression creates in the enclosure will create a depression all the greater in the chamber 45 q ue the reservoir 3 is flexible, and can be deformed. This depression will suck the air into the pocket 45, at atmospheric pressure, the product near the valve 4 will enter the chamber 45.

Referring to Fig ure 19, the priming operation can be done outside the chamber 18 at atmospheric pressure with a suction head 66 provided with a tool 55, however during removal of the head 66, the valve 5 must be closed, so the tool 55 no longer acts on the valve 5 during the withdrawal and even a little before the removal of the head 66.

Of course, the various features, shapes, variants and embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other according to various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. In particular all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

It should be noted that in all the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 18, the dispensing valve 5 is arranged to move from its closed position to its open position when:

a flow of fluid is created from the chamber 45 to the outlet 6 or to the space 15 (for example by sucking from the space 15), and / or a depression is created in the outlet 6 or in the space 15 with respect to the inside of the chamber 45.

This facilitates the creation of the depression in the pocket 45. The case of Figure 19 is another opposite variant.

It will be noted that in all the embodiments of FIGS.

18, the dispensing valve 5 is arranged to remain in its closed position when:

a flow of fluid is created from the outlet 6 or from the space 15 towards the chamber 45, and / or

a depression is created in chamber 45 with respect to the outlet

6 or in space 15.

This prevents air from entering the chamber 45 through the outlet 6 during priming.

The case of Figure 19 is another opposite variant.

It will be noted that in all the embodiments of FIGS.

19, the feed valve 4 is arranged to move from its closed position to its open position when:

a flow of fluid is created from the orifice 7 or the supply duct towards the chamber 45, and / or

a depression is created in the chamber 45 with respect to the orifice

7 or the supply line.

This facilitates priming.

Claims

A method of manufacturing a product dispensing device (1), comprising:

a vacuum-evacuation step in which a depression is created in a deformable chamber with respect to a reference pressure

a filling step in which a tank is filled with product,

a supply of a device (1) comprising the reservoir (3), said reservoir being connected to the deformable chamber (45) and being provided with a filling opening (8), the inside of the deformable chamber being delimited at least in part by a movable wall (13) whose displacement causes a variation of the volume of the deformable chamber and:

o being separated from the tank at least by a supply valve (4), and / or

o being separated from an outlet (6) of the device at least by a dispensing valve (5), then

the steps of evacuation, filling and supply being implemented so that in a so-called "intermediate" state of the device the reservoir is filled with product while the inside of the deformable chamber is at an intermediate pressure lower than the pressure reference,

a closing step in which the filling opening is closed.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

the vacuuming step

the filling step,

then:

- An assembly of the deformable chamber and the reservoir so as to form the device and implement the step of providing the device.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the closing step is performed during assembly of the deformable chamber and the reservoir.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

- provision of the device

then, whatever the order of the following steps:

the vacuuming step

the filling step,

- the closing step.

Process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises, after the closing step, a priming step during which product is brought from the reservoir to the interior of the deformable chamber.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the priming step and / or the evacuation step is implemented:

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the priming step comprises an increase in pressure around the reservoir to the reference pressure.

8. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the priming step starts while the inside of the deformable chamber is at a priming pressure lower than the reference pressure.

9. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the outlet is plugged during the priming step.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply valve (4) has a leakage rate greater than 1 cm ³ / minute.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leakage rate through the movable wall (13) is zero and the leakage rate through the dispensing valve (5) is zero.

12. A system for manufacturing a product dispensing device, comprising:

vacuum means (26) arranged to create a depression in a deformable chamber with respect to a reference pressure

means for providing a device comprising a reservoir, said reservoir being connected to the deformable chamber and being provided with a filling opening, the inside of the deformable chamber being defined at least in part by a movable wall, a displacement of which causes a variation of the volume of the deformable chamber and:

o being separated from the tank at least by a supply valve, and / or

the means of evacuation and supply being arranged so that in a so-called "intermediate" state of the device the reservoir is filled with product while the inside of the deformable chamber is at an intermediate pressure lower than the reference pressure,

closure means (12, 14) arranged to close the filling opening.