WO2014053711A1

WO2014053711A1 - System for fixing a dosing pump to a support, assembly and corresponding manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: WO2014053711A1
Application number: PCT/FR2012/052253
Authority: WO
Inventors: André Marc SARWA
Original assignee: Spc Engineering
Priority date: 2012-10-04
Filing date: 2012-10-04
Publication date: 2014-04-10
Also published as: HK1213965A1; CN104956079B; CN104956079A

Abstract

The invention concerns a fixing system designed to mechanically connect a dosing pump to a support, said system comprising a lateral stop (9) designed to be mounted on the support and having an inner face (9A) and an outer face (9B), said system comprising a first hinge member (14) installed on said lateral stop (9), said system including an elastic fastener that comprises a flexible tab and a second hinge member designed to be able to engage with said first hinge member (14) such that said flexible tab is mounted rotatably on said lateral stop (9), between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Description

SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING A DOSING PUMP TO A SUPPORT, ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general technical field of filling containers with a predetermined quantity of a fluid substance (such as a liquid pharmaceutical substance) assayed by means of a metering pump, such as for example a positive displacement pump. seal.

The present invention more particularly relates to a fastening system designed to mechanically connect a metering pump to a support. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fastening system designed to mechanically connect a metering pump to a support. The present invention finally relates to an assembly consisting of:

a metering pump comprising at least one piston working in an axial direction;

- a support ;

- and a fastening system designed to mechanically connect the dosing pump to the support.

PRIOR ART

It is known to use, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, volumetric type dosing pumps for filling containers (for example syringe bodies or bottles) with a fluid substance (for example a liquid medicine) in a quantity precise predetermined. Such a metering pump conventionally comprises a metal cylinder in which is slidably mounted a piston also metallic. The piston is mounted in the cylinder with an extremely precise adjustment which makes it possible to obtain a liquid tightness between the cylinder and the piston only by contact with the metal in which the piston is made. with the metal in which the cylinder is made, without the need to interpose an additional seal of the elastomeric seal type. These volumetric pumps are therefore conventionally designated by the term "pump without seal".

Such a seamless pump is intended to be mounted on a support comprising firstly a fixed frame which is intended to be fixed the cylinder of the pump and secondly a movable driver relative to the frame and which is intended to be fixed the piston. Since the pump does not have a gasket, it is essential that the mounting of the pump on its support does not introduce any torque or misalignment which could lead in the more or less long term to a deterioration of the pump (seizure, tightening, leakage, etc.). It is therefore imperative that the fixing of the pump on the support does not allow any axial play in the range of effort that is supposed to undergo the pump in operation.

To this end, it is known to use, both for attaching the cylinder to the frame and for attaching the piston to the driver, to a threaded rod system which cooperates with corresponding orifices provided at the free ends of the cylinder and the piston as well as on the frame and the coach. The use of threaded rods, however, is not an optimal solution, insofar as the threaded rods are likely to be lost, and where the presence of a thread introduces cleaning difficulties particularly unwelcome in the pharmaceutical sector. According to a more elaborate technical solution, it is known to use a ball joint system which, if it gives overall satisfaction, also proves to be difficult to clean.

In order to remedy the various disadvantages set out in the foregoing, the Applicant has developed a completely original alternative fastening system based on the implementation of an elastic fastener. More specifically, the alternative fastening system in question comprises:

- A cylindrical platen integral with the support, said cylindrical platen extending longitudinally in an axial direction and terminating in a free end having a planar discoidal end face substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; on this discoidal end face are mounted on the one hand a cylindrical rod disposed towards the periphery of said end face and extending perpendicularly from the latter, and on the other hand a curved cheek, also extending perpendicularly from said discoidal end face; said cheek itself has an outer face positioned opposite said rod, at a distance from the latter, and an opposite inner face from which extends, perpendicularly to said inner face, a cylindrical pin;

- A cylindrical tip pierced with a hole, equipping the pump at one of its ends, said cylindrical end being intended to abut against the inner face of the cheek so that said cylindrical pin enters the orifice;

and a hook-shaped flexible tab extending between a first end, bent on itself so as to surround said rod which thus acts as a pivot for the tab, and a second end intended to be folded over the endpiece cylindrical pump to press the latter against the cheek and thus ensure the maintenance of the pump relative to the support.

Such a system is particularly advantageous, insofar as it allows a fixing of the pump without axial play, is easily cleaned and allows a quick and easy assembly / disassembly of the pump relative to the support, minimizing the risk of loss of room.

This system has no less disadvantages, especially in terms of manufacturing and cost. Indeed, the cylindrical plate, its discoid end face and the cheek from the latter are manufactured, by turning and machining, from a single piece of metal, formed in this case by a cylindrical bar of stainless steel. But the presence of the rod, which is at a distance from the cheek, requires to implement a cylindrical bar of relatively large section, so that the final piece obtained, after turning and machining, proves to be relatively bulky and heavy .

In addition, this design is found to suffer from a lack of robustness, especially at the junction, made by welding between the rod and the end face. This welded junction constitutes a point of weakness, which is all the more troublesome that it is subjected in use to significant mechanical stresses produced in particular by the flexible tab. In addition, it is practically impossible to obtain the result of the welding operation of said rod on the end face, a correct positioning of said rod, that is to say a positioning perfectly perpendicular to the end face. It is therefore necessary to carry out recovery operations, generally consisting in straightening the rod in question, which proves to be relatively tedious, non-automatable, and likely to weaken the junction weld between the rod and the end face.

Moreover, this design makes it difficult to produce the rod / end face junction weld and the final polishing operations, which are essential for health safety in a pharmaceutical environment.

Finally, this design of the prior art requires, because of its size in particular, a dimensional adaptation of the fastening system for some filling machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the disadvantages set out above and to propose a new system for fixing a dosing pump to a support which, while allowing a quick and easy assembly / disassembly of the pump relatively The support and easy cleaning is particularly robust, compact, easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and has a universal character enabling it to adapt to any known dosing machine on the market.

Another object of the invention of the invention is to propose a new system for fixing a dosing pump to a support whose manufacture is fast and easily automated.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new system for attaching a dosing pump to a support which, while making it possible to limit the presence of inadvertent mounting sets which may adversely affect the metering accuracy of the pump, preserves the integrity of the latter by avoiding any marking or deformation thereof. Another object of the invention is to propose a new system for fixing a dosing pump to a support whose design allows a self-alignment of the pump relative to the support.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new system for fixing a dosing pump to a support whose construction is based on the assembly of a small number of independent parts, the latter being particularly simple and good walk.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new method for manufacturing a system for fixing a dosing pump to a support, which is particularly simple, quick and inexpensive to implement, while being easily automated. and industrializable.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a system for fixing a dosing pump to a support, which is particularly suitable for the implementation of assembly operations by welding and to the implementation of polishing operations using industrial tools.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new method for manufacturing a system for fixing a dosing pump to a support, which makes it possible to lower the cost of production of said system while improving the robustness and reliability of the last.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the description below, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, given purely by way of illustration and not imitation, among which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a subassembly constituted by a "three-piece" metering pump and two fixing systems according to the invention, namely a lower system and a higher system, for mechanically connecting said a pump to a support, said systems being represented while the pump is not not mechanically connected to the support, the flexible tab of the lower and upper fastening systems being in the unlocking position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the subassembly of FIG. 1, this time with the pump attached to the support via the lower and upper attachment systems, the flexible tab of which is in the locking position.

- Figure 3 illustrates, in a perspective view, a detail of the embodiment of the upper fastening system implemented in the subset of Figures 1 and 2.

- Figure 4 illustrates, in a perspective view, a flexible tab implemented in the lower and upper fastening systems illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

- Figure 5 illustrates, in a view from above, an embodiment of the upper fastening system shown in Figures 1 and 2, with its flexible tab in the locking position.

- Figure 6 is identical to Figure 5 except that the flexible tab is in the unlocked position.

FIG. 7 is a sagittal sectional view of the detail of FIG. 3.

- Figure 8 is a top view of the flexible tab shown in Figure 4.

BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a fastening system designed to mechanically connect a metering pump 1 to a support (not shown in the figures). The metering pump 1 may be constituted by any device capable of filling a container with a predetermined quantity (that is to say a dose) of a fluid substance (for example liquid, pulverulent or pasty) . Preferably, the metering pump 1 in question is designed to measure liquids, advantageously constituted by pharmaceutical products intended to be ingested or injected into the body of a patient. The metering pump 1 is therefore advantageously constituted by a pharmaceutical type dosing pump. As illustrated in the figures, the dosing pump 1 has a substantially elongate shape, and extends longitudinally in an axial direction XX \ advantageously corresponding to the vertical direction, when it is mechanically connected to said support. As is well known in the art, the metering pump 1 advantageously comprises at least one piston 3 working longitudinally, that is to say in the axial direction X-X '. Advantageously, the metering pump 1 further comprises a cylinder 4 in which said piston 3 slides. Preferably, the piston 3 is mounted with a precise adjustment in the cylinder 4, so that the clearance between the piston 3 and the cylinder 4 is low enough to allow a liquid seal between the piston 3 and the cylinder 4 without having to resort to an additional seal. The metering pump 1 is therefore advantageously a seamless pump. To this end, the piston 3 and the cylinder 4 are both made of a metallic material and made with manufacturing tolerances that allow to obtain a seal by simple metal / metal contact, without the use of an elastomer seal or other.

The support 2 preferably comprises a frame fixed in position and at least one movable driver relative to said frame, to impart a relative movement of the cylinder 4 and the piston 3. The mechanical connection of the metering pump 1 to the support and thus advantageously involves connecting the cylinder 4 to the frame on the one hand and the piston 3 to the coach on the other hand, so that said driver controls the displacement of the piston 3 relative to the cylinder 4. Of course, it is also possible to connect the piston 3 to the frame and the cylinder 4 to the coach. The embodiment illustrated in the figures implements two fastening systems according to the invention, namely an upper fastening system 5 for securing the piston 3 to the driver and a lower fastening system 6 for securing the cylinder 4 to the frame . In the simplest case, the metering pump 1 comprises a single cylinder 4 and a single piston 3 which slides in the cylinder 4, the piston 3 being connected to the driver (which moves in a variable movement). and-in rectilinear translation along the axis X-X ') of the support while the cylinder 4 is connected to the frame of the support. In a more elaborate variant, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the metering pump 1 is advantageously constituted by a distributor piston pump. Distributor piston pumps, well known as such, use a cylinder in which a piston with a groove forming a metering chamber slides, said piston being subjected not only to a back and forth movement in rectilinear translation, but also to a movement of rotating on itself to alternately position the groove in front of a first and a second output. The dispenser piston pump illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 thus comprises a cylinder 4, a piston 3 provided with a surface groove, said piston 3 being subjected to a double axial sliding movement in the direction XX 'and of rotation on it. same around the axis XX 'in order to put said groove alternately opposite a first dispensing orifice 7 and a second dispensing orifice 8 formed through the wall of the cylinder 4. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. , the support therefore advantageously comprises a fixed frame which is secured to the cylinder 4 by means of the lower fastening system 6, and a movable driver both in rotation and in translation along the axis X-X ', which is intended the piston 3 is secured by means of the upper fastening system 5. Thus, as illustrated in the figures, several examples (in this case two in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2) of a system In accordance with the invention, they can be used to implement all the mechanical connections required between the metering pump 1 and the support.

However, it is entirely possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, a single fastening system according to the invention is implemented (for example to ensure the mechanical coupling of the piston 3 and the support trainer) and that other fastening systems, which do not correspond to the subject of the invention (for example screw systems), are used to ensure the mechanical coupling of the cylinder 4 to the frame for example.

As illustrated in the figures, the fastening system according to the invention comprises a lateral stop 9 designed to be mounted on the support, so as to be advantageously secured to said support. For this purpose, the lateral stop 9 is advantageously secured to a mechanical connection element 10 intended to cooperate, directly or indirectly, with the support, for attaching said lateral stop 9 to said support. For example, in the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mechanical connection element 10 comprises a connection piece 11 of substantially cylindrical shape, which extends longitudinally along the axis XX, said connection piece 11 being transversely pierced. (ie in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction XX) through a connection port 11 A. The mechanical connection element 10 is designed to be attached either to a complementary connection member which is provided with the support, or to an intermediate connection device for connecting the lateral stop 9 to the support. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, each lateral stop 9 of each fastening system 5, 6 is intended to be attached to the support by means of a universal joint, in order to ensure an isostatic connection of the pump 1 to the support. In this case, the connection element 10 of the upper fastening system 5 is connected to a first fork of a first universal joint by means of a pin passing through the connection port 11A, while the second fork of said first universal joint is secured to the support, and more specifically the coach of the latter. In the same way, the connection element 10 of the lower fastening system 6 is connected to a first fork of a second universal joint, via a pin passing through the orifice 11A, while the second fork of said second universal joint is attached to the support, and more specifically to the frame in this case. Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the example described above, and it is quite conceivable that the lateral stop 9 is connected directly to the support, without passing through universal joints.

The lateral stop 9 is designed to contribute to the immobilization, in at least one lateral direction YY 'substantially perpendicular to the axial direction X-X', of the metering pump 1 relative to the support. In other words, the lateral stop 9 is designed to restrict the mobility of the metering pump 1 relative to the support in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction X-X '. The immobilizing action exerted by the lateral stop 9 on the metering pump 1 advantageously consists in substantially eliminating at least one degree of freedom of the metering pump 1 with respect to the support, for example by preventing the metering pump 1 from to move freely in said lateral direction Y-Y ', which extends radially relative to the axis X-X'. More specifically, the lateral abutment 9 has an inner face 9A and an outer face 9B opposite. Preferably, the pump 1 is intended to come into abutment, when it is fixed to the support, against the internal face 9A of the lateral abutment 9. In the example illustrated in the figures, the free end of the piston 3 forms a mouthpiece upper pump 3A intended to abut against the inner face 9A of the lateral stop 9 of the upper fastening system 5, while the cylinder 4 is extended by a lower pump tip 4A intended to abut against the inner face 9A stop 9 as shown in the figures, the lateral stop 9 is advantageously arranged eccentrically with respect to the axial direction X-X ', so that when the pump 1 (ie say in this case the upper pump tips 3A and lower 4A) abuts against the lateral stop 9, the longitudinal axis of the pump, that is to say the working axis of the piston 3, is found confused with the axis of the cylindrical tip 11, which itself corresponds advantageously to the axis of the universal joint through which the lateral stop 9 concerned is advantageously attached to the support. Advantageously, the lateral stop 9 is formed by a cheek 12 extending substantially parallel to the axial direction X-X'.The cheek 12 is thus advantageously in the form of a rigid tongue, preferably a metal tongue, said tongue being curved , so that the inner face 9A is concave while the outer face 9B is convex, for example. Preferably, the cheek 12 is in the form of a bent plate. Preferably and as illustrated in the figures, the inner face 9A has, in cross section, a profile in an arc. In other words, the projection of the cheek 12 in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction XX 'has a curved profile which follows an arc whose center advantageously corresponds to the projection of the axis X-X' in said plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

Preferably, the shape of the inner face 9A is substantially complementary to that of the portion of the pump 1 intended to abut against it. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the shape of the inner face 9A of the upper fastening system 5 is substantially complementary to the shape of the upper pump tip 3A, while the shape of the inner face 9A of the system. lower fastener 6 is substantially complementary to the shape of the lower pump tip 4A. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the upper pump tip 3A has, at least locally, a substantially cylindrical shape of circular section, the radius of curvature substantially corresponds to the radius of curvature of the inner face 9A of the upper fastening system. 5. In the same way, the lower pump end 4A advantageously has a substantially cylindrical shape of circular section, whose radius of curvature is again substantially identical (or close) to the radius of curvature of the inner face 9A. In this way, when the pump 1 comes into abutment, via the upper pump tips 3A and lower 4A, respectively against the inner face 9A of the fastening system. 5 and the inner face 9A of the lower fastening system 6, the complementarity of cylindrical shape mentioned above substantially restricts the relative rotational ability, according to the lateral direction YY ', of the pump 1 and the lateral stop 9, all by ensuring self-positioning of the pump 1 relative to the lateral stop 9.

Preferably, the fixing system comprises a plate 13 which has an inner face 13A designed to be disposed opposite the pump 1, so as to extend advantageously substantially perpendicular to the axial direction X-X ', and an outer face 13B opposite designed to be arranged outward. Preferably, the lateral stop 9 rises from said inner face 13A, while the connecting member 0 rises from the outer face 13B. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the plate 13 has a substantially discoid shape whose axis of symmetry corresponds to the axial direction X-X ', the flange 12 being disposed at the periphery of the inner face 13A, the radius of curvature of FIG. the external face 9B of the lateral abutment 9 corresponding preferably to the radius of the plate 13. The connection means 10 is in turn arranged coaxially with the axis XX, and is therefore centered on the outer face 13B, as is apparent in particular of Figure 7. Advantageously, the plate 13, the cheek 12 and the connecting element 0 are formed of a single piece in one piece, consisting for example of stainless steel.

The fastening system according to the invention also comprises a first hinge element 14 embarked on said lateral stop 9, that is permanently secured to the latter. The first hinge element 14 is thus directly attached to the lateral stop 9 and extends from the latter. It is further shaped to protrude from the outer face 9B, preferably in a lateral direction Y-Y 'substantially perpendicular to the axial direction X-X'. The first hinge element 14 thus forms a protuberance on the outer face 9B, which protrusion extends longitudinally along the lateral direction Y-Y 'above. As illustrated in the figures, the fastening system according to the invention further includes an elastic fastener 15 which comprises on the one hand a flexible lug 16 and, on the other hand, a second hinge element 17. Said second hinge element 17 is designed to be able to cooperate with said first hinge element 14, so that said flexible lug 16 is rotatably mounted on said lateral stop 9 along an axis of rotation ZZ 'substantially parallel to said axial direction X-X '. The first hinge element 14 and the second hinge element 17 have, in other words, a complementary character which makes it possible, by assembling said first and second hinge elements 14, 17, to obtain an articulated mounting of the flexible tab 16 on the lateral stop 9. Thus, the second hinge element 17, which is advantageously attached to the flexible tab 16, is designed to engage the first hinge element 14, so as to create a pivotal mechanical connection between said first and second hinge elements 14, 17 and thus allow the rotation, along the axis Z-Z ', of the flexible tab 16 between on the one hand a locking position (illustrated in Figures 2 and 5) wherein said flexible tab 16 is designed to exert by elastic deformation, a pressing force of the pump 1 against said inner face 9A of the lateral stop 9 and, on the other hand, an unlocking position (illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 6) wherein said flexible tab 16 does not exert said pressing force. Thus, in its locking position, the flexible lug 16 holds the pump 1 secured to the support by clasping the pump 1 (that is to say in the case of the relevant area of the pump 1: upper pump tip 3A for the upper attachment and lower pump tip 4A for the lower attachment) between the flexible tab 16 and the inner face 9A of the lateral stop 9, said pump 1 thus undergoing a compressive force in the lateral direction YY 'exerted on one side by the elastic fastener 15 and on the other side by the inner face 9A, by reaction.

Advantageously, the first hinge element 14 comprises a stud 18 extending longitudinally in a first transverse direction YY 'substantially perpendicular to said axial direction X-X', between a first end 18A integral with the external face 9B of the lateral abutment 9 and a second free end 18B. The stud 18 is advantageously in the form of a straight rod, preferably made of metal (for example stainless steel). The pin 18 is therefore directly mounted on the lateral stop 9 so as to be worn only by the latter. Thus, thanks to the fact that the first hinge element 14 is carried by the lateral stop 9, the elastic fastener 15, and in particular its flexible tab 16, is mounted directly on the lateral stop 9, and more precisely on the outer face 9B of the cheek 12 advantageously forming lateral stop 9. This allows in particular to optimize the compactness, robustness and cost price of the fastening system, insofar as this design makes it possible to minimize the diameter of the platinum 13 (on which it is no longer necessary to come weld an axis to form the hinge, as in the prior art). It is thus possible to manufacture a piece in one piece forming the plate 13 and the lateral stop 9 by turning and machining a cylindrical metal bar whose diameter (substantially corresponding to the diameter of the plate 13) is minimized. The specific positioning of the first hinge element 14, which projects from the external face 9B, perpendicular to the latter, also contributes to facilitating the welding and polishing operations, thanks in particular to the fact that the environment around the first element hinge 14 is relatively clear (as is particularly visible in Figure 7) and therefore easy to access for industrial welding and polishing. This specific assembly of the first hinge element 14 on the lateral abutment 9 also makes it possible to confer universal character on the part of the fastening system thus produced, which can easily be adapted to different types of dosing machines without being limited by its congestion, as in the prior art. The first hinge element 14 also advantageously comprises an axis 19 mounted on said pin 18 so as to extend longitudinally in a longitudinal direction of extension ZZ 'parallel to said axial direction X-X', said axis 19 acting as a pivot for the elastic fastener 15 and more precisely for the flexible tab 16 of the latter. As illustrated in the figures, the axis 19 is advantageously formed by a cylindrical rod disposed towards the free end 18B of the stud 18 coaxially with the axis of rotation Z-Z ', which merges with the longitudinal direction of extension of said axis 19.

The first hinge element 14 is thus advantageously composed of two parts to which respective functions devolve respectively, namely:

a lateral spacing function, devolved on the stud 18 and consisting of moving the axis of rotation Z-Z 'of the flexible tab 16 away from the axial direction X-X',

- And a pivot function, provided by the axis 19, and consisting in forming an axial bearing around and against which can rotate the second hinge member 17 and the flexible lug 16 associated therewith.

Preferably, the fastening system 5, 6 comprises a first orifice formed through said stud 18, parallel to the axial direction X-X ', preferably in the vicinity of the free end 18 of the stud 17, said first orifice being extending axially preferably along the axis of rotation Z-Z '. The axis 19 is inserted in this first orifice to extend on either side of said pin 18, as shown in Figure 7. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the axis 19 is inserted into the first orifice formed in the stud 18 so that the middle of said axis 19 coincides substantially with the first transverse direction Y-Y ', so that two portions of the axis 19, of equal length, project from one side and from the other. the other of the pin 18 in the plane containing the first transverse direction YY 'and the axis of rotation ZZ'. Of course, the diameter of the first orifice is very slightly greater than the diameter of the axis 19, to allow a fitting fitting of said axis 19 in the first orifice. In order to obtain a robust and definitive assembly, a circular welding seam is produced at the zones where the axis 19 emerges from the nipple 18. For this purpose, the nipple 18 is advantageously provided with an upper flat surface 20 and a lower flat 21, parallel to each other and arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z-Z '. The presence of said flats 20, 21 facilitates welding operations by avoiding having to make them on a curved surface. Such an assembly proves particularly inexpensive, simple and reliable, in particular because it makes it possible to ensure excellent holding of the axis 19 forming a pivot, while guaranteeing the orientation of the latter. The specific design adopted in this preferred embodiment also contributes to facilitating welding operations, thanks to the fact that the insertion of the pin 19 into the first orifice allows relative mechanical maintenance of the parts to be welded.

Advantageously, the second hinge element 17 comprises a curved surface 22 delimiting a housing 22A designed to receive said axis 19. The curved surface 22 thus advantageously has an arcuate shape whose diameter is very slightly greater than the diameter of the axis 19. Said circular arc preferably extends, as illustrated in Figure 8, in an angular sector less than 360 ° but greater than 180 °. This feature, advantageously combined with the production of the bent surface 22 from a flexible material, makes it possible to assemble the second hinge element 17 with the first hinge element 14 by "clipping" the second hinge element 17 onto the hinge element 17. axis 19, so that the curved surface 22 surrounds and encloses the axis 19, thereby capturing the latter while allowing rotation of the curved surface 22 around and along said axis 19. The elastic fastener 15 is therefore advantageously mounted on the lateral stop 9 of removable way, in particular to facilitate the complete cleaning of the fastening system. The removable mounting of the elastic fastener 5 on the lateral stop 9 can of course be obtained in different ways and the invention is not limited to the implementation of a clipping coupling such as that described above. Preferably, the curved surface 22 is formed by a hook which extends towards the end of the flexible tab 16. In the example illustrated in the figures, the hook in question is formed of two elementary hooks 23, 24 staggered vertically ( that is to say in the axial direction X-X '), said elementary hooks 23, 24 being separated by a recess 25 intended to avoid any collision and / or friction between the stud 18 and the elastic fastener 15. Such conformation, with two elementary hooks 23, 24 separated by a recess 25 is of course absolutely not mandatory and it is quite possible, depending on the arrangement retained, to provide a single hook, which extends over the entire height of the elastic clip 15, without recess. Advantageously, each hook forming the curved surface 22 comprises, at its free end, a lug 23A, 24A which extends substantially divergently to delimit, with the region of the second hinge element 17 situated opposite said lug 23A, 24A, an insertion zone 26 of the axis 19 substantially diverging towards the outside of the housing 22A. In this way, it is sufficient, to couple the first and second hinge elements 14, 17, to present the axis 19 in said insertion zone 26 and then to move in relative translation said axis 19 and elastic attachment 15 so that the axis 19 initially pushes the lug 23A, 24A, when it comes into contact with the end 27 of the curved surface 22 adjacent to the lug 23A, 24A, said lug 23A, 24A then returning to its initial configuration, by springback, once the axis 19 completely inserted into the housing 22A. The "unclipping" of the elastic fastener 15 is effected by exerting a force of separation of the lug 23A, 24A, spreading force which can be obtained by simple translation, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction X- X ', the elastic fastener 15 relative to the axis 9, so as to push the lug 23A, 24A by the axis 19.

Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the first hinge element 14 is made of material with said flexible tab 16. In other words, the flexible tab 16 and the first hinge element 14 are advantageously formed by one and the same piece of metal. one piece. Preferably, the flexible tab 16 is made of plastic, preferably polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). The use of a plastic material makes it possible to obtain a coupling that is sufficiently rigid and precise, while limiting the risks of undesired deformation and deterioration of the pump 1. In general, the material from which the flexible tab 16 is made is chosen for to be less hard than that in which the pump 1 is made, in order to avoid marking or deforming the latter at the coupling. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, said first hinge element 14 and the flexible lug 16 are formed by a single piece of plastic material. Advantageously, the flexible tab 16 extends longitudinally along a profile P curve between firstly a first end 16A towards which the flexible tab 16 is bent on itself to form said housing 22A, and thus said curved surface 22, and on the other hand a second free end 16B. The flexible tab 6 thus substantially substantially has a hook shape.

Preferably, the fastening system 5, 6 is designed so that the flexible tab 16 is laterally offset when it is in the unlocking position (as shown in Figure 6) and on the contrary press the pump 1 in the locking position (see Figure 5). The flexible lug 16 is advantageously designed to be deformable when it comes into contact with the pump 1 in the unlocking position, this deformation producing in reaction, by elastic return, a thrust force in the transverse direction Y-Y ', in direction of the lateral abutment 9, said force corresponding to the aforementioned pressing force.

The elastic fastener 15 is thus coupled advantageously by clipping on the one hand to the pump 1 (by deformation and elastic return of the region of the flexible tab 16 which is close to the free end 16B) and on the other hand to the 19 axis (by deformation and resilient return of the lug 23A, 24A, as discussed above). The elastic fastener 15 thus makes it possible to hold together the pump 1 and the lateral stop 9 by preventing said pump 1 and lateral stop 9 from moving in the lateral direction Y-Y. The elastic fastener 15 thus forms, in cooperation with the lateral stop 9, a lateral locking member of the pump 1 relative to the support.

Advantageously, the fastening system 5, 6 also comprises an axial locking member of the pump 1 relative to the support, designed to substantially immobilizing, in at least said axial direction X-X ', the metering pump 1 with respect to the support, in order to prevent any separation of said pump 1 and the support 2 in the axial direction X-X'. Preferably, the axial locking member in question is substantially distinct from the lateral locking member constituted by the elastic fastener 15, which does not exclude that some elements constituting the axial locking member also contribute to form the lateral locking member and vice versa. It is also quite possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the axial locking member and the lateral locking member are fully or partially merged. Advantageously, the axial locking member comprises at least on the one hand a male means 28 embedded on said lateral stop 9 and shaped to project from said inner face 9A and on the other hand a female means 29 designed to be integral with the pump 1, said male means 28 being adapted to be threaded into the female means 29, in order to restrict the relative displacement of the pump 1 and the lateral stop 9 in the axial direction X-X '. Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the male means 28 has an elongated shape (for example a substantially cylindrical shape or at least one form of revolution) and extends substantially in the first transverse direction Y-Y '. In this advantageous case, the male means 28 is designed to be threaded into the female means 29 in said first transverse direction Y-Y '. The female means 29 is advantageously formed by an orifice in the pump 1. Thus, in the example illustrated in the figures, the orifice forming the female means 29 is formed, as regards the upper fastening system 5. in the upper pump tip 3A, perpendicular to the working direction of the piston 3, while the orifice forming the female means 29 of the lower fastening system 6 is formed in the lower pump tip 4A, perpendicular to the direction working plunger 3. Each male means 28 can advantageously freely slide in the female means 29, allowing to allow self-alignment of the pump 1 during its mounting on the support, avoiding forcing inadvertently on the pump . It is of course also quite possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the male means is designed to be integral with the pump 1 and that the female means is designed to be integral with the support. Advantageously, the male means 28 is formed by a pin 30 extending longitudinally in a second transverse direction substantially perpendicular to said axial direction X-X ', between a first end 30A secured to the inner face 9A and a second free end 30B. The second transverse direction is advantageously merged with the first transverse direction Y-Y ', so that the spindle 30 is advantageously aligned with the stud 18. Preferably, as is apparent in particular from FIG. 7, the stud 18 and the spindle 30 are formed by one and the same piece in one piece, which passes through the lateral stop 9. More specifically, the fixing system 5, 6 advantageously comprises on the one hand a second orifice formed through said lateral stop 9, according to the transverse direction Y-Y 'between said inner faces 9A and 9B external, and secondly a rod, advantageously having a Y-Y' axis of rotation, said rod extending between an outer end and the inner end, and being inserted into said second orifice so that said outer and outer ends are on either side of said lateral stop 9, respectively opposite ladit e inner face 9A and said outer face 9B, so that said rod thus forms both said pin 30 and said pin 18, the outer end corresponding to the free end 18B of the pin 18 while the inner end corresponds at the free end 30B of the spindle 30. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, multiple functions, corresponding to those assigned to the spindle 30 and the spigot 18, are thus provided by a single piece in one piece, geometry and very simple invoice (being a simple rod preferably made of metal, of the stainless steel type) threaded into a hole formed in the first transverse direction YY 'between the inner face 9A and outer 9B of the stop lateral 9.

Such a method of assembly allows a good accuracy with regard to the orientation and positioning of the functional elements (pin 30 and pin 18) while facilitating the welding and finishing operations (polishing, etc.). Advantageously, the rod in question comprises a shoulder 31 intended to bear against the outer face 9B thus allowing a simple and reliable self-positioning of the rod relative to the lateral stop 9. Advantageously, the diameter of the second orifice formed through the lateral abutment 9 is slightly greater than the local diameter of the zone of the stem intended to be positioned in said second orifice, in order to allow an adjusted fit. A weld bead advantageously completes the assembly. Preferably, two weld seams are made at the interface between the rod and respectively the inner face 9A and the outer face 9B. In the particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures, each fastening system 5, 6 includes thus a unitary piece formed by the final assembly of only three distinct pieces, namely:

- axis 19,

the rod forming the pin 30 and the pin 18,

and an interface piece forming the lateral stop 9, and preferably the plate 13 and the mechanical connection element 10.

This unitary piece proves to be very easy and cheap to manufacture, while being very robust, compact and adaptable to any known type of dosing machines. Preferably, the unitary piece in question comprises a circular groove 32 formed between the lateral stop 9 and the connection means 10, and more precisely between the plate 13 and the connection piece 11, in order to be able to receive the end of a flexible protective sheath, substantially tubular in shape, intended to cover the universal joint and thus contain any potentially polluting element (various particles) likely to be emitted by the universal joint in operation.

The invention also relates of course as such, the assembly consisting of:

- A metering pump 1 comprising at least one piston 3 working in an axial direction X-X ', preferably according to the foregoing description, said metering pump 1 including for example a cylinder 4 within which said piston 3 slides;

- A support, preferably according to the above description, said support comprising for example a fixed frame in position and at least one movable driver relative to the frame;

and a fixing system 5, 6 designed to mechanically connect the metering pump 1 to the support, said system 5, 6 being in accordance with the foregoing description.

Preferably, the assembly in question comprises, as illustrated in the figures, two fastening systems according to the invention, namely an upper fastening system 5 and a lower fastening system 6 intended to respectively secure the free end of the piston 3 to the carrier of the support, which is advantageously mobile in translation and in rotation, and the fixing of the cylinder 4 to the frame of the support, the assembly thus formed constituting a dosing machine. Advantageously, in order to avoid any error in mounting the dosing pump 1 on the support, the pin 30 / orifice 29 couples of the upper 5 and lower 6 fixation systems are different. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the pin 30 of the upper fastening system 5 has a shoulder, the shape of the orifice 29 being complementary, while the pin 30 of the lower fastening system 5 does not have such a shoulder and does not can therefore cooperate with the orifice 29 formed through the upper pump tip 3A. This arrangement is a means of "foolproof" which avoids any improper assembly (that is to say in this case inverted) of the pump 1 on the support.

The operation of the assembly illustrated in the figures will be described in the following. Firstly, a first universal joint is attached, at one of its ends, to the carrier of the support, its other end being attached to the connecting element 10 of the upper fastening system 5. In the same way a second universal joint is attached at one of its ends to the frame of said support while its other end is attached to the connecting means 10 of the lower fastening system 6. In this configuration, the upper fastening systems 5 and lower 6 are found substantially aligned and superimposed vertically, as shown in Figure! The flexible tab 16 of each of the upper 5 and lower 6 attachment systems is in its unlocked position (illustrated in Figure 1). The pump 1 is then attached to the support, so that the orifice 29 formed through the upper pump tip 3A is threaded onto the pin 30 of the upper fastening system 5, while the orifice 29 formed in the lower pump end 4A is threaded on the spindle 30 of the lower fastening system 6. In this situation, the pump 1 is immobilized in the axial direction X-X '. Each flexible tab 16 is then manually brought into the locking position, by rotation (counterclockwise in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) until the upper pump end 3A and the lower pump end are respectively pressed. 4 Again against the lateral stop 9 of the upper fastening system 5 and the lower fastening system 6. The pump is then immobilized and can be solicited by the carrier of the support. The invention also relates as such to a method of manufacturing a fastening system 5, 6 designed to mechanically connect a metering pump 1 to a support, said metering pump 1 extending longitudinally along the axial direction XX ' when it is mechanically connected to said support. Preferably, the method in question is a method of manufacturing a fastening system 5, 6 as described above. This process comprises the following steps:

a step (a) of manufacturing or supplying a lateral stop 9 designed to be mounted on said support and having an inner face 9A and an outer faxe 9B opposite;

- a step (b) of fixing on said lateral stop 9 of a first hinge element 14 shaped to project from said outer face 9A;

a step (c) of manufacturing or supplying an elastic fastener which comprises, on the one hand, a flexible tab 16 and, on the other hand, a second hinge element designed to be able to cooperate with said first hinge element whereby said flexible tab 16 is rotatably mounted on said lateral stop 9, along an axis of rotation ZZ 'substantially parallel to said axial direction XX' between on the one hand a locking position (illustrated in FIG. 5) in which said flexible tab 16 is designed to exert, by elastic deformation, a pressing force of the pump 1 against said inner face 9A and, on the other hand, an unlocking position (illustrated in Figure 6) wherein said flexible tab 16 n does not exert said pressing force.

Advantageously, the method comprises a step (d) of manufacturing an axial locking member 28, 29 in which is fixed on said lateral stop 9 a male means 28 shaped to protrude from the inner face 9A, said male means 28 being designed to be threaded in a lateral direction Y-Y ', perpendicular to the axial direction X-X', in a female means 29 integral with the pump 1. Advantageously, and as already explained in the foregoing in relation to the description of the fastening system, the male means 28 is formed by a pin 30 extending longitudinally between a first and a second end 30A, 30B, said step (d) of manufacturing the axial locking member comprising a mounting operation said pin 30 on said lateral stop 9, so that said pin 30 extends longitudinally along a second transverse direction YY 'substantially perpendicular to said axial direction Χ-Χ ', and so that the first end 30A of said pin 30 is integral with said inner face 9A. Advantageously, and as already explained in the foregoing in connection with the description of the fastening system 5, 6, the first hinge element 14 comprises a stud 18 extending longitudinally between a first and a second end 18A, 18B, as well as an axis 19 intended to act as a pivot for the elastic fastener 15, said step (b) for fixing the first hinge element 14 on the lateral stop 9 comprising:

a mounting operation of said pin 18 on the lateral stop 9, so that said pin 18 extends longitudinally in a first transverse direction Y-Y 'substantially perpendicular to the axial direction X-X', and so that the first end 18A of said pin 18 is integral with said outer face 9B,

- A mounting operation of said axis 19 on said stud 18 so that said axis 19 extends longitudinally in a longitudinal direction of extension Z-Z 'parallel to said axial direction X-X'.

Preferably, said operations of mounting said pin 30 and said pin 18 on said lateral stop 9 are constituted by a single operation, during which the following suboperations are implemented:

- Making a second orifice formed (for example by drilling with a drill) through said lateral stop 9 between said inner faces 9A and external 9B of the latter,

inserting into said second orifice a rod extending between an outer end and an inner end, so that said inner and outer ends are on either side of said lateral abutment 9, respectively opposite said face. 9A of said outer face 9B, so that said rod thus forms both pin 30 and said pin 18.

Preferably, the mounting operation of said pin 19 on said pin 18 comprises the following sub-operations:

- Making a first orifice formed through said pin 18, parallel to said axial direction X-X ', inserting said pin 19 in the first orifice so that said pin 19 extends on either side of said pin 18.

Advantageously, the step (a) of manufacturing the lateral stop 9 comprises a turning operation of a cylindrical metal bar, followed by machining operations to achieve in one piece and from one and the same initial metal bar cheek 12 forming lateral stop 9, the plate 13, the groove 32 and the connector 1.

It then suffices to pierce, in the transverse direction YY ', the cheek 12, to obtain said second orifice and then bring back into this orifice the rod forming both the pin 30 and the pin 18, said rod carrying itself at one of its ends, said axis 19.

The method according to the invention thus proves to be, in its most advantageous embodiment, extremely fast, simple and cheap.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of fastening systems for metering pumps.

Claims

Fastening system (5, 6) for mechanically connecting a metering pump (1) to a carrier, said metering pump (1) extending longitudinally in an axial direction (Χ-Χ ') when mechanically connected said support system, said system comprising a lateral stop (9) designed to be mounted on the support and having an opposite inner face (9A) and an opposite outer face (9B), said system also comprising a first hinge element (14) embarked on said lateral stop (9) and shaped to project from said outer face (9B), said system (5, 6) further including an elastic clip (15) which comprises on the one hand a flexible tab (16) and a on the other hand a second hinge element (17) designed to be able to cooperate with said first hinge element (14) so that said flexible lug (16) is rotatably mounted on said lateral stop (9), along an axis of rotation ( Ζ-Ζ ') substantially parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ '), between on the one hand a locking position in which said flexible tab (16) is designed to exert, by elastic deformation, a compressive force of the pump (1) against said internal face (9A) and on the other hand an unlocking position in which said flexible tab (16) does not exert said pressing force.

Fastening system (5, 6) according to claim 1 characterized in that said lateral stop (9) is formed by a cheek (12) extending substantially parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ ').

Fixing system (5, 6) according to claim 2 characterized in that said inner face (9A) is concave.

Fastening system (5, 6) according to claim 3 characterized in that said inner face (9A) has, in cross section, a profile arcuate circle.

Fastening system (5, 6) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said first hinge element (14) comprises firstly a stud (18) extending longitudinally in a first transverse direction (Y - Y ') substantially perpendicular to said axial direction (Χ-Χ ') between a first end (18A) integral with said outer face and a second free end (18B) and secondly an axis (19) mounted on said pin (18) of longitudinally extending in a longitudinal direction of extension (Ζ-Ζ ') parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ'), said axis (19) acting as a pivot for the elastic attachment (15). - Fixing system (5, 6) according to claim 5 characterized in that it comprises a first orifice formed through said stud (18), parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ '), said axis (19) being inserted in said first orifice to extend on either side of said pin (18). - Fixing system (5, 6) according to claim 5 or 6 characterized in that said second hinge element (17) comprises a curved surface (22) defining a housing (22A) adapted to receive said axis (19). - Fixing system (5, 6) according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that said first hinge element (14) is made of material with said flexible lug (16). - System (5, 6) according to claims 7 and 8 characterized in that said flexible tab (16) extends longitudinally according to a profile (P) curved between firstly a first end (16A) to which the flexible tab (16) is bent on itself to form said housing (22A) and secondly a second free end (16B). - Fixing system (5, 6) according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that said flexible tab (16) is made of plastic, preferably polyetheretherketone or polyphenylsulfone. -System (5, 6) according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it comprises an axial blocking member of the pump (1) relative to the support, said axial locking member comprising at least one a part male means (28) embedded on said lateral stop (9) and shaped to project from said face internal (9A) and secondly a female means (29) adapted to be integral with the pump (1), said male means (28) being adapted to be threaded into the female means (29) in said lateral direction (Y - Y '). - Fixing system (5, 6) according to claim 11 characterized in that said male means (28) is formed by a pin (30) extending longitudinally in a second transverse direction (Υ-Υ ') substantially perpendicular to said axial direction (Χ-Χ ') between a first end (30A) integral with said inner face (9A) and a second free end (30B). - Fixing system (5, 6) according to claims 5 and 12 characterized in that it comprises firstly a second orifice formed through said lateral stop (9) between said inner face (9A) and outer (9B) , and on the other hand a rod extending between an outer end and an inner end, said rod being inserted into said second orifice so that said inner and outer ends are on either side of said lateral stop (9) respectively opposite said inner face (9A) and said outer face (9B), so that said rod thus forms both said pin (30) and said pin (18). - A method of manufacturing a fastening system adapted to mechanically connect a metering pump (1) to a support, said metering pump (1) extending longitudinally in an axial direction (Χ-Χ ') when it is mechanically connected to said support, said method comprising the following steps:

a step (a) of manufacturing or supplying a lateral stop (9) designed to be mounted on the support and having an opposite inner face (9A) and an opposite outer face (9B),

- a step (b) of fixing on said lateral stop (9) of a first hinge element (14) shaped to project from said outer face (9A),

a step (c) of manufacturing or supplying an elastic fastener (15) which comprises, on the one hand, a flexible tab (16) and, on the other hand, a second hinge element (17) designed to be able to cooperate with said first hinge member (14) so that said flexible tab (16) is mounted to rotating on said lateral stop (9), along an axis of rotation (Ζ-Ζ ') substantially parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ'), between on the one hand a locking position in which said flexible tab (16) is designed to exert, by elastic deformation, a pressing force of the pump (1) against said inner face (9A) and on the other hand an unlocking position in which said flexible tab (6) does not exert said force of pressing. - Manufacturing method according to claim 14 characterized in that it comprises a step (d) for manufacturing an axial locking member of the pump relative to the support, during which is fixed on said lateral stop (9) a male means (28) shaped to protrude from said inner face (9A), said male means (28) being adapted to be threaded in a lateral direction (Y-Y ') perpendicular to the axial direction (Χ-Χ') in a female means (29) integral with the pump (1). - A manufacturing method according to claim 15 characterized in that said male means (28) is formed by a pin (30) extending longitudinally between a first and a second end, said step (d) of manufacturing the body of axial locking comprising an operation of mounting said pin (30) on said lateral stop (9) so that said pin (30) extends longitudinally in a second transverse direction (Y-Y ') substantially perpendicular to said axial direction ( Χ-Χ ') and so that the first end (30A) of said pin (30) is integral with said inner face (9A). - Manufacturing method according to one of claims 14 to 16 characterized in that said first hinge element (14) comprises a stud (18) extending longitudinally between a first and a second end (18A, 18B) and an axis for acting as a pivot for the elastic fastener (15), said step (b) for fixing the first hinge element on said lateral stop comprising:

a mounting operation of said pin (18) on the lateral stop (9) so that said pin (18) extends longitudinally in a first transverse direction (Y-Y ') substantially perpendicular to said axial direction (X- Χ ') and so that the first end (18A) of said pin (18) is integral with said outer face (9B),

- A mounting operation of said axis (19) on said pin (18) so that said axis (19) extends longitudinally in a longitudinal direction of extension (Ζ-Ζ ') parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ). '). - Method according to claims 16 and 17 characterized in that said mounting operations of said spindle (30) and said stud (18) on said lateral stop (9) consist of a single operation during which are put into operation. the following suboperations:

- Realizing a second orifice formed through said lateral stop (9) between said inner (9A) and outer (9B) faces,

inserting into said second orifice a rod extending between an outer end and an inner end, so that said inner and outer ends are on either side of said lateral abutment (9), respectively opposite said inner face (9A) and said outer face (9B), so that said rod thus forms both said pin (30) and said pin (18). - Method according to claim 17 or 18 characterized in that the mounting operation of said axis (19) on said stud (18) comprises the following sub-operations:

- Realizing a first orifice formed through said pin (18), parallel to said axial direction (Χ-Χ '),

inserting said axis (19) into said first orifice so that said axis (19) extends on either side of said pin (18). - Set consisting of:

- a metering pump (1) comprising at least one piston (3) operating in an axial direction (Χ-Χ ');

- a support ; - and a fastening system (5, 6) adapted to mechanically connect the metering pump (1) to the support, said system (5, 6) being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13. - Set according to claim Characterized in that the dosing pump comprises a cylinder (4) in which said piston (3) slides. - An assembly according to claim 20 or 21 characterized in that the support comprises a frame fixed in position and at least one movable driver relative to the frame.