Multi-channel filling nozzle

Abstract

TITLE: Multi-channel filling nozzle The present invention relates to a nozzle (1) for filling containers with a liquid product, comprising a connection body (2) having internal channels (231, 232, 233), a first end of which can be connected to a conduit providing a supply of liquid, and a flexible dispensing head (3), assembled to the connection body (2) and comprising internal cells each having an opening connected to a second end of one of the internal channels of the connection body (2), each of the cells having an external wall crossed by at least one slot (331) which is closed in the rest position of the dispensing head (3), but which can open by deformation of the dispensing head (3), under the effect of a pressure in the cell greater than the external pressure. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Multi-channel filling nozzle Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to container filling equipment.

[0002] It relates in particular to equipment capable of filling with a liquid product containers which can be closed such as bottles. Prior art

[0003] The retail sale of liquid products, whether food or non-food, is most often carried out by selling a closed container, such as a bottle, containing the product. Increasingly, however, there is a desire to avoid waste linked to the single use of containers. Practices of "bulk" sales of liquid food or non-food products are increasingly developing in retail stores. These stores are thus equipped with liquid dispensers allowing a user to fill a container they have brought with them with a liquid product.

[0004] However, the installation of such liquid dispensers causes practical difficulties for retail businesses. Indeed, these businesses commonly offer a wide variety of different liquid products. Their bulk distribution therefore requires the business to be equipped with a liquid dispenser for each of these liquid products. It is often necessary for liquid dispensers to be equipped with means for measuring the liquid product dispensed, to enable invoicing. These liquid dispensers are therefore complex and expensive. The presence of several liquid dispensers also occupies a relatively large amount of space in retail businesses.

[0005] It is possible for such liquid dispensers to be designed to dispense several different liquid products. However, in such a case, it is necessary for the liquid dispenser to include a filling nozzle for each of the liquid products dispensed, in order to prevent these liquid products from mixing in the pipes of the liquid dispenser. A liquid dispenser allowing the dispensing of several distinct liquid products therefore generally occupies a larger surface area than a liquid dispenser allowing the dispensing of only one liquid product, and is more complex and expensive. Furthermore, its use is more complex for the user, who must ensure that he has correctly placed his container opposite the filling nozzle corresponding to the liquid product he wants. Statement of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to facilitate the distribution of liquid products by a liquid dispenser.

[0007] The invention also aims to enable businesses to reduce the size and cost of liquid dispensers allowing the distribution of bulk liquid products.

[0008] A particular objective of the invention is to facilitate the distribution of several distinct liquid products by the same liquid dispenser.

[0009] In particular, the invention aims to enable the distribution of several distinct liquid products via the same filling nozzle, without risking degrading the qualities of one of the liquid products by mixing with another liquid product.

[0010] These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly hereinafter, are achieved using a nozzle for filling with a liquid product, comprising a connection body having a plurality of internal channels, a first end of each of these internal channels forming a connection tip capable of being connected to a pipe providing a supply of liquid, and a dispensing head made of flexible materials, assembled to the connection body, this dispensing head comprising a plurality of internal cells, sealed relative to each other, each of the cells having an opening which is connected to a second end of one of the internal channels of the connection body, each of the cells being partially delimited by an external wall, forming a part of the external wall of the dispensing head,the external wall of each of the cells being crossed by at least one slot which is closed in the rest position of the dispensing head, but which can open by deformation of the dispensing head, under the effect of a pressure in the cell greater than the external pressure.

[0011] Such a dispensing nozzle advantageously allows the dispensing, as required, of a liquid chosen from a plurality of different liquids. The closing of the slots in the external walls of the cells makes it possible to prevent any leakage of a fluid whose dispensing is not desired. The opening of one of these slots to allow the dispensing of the liquid product is obtained very easily, by simply supplying the liquid product under pressure.

[0012] Preferably, the dispensing head has a dispensing portion whose shape is elongated along a longitudinal axis.

[0013] This dispensing portion thus has a shape allowing it to be easily introduced into the neck of a bottle, where it can deliver a liquid product. This shape can advantageously be symmetrical with respect to this longitudinal axis.

[0014] Advantageously, each of said cells extends over at least 75% of the length of the distribution portion.

[0015] Preferably, each of the slots extends in a substantially parallel plane. longitudinal axis audit.

[0016] Preferably, the cells have shapes distributed around the longitudinal axis.

[0017] Advantageously, the cells are separated from each other by internal walls of the dispensing head, extending radially around the longitudinal axis.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing head has a conduit extending along said longitudinal axis, between said cells.

[0019] This additional pipe can, for example, receive a probe measuring the filling level of the container placed around the dispensing nozzle.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the slots is formed in a rib reinforcing one of the external walls.

[0021] The presence of such ribs can contribute to stiffening the external wall around the slot, and thus to keeping this slot correctly closed when the liquid contained in the corresponding cell is not put under pressure.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection body comprises three internal channels, and the dispensing head has three internal cells, each of the internal cells being connected to one of the internal channels.

[0023] The nozzle can thus dispense a liquid product chosen from three available liquid products.

[0024] Preferably, the second end of each of the internal channels of the connection body forms a dispensing tip capable of being inserted into the opening of one of the internal cells of the dispensing head to connect thereto in a sealed manner. Description of the figures

[0025] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a filling nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention. [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the filling nozzle of [Fig.l], showing the two components of the nozzle. [Fig.3] is a longitudinal sectional view of the nozzle of [Fig.l]. [Fig.4] is another sectional view, along a transverse plane, of the nozzle of [Fig.l], [Fig.5] is yet another sectional view, along another transverse plane, of the nozzle of [Fig.l]. Description of the embodiments

[0026] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a filling nozzle 1 according to a method of realization of the invention.

[0027] This filling nozzle 1 is intended to be implemented in a liquid dispenser. It consists of two separate components, a connection body 2 and a dispensing head 3, which are assembled together. These two components are shown separated from each other in [Fig.2].

[0028] The connection body 2 is preferably a rigid part, which can for example be formed from plastic material.

[0029] It advantageously has fixing means allowing the filling nozzle 1 to be fixed to the liquid dispenser. In the embodiment shown, these means for fixing the connection body 2 are constituted by a plate 21 pierced with holes 210, allowing easy fixing of the connection body 2 by screws passing through the holes 210.

[0030] The connection body 2 also has, according to the invention, several connection tips, capable of being connected to pipes dispensing liquid products. In the embodiment shown, the connection body 2 thus has three connection tips 221, 222 and 223. Each of these connection tips 221, 222 and 223 has a substantially cylindrical external surface, onto which the end of a flexible pipe can be fitted.

[0031] Many other methods of connecting the end of a pipe to a fitting are known to those skilled in the art, and can of course be implemented on the connection body 2 without departing from the invention. The interlocking connection solution implemented in the embodiment shown, however, has the advantage of being very simple, both for the manufacture of the connection body 2 and for the connection and disconnection of pipes to the connection fittings 221, 222 and 223.

[0032] The connection body 2 also has an internal channel associated with each of these connection tips 221, 222 and 223 and connecting this connection tip to a distribution tip 241, 242 or 243 which is associated with it. Thus, the connection tip 221 is connected to the distribution tip 241 by an internal channel 231, which is visible in the sectional view of [Fig. 3]. In the same way, the connection tips 222 and 223 are connected, respectively, to the distribution tips 242 and 243 by internal channels 232 and 233.

[0033] The distribution tips 241, 242 and 243 protrude, close to each other, on one face of the plate 21. In the embodiment shown, these distribution tips 241, 242 and 243 each have a section having the shape of an angular portion of a ring, and they are arranged, relative to each other, so as to fit together in an annular shape centered on an axis 20.

[0034] The dispensing head 3 is intended to be assembled to the connection body 2, for form the filling nozzle 1.

[0035] This dispensing head 3 is preferably made of a flexible and elastically deformable material, such as for example rubber or latex.

[0036] This dispensing head 3 advantageously has a base 31, the dimensions of which advantageously correspond to the dimensions of the plate 21 of the filling nozzle 1. This base 31 is intended to be pressed against the plate 21. It advantageously has holes whose positions correspond to the holes 210 of the plate 21, which allows the dispensing head 3 to be fixed, for example by screws, to the base 31.

[0037] This dispensing head 3 also comprises a dispensing portion projecting from the base 31, which has an elongated shape allowing it to be introduced into the neck of a bottle. This dispensing portion has, in the embodiment shown, three internal cells 311, 312 and 313, open on a face defined by the base 31 of the dispensing head 3. To assemble the dispensing head 3 to the connection body 2, the internal cells 311, 312 and 313 can be plugged onto the dispensing tips 241, 242 and 243 of the connection body 2, until the base 31 of the dispensing head 3 is in contact with the face of the fixing plate 21 on which these dispensing tips 241, 242 and 243 project.

[0038] Advantageously, the respective shapes and dimensions of the openings of the cells 311, 312 and 313 and of the distribution tips 241, 242 and 243 are complementary so as to obtain a sealed assembly of each of the cells 311, 312 and 313 on one of the distribution tips 241, 242 and 243.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the openings of the cells 311, 312 and 313 thus each have angular section shapes of a ring centered on an axis 30, arranged relative to each other to fit into an annular shape similar to that of the dispensing tips 241, 242 and 243.

[0040] The internal dimensions of each of the cells 311, 312 and 313 are preferably slightly smaller than the external dimensions of each of the dispensing tips 241, 242 and 243, so that the insertion of the cell onto the dispensing tip causes elastic deformation of the dispensing head 3, ensuring good contact between this dispensing head 3 and the dispensing tips 241, 242 and 243, and therefore a strong and sealed assembly. The assembly of the dispensing head 3 on the connection body 2 therefore connects each of the cells 311, 312 and 313 of the dispensing head 3 to one of the internal channels, respectively 231, 232 and 233 of the connection body 2.

[0041] It should be noted that, in the embodiment shown, the dispensing tips 241, 242 and 243 have identical shapes and dimensions, and are distributed around an axis 20, such that the dispensing head 3, including the cells 311, 312 and 313 are also identical and distributed around an axis 20, can be mounted indifferently in three positions in which the axes 20 and 30 merge, each of the cells 311, 312 and 313 being able to be plugged onto each of the distribution tips 241, 242 and 243. It is also possible, in other embodiments, for the distribution tips 241, 242 and 243 to have shapes distinct from each other, or to be distributed differently. In such a case, the distribution head could be mounted in only one position, relative to the connection body 2.

[0042] The dispensing head 3 has an elongated shape centered on the axis 30, and is sized to be easily inserted into the neck of a bottle to be filled. Each of the three cells 311, 312 and 313 extends over a large part of the length of the dispensing head 3, and is partially delimited by an external wall, respectively 321, 322 and 323, each of these external walls forming a part of the external wall of the dispensing head 3.

[0043] The three cells 311, 312 and 313 of the dispensing head 3 are separated from each other by internal walls 32 preventing any communication of fluid between the cells 311, 312 and 313.

[0044] Each of the external walls 321, 322 and 323 is crossed by a slot, respectively 331, 332 and 333, which, in the undeformed rest position of the dispensing head, is closed so as not to allow any fluid to pass. In the embodiment shown, each of these slots 331, 332 and 333 extends in a longitudinal direction on the external wall, respectively 321, 322 and 323, of the cell, respectively 311, 312 and 313.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, each of the slots 331, 332 and 333 is made on a portion of the external wall, respectively 321, 322 and 323, which is reinforced by an external rib, respectively 341, 342 and 343. This reinforcement by a rib of the external wall in which the slot is cut advantageously makes it possible to keep the slot closed more effectively, by limiting the risks of fluid leaking from the cell to the outside.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the dispensing head 3 has a central conduit 35 placed between the cells 311, 312 and 313, along the axis 30. This central conduit 35 can, for example, be used to carry a probe, such as a filling probe measuring the filling level of the container into which the dispensing head 3 is introduced. It could also, in other embodiments, be used to conduct another fluid through the dispensing head 3. The connection body 2 can be configured to allow the connection of this central conduit with a specific internal channel 25, allowing for example the supply of fluid to the central conduit 35.

[0047] When using the filling nozzle 1, each of the connection tips 221, 222 and 223 is advantageously connected to a fluid supply pipe coming from a pump or a reservoir capable of delivering a fluid under pressure.

[0048] When the fluid is not delivered under pressure, it remains confined in the internal channel 231, 232 or 233 to which the supply pipe is connected and in the internal cell 311, 312 or 313 into which this internal conduit opens, without leaking outside the distribution head 3. When, on the contrary, the fluid is delivered under pressure by the supply pipe, its pressure in the internal cell 311, 312 or 313 connected to this pipe has the effect of deforming the external wall, respectively 321, 322 or 323 of this cell, by opening the slot, respectively 331, 332 or 333, provided in this external wall. The fluid can thus be distributed by the slot 331, 332 or 333, without the fluids contained in the other cells being distributed.

[0049] The filling nozzle according to the invention thus makes it possible, by introducing a dispensing head into a container, for example into the neck of a bottle, and by supplying only one of the fluids under pressure, to allow this fluid to be dispensed into the container, without any mixing with the other fluids connected to the filling nozzle 1.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the filling nozzle 1 is configured to allow the dispensing of three different fluids. The connection body thus comprises three connection tips 221, 222 and 223, which are connected respectively by three internal channels 231, 232 and 233 to three cells 311, 312 and 313 of the dispensing head 3. It is also possible to implement the filling nozzle according to the invention for the filling of a different number of fluids, for example two fluids or on the contrary four or even five different fluids. The connection body and the dispensing head then have the appropriate number of connection tips, internal channels and internal cells.

[0051] The filling nozzle solution configured to conduct three different fluids is however particularly advantageous. Thus, it makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of filling nozzles used to dispense distinct products, by dividing them by three. The dimensions of the conduits and cells of such a nozzle however remain sufficiently large to avoid any excessive fragility of the filling nozzle, and to allow a flow rate of fluid circulation in the internal channels allowing relatively rapid filling of the containers.

Claims

Claims

1. Nozzle (1) for filling containers with a liquid product, characterized in that it comprises: - a connection body (2) having a plurality of internal channels (231, 232, 233), a first end of each of said internal channels (231, 232, 233) forming a connection tip (221, 222, 223) capable of being connected to a pipe providing a supply of liquid, and - a dispensing head (3) made of flexible materials, said dispensing head (3) being assembled to said connection body (2), said dispensing head (3) comprising a plurality of internal cells (311, 312, 313), sealed relative to each other, each of said cells (311, 312, 313) having an opening which is connected to a second end of one of said internal channels (231, 232, 233) of said connection body (2), each of said cells (311, 312, 313) being partially delimited by an external wall (321, 322, 323),forming a part of the external wall of said dispensing head (3), said external wall (321, 322, 323) of each of said cells being crossed by at least one slot (331, 332, 333) which is closed in the rest position of said dispensing head (3), but which can open by deformation of said dispensing head (3), under the effect of a pressure in said cell (311, 312, 313) greater than the external pressure.,

2. Filling nozzle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said dispensing head (3) has a dispensing portion whose shape is elongated along a longitudinal axis (30).

3. Filling nozzle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of said cells (311, 312, 313) extends over at least 75% of the length of said dispensing portion of said dispensing head (3).

4. Filling nozzle according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that each of said slots (331, 332, 333) extends in a plane substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (30).

5. Filling nozzle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said cells have shapes distributed around said longitudinal axis.

6. Filling nozzle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said cells (311, 312, 313) are separated from each other by internal walls (32) of said dispensing head (3), extending radially around said longitudinal axis (30).

7. Filling nozzle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said dispensing head (3) has a conduit (35) extending along said longitudinal axis (30), between said cells (311, 312, 313).

8. Filling nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said slots (331, 332, 333) is formed in a rib (341, 342, 343) reinforcing one of said external walls (321, 322, 323).

9. Filling nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said connection body (2) comprises three internal channels (231, 232, 233), and in that said dispensing head (3) has three internal cells (311, 312, 313), each of said cells (311, 312, 313) being connected to one of said internal channels (231, 232, 233).

10. Filling nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second end of each of said internal channels (231, 232, 233) of said connection body (2) forms a dispensing tip (241, 242, 243) capable of being inserted into the opening of one of said cells (311, 312, 313) of said dispensing head (2) to connect thereto in a sealed manner.

Images