Method and system for dispensing dose of liquid or pasty product occupying storage compartment of variable volume in container
By establishing a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in the pressure chamber and using a recovery device to prevent the elastic device from stretching, the problem of elastic device stretching in air pump-free dispensers is solved, achieving stable storage enclosure volume and simplified operation, suitable for dispensing liquid or paste products.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing air pump-free dispensers have difficulty effectively preventing unintended stretching of elastic components during the dispensing process, resulting in a reduction in the volume of the storage enclosure. Furthermore, they are complex and costly to operate, affecting the stable dispensing and storage of products.
By establishing a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in the pressure chamber, using a recovery device to prevent the elastic device from stretching, and employing the principle of airless pump technology, the operation steps are simplified, complex structures and additional actuators are avoided, and the product is ensured to be isolated from external contaminants under positive pressure.
It achieves stable compression of the elastic device during the distribution process, maintains the storage enclosure volume, simplifies operation, reduces system complexity and cost, and ensures stable distribution and storage of products.
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Figure CN121752874A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for dispensing a dose of a liquid or pasty product, such as an ophthalmic product, which occupies a variable-volume storage enclosure in a container. The invention can be put into practice in a system of the type using principles similar to those of an airless dispensing pump. BACKGROUND
[0002] Systems for dispensing liquids by means of airless pumps are known and are particularly suitable for dispensing pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions stored in a container without contact with the external air, preserving the active properties of the pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions and guaranteeing their stability over longer periods of time.
[0003] In dispensers of this type, the product to be dispensed occupies a variable-volume storage enclosure, the volume of which is compensated by a volume-compensation plunger acting on the variable-volume storage enclosure, in which atmospheric pressure acts on one of the sides of the volume-compensation plunger. The dispenser is equipped with a head that can be actuated externally in order to actuate a pumping mechanism that is able to draw a dose of product stored in the variable-volume enclosure and enable a communication path to be established between the suction chamber, which temporarily contains the drawn preparation, and the outside. The volume of the storage enclosure is compensated by the volume-compensation plunger, which is displaced automatically when a volume of air does not enter the storage enclosure to make up for the volume of product drawn and dispensed.
[0004] In order to further improve the performance of dispensers of this type in terms of product preservation and to isolate the product from the outside, dispensers are known that are equipped, in particular, with devices that prevent the entry of external contaminants into the storage enclosure or prevent the contact of external contaminants with a volume of product that can remain in the communication path with the outside, including the intermediate chamber, if any.
[0005] Patent document ES 2200573 describes a system with a plurality of valves that prevent a volume of product from undesirably returning to the part of the system that remains in contact with the outside at the end of a dispensing operation.
[0006] Patent document ES 2256608 describes a system that supplements the plurality of valves with materials and treatments that repel bacteria.
[0007] Patent document EP 3082707 proposes a dispenser of the airless pump type incorporating a special filter in the outlet valve.
[0008] However, alternative measures, which can also be combined with the aforementioned measures, consist in taking precautions so that the product occupying the storage enclosure is permanently under positive pressure conditions, understood as greater than atmospheric pressure. This measure will prevent any external substances from entering the storage enclosure.
[0009] This measure will provide additional advantages, such as a more controlled dispensing of the preparation in certain cases.
[0010] The objects of the present invention relate to a method and a system that allow achieving these objects.
[0011] Taking measures so that the product occupying the storage enclosure is permanently under positive pressure conditions can require the intervention of elastically loaded elastic means, which tend to compress the storage enclosure. However, this solution presents some obstacles that have not yet been satisfactorily solved. The main obstacle is to prevent the undesired stretching of these elastic means and the corresponding reduction of the volume of the storage enclosure when the product is being discharged and dispensed.
[0012] Other objects of the present invention relate to a method and a system that allow achieving the above-mentioned objects in a reliable and user-easy-to-practice manner. In this sense, of interest is a system that can achieve the present invention in a robust manner, which does not require structural complexity that hinders its commercialization due to cost problems, and which does not require more complex operations of the system, for example, does not require more actuators or does not require having to complete several steps or actuate several elements for this purpose.
[0013] Patent document EP 3171921 proposes a dispenser for administering a drug that must be inhaled, which during its use can cause negative pressure in the storage enclosure for storing the drug in liquid state, which can cause the undesired formation of vapour and gas bubbles, especially when the liquid contains an ethanol-based solution. This device has a mechanism for increasing the pressure on the liquid content during use, i.e. during the discharge of the preparation with the air spring of the push piston, which has an air filtration path and a check valve, which must be loaded with the help of assembling the dispenser each time it is used.
[0014] Patent document EP 2599558 also proposes an airless pump type dispenser for dispensing a liquid, equipped with elastic means in the form of a spring linked to the mobile plunger, which subjects the product to positive pressure, however, its purpose is to prevent the storage enclosure from breaking if the product expands due to changes in temperature or state.
[0015] Similarly, patent document EP 2881338 proposes the use of an elastic support element located in a portion of the volume compensation plunger of an airless pump-type dispenser, with the aim of suppressing the effects of external impacts that the dispenser may be subjected to on the storage enclosure. Summary of the Invention
[0016] The method according to claim 1 is proposed.
[0017] This is a method for dispensing a dose of a liquid or paste product, the liquid or paste product occupying a variable-volume storage enclosure in a container, and subjected to pressure greater than atmospheric pressure due to an elastic element that tends to compress the aforementioned storage enclosure when elastically loaded.
[0018] Basically, the method is characterized by comprising the following steps: restoring the load on the elastic device by means of temporarily establishing a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in a pressure chamber, thereby compensating for or preventing the stretching of the elastic device caused by dispensing a certain dose of product drawn from the storage enclosure, the pressure chamber being a variable-volume chamber connected to or affected by the elastic device.
[0019] It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "comprising" and its variations, such as "comprising," imply the inclusion of the mentioned steps, operations, or one or more elements, but do not exclude any other steps, operations, or one or more elements.
[0020] In a preferred variation, the method of the present invention includes temporarily establishing a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure, such that the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to prevent the pressure chamber from expanding even when the elastic device tends to expand it; or, even when the elastic device tends to expand it, the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to contract the pressure chamber. These options produce corresponding variations suitable for dispensing systems that put the claimed method into practice.
[0021] It is conceivable that, in order to put this invention into practice, the user should not have to add steps or operations to those normally performed to dispense a dose of product from a container.
[0022] Specifically, in a variation of this method, dispensing a dose of product includes externally acting on, for example, a moving part of the dispensing system, i.e., an actuator, and shifting the moving part from a standby position along a first direction to a position causing compression of the storage enclosure; and automatically or manually shifting the same moving part back to its standby position along a second direction. In this variation, the shifting of the moving part also automatically triggers a step of restoring the load on the elastic device.
[0023] As will be explained below, the movement of the aforementioned moving component to its standby position can actually be automatic, for example, by subjecting the moving component to the action of an auxiliary elastic device that tends to position the moving component in its standby position. However, it is also conceivable that the movement of the aforementioned moving component to its standby position may also require external actuation, for example, by means of an actuation device formed on the moving component.
[0024] Another object of the present invention relates to a system for dispensing a dose of a liquid or paste product, the liquid or paste product occupying a variable volume storage enclosure in a container.
[0025] The system is defined in the claims.
[0026] The proposed system is partially implemented based on the technical principle of airless distribution pump.
[0027] The system of the present invention achieves the technical principle of an airless dispensing pump by adding elastic devices that, when elastically loaded, preferably under compression, tend to compress the product to be dispensed contained in the storage enclosure. The system is equipped with a recovery device that prevents these elastic devices from stretching when the volume of the product in the storage enclosure decreases, at least to the extent that the elastic devices will continue to compress the product to be dispensed until the product is used up.
[0028] For this purpose, the aforementioned recovery device is configured to temporarily establish a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in a pressure chamber, which is a chamber of variable volume connected to or affected by an elastic device.
[0029] By manipulating the internal pressure of the pressure chamber, particularly by establishing pressure conditions below atmospheric pressure, the pressure chamber will not expand or will contract even when the elastic element tends to expand, thereby preventing undesirable stretching or compression of the elastic element. Different embodiments of the invention put any of these phenomena into practice.
[0030] Therefore, according to the embodiment of interest, the recovery device is prepared to establish a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure, which is sufficient to prevent the pressure chamber from expanding even when the elastic device tends to expand it; or the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to cause the pressure chamber to contract even when the elastic device tends to expand it.
[0031] Preferably, the elastic device is loaded in a compressed manner.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the recovery device includes one or more connection paths to a pressure chamber, the one or more connection paths being for allowing air to enter the interior of the pressure chamber and for extracting air from the interior of the pressure chamber. These recovery devices are capable of at least an operating state and a non-operating state. In the operating state, these recovery devices are capable of extracting air but preventing air from entering, or preventing both air entering and extracting. In the non-operating state, these recovery devices are capable of allowing air to enter and preferably also preventing air extraction.
[0033] In the variant of interest, the temporary establishment of a sub-atmospheric pressure condition Pv in the pressure chamber will occur automatically due to, for example, the actuation of a typical actuator in the form of a movable part provided in the dispensing system by finger actuation. That is, the same operation performed by the user to dispense a dose of product will result in the temporary establishment of the aforementioned sub-atmospheric pressure condition Pv in the pressure chamber during the phase of the sequence used to dispense a dose of product.
[0034] The actual implementation of the system uses a plunger that defines a compartment within the container and, in some cases, also defines a compartment outside the container, although it is hydraulically connected to the compartment within the container.
[0035] For example, it is conceivable that the product fills the area of a chamber defined between two of these plungers, and thus the storage enclosure is the chamber. In this embodiment, a resilient device would be arranged outside the chamber occupied by the product.
[0036] For example, it is conceivable that the storage enclosure is a foldable / compressible flexible container, such as a bag. If the storage enclosure is a flexible container, an elastic device can be arranged between the flexible container and the plunger, thus tending to compress the flexible container directly or by means of a thrust element. In this embodiment, the flexible container may or may not be arranged in a pressure chamber.
[0037] These options result in alternative variations of the system, which share the common feature of having a distribution path configured to connect the product contained in the storage enclosure to the outside via a valve assembly or element, which may be mechanically actuated by actuating an actuator or regulated to establish communication with the outside when the pressure of the product exceeds the distribution pressure Pd, wherein some preferred embodiments are described in the claims.
[0038] In a variant of the system, the container is separated by several plungers, wherein: an actuating plunger that can be actuated directly or indirectly by a user; a supporting plunger, wherein atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the supporting plunger; and a dispensing plunger disposed between the actuating plunger and the supporting plunger.
[0039] Advantageously, and unlike conventional airless pumps, this system can exist without any suction chamber, which temporarily holds a dose of product drawn from the storage enclosure before dispensing it to the outside. This is possible because the product is drawn from the storage enclosure not by suction but by excessive pressure applied to the product by the dispensing plunger when the actuating plunger is actuated.
[0040] In this variant of the system, the support plunger can be displaced only in the direction of proximity to the distribution plunger; the volume of the pressure chamber is determined by the spacing between the actuating plunger and the distribution plunger, and an elastic device is loaded between these actuating plungers and the distribution plunger in a compressed state, thus tending to separate the actuating plunger and the distribution plunger and expand the pressure chamber.
[0041] In this variant of the system, the volume of the storage enclosure is determined by the spacing between the distribution plunger and the support plunger, and the product can be contained directly between these distribution plungers and the support plunger or in a flexible container contained between these distribution plungers and the support plunger.
[0042] When the system starts from standby, a driven movement of the dispensing plunger toward the storage enclosure occurs due to the actuation displacement of the actuating plunger toward the aforementioned storage enclosure, communication between the storage enclosure and the outside occurs. This involves the recovery device assuming an operating state after the pressure chamber contracts and the elastic element is over-compressed. All of this causes the operating state of the recovery device to cause the dispensing plunger to move due to vacuum when a dose of product is drawn from the storage enclosure, reducing the volume of the storage enclosure, and / or when the actuating plunger returns relative to the storage enclosure in the opposite direction, and during part of the return stroke of the actuating plunger, thereby preventing the pressure chamber from expanding and the elastic element from extending. This forces the support plunger to shift in order to compensate for the volume of the dose of product drawn from the storage enclosure, until the recovery device assumes its non-operating state, thereby allowing the pressure chamber to expand and the elastic element to essentially return to its original compressed state.
[0043] Preferably, the actuating plunger is biased by an auxiliary elastic device that tends to position the actuating plunger against the displacement stop in the opposite direction relative to the storage enclosure. This position corresponds to the system's standby state.
[0044] In the way this variant of the system is put into practice, the recovery device includes multiple connection paths to the pressure chamber, the recovery device includes a path with a check valve through the actuating plunger and a sealing device configured to allow or prevent air passage depending on the relative position between the dispensing plunger and the actuating plunger.
[0045] The dispensing plunger may have a wall along its periphery that defines a sleeve on which the actuating plunger rests and slides.
[0046] In another way of putting this variant of the system into practice, the recovery device may include a connection path for connecting the pressure chamber located between the dispensing plunger and the actuating plunger to the outside, wherein the system is in its standby state.
[0047] In another variation of the system, the container is separated by several plungers, wherein: a support plunger is present, wherein atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the support plunger; and a distribution plunger; the system has a variable-volume auxiliary chamber located on the side of the distribution plunger opposite to the side where the support plunger is located, the auxiliary chamber being connected to a piston assembly having a corresponding actuating plunger.
[0048] In this alternative variation, the system may also lack a suction chamber, which temporarily holds a dose of product drawn from the storage enclosure before dispensing it to the outside. This is possible because the product is drawn from the storage enclosure not by suction but by excessive pressure applied to the product by the dispensing plunger when the actuating plunger is actuated.
[0049] In this other variant of the system, the support plunger can be displaced only in the direction of proximity to the distribution plunger; the volume of the pressure chamber is determined by the gap between the distribution plunger and the support plunger; and the elastic element is loaded in a compressed state between one of the distribution plunger or the support plunger and the storage enclosure consisting of a flexible container located inside the pressure chamber.
[0050] When the hydraulic thrust generated by the actuation displacement of the actuating plunger causes the dispensing plunger to move towards the storage enclosure from the system's standby state, communication between the storage enclosure and the outside occurs. This involves the recovery device adopting an operating state, which causes the elastic elements to extend to compensate for the volume of a certain dose of product drawn from the storage enclosure. All of this causes the operating state of the recovery device to cause the displacement of the support plunger and compression of the elastic elements due to suction when the actuating plunger returns to its original compressed state during the partial return stroke of the actuating plunger in the opposite direction to the direction that caused the dispensing plunger to move towards the storage enclosure.
[0051] In another variation of the system, the container is separated by several plungers, wherein: a support plunger is present, wherein atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the support plunger; a distribution plunger; and a separation plunger located between the support plunger and the distribution plunger, wherein, as in the previous case, the system has a variable-volume auxiliary chamber located on the side of the distribution plunger opposite to the side where the support plunger is located, and the auxiliary chamber is connected to a piston assembly having a corresponding actuating plunger.
[0052] In this further variation of the system, the product is extracted from the storage enclosure not by suction, but by excessive pressure applied to the product by the distribution plunger when the actuating plunger is actuated.
[0053] In this further variation of the system, the support plunger can be displaced only in the direction approaching the distribution plunger; the volume of the pressure chamber is determined by the interval between the support plunger and the separation plunger, and an elastic device is loaded between these support plungers and the separation plunger in a compressed state, thereby tending to separate the support plunger and the separation plunger and expand the pressure chamber; and the volume of the storage enclosure is determined by the interval between the distribution plunger and the separation plunger, and the product can be contained directly between these distribution plungers and the separation plunger or contained in a flexible container accommodated between these distribution plungers and the separation plunger.
[0054] When the hydraulic thrust generated by the actuation displacement of the actuating plunger causes the dispensing plunger to move towards the storage enclosure from the system's standby state, communication between the storage enclosure and the outside occurs. This involves the recovery device adopting an operating state, which causes the elastic elements to extend to compensate for the volume of a certain dose of product drawn from the storage enclosure. All of this causes the operating state of the recovery device to cause the displacement of the support plunger and compression of the elastic elements due to suction when the actuating plunger returns to its original compressed state during the partial return stroke of the actuating plunger in the opposite direction to the direction that caused the dispensing plunger to move towards the storage enclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0055] Figure 1 A first major variation of the system according to the invention is shown;
[0056] Figure 2a , Figure 3a , Figure 4a , Figure 5 and Figure 6a This is a graphical simplification of the operation sequence of another variant of the system according to the invention, which is conceptually similar to the first main variant;
[0057] Figure 2b This is a graphical simplification of another variation of the system according to the invention, which is also conceptually similar to the first variation;
[0058] Figure 3b , Figure 4b and Figure 6b It shows Figure 1 The system's state at the corresponding moment in the allocation order, where the corresponding moment is equivalent to... Figure 3a , Figure 4a and Figure 6a The moment;
[0059] Figure 7 A second major variation of the system according to the invention is shown;
[0060] Figure 8a , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a graphical simplification of the operational sequence of another variant of the system according to the invention, the other variant being conceptually similar to the second main variant; and
[0061] Figure 8b This is a graphical simplification of another variation of the system according to the invention, which is also conceptually similar to the second main variation. Detailed Implementation
[0062] This invention is illustrated by different variations, and the two variations in the different variations are respectively in Figure 1 and Figure 7 The actual diagrams in the diagrams are of systems 100 and 101.
[0063] Systems 100 and 101 share some common elements, and in this case, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate these common elements.
[0064] These two systems 100 and 101, as well as conceptually similar variants, are also schematically illustrated in other accompanying drawings, which will be referenced throughout this specification.
[0065] In systems 100 and 101, container 2 has a sleeve 2a with a set of plungers mounted thereon, the set of plungers defining a variable-volume pressure chamber 40. In the event that the load state of these identical elastic elements 20 changes during the dispensing of a dose of the product 3, the pressure chamber 40 will be used to restore the load of the elastic elements 20, which in a compressed state act on the volume of product 3 to be dispensed contained within the variable-volume storage enclosure 30.
[0066] In systems 100 and 101, when the system is actuated to dispense a dose of product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30, a plunger fitted in a sealed manner inside the sleeve 2a can be displaced to reduce the volume of the storage enclosure 30. This plunger is the dispensing plunger 12.
[0067] In systems 100 and 101, another plunger, fitted in a sealed manner inside sleeve 2a, functions as a volume-compensating plunger without an air pump. This plunger is support plunger 13. In a known manner, support plunger 13 has a check device 13a that prevents it from shifting back in a direction away from distributing plunger 12.
[0068] Check valve 13a can be implemented in known ways and will not be described in more detail, as such implementation is not essential for carrying out the invention. By way of non-limiting example only, check valve 13a may include a flexible peripheral flange arranged obliquely relative to the inner surface of sleeve 2a. When the support plunger 13 moves in a first direction, i.e., the upward direction according to the figures, the flexible peripheral flange rests on the inner surface of sleeve 2a, facilitating the sliding of the support plunger 13 by bending. However, when the support plunger 13 moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, i.e., the downward direction in the figures, the flexible peripheral flange tends to expand or become fixed and impede the sliding of the support plunger 13. This is a typical configuration, sometimes referred to as the arrow configuration.
[0069] In systems 100 and 101, the storage enclosure 30 contains a certain volume of product 3 to be distributed under sealed conditions.
[0070] The accompanying drawings illustrate the different options associated with the storage enclosure 30.
[0071] For example, the storage enclosure 30 can be implemented directly with the sleeve 2a of the container in the form of a sealed chamber formed between the dispensing plunger 12 and the support plunger 13. This is Figure 1 The actual illustrated system 100 is shown in the diagram. This is also as... Figure 2a , Figure 3a , Figure 4a , Figure 5 and Figure 6a The system 100' is in the order of the objects.
[0072] The storage enclosure 30 can also be implemented, for example, in the form of a bag disposed between the dispensing plunger 12 and the supporting plunger 13. This is Figure 7 The actual system 101 shown in the diagram. These are also respectively... Figure 2b System 100 and Figure 8b The situation is "System 101".
[0073] Figure 8bThe system 101” is used to illustrate the thrust element 14', which is depicted herein in a manner similar to a plunger. The thrust element 14' can be used to better transfer the thrust of the elastic device 20 to the storage enclosure 30, which is referred to herein as the aforementioned bag. The thrust element 14' does not need to be fitted with a sleeve seal to the container.
[0074] The storage seal 30 can also be implemented, for example, directly as a sealed chamber formed between the dispensing plunger 12 and the separating plunger 14. In the absence of a bag to perform the function of the storage seal 30, and with... Figure 8b Unlike the thrust element 14' of system 101", the separating plunger 14 will be a plunger fitted in a sealed manner inside the sleeve of the container. This is as Figure 8a and Figures 9 to 12 The system 101' is a case of objects in the order of their order.
[0075] In systems 100 and 101, distribution path 33 is prepared to connect the product 3 contained in storage enclosure 30 to the outside by means of valve assembly or element 32.
[0076] The valve assembly or element 32 can be mechanically actuated.
[0077] The valve assembly or element 32 can be configured such that when the pressure of the product 3 inside the storage enclosure 30 exceeds the distribution pressure Pd, the valve assembly or element 32 is adjusted to establish communication with the outside.
[0078] In any case, in systems 100 and 101, when the operable actuator 50 is actuated, it causes the dispensing plunger 12 to shift in a direction toward the support plunger 13 (downward according to the figures), thereby triggering the actuation of the valve assembly or element 32 to establish communication with the outside. As described above, the actuation of the valve assembly or element 32 can be mechanical, by means of the shift of the operable actuator 50; or the valve assembly or element 32 can be configured such that when the pressure of the product 3 exceeds the dispensing pressure Pd, the valve assembly or element 32 is adjusted to establish communication with the outside, which will occur due to the shift of the dispensing plunger 12 in the direction toward the support plunger 13. In the implementation example, this is the option depicted.
[0079] It should be noted that, as illustrated by system 100, and unlike conventional airless distribution pumps, the aspiration device for drawing a certain dose of product and the aspiration chamber for temporarily accumulating the preparation drawn from the storage enclosure are omitted.
[0080] In both systems 100 and 101, the compressible elastic element 20 acts on the product 3 to be distributed contained in the storage enclosure 30, thereby subjecting the product 3 to positive pressure accordingly.
[0081] The elastic device 20 may be inside the pressure chamber 40, in the region fluidly connected to the pressure chamber, or in the region at atmospheric pressure. However, in any case, when the elastic device 20 accumulates an elastic load, the pressure chamber 40 is affected by the elastic device 20, thereby tending to change the volume of the pressure chamber 40.
[0082] The accompanying drawings illustrate different options related to the arrangement and configuration of these elastic devices 20.
[0083] Both systems 100 and 101 are equipped with a recovery device 60, which is used to restore the load on the elastic device 20 in order to prevent undesirable stretching of the elastic device 20 relative to its initial load state caused by the dispensing of a certain dose of product 3 extracted from the storage enclosure 30.
[0084] For this purpose, the recovery device 60 is configured to temporarily establish a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in the pressure chamber 40. In the case of system 100, the pressure condition Pv will be sufficient to prevent the pressure chamber 40 from expanding even when the elastic device tends to expand it; and in the case of system 101, the pressure condition Pv will be sufficient to cause the pressure chamber 40 to contract even when the elastic device 20 tends to expand it.
[0085] In fact, the recovery device 60 allows a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure to be temporarily established inside the pressure chamber 40. This pressure condition Pv will be converted into an attractive force Fa between the plungers forming the pressure chamber 40, and this attractive force Fa will be able to compensate for or overcome the forces exerted directly or indirectly on these same plungers by the elastic device 20, which tends to expand the pressure chamber 40.
[0086] For this purpose, the recovery device 60 includes one or more connection paths to the pressure chamber 40, the one or more connection paths being for allowing air to enter the interior of the pressure chamber 40 and for extracting air from the interior of the pressure chamber 40. The recovery device 60 is capable of at least an operating state and a non-operating state. In the operating state, the recovery device 60 is capable of extracting air but preventing air from entering, or preventing both air entering and extracting. In the non-operating state, the recovery device 60 prevents air extraction but allows air to enter.
[0087] Referring now to the specific case of system 100, pressure chamber 40 is defined between actuating plunger 51, dispensing plunger 12 and sleeve 2a of container. Actuating plunger 51 is a plunger fitted in the sleeve in a sealed manner, and system 100 has an upper displacement stop 51a for actuating plunger 51.
[0088] The presence of the aforementioned attraction Fa will cause the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12 to be connected by suction, thereby overcoming the elastic force exerted on them by the elastic device 20, which always tends to separate the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12. In the presence of attraction Fa, the movement of the actuating plunger 51 toward the displacement stop 51a (upward according to the figure) will easily cause the dispensing plunger 12 to move in a driven manner.
[0089] Referring now to the specific case of system 101, pressure chamber 40 is defined between support plunger 13, another plunger, and sleeve 20. This other plunger can provide a dispensing plunger 12 (e.g., separately from the dispensing plunger 12) when the storage sealing element 30 is a bag. Figure 7 System 101 and Figure 8b (as illustrated in System 101); or the other plunger may be a separating plunger 14 (as exemplified by...). Figure 8a and Figures 9 to 12 (The system 101' is an example of the order).
[0090] The presence of the attraction Fa in system 101 will cause the support plunger 13 to approach the dispensing plunger 12 or the separating plunger 14 by suction, depending on the specific situation, thereby overcoming the elastic force exerted on it by the elastic device 20, which always tends to separate the support plunger 13 from the dispensing plunger 12 or the separating plunger 14. In the presence of the attraction Fa, the support plunger 13 can be seen to be driven towards the dispensing plunger 12 or the separating plunger 14 (i.e., in the upward direction according to the figures).
[0091] Next, a more detailed description will follow. Figure 1 System 100, and then with the help of Figure 2a , Figure 3a , Figure 4a , Figure 5 and Figure 6a The operating principle of System 100 will be explained in the following order. Figure 2a , Figure 3a , Figure 4a , Figure 5 and Figure 6a The illustration shows System 100', which is conceptually similar to System 100.
[0092] In particular for system 100, the actuating plunger 51 is biased by an auxiliary elastic device 52, which tends to position the actuating plunger 51 against the upper displacement stop 51a. In this example, these auxiliary elastic devices 52 are implemented by a return spring.
[0093] In system 100, valve assembly or element 32 is a valve equipped with a spherical seal, which is biased by a spring against a seat disposed in the dispensing path 33 for this purpose. However, other solutions are possible without changing the spirit of the invention.
[0094] In system 100, to coordinate the entry and exit of air relative to pressure chamber 40, recovery device 60 includes sealing device 41 and check valve device 42. In an exemplary case, actuation plunger 51 is fitted into or inserted into distribution plunger 12. Specifically, distribution plunger 12 has a wall 12a along its periphery that protrudes toward an upward displacement stop 51a and defines a housing for actuation plunger 51 by its central portion. In effect, wall 12a serves as a sleeve on which actuation plunger 51 rests and slides. Sealing device 41 is a non-sealing device that allows air to pass through based on the relative positions of actuation plunger 51 and distribution plunger 12 relative to each other.
[0095] In system 100', the recovery device 60 includes a pressure chamber 40 and an external connection 43, which is activated according to the instantaneous position adopted by the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12.
[0096] In system 100, the elastic element 20 is implemented by a spring resting against both the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12. In one embodiment, the spring is made of stainless steel and has a constant K = 0.9 N / mm, allowing the product 3 to withstand a positive pressure of approximately 0.06 bar above atmospheric pressure. By way of example only, the system is sized such that the container can hold the product 3 with a volume between 50 ml and 500 ml.
[0097] System 100 is particularly suitable for dispensing products in cream, lotion or gel form.
[0098] The following uses Figure 2 from system 100' as an example. Figure 3a , Figure 4a , Figure 5 and Figure 6a The order and sometimes also by means of showing Figure 1 The real-world version of System 100 Figure 3b , Figure 4b and Figure 6b The operation of system 100 will be explained in the following order. In the following explanation and in any references above, terms such as “up,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “downward,” and “lower” refer to the specific orientation of the figures.
[0099] The operations of system 100, 100', 100” are explained below.
[0100] - Used in System 100 Figure 1 The standby position - the standby position is respectively equivalent to Figure 2a System 100' and Figure 2bIn the standby position of the system 100, the elastic device 20 is in a predetermined compressed state, which tends to cause the pressure chamber 40 to expand.
[0101] When the actuating plunger 51 is prevented from moving upward due to contact with the upper displacement stop 51a, the elastic device 20 pushes the dispensing plunger 12 against the storage enclosure 30. Since the support plunger 13 is prevented from moving downward, the dispensing plunger 12 presses the product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30.
[0102] - To dispense a specific dose of product 3, actuator 50 (see...) Figure 1 It shifts downwards and, in this case, becomes integral with the actuating plunger 51.
[0103] In the first shift phase, such as Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in the diagram, the elastic device 20 is compressed and the pressure chamber 40 is emptied of air.
[0104] In system 100', this occurs through the connection part 43 with the outside.
[0105] In system 100, this occurs via check valve 42. Specifically, Figure 3b Enlarged details of the sealing device 41 are shown. In this case, the sealing device 41 has a complementary coupling device that includes a reduced section in the wall 12a of the dispensing plunger 12, which causes the compressible ring 41a housed at the edge of the actuating plunger 51 to flatten. Figure 3b In the case shown, the compressible ring prevents air from entering the pressure chamber 40; and the air is discharged from the pressure chamber 40 through the check valve 42.
[0106] During this first displacement phase, the elastic device 20 essentially absorbs the displacement of the actuating plunger 51, thereby increasing the load on the elastic device 20 under compression.
[0107] In the second shift phase, such as Figure 4a and Figure 4b As illustrated, the continuous downward displacement of the actuating plunger 51 causes the driven movement and displacement of the dispensing plunger 12 through mechanical thrust. The thrust of the dispensing plunger 12 causes an increase in the pressure of the product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30. When the pressure of the product 3 exceeds the dispensing pressure Pd, the valve 32 located in the dispensing path 33 opens (see Figure 1). Figure 1 ).
[0108] It should be noted that in system 100', the entire pressure chamber 40 is shifted downwards, and the connection 43 is no longer in communication with the pressure chamber 40. From this moment on, the recovery device 60 enters the operating state.
[0109] Figure 4b For showing Figure 1 System 100 is composed of Figure 4a The simplified portion represents the moment. The compressible ring 41a continues to flatten, thereby preventing air from entering the pressure chamber 40, and the recovery device 60 continues to operate in the state that began during the first shift phase in this case.
[0110] - Opening the valve 32 located in the dispensing path 33 will cause a certain dose 3a of product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30 to leave until the pressure of the product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30 no longer exceeds the dispensing pressure Pd. In the example, this will occur when the pressure is no longer applied to the actuating plunger 51 or when the downward movement of the actuating plunger 51 is interrupted, for example, a displacement stop (not depicted) is provided for this purpose.
[0111] Since no pressure is applied to the actuating plunger 51, the actuating plunger 51 will tend to adopt the initial position of the actuating plunger 51 biased by the auxiliary elastic device 52 by default.
[0112] exist Figure 5 In the first return phase illustrated, the recovery device 60 is in the operating position to prevent air from entering the pressure chamber 40. Due to the vacuum, or because the actuating plunger 51 acts like a suction cup, it drives the movement of the dispensing plunger 12 as it moves upward. Furthermore, as is common in airless systems, the support plunger 13 will move upward because air is not allowed to enter the storage enclosure 30. This driven movement of the actuating plunger 51, dispensing plunger 12, and support plunger 13 will occur as long as no air enters the pressure chamber 40 and as long as the recovery device 60 is in the operating position.
[0113] exist Figure 5 In the figure, this attraction between the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12—which exceeds the elastic force that tends to separate the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12—is indicated by the label box Fa.
[0114] exist Figure 6a and Figure 6b In the second return phase illustrated, the upward movement of pressure chamber 40 connects it to the outside via connection 53, allowing air to enter pressure chamber 40. During this phase, recovery device 60 is in a non-operating state, and the vacuum effect is correspondingly broken. From this point onward, actuating plunger 51 continues its upward return motion without driving the movement of dispensing plunger 12, and elastic device 20 extends until actuating plunger 51 reaches upper displacement stop 51a.
[0115] System 100' adopts and Figure 2aIn similar positions, the elastic device 20 is in the same or substantially the same predetermined compression state, but the volume of the storage enclosure 30 is reduced by a certain value based on the dose 3a of the dispensed product 3.
[0116] Figure 6b For showing Figure 1 System 100 at the moment after the vacuum effect has been broken, i.e., in a state of being... Figure 6a The simplified part represents the moment.
[0117] In system 100, the height of the wall 12a of the dispensing plunger 12 is sized such that when the actuating plunger 51 is still being pulled upward by the return spring, the wall 12a contacting the upper displacement stop 51a helps to break the vacuum effect, even before the actuating plunger 51 has contacted the upper displacement stop 51a. When this occurs, the relative movement between the actuating plunger 51 and the dispensing plunger 12 provides a sealing device 41 as shown in the enlarged detail. In this case, the compressible ring 41a is arranged at the level of the non-recessed section of the wall 12a of the dispensing plunger 12 and no longer flattens, allowing air to enter the pressure chamber 40.
[0118] Next, system 101 will be described in more detail so that it can then be used in this case. Figure 8a and Figures 9 to 12 The operating principle of system 101 will be explained in the following order. Figure 8a and Figures 9 to 12 It is a graphical simplification of System 101', which is conceptually similar to System 101.
[0119] In particular, system 101 is applied to or in combination with a dispenser head, the dispenser head being configured to produce a mixture of dispensed product and air, for example, to spray the mixture. An example of this type of dispenser head is described in patent document EP 3738677 B1.
[0120] In one embodiment, the body constituting the elastic device 20 is a stainless steel spring. In another embodiment, the body constituting the elastic device is a block-shaped piece made of an elastomer, plastic, rubber, etc. In one embodiment, the elastic device has a constant K = 0.448 N / mm; it allows the product 3 to withstand a positive pressure of approximately 0.21 bar above atmospheric pressure; and, by way of example only, the system is sized such that the container can hold the product 3 with a volume between 10 ml and 50 ml.
[0121] System 101 is particularly suitable for dispensing products in the form of medium-viscosity liquids and gels.
[0122] This type of head, such as the one disclosed in patent document EP 3738677 B1, requires the accumulation of a certain volume of air. System 101 uses this accumulation of air so that the head can use this accumulation of air to spray a dispensing dose of product in order to drive the dispensing plunger 12 to move in a downward direction.
[0123] Air is blown into system 101 from piston assembly 80, which defines a suction chamber. Piston assembly 80 is fitted with an actuating plunger 81, and the recovery device 60 in this case includes connections 82 and 83 between the chamber of piston assembly 80 and the outside and pressure chamber 40, respectively.
[0124] Air blown into the system will accumulate in a variable-volume auxiliary chamber 90 located above the dispensing plunger 12. In this example, the auxiliary chamber 90 is formed by a sleeve 2a, the aforementioned dispensing plunger 12, and a cover that closes the upper portion of the sleeve 2a. Clearly, other construction solutions are possible.
[0125] In system 101, the elastic device 20 is configured as a block made of an elastomer, plastic, rubber, or the like, i.e., a block made of a material with elastic properties. This elastic device 20, if appropriately sized, can be fitted between the bag forming the storage enclosure 30 and the support plunger 13. In this case, the pressure chamber 40 is defined by the available free area between the dispensing plunger 12, the support plunger 13, and the sleeve 2a.
[0126] A similar configuration is Figure 8b The configuration of system 101” is shown in a simplified manner. The difference between system 101” and system 101 is that, in the second case, the elastic device 20 – which is in the form of a block with elastic properties or constructed in a different way – applies pressure to the bag that performs the function of the storage sealing member 30 by means of the thrust element 14'.
[0127] The following uses system 101' Figure 8a and Figures 9 to 12 The operation of system 101 will be explained in the following order. In the case of system 101', taking an alternative as an example, in the absence of a bag, the pressure chamber 40 is defined between the support plunger 13 and the separation plunger 14 briefly mentioned above; and the storage enclosure 30 is defined between the dispensing plunger 12 and the separation plunger 14 and the sleeve of the container.
[0128] The operations for systems 101, 101', and 101" are as follows:
[0129] - Used in System 101 Figure 7 The standby position - the standby position is respectively equivalent to Figure 8aSystem 101' and Figure 8b In the standby position of System 101, the elastic element 20 is in a predetermined compressed state, thus tending to expand the pressure chamber 40. Since the downward movement of the support plunger 13 is prevented, the elastic element 20 compresses the storage enclosure 30, subjecting the product 3 contained within the storage enclosure 30 to positive pressure, pressing it directly onto the bag in System 101 (see [link]). Figure 7 ); pushes plunger 14 in system 101' (see Figure 8a ); or push the thrust element 14' in system 101" (see Figure 8b ).
[0130] - In order to dispense a certain dose of product 3a, when the actuating plunger 81 is actuated for this purpose, the dispensing plunger 12 is displaced in the downward direction, such as Figure 9 As shown in the diagram.
[0131] For systems 101, 101', 101" in particular, this downward displacement of the distribution plunger 12 occurs by blowing a certain volume of air into the auxiliary chamber 90. Optionally, a portion of the air displaced by the actuating plunger 81 can reach the pressure chamber 40. Since the effective surface area of the distribution plunger 12 in the auxiliary chamber 90 is larger than the effective surface area of the separating plunger 14 in the pressure chamber 40, both the distribution plunger 12 and the separating plunger 14 will shift toward the support plunger 13 when the aforementioned auxiliary chamber 90 and pressure chamber 40 reach the same pressure conditions.
[0132] The connection between the chamber of piston assembly 80 and pressure chamber 40 is achieved in this example by means of fluid connection 83.
[0133] In any case, such as Figure 9 As illustrated, the downward displacement of the dispensing plunger 12 and / or the load experienced by the elastic device 20 cause an increase in pressure on the product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30; when the pressure on the product 3 exceeds the dispensing pressure Pd, the valve element 32 is opened.
[0134] It should be noted that in these examples, when air is blown by the actuating plunger 81 in the piston assembly 80, the position of the actuating plunger 81 prevents it from being connected to the outside via the air connection 82. From this moment on, the recovery device 60 enters the operating state.
[0135] like Figure 10As illustrated, the opening of valve element 32 causes a certain dose 3a of product contained in storage enclosure 30 to exit until the pressure of product 3 no longer exceeds the dispensing pressure Pd. In the example, this may occur when pressure is no longer applied to actuating plunger 81, when actuating plunger 81 reaches the end of its stroke, and / or when resilient device 20 expands to the extent that resilient device 20 no longer applies sufficient thrust to product 3 through disengagement plunger 14 in system 101'.
[0136] - In systems 101, 101', 101" a certain dose of product 3a leaves the storage enclosure 30 and arrives at the mixing chamber 34, where the product 3a in a certain dose can be mixed with air from the auxiliary chamber 90. Of course, this mixing chamber is optional.
[0137] - Then the actuating plunger 81 of piston assembly 80 will return. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the actuating plunger 81 is biased by an auxiliary elastic device (not depicted) that tends to position the actuating plunger 81 in its original position, which is by default... Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b In the original position shown in one of the diagrams. When the recovery device 60 is in the operating position, this displacement creates a suction effect on the air contained in the pressure chamber 40, since no air enters the storage enclosure 30 or the auxiliary chamber 90. This suction effect translates into the upward movement of the support plunger 13, thereby compressing the elastic device 20 and the recovery elastic device 20, all of which are as follows: Figure 11 As shown in the diagram.
[0138] exist Figure 11 In the figure, the attraction between the support plunger 13 and the release plunger 14—an attraction that exceeds the elastic force that tends to separate the support plunger 13 and the release plunger 14—is indicated by the label box Fa.
[0139] - When the actuating plunger 81 reaches Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8bIn the initial position illustrated in the diagram, when the actuating plunger 81 allows air to connect to the outside again through the air connection 82, the actuating plunger 81 can again allow air to enter the piston assembly 80. However, the downward movement of the support plunger 13 is prevented, so this air inflow will not cause the elastic device 20, which will remain compressed, to extend: in system 101', the elastic device 20 is located between the support plunger 13 and the separating plunger 14, which is the transmitter of the thrust exerted by these elastic devices 20 on the product 3 contained in the storage enclosure 30; and in systems 101 and 101"', the elastic device 20 is located between the support plunger 13 and the bag that performs the function of the storage enclosure 30. In all cases, the elastic device 20 adopts the same or substantially the same initial predetermined compression state, but in which the volume of the storage enclosure 30 is reduced by a certain value based on the dose 3a of the dispensed product 3.
Claims
1. A method for dispensing a dose (3b) of a liquid or paste-like product (3), said product (3) occupying a variable-volume storage enclosure (30) in a container (2) and subjected to pressure greater than atmospheric pressure due to an elastic device (20) that tends to compress the storage enclosure (30) upon elastic loading, said method being characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: The load on the elastic device (20) is restored by temporarily establishing a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in the pressure chamber (40), thereby compensating for or preventing the stretching of the elastic device (20) caused by the distribution of a certain dose (3a) of the product (3) extracted from the storage enclosure (30), the pressure chamber (40) being a variable volume chamber connected to or affected by the elastic device (20).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes establishing a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure. Even when the elastic device (20) tends to cause the pressure chamber (40) to expand, the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to prevent the pressure chamber (40) from expanding; or Even when the elastic device (20) tends to expand the pressure chamber (40), the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to cause the pressure chamber (40) to contract.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Dispensing a dose (3a) of the product (3) includes acting externally on an actuator (50), the actuator (50) being a moving part of the dispensing system, and displacing the actuator (50) from a standby position along a first direction to a position that causes the storage enclosure (30) to be compressed. And to move the same moving component back to the standby position of the moving component along the second direction; Furthermore, the displacement of the moving component along the first direction or the second direction automatically triggers the step of restoring the load of the elastic device (20).
4. A system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') for dispensing a dose (3a) of a liquid or paste product (3), the product (3) occupying a variable-volume storage enclosure (30) in a container (2) and subjected to pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, the system for this purpose including an elastic element (20) that tends to compress the storage enclosure (30) when elastically loaded, the system being characterized in that the system includes a recovery element (60) for restoring the load on the elastic element in order to compensate for or prevent the stretching of the elastic element caused by dispensing a dose (3a) of the product (3) drawn from the storage enclosure (30), the recovery element being configured to temporarily establish a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure in a pressure chamber (40), the pressure chamber (40) being a variable-volume chamber connected to or affected by the elastic element (20).
5. The system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic device (20) is loaded in a compressed manner.
6. The system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') according to claim 5, characterized in that, The recovery device (60) is fabricated to establish a pressure condition Pv below atmospheric pressure. Even when the elastic device (20) tends to cause the pressure chamber (40) to expand, the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to prevent the pressure chamber (40) from expanding; or Even when the elastic device (20) tends to expand the pressure chamber (40), the pressure condition Pv is sufficient to cause the pressure chamber (40) to contract.
7. The system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The recovery device (60) includes one or more connection paths (41, 42, 43, 83) to the pressure chamber (40), the connection paths (41, 42, 43, 83) being used to allow air to enter the interior of the pressure chamber (40) and to extract air from the interior of the pressure chamber (40), the recovery device (60) being capable of at least the following states: - Operating state, in which the recovery device (60) is able to extract air, but prevents air from entering or prevents both air ingress and extraction; as well as - In a non-operating state, the recovery device (60) is able to allow air to enter.
8. The system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') according to claim 7, characterized in that, The system includes an actuator (50) having a movable component that can be externally actuated from a standby position along a first direction to a position that causes the storage enclosure (30) to be compressed. Furthermore, the moving component can be moved back to the standby position along the second direction; Furthermore, the displacement of the moving component along the first direction or the second direction automatically triggers the operation state of the recovery device (60).
9. The system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') includes a distribution path (33) configured to communicate the product (3) contained in the storage enclosure (30) with the outside by means of normally closed valve groups or elements (32), the valve groups or elements (32) being configured to be open by mechanical actuation or when the pressure of the product (3) in the storage enclosure (30) exceeds the distribution pressure Pd, the open state allowing fluid circulation through the distribution path (33).
10. The system (100, 100') according to claim 9, characterized in that, The container (2) is separated by several plungers and contains: - An actuating plunger (51) that can be actuated by a user. - Support plunger (13), wherein atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the support plunger (13), and - A distribution plunger (12) disposed between the actuating plunger (51) and the supporting plunger (13). in, - The support plunger (13) is capable of displacement only in the direction approaching the distribution plunger (12). - The volume of the pressure chamber (40) is determined by the spacing between the actuating plunger (51) and the distributing plunger (12), and the elastic device (20) is loaded between the actuating plunger (51) and the distributing plunger (12) in a compressed state, thereby tending to separate the actuating plunger (51) and the distributing plunger (12) and cause the pressure chamber (40) to expand, and - The volume of the storage enclosure (30) is determined by the spacing between the dispensing plunger (12) and the supporting plunger (13), and the product (3) can be directly contained between the dispensing plunger (12) and the supporting plunger (13) or contained in a flexible container between the dispensing plunger (12) and the supporting plunger (13). When the system starts from standby state, the actuation displacement of the actuating plunger (51) towards the storage enclosure (30) causes the dispensing plunger (12) to move towards the storage enclosure (30), the valve assembly or element (32) temporarily adopts the open state, and the recovery device (60) adopts the operating state after the pressure chamber (40) contracts and the elastic device (20) is over-compressed. All of these make - When a certain dose (3a) of the product (3) is drawn from the storage enclosure (30), causing a decrease in the volume of the storage enclosure (30); and / or - When the actuating plunger (51) returns in the opposite direction relative to the storage enclosure (30) and during the partial return stroke of the actuating plunger (51), The operating state of the recovery device (60) causes the driven movement of the dispensing plunger (12) due to the vacuum, thereby preventing the pressure chamber (40) from expanding and the elastic device (20) from extending, thereby forcing the support plunger (13) to shift in order to compensate for the volume of the product (3) of the extracted dose (3a) until the recovery device (60) adopts the non-operating state of the recovery device (60), thereby allowing the pressure chamber (40) to expand, so that the elastic device (20) essentially returns to the original compressed state of the elastic device (20).
11. The system (100, 100') according to claim 10, characterized in that, The actuating plunger (51) is biased by an auxiliary elastic device (52) which tends to arrange the actuating plunger (51) against the displacement stop (51a) in the opposite direction relative to the storage enclosure (30).
12. The system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The recovery device (60) includes multiple connection paths to the pressure chamber (40), the recovery device (60) includes a path through the actuating plunger (51) with a check valve (42) and a sealing device (41) configured to allow or prevent air passage depending on the relative position between the dispensing plunger (12) and the actuating plunger (51).
13. The system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The dispensing plunger (12) has a wall (12a) along its periphery, the wall (12a) defining a sleeve, and the actuating plunger (51) rests on the sleeve and slides on the sleeve.
14. The system (100') according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The recovery device (60) includes a connection path (43) for connecting the pressure chamber (40) located between the distribution plunger (12) and the actuation plunger (51) to the outside, and the system is in the standby state.
15. The system (101'') according to claim 9, characterized in that, The container (2) is separated by several plungers and contains: - Support plunger (13), wherein atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the support plunger (13), and - Distribute plunger (12). The system has a variable-volume auxiliary chamber (90) located on the side opposite to the side where the distribution plunger (12) is located, and the auxiliary chamber is connected to a piston assembly (80) with a corresponding actuating plunger (81). in, - The support plunger (13) is capable of displacement only in the direction approaching the distribution plunger (12). - The volume of the pressure chamber (40) is determined by the interval between the dispensing plunger (12) and the supporting plunger (13), and the elastic device (20) is loaded in a compressed state between one of the dispensing plunger (12) or the supporting plunger (13) and the storage enclosure (30) which is composed of a flexible container located inside the pressure chamber (40). When the hydraulic thrust generated by the actuation displacement of the actuating plunger (81) causes the dispensing plunger (12) to move towards the storage enclosure (30) from the standby state of the system, the valve assembly or element (32) temporarily adopts the open state of the valve assembly or element (32), and the recovery device (60) adopts the operating state, thereby causing the elastic device (20) to extend to compensate for the volume of the product (3) of the dose (3a) drawn from the storage enclosure (30). All of these make - When the actuating plunger (81) returns in the opposite direction to the direction that caused the dispensing plunger (12) to shift toward the storage enclosure (30), and during the partial return stroke of the actuating plunger (81), The operating state of the recovery device (60) causes the support plunger (13) to shift and the elastic device (20) to compress due to suction, thereby causing the elastic device (20) to substantially return to its original compressed state.
16. The system (101, 101') according to claim 9, characterized in that, The container (2) is separated by several plungers and contains: - Support plunger (13), wherein atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the support plunger (13), - Distribute plunger (12), and - A separating plunger (14), which is located between the supporting plunger (13) and the distributing plunger (12). The system has a variable-volume auxiliary chamber (90) located on the side opposite to the side where the distribution plunger (12) is located, and the auxiliary chamber (90) is connected to a piston assembly (80) with a corresponding actuating plunger (81). in, - The support plunger (13) is capable of displacement only in the direction approaching the distribution plunger (12). - The volume of the pressure chamber (40) is determined by the spacing between the support plunger (13) and the separation plunger (14), and the elastic device (20) is loaded between the support plunger (13) and the separation plunger (14) in a compressed state, thereby tending to separate the support plunger (13) and the separation plunger (14) and expand the pressure chamber (40). - The volume of the storage enclosure (30) is determined by the spacing between the dispensing plunger (12) and the separating plunger (14), and the product (3) can be directly contained between the dispensing plunger (12) and the separating plunger (14) or contained in a flexible container between the dispensing plunger (12) and the separating plunger (14). When the system starts from standby state, the hydraulic thrust generated by the actuation displacement of the actuating plunger (81) causes the dispensing plunger (12) to move towards the storage enclosure (30), the valve assembly or element (32) temporarily adopts the open state, the recovery device (60) adopts the operating state, thereby causing the elastic device (20) to extend to compensate for the volume of the product (3) of the dose (3a) drawn from the storage enclosure (30), all of which make - When the actuating plunger (81) returns in the opposite direction to the direction that caused the dispensing plunger (12) to shift toward the storage enclosure (30), and during the partial return stroke of the actuating plunger (81), The operating state of the recovery device (60) causes the support plunger (13) to shift and the elastic device (20) to compress due to suction, thereby causing the elastic device (20) to essentially return to its original compressed state.
17. The system (100, 100') according to any one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that, The system has no suction chamber, which temporarily holds a certain dose of the product (3) drawn from the storage enclosure (30) before dispensing a certain dose of the product (3).
18. - A dispensing device for liquid or paste-like products with an airless pump, wherein the pump of said type has: - A variable-volume storage enclosure for storing products. - A pumping mechanism, operable from the outside, providing fluid communication between the outside of the device and the variable-volume storage enclosure storing the product, and discharging a predetermined dose of the product stored in the variable-volume storage enclosure to the outside. - Volumetric compensation plunger (13), wherein, Atmospheric pressure acts on one side of the volume-compensating plunger (13), which compensates for volume changes in the variable-volume storage enclosure. When a certain volume of air does not enter the storage enclosure to fill the volume of the discharged dose of product, the volume-compensating plunger automatically shifts. The device is also equipped with the system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101'') according to claims 8 and 9, such that - The pumping mechanism includes the actuator (50) of the system (100, 100', 101, 101', 101''). - The variable-volume storage enclosure of the pump is the storage enclosure (30) of the system, and - The fluid communication path between the exterior of the device and the variable-volume storage enclosure includes the system's distribution path (33) and the valve assembly or element (32).
Citation Information
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