Dispensing devices and assemblies for packaging and dispensing products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product. The device comprises a dispensing end; an attachment end; and a dispensing valve arranged between the attachment end and the dispensing end and formed by a flexible member and a rigid member. The dispensing valve can be actuated between an open position and a closed position, in which a dispensing channel is formed between the flexible member and the rigid member, and in which the dispensing channel is closed. The dispensing valve comprises a first valve part and a second valve part. The second valve part is closer to the dispensing end than the first valve part. The dispensing valve is configured so that when the dispensing valve is in the closed position, the biasing force applied by the flexible member to the rigid member in the first valve part is greater than the biasing force applied by the flexible member to the rigid member in the second valve part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product such as a liquid, semi-fluid or suspension, and more particularly to such a device which needs to be kept in clean and sterile conditions. The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a dispensing device. Background Art

[0002] Various devices for packaging and dispensing fluid products are known. These devices can be used in the field of pharmaceutical products, in particular ophthalmic products, cosmetics or foods. For example, WO 2015 / 124844 A1 discloses a device for packaging and dispensing general fluid products. The device disclosed therein is provided with a non-return valve, which is designed to allow the product to be dispensed when pressure is applied to the actuable part of the device. Once the pressure is released, the non-return valve will return to its initial position, thereby preventing external air from entering the dispensing channel.

[0003] This known device has been found to be useful in preventing the ingress of bacteria from its dispensing opening into the dispensing channel. However, there is an increasing demand for contamination-free dispensers.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device which is free of bacteria or other substances which could lead to contamination of the contents of the dispensing device. Summary of the invention

[0005] The objects of the invention are achieved by a dispensing device as defined in the invention.

[0006] Specifically, a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product is disclosed, comprising:

[0007] a dispensing tip through which the product is to be dispensed;

[0008] an attachment end to be attached to a container containing a product; and

[0009] a dispensing valve disposed between the attachment end and the dispensing end and formed by a flexible member and a rigid member, the dispensing valve being configured to be actuatable between an open position in which a dispensing passage is formed between the flexible member and the rigid member to allow product to flow to the dispensing end and a closed position in which the dispensing passage is closed;

[0010] in,

[0011] The dispensing valve includes a first valve portion and a second valve portion, the second valve portion is closer to the dispensing end than the first valve portion, and the dispensing valve is configured so that when the dispensing valve is in a closed position, the biasing force applied by the flexible member to the rigid member in the first valve portion is greater than the biasing force applied by the flexible member to the rigid member in the second valve portion.

[0012] The flexible member may have a stiffness greater in the first valve portion than in the second valve portion.

[0013] The flexible member and the rigid member may be configured to have an interference in the first valve portion that is greater than an interference in the second valve portion.

[0014] The flexible member may have a reinforcing member in the first valve portion.

[0015] The flexible member may have a thickness in the first valve portion that is greater than a thickness in the second valve portion.

[0016] The flexible member may at least partially have a tapered shape that tapers towards the dispensing end.

[0017] The material from which the flexible member in the first valve portion is made may be more rigid than the material from which the flexible member in the second valve portion is made.

[0018] The roughness of a surface of the flexible member facing the rigid member in the first valve portion may be greater than the roughness of a surface of the flexible member facing the rigid member in the second valve portion.

[0019] The roughness of a surface of the rigid member facing the flexible member in the first valve portion may be greater than the roughness of a surface of the rigid member facing the flexible member in the second valve portion.

[0020] The flexible member in the dispensing valve may include one or more grooves formed on a surface facing the rigid member.

[0021] The flexible member in the dispensing valve may include more than one groove on the surface facing the rigid member, the depth of one groove being greater than the depth of an adjacent groove closer to the dispensing end.

[0022] The rigid member in the dispensing valve may include one or more protrusions on a surface facing the flexible member.

[0023] The rigid member in the dispensing valve may include more than one protrusion, one protrusion protruding further than an adjacent protrusion closer to the dispensing end.

[0024] The dispensing device may further include a metering chamber disposed between the dispensing valve and the attachment end and configured to store a measured amount of the product, the metering chamber being defined between the rigid member and the flexible member spaced outwardly from the rigid member.

[0025] The dosing chamber may at least partially have a shape that tapers towards the dispensing valve.

[0026] The flexible member defining the dosing chamber may include an inner tapered portion that tapers towards the dispensing valve.

[0027] The rigid member defining the dosing chamber may include an outer tapered portion that tapers towards the dispensing valve.

[0028] The dispensing channel and the dispensing end may be connected by a guide channel extending substantially at a right angle to the dispensing channel.

[0029] The guide channel may be defined by at least one groove or at least one opening formed on or in the rigid member.

[0030] The flexible member may be coaxially disposed about the rigid member, the flexible member including an axial extension extending beyond the rigid member and a radial extension extending radially inwardly from the axial extension to define a dispensing opening at the dispensing end.

[0031] Furthermore, an assembly for packaging and dispensing a fluid product is disclosed, comprising:

[0032] a container configured to contain a product; and

[0033] A dispensing device according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an assembly including a dispensing device;

[0036] Figure 2 The figure shows that when the metering chamber is compressed to dispense a certain dose of the fluid product Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a component;

[0037] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 an enlarged view of a portion of the assembly surrounding a dispensing end;

[0038] Figure 4 A guide channel formed on the valve seat is shown;

[0039] Figure 5 A valve member provided with a reinforcing member is shown;

[0040] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing another assembly including a dispensing device;

[0041] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 an enlarged view of a portion of an assembly surrounding a dispensing end of a dispensing device;

[0042] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a dispensing end of a dispensing device surrounding another component;

[0043] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a valve member provided with an annular groove; and

[0044] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of a valve seat provided with a protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 By way of example, a distribution and packaging assembly 100 is shown, to which the present invention may be applicable. Assembly 100 may be used to package and distribute a fluid product. For example, the fluid product may be in liquid form, semi-liquid or suspension.

[0046] Assembly 100 may include container 110 and dispensing device 10.Container 110 limits the storage chamber 112 for containing fluid product.Container 110 can be made by any suitable material for maintaining fluid product under clean and aseptic conditions.For example, container 110 can be made of glass or plastics.Plastic material for container 10 can include but is not limited to low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, cycloolefin polymer or cycloolefin copolymer.Container 110 can limit the opening 114 that is communicated with storage chamber 112 fluids.

[0047] The dispensing device 10 includes an attachment end 12 , a dispensing end 14 , and a dispensing valve 16 disposed between the attachment end 12 and the dispensing end 14 .

[0048] The dispensing device 10 can be directly or indirectly attached to the container 110 at the attachment end 12 by known means, including but not limited to by fitting or threading or by glue. A known sealing member can be provided between the attachment end 12 and the container 110 to prevent leakage of the fluid product and contamination of the fluid product contained in the storage chamber 110.

[0049] The dispensing device 10 may include a dose filling valve 18. The dose filling valve 18 may be supported by the attachment end 12 and configured as a normally closed check valve. The opening 114 of the container 110 is covered by a portion of the attachment end 12 of the dispensing device 10 and the dose filling valve 18. The dose filling valve 18 is configured to allow the fluid product to flow from the container 110 to the dispensing device 10, but not to flow in the opposite direction. Therefore, when the dose filling valve 18 is opened, the fluid product contained in the storage chamber 112 can flow into the dispensing device 10 through the dose filling valve, but the fluid product is prohibited from flowing back, that is, from the dispensing device 10 to the storage chamber 112.

[0050] The dispensing device 10 may also include an air filling valve 20 and a filter element 22. The air filling valve 20 and the filter element 22 may also be supported by the attachment end 12 of the dispensing device 10. The attachment end 12 may be provided with an air filling passage (not shown) to connect the storage chamber 112 and the atmosphere outside the assembly 100 to each other via the filter element 22 and the air filling valve 20. The air filling valve 20 is a normally closed valve and opens when the pressure inside the storage chamber 112 decreases. With the help of the filter element 22, when the air filling valve 20 is opened, clean and fresh air can be introduced into the storage chamber 112 to compensate for the pressure drop in the storage chamber 112 when a dose of the fluid product is dispensed.

[0051] The dispensing device 10 may also include a dosing chamber 24. The dosing chamber 24 is defined by a support portion 26 and a deformable portion 28. The support portion 26 is made of a rigid material and extends between the attachment end 12 and the dispensing valve 16. The rigid material for the support portion 26 may include, but is not limited to, high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. The deformable portion 28 is made of a flexible material. The flexible material for the deformable portion 28 may include a thermoplastic elastomer or silicon. The deformable portion 28 may extend on the support portion 26 and radially away from the support portion to form an annular gap between the outer surface of the support portion 26 and the inner surface of the deformable portion 28. The dosing chamber 24 may define a predetermined volume corresponding to a dose of a fluid product.

[0052] The metering chamber 24 may have a shape that tapers toward the dispensing end 14. Alternatively, the metering chamber 24 may have a tapered shape over the entire length in the axial direction. The tapered shape of the metering chamber 24 may be defined by an inner tapered portion formed on the deformable portion 28 that tapers toward the dispensing valve 16 and / or an outer tapered portion formed on the support portion 26 that tapers toward the dispensing valve 16. The outer tapered portion of the support portion 26 may at least partially face the inner tapered portion of the deformable portion 28.

[0053] The dispensing valve 16 is formed by a valve member 30 and a valve seat 32. The valve member 30 is made of a flexible material and the valve seat 32 is made of a rigid material. In the case where the dispensing device 10 includes a metering chamber 24, the valve seat 32 may extend between the metering chamber 24 and the dispensing end 14. The valve member 30 may have a generally tubular shape extending from the deformable portion 28 in a direction toward the dispensing end 14.

[0054] A portion of the valve member 30 may have a tapered shape that tapers toward the dispensing end 14. Alternatively, the valve member 30 may have a tapered shape over the entire length along the valve seat 32 or in the axial direction.

[0055] The dispensing valve 16 is configured to be actuable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a dispensing passage 34 is formed between the valve member 30 and the valve seat 32 (see Figure 3 ), thereby allowing the fluid product to flow toward the dispensing end 14. In the closed position, the valve member 30 rests on the valve seat 32, thereby closing the dispensing channel 34.

[0056] The dispensing valve 16 is configured as a normally closed valve. The valve member 30 is configured to have an inner diameter (diameter of the inner surface) smaller than the diameter (diameter of the outer surface) of the valve seat 32. Therefore, the valve member 30 is press-fitted onto the valve seat 32 so that the valve member 30 applies a biasing force against the valve seat 32. A normally closed valve is thus formed. In the closed position, the dispensing valve 16 reliably prevents bacteria from penetrating into the dispensing passage 34 or prevents residual product from flowing into the dispensing device 10.

[0057] The dispensing valve 16 includes a first valve portion 36 and a second valve portion 38. The first valve portion 36 is formed by a portion of the valve member 30 or "first valve element 40" and a corresponding portion of the valve seat 32 or "first valve seat 42". The second valve portion 38 is formed by the remaining portion of the valve member 30 or "second valve element 44" and a corresponding portion of the valve seat 32 or "second valve seat 46". The second valve portion 38 is closer to the dispensing end 14 than the first valve portion 36.

[0058] The valve member 30 can be configured such that when the dispensing valve 16 is in the closed position, the biasing force applied by the first valve element 40 to the first valve seat 42 is greater than the biasing force applied by the second valve element 44 to the second valve seat 46. Therefore, the first valve element 40 exhibits a stronger resistance to forces acting in a direction away from the corresponding valve seat 42 or 46 than the second valve element 44. In other words, the first valve element 44 has a greater stiffness than the second valve element 46.

[0059] The dispensing tip 14 may define an opening 48 or passageway through which the fluid product is dispensed when the assembly 100 is in operation.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the distribution device 10 (see Figure 1 ) may include an axial extension 50 extending from the valve member 30 that extends beyond the valve seat 32 and a radial extension 52 extending radially inwardly from the axial extension 50 to define the opening 48.

[0061] In operation, Figure 2 As shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 1 , the deformable portion 28 is pressed inwardly to compress the dosage chamber 24 (see Figure 1). Since the dosage filling valve 18 prevents the fluid product from flowing back into the storage chamber 112, the fluid product under pressure is forced to flow into the dispensing valve 16, where the fluid product overcomes the biasing force to move the valve member 30 away from the valve seat 32, thereby forming a dispensing channel 34 between the valve member 30 and the valve seat 32. When the deformable portion 28 is pressed to the maximum extent, or when the deformable portion 28 is in contact with the support portion 26, the measured amount of the fluid product already contained in the dosage chamber 24 is discharged from the dispensing end 14 through the opening 48, for example, in the form of a droplet D.

[0062] When the dispensing operation is completed and the pressure applied to the deformable portion 28 is released, the dispensing valve 16 returns to the closed position in which the valve member 30 rests on the valve seat 32 to close the dispensing passage 34 .

[0063] Because the first valve portion 36 is biased in the closed position by a greater force than the second valve portion 38, the first valve portion 36 returns to the closed position faster than the second valve portion 38. When the first valve portion 36 moves back to the initial position, the first valve portion 36 pushes any residual product out of the first valve portion 36 and into the second valve portion 38. When the second valve portion 38 subsequently returns to the closed position, the residual product is pushed out of the dispensing device 10, leaving no or very little residual product in the dispensing valve 16. At the same time, any bacteria or unwanted objects present in the dispensing passage 34 are also expelled from the dispensing device 10.

[0064] In this way, the dispensing device 10 can be protected from any unwanted objects that would otherwise enter the dispensing valve 16 or flow back from the second valve part 38 to the first valve part 36. This is particularly advantageous in the field of ophthalmology, where bacterial contamination in the fluid product can have serious consequences for the user's eyes.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 , the dispensing valve 16 can be configured so that the fluid product flows from the dispensing channel 34 to the opening 48 via the guide channel 54. The guide channel 54 connects the dispensing channel 34 and the dispensing end 14 to each other and extends substantially at a right angle to the dispensing channel 34. According to this configuration, the fluid product changes the flow direction and thus reduces its speed, thereby avoiding gushing in the eye and ensuring the formation of droplets at the dispensing end 14.

[0066] Furthermore, by providing such a guide channel 54 between the opening 48 and the dispensing channel 34, the opening 48 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the dispensing channel 34. This facilitates the release of the droplets from the dispensing device 10. The guide channel 54 may be defined by one or more grooves formed on the distal end of the valve seat 32 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). The groove(s) may be formed to extend radially and intersect at the center corresponding to the position of the opening 48. Alternatively, the valve seat 32 may be formed with a radial channel (not shown) to define the guide channel 54. Even without the radial groove(s) or radial channel, the guide channel 54 may be formed between the radial extension 52 and the end of the valve seat 32.

[0067] As described above, when the dispensing valve 16 is in the closed position, the biasing force applied by the first valve element 40 to the first valve seat 42 is greater than the biasing force applied by the second valve element 44 to the second valve seat 46. This configuration may be implemented in a variety of ways.

[0068] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the flexible member forming the deformable portion 28 and the valve member 30 can be configured to have a hollow frustoconical shape. The flexible member can also have a thickness that gradually decreases or increases toward the dispensing end 14.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing valve 16 may be configured such that the thickness of the first valve element 40 is greater than the thickness of the second valve member 44. The thickness of the valve member 30 is defined by the dimension of the valve member 30 measured in a direction tangential to the contact surface between the valve member 30 and the valve seat 32 (or in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface in the case of a flat contact surface).

[0070] As an alternative or additional configuration, the dispensing valve 16 can be configured to have different interference amounts between the first valve portion 36 and the second valve portion 38. Specifically, it can be ensured that the interference of the first valve portion 36 is greater than the interference of the second valve portion 38. For example, in the first valve portion 36, the interference may range from 0.15 to 0.30 mm, while in the second valve portion 38, the interference may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.20 mm. According to this configuration, the first valve portion 36 is more tightly fitted and returns to the closed position faster than the second valve portion 38, thereby maintaining the dispensing device 10 in a clean and sterile condition.

[0071] As another alternative or additional configuration, the dispensing valve 16 may be configured such that the material of the first valve element 40 is harder than the material of the second valve element 44. This configuration also facilitates sequential closing of the dispensing passages 34 by the dispensing valve 16.

[0072] Figure 5Another possible configuration is shown, in which the valve member 30 is provided with one or more reinforcing members 56 in the first valve portion 36. The reinforcing members 56 extend spaced apart from each other and extend radially outward from the valve member 30. Such reinforcing members 56 help increase the rigidity of the first valve portion 36 compared to the second valve portion 38. The reinforcing members 54 may have the same shape as each other or different shapes from each other, corresponding to the required rigidity.

[0073] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another exemplary assembly 200 for packaging and dispensing a fluid product is shown. The assembly 200 includes a container 110 and a dispensing device 10. The assembly 200 and Figure 1 The assembly 100 shown differs in that the dispensing device 10 does not comprise a dosing chamber 24 and that the flexible member forming the valve member 30 is arranged radially inside the rigid member forming the valve seat 32 .

[0074] In this embodiment, the container 110 is made of a flexible material, so when a compressive force is applied to the container 110, the fluid pressure inside the container 110 changes. When the storage chamber 112 of the container 110 is compressed, the fluid product contained in the container 110 is forced to be directed to the dispensing valve 16 to open the dispensing channel 34.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 , the fluid product flows into the guide channel 54 through the through hole 60 formed in the substrate. Under the increased pressure, the fluid product moves the valve member 30 away from the valve seat 32 to form the dispensing channel 34. The fluid product is introduced into the dispensing channel 34 and discharged at the dispensing end 14, also as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow in .

[0076] In a similar manner to the above-described embodiments, the dispensing valve 16 of this embodiment may be configured such that the biasing force applied in the first valve portion 36 is greater than the biasing force applied in the second valve portion 38 when the dispensing valve 16 is in the closed position.

[0077] Thus, upon releasing the pressure that has been applied to the container 110, the first valve portion 36 moves back to the initial position, the first valve portion 36 pushing any residual product out of the first valve portion 36 and into the second valve portion 38. When the second valve portion 38 subsequently returns to the closed position, the residual product is pushed out of the dispensing device 10, leaving no or very little residual product in the dispensing valve 16. At the same time, any bacteria or unwanted objects present in the dispensing passage 34 are also expelled from the dispensing device 10.

[0078] In this manner, the dispensing device 10 may be protected from any unwanted matter that might otherwise enter the dispensing valve 16 or flow back from the second valve portion 38 into the first valve portion 36 .

[0079] Figure 8 Another exemplary assembly 300 for packaging and dispensing a fluid product is shown. The assembly 300 according to this embodiment is similar to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated assembly 200 differs in that the dispensing passage 34 will be formed in a direction perpendicular to the opening 48 at the dispensing end 14, or in a radial direction.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the storage chamber 112 of the container 110 is compressed, and the fluid product is forced to flow into the guide channel 54 via the through hole 62 formed in the flexible member forming the valve member 30. The guide channel 54 extends perpendicularly to the dispensing channel 34 formed between the valve member 30 and the valve seat 32. In a similar manner to the above-mentioned embodiment, the pressure of the fluid product is sufficient to move the valve member 30 away from the valve seat 32 to form the dispensing channel 34.

[0081] In a similar manner to the above-described embodiment, the dispensing valve 16 of this embodiment may be configured such that when the dispensing valve 16 is in the closed position, the biasing force applied in the first valve portion is greater than the biasing force applied in the second valve portion.

[0082] Thus, upon releasing the pressure that has been applied to the container 110, the first valve portion 36 moves back to the initial position, the first valve portion 36 pushing any residual product out of the first valve portion 36 and into the second valve portion 38. When the second valve portion 38 subsequently returns to the closed position, the residual product is pushed out of the dispensing device 10, leaving no or very little residual product in the dispensing valve 16. At the same time, any bacteria or unwanted objects present in the dispensing passage 34 are also expelled from the dispensing device 10.

[0083] In this manner, the dispensing device 10 may be protected from any unwanted matter that might otherwise enter the dispensing valve 16 or flow back from the second valve portion 38 into the first valve portion 36 .

[0084] As the stiffness of the valve member made of flexible material increases, more pressure is required to open the normally closed valve to form a dispensing passage between the valve member and the corresponding valve seat. In connection with dispensing devices, it is important to find a proper balance between tight sealing of the dispensing device and easy dispensing operation.

[0085] In order to reduce the force required to lift the valve member from the valve seat, the valve member 30 may be provided with one or more grooves, such as (a plurality of) annular grooves 70 formed on the surface facing the valve seat 32. Fig. 9 As shown, in the case where the valve member 30 is in tubular form, a plurality of annular grooves 70 may be provided. If the surface of the valve member 30 extends parallel to the valve seat 32 (e.g., see Figure 8 ), one or more elongated grooves may be formed on the valve member 30. The depth of such a groove may be at most 0.10 mm. A groove 70 with a depth of up to 0.10 mm helps the valve member 30 move away from the valve seat 32 and at the same time prevents residual product from accumulating in the groove.

[0086] Alternatively, the groove 70 may have a depth of up to 40 mm. In this case, the valve member 30 may not be in contact with the valve seat 32 in the portion where the groove 70 is formed.

[0087] Where more than one groove 70 is provided, the depth of one groove may be formed to be greater than the depth of an adjacent groove closer to the dispensing end 14 , thereby reducing the force required to open the first valve portion 36 .

[0088] Furthermore, due to the presence of the one or more grooves 70 , the fluid product is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, ie around the valve seat 32 , thus facilitating the movement of the dispenser valve 16 into the open position.

[0089] Instead of or in addition to the one or more grooves on the valve member 30 , one or more protrusions 72 may be formed on the surface of the valve seat 32 facing the valve member 30 . Fig.10 An embodiment is shown in which the valve seat 32 is provided with more than one protrusion 72. If more than one protrusion 72 is provided, one protrusion may protrude further than an adjacent protrusion closer to the dispensing end.

[0090] These grooves and / or protrusions can help adjust the tightness between the valve member 30 and the valve seat 32. Therefore, less force is required to move the valve member 30 away from the valve seat 32, thereby facilitating the formation of the dispensing passage 34.

[0091] Although not shown, according to an embodiment, the valve member 30 has a surface facing the valve seat 32 in the first valve element 40 with a roughness greater than a surface facing the valve seat in the second valve element 44. The roughness may range from 3 to 5 micrometers in the first valve portion 36. The roughness in the second valve portion 38 may range from 0.3 to 3 micrometers to prevent bacteria from adhering to the second valve portion 38. In contrast, the valve seat 32 may have a smooth surface.

[0092] Alternatively, the valve seat 32 may have different degrees of roughness on the surface facing the valve member 30 between the first valve portion 36 and the second valve portion 38. Specifically, the valve seat 32 may have a roughness greater in the first valve portion 36 than in the second valve portion 38. In this case, the valve member 30 may have a smooth surface.

[0093] Due to the pair of rough and smooth surfaces between the valve seat 32 and the valve member 30 , less force is required to move the valve member 30 away from the valve seat 32 , thereby facilitating the formation of the dispensing passage 34 .

[0094] In the case where the valve member 30 and / or the valve seat 32 has a predetermined degree of roughness on the surface thereof, the rough surface of the valve member 30 and / or the valve seat 32 may alternate with smooth portions.

[0095] Furthermore, the metering chamber 24 may have a tapered shape toward the dispensing valve 16, such as Figure 1 As shown. Since the metering chamber 24 has a conical shape, when the fluid product contained in the metering chamber 24 flows into the dispensing valve 16, the fluid under pressure exerts a radially outward thrust, thereby making it easier for the valve member 30 to move away from the valve seat 32. Therefore, the dispensing passage 34 can be reliably and easily formed.

Claims

1. A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a fluid product, the dispensing device comprising: a dispensing tip (14) through which the product is to be dispensed; an attachment end (12) that is attached to a container (110) containing the product; and a dispensing valve (16) disposed between the attachment end (12) and the dispensing end (14) and formed by a flexible member (28, 30) and a rigid member (26, 32), the dispensing valve (16) being configured to be actuated between an open position, in which a dispensing passage (34) is formed between the flexible member (28, 30) and the rigid member (26, 32) to allow product to flow to the dispensing end (14), and a closed position in which the dispensing passage (34) is closed; It is characterized in that The dispensing valve (16) includes a first valve portion (36) and a second valve portion (38), the second valve portion (38) being closer to the dispensing end (14) than the first valve portion (36), the dispensing valve (16) being configured such that when the dispensing valve (16) is in a closed position, the biasing force applied by the flexible member (28, 30) to the rigid member (26, 32) in the first valve portion (36) is greater than the biasing force applied by the flexible member to the rigid member in the second valve portion (38), The flexible member (28, 30) is coaxially arranged around the rigid member (26, 32), and the flexible member (28, 30) includes an axial extension (50) extending from the attachment end (12) and axially extending farther than the farthest end of the rigid member (26, 32), and a radial extension (52) extending radially inward from the axial extension (50) to define a dispensing opening (48) at the dispensing end (14), wherein the dispensing opening (48) is located at a position axially farther from the attachment end (12) than the farthest end of the rigid member (26, 32), And wherein the dispensing passage (34) and the dispensing opening (48) are connected by a guide passage (54) defined between the radial extension portion (52) and the farthest end of the rigid member (26, 32), and the guide passage (54) is fluidically connected to the dispensing opening (48) regardless of whether the dispensing valve (16) is in an open position or a closed position.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) has a stiffness greater in the first valve portion (36) than in the second valve portion (38).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) and the rigid member (26, 32) are configured to have an interference in the first valve portion (36) that is greater than an interference in the second valve portion (38).

4. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) has a reinforcing member (56) in the first valve portion (36).

5. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) has a thickness in the first valve portion (36) that is greater than a thickness of the flexible member in the second valve portion (38).

6. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) at least partially has a tapered shape that tapers toward the dispensing end (14).

7. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) in the first valve portion (36) is made of a material that is more rigid than the material that the flexible member (28, 30) in the second valve portion (38) is made of.

8. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The roughness of the surface of the flexible member (28, 30) facing the rigid member (26, 32) in the first valve portion (36) is greater than the roughness of the surface of the flexible member facing the rigid member in the second valve portion (38).

9. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface of the rigid member (26, 32) facing the flexible member (28, 30) in the first valve portion (36) has a roughness greater than the surface of the rigid member facing the flexible member in the second valve portion (38).

10. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) in the dispensing valve (16) includes one or more grooves (70) formed on a surface facing the rigid member (26, 32).

11. The device (10) according to claim 10, wherein: The flexible member (28, 30) in the dispensing valve (16) includes more than one groove (70) on the surface facing the rigid member (26, 32), the depth of one groove being greater than the depth of an adjacent groove closer to the dispensing end (14).

12. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rigid member (26, 32) in the dispensing valve (16) includes one or more protrusions (72) on a surface facing the flexible member (28, 30).

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The rigid member (26, 32) in the dispensing valve (16) includes more than one protrusion (72), one protrusion protruding further than an adjacent protrusion closer to the dispensing end (14).

14. The device (10) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a metering chamber (24) disposed between the dispensing valve (16) and the attachment end (12) and configured to store a measured amount of a product, the metering chamber (24) being defined between the rigid member (26) and the flexible member (28) spaced outwardly from the rigid member (26).

15. The device (10) according to claim 14, wherein: The metering chamber (24) at least partially has a shape that tapers towards the dispensing valve (16).

16. The device (10) according to claim 15, wherein: A flexible member (28, 30) defining the metering chamber (24) includes an inner tapered portion that tapers toward the dispensing valve (16).

17. The device (10) according to claim 14, wherein: A rigid member (26) defining the metering chamber (24) includes an outer tapered portion that tapers toward the dispensing valve (16).

18. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The guide channel (54) extends substantially at a right angle to the distribution channel (34).

19. The device (10) according to claim 18, wherein: The guide channel (54) is defined by at least one groove or at least one opening formed on or in the rigid member (26, 32).

20. An assembly (100, 200) for packaging and dispensing a fluid product, the assembly comprising: a container (110) configured to contain the product; as well as Dispensing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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