KR980009106A - Liquid dispenser device capable of controlling liquid discharge flow - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid dispenser device formed of a flexible plastic plate connected along its edge to have a liquid storage portion and a meandering discharge tube. The serpentine discharge tube has the function of a liquid flow valve or flow control valve suitable for controlling the flow of liquid from the device to any region of liquid having a different viscosity. The meandering discharge tube includes an inlet portion which is opened or widened relative to the discharge passage so that the liquid in the device is easily accessible to the discharge passage so that the discharge tube is closed to prevent liquid flow. In the present invention, the discharge portion of the discharge passage is divided into several independent liquid discharge passages.

Description

Liquid dispenser device capable of controlling liquid discharge flow

The present invention relates to a flexible fluid dispenser device, in particular it relates to an outflow passage for controlling the flow analogy of the liquid discharged from the device.

Flexible or flexible plastic liquid devices are widely used for dispensing various types of fluids, including foodstuffs such as ketchup, mustard, and various forms of foodstuffs, including dairy products, and liquid soaps. Many of the advantages of the dispenser device made of flexible plastic are that it is easy to make and empty containers are available for recycling. The benefits of this type of flexible dispenser are numerous and include a wide range of applications such as beverages, food, medicine, automotive oils, greases, car waxes and polishes, building materials and daily necessities such as creams, toothpastes and gels.

A disadvantage of the flexible plastic bag or dispenser device is that once the device is unsealed, they can not be temporarily sealed again. Once the bag is opened, it is easy to squeeze from the bag. Other problems relate to the spatial accuracy associated with discharging the fluid content of the device. In addition, controlling the liquid discharge rate is a big problem. Attempts have been made several times to make a liquid dispenser container that is easy to dispense and accurate.

For example, U.S. Patent 4,491,245 discloses a liquid dispenser container in the form of a bag with a snout in a bent shape.

The container outlet pipe of the device extends away from the container main body and is directed back toward the main body and out of the container. The arrangement of the outlets allows the liquid to be dispensed only when the user squeezes the main body or otherwise applies mechanical pressure to the device. When the pressure is released, the liquid content will not flow through the bag. The patent is a liquid dispenser container in which the discharge portion of the tube faces the edge of a container or bag that is tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the device body. In this arrangement, the edges of the container are used to define the liquid storage direction and the dispensing of the liquid can be more accurately directed than dispensing the liquid from the container. The drawback of this type of outlet is that it provides a flexible liquid sack that reduces leaks when stopping pressure on the sack, while there is no control of the liquid discharge rate during liquid exiting.

U.S. Patent No. 5,018,646 shows an improved flexible liquid dispensing container with a bent-shaped tube. The improvement introduced in this patent is a recess defined in at least one of the ends of the container along the longitudinal axis. When the container is squeezed, the liquid flow action is maintained between the bent tube or outlet channel and the chamber adjacent to the outlet channel .

The main drawbacks of this bent drain can be that the outlet passage can be clogged and more pressure applied to overcome the obstruction that tightly seals the outlet. Also, there is no known method of controlling the liquid discharge rate from a bag or container, or a method of structuring the outlet passageway to provide a dispenser outlet suitable for dispensing a particular viscosity of liquid. Since each liquid has different viscosity and slippery properties, it is advantageous to be able to provide complete control over the liquid distribution if it is possible to provide a flow path structure suitable for controlling the liquid discharge rate.

It is advantageous to provide a discharge tube that allows an appropriate liquid to scale ratio so that the liquid in the bag can be controlled and dispensed according to viscosity and use, and it avoids the problems of spillage that can clog during use. By varying the shape and size of the different parts of the bent outlet, the inventors of the present invention are able to control the discharge rate of the liquid and to discharge the product more efficiently and conveniently.

1 is a front view of a known liquid dispenser device having a twisty outlet.

Figure 1b is an exploded front view of another known embodiment with a serpentine outlet.

Figure 2 is a front view of a liquid dispenser device according to the present invention;

Figures 3a-3c are diagrams of flexible dispenser devices having different types of inflows from a liquid reservoir to a serpentine outlet.

4a to 4c are front views of a series of tubes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5a to 5d are front views of a series of tubes according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a liquid dispenser apparatus according to the present invention having tapered discharge passages. FIG.

7 is a front view of a liquid dispenser device for dispensing as an eye drop.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a liquid dispenser apparatus according to the invention for discharging a small quantity (2-5 ml) at one time.

Figure 9 is a front view of another disassembled embodiment of a flexible device having a serpentine tube that is divided into several discharge passages.

10 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a liquid dispenser device having a double serpentine outlet assembled into one discharge passageway.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

10, 30, 100, 160, 180: liquid dispenser device 12, 32, 40, 102, 142, 182:

14, 16, 34, 64, 70, 78, 84, 144: bent tube 20:

38, 148, 162: inlet port 42: back pressure channel

44,73: Turbo channel 46: Exit channel

50, 52, 54, 104: tube outlet 68, 74, 80, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 192:

1a and 1b, a known flexible liquid dispenser device 10 includes a storage container portion 12 and a serpentine tube 14 (FIG. 1a), 16 (FIG. 16). The device is formed of two sheets of soluble plastic plate sealed to form the two portions (12 and 14, 16).

In Figure 1a, the tube 14 includes a first channel extending straight away from the storage portion 12, a second channel extending toward the storage portion, a third channel extending straightly toward the outer edge of the device away from the storage portion, In the form of a twist. In Figure 1b the embodiment shows a first channel portion 20 of a serpentine tube 16 that is slightly oblique in the longitudinal direction of the device.

2, there is shown a flexible device 30 comprising a pair of flexible plastic plates sealed along an interior solid line to shape the storage portion 32 and the winding outlet 34 . For purposes of illustration, the curved discharge port 34 is divided into several zones by tangential lines.

These zones include an inlet 38, a storing portion 40, a back pressure channel 42, a turbo channel 44 and an outlet channel 46. A predefined engraved table 36 allows the end 38 to be removed from the device to open the outlet channel 46 for dispensing liquid from the device 30. [ The bent tubes described herein include various channel shapes, widths, lengths and inversions. In the channel structure, these variations give the preferred liquid flow and discharge characteristics suitable for application. The various bent channel portions are illustrated by the examples of various unconstrained bent outlets.

The inlet 38 from the reservoir portion 32 is a first portion of the curved discharge tube 34 and is a starting point for establishing the hydrodynamic flow characteristics of the liquid discharge from the device 30. [ Under the typical operating conditions of a flexible device, such as shown at 10 in Figures 1a and 1b, with a limited width of the passage channel portion at the outlets 14 and 16, Can be clogged. With this type of bent outlet and limited inflow portion, if they are sealed when squeezed in the device, application of a higher pressure to overcome the clogging actually results in the opposite effect, i.e. the outlet tube is folded It is tightly sealed by wrinkles.

The inventors have found that it is advantageous to have an enlarged passageway which gradually diminishes downwards to reduce the blocking of liquid flow out of the device. This type of enlarged passage advantageously increases the ability of the entire bent tube to allow liquid to flow therethrough with less pounds per square inch applied by the user to the reservoir 32 of the device compared to the device lacking this characteristic . The tapered inlet 38 is possible to use the device 30 for very viscous liquids by allowing them to approach the remaining channels 34 without closing the inlet. Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate another embodiment of the enlarged inlet 38 between the liquid container portion 32 and the curved outlet tube 34. The enlargement shown in FIG. 3a is suitable for liquids with very high viscosities, while FIG. 3b shows suitable enlargements for liquids with low viscosities. Element 38 is an important part of facilitating liquid flow and discharge during use. To begin the flow of product as the device is being squeezed, the element 38 should be readily opened to withstand the pressure sufficient to overcome the narrower downstream passageway filled with product.

The bent portion 40 of the outlet tube serves as an intermediate reservoir and a measuring portion, which determines the amount of metered liquid that can be dispensed by the user applying hydraulic pressure in the form of a short burst. Thus, the size of the suitable element 40 is determined depending on the amount of liquid that is dispensed so that the amount of the appropriate liquid can be dispensed during use. Because of the need to use a curved outlet for liquids with varying viscosities, the inventors have found that greater control is required for the design of the curved outlet element 42. The forward hydraulic pressure generated in the element 42 when the user applies pressure to the container portion 32 of the apparatus should be sufficient to overcome the backpressure to affect product flow and acceleration to the outlet passage portions 44 and 46. [ It has been found that the inverse angle α ₁ has a significant effect on the flow characteristics of the bent tube. Depending on the viscosity of the liquid in the device 30, this angle partly determines how much pressure should be applied to the device for dispensing the liquid there.

The type of material dispensed in the apparatus 30 will partly determine the preferred inverse angle alpha ₁ of the outlet passage. It has been found that the back pressure induced in the portion 42 of the outlet passage is insufficient to prevent it from leaking when the pressure generated in the device is released, especially when the angle? ₁ exceeds 90 ^° . We found that α ₁ should be maintained in the region of approximately 180 ⁰ to 90 ⁰ to induce sufficient back pressure to prevent leaking. Increasing the width of the channel portion 42 affects the channel pressure in the downstream portion 44 to be reduced. Thus, the combination of the angles? ₁ , the width of the element 42 and the degree of tapering in this region allows important control beyond the backpressure used in the outlet passage.

The portion 44 of the curved passageway is referred to as a turbo channel and is adapted to allow fluid to flow from the outlet 38 to the outlet 46 in accordance with the fluid pressure at the elements 38, 40 and 42 to determine the hydraulic pressure and acceleration of the liquid entering the element 46 as the device is pressurized. The degree of bending and tapering of this minor part of the area is partially helpful. Conversely, as described herein, when the pressure is relieved, a channel stops the flow of liquid from the bent exit tube to the storage chamber 32 to prevent the liquid from flowing backwards and prevents the element 46 from leaking, A braking action is shown to prevent the liquid from flowing in. This curved drain tube element 44 provides channel locking. In addition to the tapering of the element 44, the inverse angle [alpha] ₂ plays an important role here. In summary, the turbo channel portion 44 is a bridge between the pressure reservoir 42 and the outlet channel 46. Depending on the taper of the turbo portion and the angle [alpha] ₂ , the acceleration and fluid pressure towards the outlet channel 46 can be controlled.

Although the function of the turbo channel region 44 is strongly influenced by the channel width and the second inverse angle [alpha] ₂ , the inventor has found that the variation in the width of the channel portion 44 has a greater effect than the inverse angle did. A more limited channel width creates a larger turbo-channel pressure that is guided in the channel portion (46).

The inventor controls the release aspect of the liquid discharged from the dispenser device by the bent discharge passage element 46. Element 46 is preferably designed to prevent uncontrolled spillage of liquid and to impart a desired release rate from the device. And the device relies on a number of factors, including extrinsic factors such as the pressure applied to the liquid being ejected and liquid intrinsic properties such as viscosity. Thus, the inventor can design the outlet portion 46 to help control the flow properties of the discharged liquid by increasing or decreasing the rate at which the product is discharged.

In FIG. 3a, the storage portion of the device includes a pair of opposed serrated depressions extending into the interior of the device. When squeezed in the device, these pinch points help stabilize the liquid-filled device and work with an enlargement 38 that helps smooth flow through the enlarged inlet oven 38.

The inlets with improved bent tubes constituting the present invention will be more readily appreciated as the following examples.

4c to 4c are front views of a series of bent discharge tubes constructed in accordance with the present invention. 4a to 4c show a series of curved discharge tubes 50, 52 and 54, respectively. In Figure 4a, the tube 50 is suitable for dispensing fluids of low viscosity, such as low viscosity fluids such as water, tea, alcohol, salt solutions. Because the outlet passage 56 is tapered or tapered toward the outlet of the passage and the tapered passage provides a faster discharge rate at a higher pressure than the tube having the straight discharge passage in the third portion of the curved outlet, The discharge pipe is very advantageous.

In FIG. 4b, snout portion 52 is characterized by a discharge tube or discharge passage 58 which tapers or widens toward the discharge port, which discharge passage is used for spout 50 where the discharge of the discharged product is desired It is more advantageous to discharge a liquid having a larger viscosity. Spout 52 may be used with a source, cooking oil, oily lubricant, and the like.

In FIG. 4c, (54) during the week is suitable for use with fluids having a high viscosity to medium viscosity, including soaps, cleansing gels, grasses, shampoos, and creams.

In Figure 5a, the centerpiece 64 has a discharge passageway 68 that is narrower than the passageway portion 66, which passage is not as inferior as that obtainable with the spout 50 of Figure 4a, although a larger discharge rate is preferred It can be used with low viscosity drugs such as eyedrops, rubbing compounds, and coughs.

5b shows a spout 70 that includes an intermediate passage portion 72 that tapers or narrows toward the discharge passage 74. The snout outlet 70 shown in FIG. 5b provides a bowl-shaped passageway portion 72 that provides a greater amount of liquid than the other snout that is useful when a larger dose is provided when the container is being squeezed, Proportional storage. The tapering or narrowing of the channel 72 from the first passageway portion towards the third passage portion slows fluid movement as fluid enters the turbo or elbow portion 73. The fluid is then discharged more slowly by the outwardly open outlet passage portion 74. Spout 70 is preferred for dispensing fluids of medium viscosity at low and low viscosity such as fruit juices, beer, and alcoholic beverages.

Figure 5c shows a tube 78 suitable for dispensing liquids of medium and high viscosity, such as ketchup, mustard, household detergent, shower gel, fabric softener.

FIG. 5d shows a snout 84 suitable for dispensing very viscous liquids such as automotive oil, grease, polish and wax. Spouts 78 and 80 and outlet passages 80 and 86, respectively, for dispensing a liquid having a higher viscosity compared to the other spout are used to dispense fluids having lower viscosities, such as in FIGS. 3a and 4a The snout is shorter and wider than the outlet. Also, the second inverse angle [alpha] ₂ is smaller than other spouts. The more angled bent outlets of Figures 4a to 4d are more advantageous for discharging liquids having a viscosity greater than the more rounded spout of Figure 3c in Figure 3a. The inverse angles (alpha ₁ and alpha ₂ ) in snout 64, 70, 78 and 84 may be less than the corresponding opposite angles in snout 50, 52 and 54. [ Because once the pressure is released from the device, the tubes used to dispense fluid to a lesser extent require a larger reverse angle.

When comparing the spout shapes of FIGS. 4 and 5, the spout of FIGS. 4a to 4c is more rounded than the spout of FIG. 5a to 5d, which is more distorted by the bent path structure. Fluid flow through angled bent outlets requires less pressure than flow through the round outlets for liquids of the same viscosity. That is, the bent tube of FIGS. 4a to 4c gives greater resistance to the flow of liquid through it than the bent tube of FIG. 5d to FIG. 5d. This structural difference is useful for designing pipes that require metered dispensing of liquids.

In FIG. 6, a device with a curved outlet 104 having a series of predetermined parallel lines (106 to 114) is shown at 100. This storage device can be opened up to any line so opening the device along the fresh line 114 gives the slowest rate of discharge while opening the device along the new line 106 reduces the fastest discharge rate for liquids with low viscosity .

In FIG. 7, a device 140 is shown that includes a liquid storage portion 142 and a curved snout discharge portion 144. The curved tube 144 includes a first flow path 146 extending away from the bottom of the inlet 148 and a second flow path 150 through which the fluid flows backwardly at 180 ⁰ relative to the flow direction of the region 146 Branch includes an S-shaped discharge passage. The curved discharge port is bent or rotated back 180 ⁰ to the third flow channel 152 leaking from the channel 150. This type of bent outlet is preferred to drop the liquid one drop into the eye as an eye drop. Resistance to the flow provided by the rounded shape of the flow path in accordance with two 180 ⁰ rotations allows the discharge of liquid from the device to be distributed one by one.

In FIG. 8, shown at 160 is another embodiment of a liquid storage device according to the present invention for discharging a small amount of 2 to 5 milliliters at a time of discharge, depending on the size of the discharge chamber 158. The device 160 has an expanded inlet 162 connected to the first passage 164 that reversely rotates in the storage portion 158 and a tapered and narrow outlet passage 170 And a tapered third passage 168, The device 160 can dispense fluids such as oil and cream by squeezing the operator with both hands.

9, another embodiment with a bent tube includes a passage 166 which is similar to that of FIG. 8 but which is divided into a plurality of parallel discharge passages 172, 174, 176 and 178.

In Figure 10, the flexible liquid dispenser device 180 includes a liquid reservoir 182 and a T-shaped junction 184 in which the underside of the reservoir portion is divided into two paths 186 and 188. The two paths are merged into a tapered channel section 190 and the channel section causes the liquid to increase the hydraulic pressure as it flows into the discharge passage 192. The dual channels 186 and 188 in the device provide a structure in which high discharge pressure is induced. This is particularly convenient when the apparatus of the present invention is used with a grease injector for discharging the grease into the assembly for a very strong drain of the grease that penetrates into the assembly.

Although a flexible dispenser with a liquid flow control tube constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in the embodiments shown herein, many modifications may be made to the dispenser device within the scope of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser device having a curved outflow passage which serves as a liquid flow valve or flow control valve suitable for controlling when discharging liquids of different viscosities and properties from a bag.

The present invention provides an improved bent outflow passage having an inlet that is tapered or widened so that the liquid in the bag is easily accessible to the outflow passage. The passageway is the point at which the volume demand of the pipe related to the downstream fluid flow is determined and the hydraulic action is initiated.

The present invention consists of plates lying on top of a flexible liquid impermeable material connected to the dense portion of the liquid around the periphery, defining a liquid reservoir portion and an outlet portion connected thereto and terminating at the outflow end A flexible liquid dispenser device is provided. The discharge tube includes an inlet portion between the storage portion and the curved flow path. The flow path includes a first channel extending from the storage portion in a first direction to the inlet portion, a second channel facing inversely to the first channel portion, and a third channel portion terminating at the discharge end and reversely facing the second portion . The yu portion is enlarged with respect to the first channel portion and tapers from the storage portion toward the first channel portion. The bag includes a tear tab device that traverses the discharge tube at the end of the discharge passage through which the pressure can be applied to the plate in the storage portion and the dispensing can open the tube through the discharge tube to the liquid in the storage portion.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a soluble liquid dispenser includes a bag of flexible liquid impermeable material ending at an outflow end that lies within an outer perimeter portion with an outer perimeter portion, a liquid reservoir portion, an outlet conduit connected to the reservoir portion. The discharge tube includes an inlet portion between the storage portion and the flow path of the bent structure. The discharge tube includes an inlet portion between the storage portion and the flow path of the bent structure. The flow path includes a first channel portion extending away from the storage portion and extending from the first direction to the inlet portion, a second channel portion extending obliquely to the first channel portion, a second channel portion extending away from the storage portion, And a third channel. The inlet portion is enlarged with respect to the first flow channel portion and tapers away from the storage portion toward the first channel portion. The tear tap can apply pressure to the contents within the storage portion through the outlet tube across the tube portion at the outlet end to open the tube.

Claims (11)

A bag of soluble liquid impermeable material having an outlet tube and a liquid storage portion, an outer circumferential portion, connected to the storage portion and terminating at an outlet end located within an outer circumferential portion of the bag; A first channel extending from the inlet portion in a first direction away from the storage portion, a second channel portion extending obliquely with respect to the first channel portion, a second channel portion extending obliquely to the first channel portion, A third channel portion extending oblique relative to the second portion and connected to the outlet end, an inlet portion that is widened relative to the first flow channel portion and tapers away from the storage portion toward the first channel portion; And a tear-tab across the tube at the outlet end that is capable of opening the spout so that the pressure exerted within the reservoir portion through the outlet tube affects the liquid in the storage portion. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 1, characterized by a third channel tapering inward toward the outlet end. 2. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the flexible liquid dispenser tapers outwardly toward the outlet end providing a third channel portion that is open. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 1, characterized by a third channel portion that is narrower than the first and second channel portions. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 1, characterized by a second channel portion tapering inwardly from the first channel portion toward the third channel portion. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 2, characterized by a plurality of tear lines extending laterally toward the plates of the third channel portion. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 1, characterized by a second channel portion facing upside down with respect to the first channel portion at approximately 180 占 폚 and a third channel portion facing upside down by 180 占 폚 relative to the second channel portion. A laminated plate of flexible liquid impermeable material having a density of liquid around the periphery and defined between the liquid reservoir and the discharge line connected to the reservoir and ending at the outlet end within the outer perimeter of the connected plates, between the reservoir portion and the curved flow path A flow path including a first channel portion leaning away from the storage portion and leaning away from the inlet portion in a first direction, a third channel facing the second portion and ending at the outlet end, An enlarged inlet tapered from the storage portion toward the first flow channel portion; A third flow channel dividing into a plurality of elongated discharge portions; And a tear tap that traverses the tube at the outlet end that is capable of opening the spout so that the pressure exerted within the reservoir portion through the outlet tube affects the liquid in the storage portion. A plate lying on the flexible liquid impermeable material, the liquid being dense at the periphery and defined between the liquid storage portion and the outlet portion connected to the storage portion and ending at the outlet end in the outer periphery of the connected plate bodies; A pair of spaced apart inflow ports formed between the curved flow paths connected to the storage portion, respective coupled bent flow paths provided with a first channel portion extending from the storage portion in the first direction to the inflow portion, A third channel portion that is opposite to the second portion and terminates at the outlet end, a second channel portion extending toward the first channel portion and tapering from the storage portion toward the first channel portion, And a third channel portion having two inflatable paths merging with the common channel portion ending at the outlet end. 11. The flexible liquid dispenser of claim 10, further comprising the common channel portion including a tapered channel portion remote from the outlet end. 12. The dispenser of claim 11, further comprising spaced inlets formed adjacent the outlet by blocking the liquid impermeable member forming the flow disturbance. ※ Note: It is disclosed by the contents of the first application.