Liquid-dispensing device with a multifunctional silicone valve having improved seals, droplet non-return mechanism and air filter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid-dispensing device comprising a multifunctional silicone valve enhanced with pressure couplings between the elements. The device allows the dispensing of drops with a non-return mechanism; ensures and isolates the flow of air to be filtered, such that it does not contaminate the liquid inside the dispensing device; has fewer parts; facilitates correct assembly by means of counter pressure, without requiring threads or complex joining elements; and eliminates the need for rotational alignment when assembling the parts, among other advantages.

Description

[0001] Liquid dispenser device with multifunctional silicone valve, improved seals, anti-return mechanism, and air filter.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention falls within the technical field of ophthalmic product dispensers, specifically a multi-dose drop dispenser device with an anti-drop return mechanism, an air filter for preservative-free use, and a multi-function silicone valve is disclosed, wherein the silicone valve comprises improved pressure seals without annular protrusions and without channels along the valve support.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the prior art, there are some technologies related to preservative-free multi-dose droppers with anti-return mechanisms and air purification systems. Examples of this type of technology include patent documents US9345616B2 and US9238532B2 from Nemera la Verpilliere SAS, and document US9833356B2 from Aptar Radolfzell GmbH, which involve spring-loaded or diaphragm valves. However, these technologies have the significant disadvantage that their manufacture involves assembling a large number of very complex parts, preventing their production using simple and rapid manufacturing technologies (for example, conventional blow-fill-seal technology). Furthermore, their nozzles are flattened and thick, hindering easy and precise application of the drop to the user.Another disadvantage of these devices is that the air purification filter itself is wide, thick, or has a large diameter relative to the diameter of the bottle opening. None of the prior art technologies allow for single-step assembly, nor do they specify a solution to the problem of assembling the parts without requiring rotational alignment to ensure the smooth flow of compensating air into the device. Additionally, prior art dispensing devices do not include a cap long enough to extend upwards and protect the air return hole in the upper housing.

[0006] Furthermore, through application PCT / PE2020 / 050003, a protective device has been claimed for a liquid dispenser with a drip-proof mechanism and air filter. This device incorporates simple and rapid manufacturing technologies, features an elongated spout, and allows assembly without rotational alignment, enabling the smooth flow of compensating air into the device. However, this design requires individual sealing rings manufactured using double-shot, multi-material plastic injection molding. This increases the number of parts manufactured using this technology, making the process more complex and increasing the risk of ring misalignment due to the pressure exerted.

[0007] Another patent application from the same applicant is PCT / PE2020 / 050008, which relates to a liquid dispenser with a drip-proof mechanism and air filter. However, this patent requires sealing via annular protrusions located on horizontal and vertical extensions of the diaphragm valve. Additionally, the flow circulation body includes annular recesses for fitting the annular protrusions; both of these design details increase the complexity of manufacturing the diaphragm valve and the flow circulation body.

[0008] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention solves the aforementioned technical problems by proposing a liquid dispensing device which mainly comprises:

[0010] A flow circulation body (40) with at least one air compensation through-hole (41), a rod-shaped valve support (42) disposed on the upper surface of the flow circulation body; at least one upper through-hole (44) in the upper surface of the circulation body adapted to be in communication with the liquids inside the dispensing device; A silicone valve (30) with an upper portion (31) covering the valve support, having a drop-forming opening (36) at one end of the valve support; at the bottom of the silicone valve is disposed a horizontal extension portion (32) extending outwards and continuously a vertical extension portion (33) downwards;where an intermediate zone of the vertical extension portion (33) comprises at least a first annular depression (35) on its outer surface and a second annular depression (35') on its inner surface, where between the first and second annular depression there is at least one window (34) for airflow into the dispensing device, where the vertical extension portion (33) is coupled by a first pressure coupling (36) to the flow circulation body (40);

[0011] An upper housing (20) covering the silicone valve and part of the flow circulation body, wherein the lower part of the upper housing has a second snap-fit ​​coupling (24) with the lower part of the flow circulation body, the upper housing comprising at least one side hole (21) arranged at the height of the at least one window (34) of the silicone valve.

[0012] As explained above, the present invention, compared to its predecessor, eliminates the need for annular protrusions on the silicone valve and also eliminates the need for annular recesses to fit these protrusions into the upper housing. The upper housing, the silicone valve, and the flow circulation body are connected by a press fit, reducing the manufacturing complexity of the silicone valve, the flow circulation body, and the upper housing.This press fit is possible because, before assembly, the outer diameter of the silicone valve's vertical extension is larger than the inner diameter of the upper housing, at the height and near the first annular depression of the silicone valve. Similarly, before assembly, the outer diameter of the intermediate portion of the flow circulation body is larger than the inner diameter of the silicone valve's vertical extension. This takes advantage of the silicone valve's flexibility to provide a proper press fit.The above is of utmost importance since there is no precedent where the silicone valve can be used not only to control the flow of the ophthalmic liquid, but also to provide a means of pressure coupling due to the flexibility of the silicone, which not only ensures airtightness between the lower part of the diaphragm valve and the flow circulation body, but also creates an airtight seal by counter-pressure between the silicone valve and the upper cover; at the level of the air compensation channel that passes through the upper housing, the silicone diaphragm and the flow circulation body.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention dispenses with the channel or recess in the valve support bar, since in this improved version the fluid circulates in the free space left between the valve support bar and the silicone valve interior, this separation / free space (37) is left through a difference in diameter between the two elements.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, significant geometric optimization has been achieved by relocating the annular recess of the proposed invention. Previously, this element was located in the flow circulation body. However, through innovative design engineering, the annular recess has been moved to the inner surface of the vertical extension of the silicone valve.

[0015] This strategic relocation provides a substantial technical advantage by simplifying the morphological complexity of the flow circulation body. By eliminating the need to integrate the annular recess directly into the body, manufacturing requirements are reduced and critical dimensional tolerances associated with this component are minimized. Consequently, this allows for a reduction in the number of special geometries or shapes inherent in the circulation body, resulting in greater efficiency in manufacturing processes and a potential decrease in production costs. This modification not only optimizes the design but also facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the entire system.

[0016] The following describes some additional elements of the invention:

[0017] The silicone valve has a substantially cylindrical or conical upper portion that covers the surface of the valve support and a lower portion that extends over part of the outer surface of the flow circulation body. This silicone valve has multiple functions, such as allowing the regulated flow of liquid through its elongated section and liquid outlet tip, ensuring proper sealing and isolation of the air intake area to be filtered by the system, and securing the flow circulation body to the upper housing.This elongated silicone valve has, in its lower area, a portion extending its diameter outwards or horizontally and continuously a portion extending vertically downwards; where the vertical extension portion comprises at least one window for airflow into the bottle, preferably only one window inside the first annular depression is included.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, shown in Figures 9 and 10, a third annular recess replaces the second annular recess. This third recess is located in an intermediate section of the flow circulation body at the level of the silicone valve window, creating a free annular space between the flow circulation body and the silicone valve. Similarly, since the silicone valve has a first annular recess along its vertical extension, another annular space is created between the other side of the silicone valve and the upper housing.

[0019] The flow circulation body includes at least one air compensation through-hole at the level of the silicone valve window. The air entering through this compensation through-hole is filtered and / or purified by a filter, which is preferably attached by ultrasound, pressure, or snap-fit ​​to a circular wall inside the flow circulation body. Once the air has been filtered and / or purified, it is suitable for contact with the liquid inside the dispenser. Air is channeled through this compensation through-hole to compensate for the outflow of the dispensed liquid when using this device.

[0020] The silicone valve or valve body comprises a drop-forming opening located coincidentally with the tip of the valve support. When the bottle is squeezed, the pressure causes the liquid in the bottle to circulate between the valve support and the silicone valve; and, when the bottle is released, the space between the valve support and the silicone valve closes. In another preferred embodiment, this silicone valve has a tapering upper end, leaving a small open space for drop formation. This upper end is preferably concave with the center of the silicone valve.Another element of the present invention is the upper housing that covers the silicone valve and part of the flow circulation body, wherein the lower portion of the upper housing has a snap-fit ​​connection with the lower portion of the flow circulation body via an adjustment notch, and the upper housing comprises at least one lateral hole positioned at the height of the at least one window of the silicone valve; and, another element is a cap with a cap filter and a liquid evaporation window located in the center of the cap to displace and evaporate residual droplets, the filter also being in contact with the liquid outlet tip of the silicone valve. Additionally, a snap-fit ​​or threaded connection element could be provided on the outer face of the upper housing for coupling with the neck of a dropper bottle, since the outer housing is partially inserted into the neck of the dropper bottle (liquid container).

[0021] The present invention integrates a set of relevant technical features into a single device, providing the following technical effects:

[0022] The silicone valve, flow circulation body, and upper housing are joined by a press fit, significantly reducing the manufacturing complexity of these components. Preferably, this fit is achieved by taking advantage of the difference in diameters between the elements before assembly. For example, before joining, the outer diameter of the silicone valve's vertical extension is larger than the inner diameter of the upper housing. This difference, combined with the proximity and height of the first annular recess of the silicone valve to the upper housing, facilitates a precise fit. Similarly, the outer diameter of the middle portion of the flow circulation body is larger than the inner diameter of the silicone valve's vertical extension before assembly.Once assembled, thanks to the press fit, the diameters of the components in the contact areas become virtually identical, thus ensuring a firm and airtight seal.

[0023] - A channel along the valve support rod is eliminated because the fluid flow is achieved through the space between the valve support rod and the upper inner surface of the silicone valve. Preferably, this space is created by a difference in diameters; that is, ideally, the diameter of the valve support rod is 0.1 to 1.5 mm smaller than the diameter of the corresponding areas of the silicone valve.

[0024] - It has a very small number of parts, compared to prior art that requires the assembly of complex components to achieve the objective of providing a multi-drop bottle dispenser with an air filtration mechanism with an anti-return droplet system and free of preservatives.

[0025] - It does not require rotational alignment of the flow circulation body with the upper housing or the silicone valve to create a communication channel and free air entry to the system, nor does it require rotational alignment of the silicone valve with respect to the other elements; direct press-fit assembly, one on top of the other, is sufficient.

[0026] The present invention has the same dimensions as a bottle for dispensing ophthalmic liquids with traditional Tip&Cap technology. Thus, the manufacturing dimensions meet the requirements for proper operation in blow / fill / seal machines with a standard Tip&Cap Insertion System, without any modification, allowing for mass production and cost reduction.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] The following figures illustrate some embodiments of the present invention; these figures or their description are not intended to limit in any way the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0029] Figure 1: An exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 2: A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 3: A perspective view and cross-section of the lid and its filter are shown. Figure 4: A perspective view and cross-section of the upper housing are shown.

[0032] Figure 5: Shows a perspective view and a cross-section of the silicone valve.

[0033] Figure 6: A perspective view and cross-section of the flow circulation body are shown.

[0034] Figure 7: Shows a perspective view and cross-section of the filter and filter plug.

[0035] Figure 8: The cap is shown, a view of the cap of the lid, which when removed, allows you to know the first opening of the bottle.

[0036] Figure 9: An exploded view of a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 10: A cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] The reference numbers displayed in the figures refer to the following elements:

[0039] 10: Cover

[0040] 11: Central tubular wall of the lid

[0041] 12: Lid thread

[0042] 13: Evaporation window

[0043] 14: Lid filter

[0044] 20: Top casing

[0045] 21: Side hole positioned at window height

[0046] 22: Attachment element with neck of dropper bottle

[0047] 23: Threaded intermediate surface

[0048] 24: Second press fit between upper housing and silicone valve

[0049] 25: Adjustment notch between upper housing and flow circulation body

[0050] 30: Silicone valve

[0051] 31: Silicone valve top

[0052] 32: Horizontal or width extension

[0053] 33: Vertical extension

[0054] 34: Window

[0055] 35: First annular dip 35': Second annular dip

[0056] 36: First press fit between silicone valve and flow circulation body

[0057] 37: Separation / free space

[0058] 38: Concave upper termination

[0059] 39: Liquid outlet tip

[0060] 40: Flow circulation body

[0061] 41: Air compensation through hole

[0062] 42: Bar or elongated portion

[0063] 43: Third annular subsidence

[0064] 44: Top through hole

[0065] 45: Inner and lower surface of the flow circulation body

[0066] 46: Inner circular wall of the flow circulation body

[0067] 50: Filter

[0068] 60: Silicone stopper

[0069] 61: Perimeter depressions of the plug

[0070] 62: Central hole

[0071] 70: Hood

[0072] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION OR DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] The present invention is for use with pharmaceutical liquids of various kinds, but in a preferred embodiment it has been developed with ophthalmic liquids in mind, which are conventionally dispensed in dispensers of the type known as Tip & Cap, these being mostly manufactured by a Blow / Fill / Seal system.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the solution according to the present invention can also be combined with known prior art solutions to design it with bacterial resistance, thus including bacteriostatic surfaces that inhibit bacterial growth to eliminate or prevent any impurities that may be introduced.

[0075] The silicone valve (30) could be made of polyethylene, a thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, or a synthetic polymer such as silicone. In one embodiment of the filter, it is a solid porous filter without stops and with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm through which the air must pass. In a third embodiment, the solid porous filter has an external stop. In a fourth embodiment, the portion of the filter that comes into contact with the liquid inside the dispensing device has a silicone protector or lining, approximately 0.05 mm thick. From the above, it is understood that the circulation body could comprise an internal annular wall suitable for housing one of the different types of filters proposed above.The present invention may comprise a silicone plug (60) fitted to the inner circular wall of the flow circulation body, which serves to protect the air filter (50) from contact with any component of the liquid formula inside the bottle that could alter the filter's structure or performance. Air flows through a narrow hole, acting as a non-return valve that allows air to pass through but prevents liquid from exiting. The non-return valve concept of the narrow hole is achieved due to the self-sealing properties of the silicone's elastic characteristics. The narrow hole is created by stretching the silicone lining, piercing it with a fine tool such as a needle, and then allowing it to return to its original shape.

[0076] The inner upper portion of the cap (10) comprises a central tubular wall (11) designed to displace excess liquid and to make contact with the dispenser's drop / liquid outlet tip. Optionally, an absorbent body or cap filter (14) may be attached. This central tubular wall has at least one evaporation space / hole that allows communication with the outside environment to evaporate any remaining liquid from the drop after each use, even with the cap in place. Furthermore, this cap presses against the silicone valve nozzle, ensuring the system's airtight seal.

[0077] In another preferred embodiment, before assembly, the outer diameter of the intermediate portion of the flow circulation body (40) is greater than the inner diameter of the vertical extension (33) of the silicone valve (30), generating a first pressure coupling (36) between the silicone valve and the flow circulation body.

[0078] In another preferred embodiment, the upper housing (20) includes a threaded intermediate surface (23). In another preferred embodiment, the flow circulation body (40) is press-fitted to the vertical extension (33) of the silicone valve (30), because the outer diameter of the vertical extension (33) is larger than the inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the upper housing (20).

[0079] In a preferred form, the flow circulation body is formed by a conical section base, followed by an intermediate conical section portion of smaller diameter than the conical section base, and the bar, which also has a conical shape, arranged at the top of the flow circulation body.

[0080] It should be noted that the internal circular wall (46) of the flow circulation body communicates the interior of the body (and therefore of the container) with the exterior through the air compensation through hole (41) (and the corresponding recesses, holes and windows of the silicone valve and upper housing).

[0081] In another preferred embodiment, observable in figures 9 and 10, an intermediate portion of the flow circulation body comprises a third annular depression (43) at the height of at least one window (34) of the silicone valve, this third annular depression replaces the second annular depression.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment, a filter is fitted into a circular wall (46) located inside the flow circulation body. A silicone plug (60) covers the filter (50), wherein this silicone plug is fitted between the circular wall (46) and an inner, lower surface of the flow circulation body (45), and wherein the plug includes peripheral plug recesses (61) arranged along the perimeter of the plug for the passage of liquids and a central orifice (62) for the passage of air.

[0083] The plug serves to protect the filter from contact with the liquid. This plug has a small hole in the center (62) that allows airflow through the filter and back into the container, but prevents liquid from the container from escaping through this hole and coming into contact with the filter. The proposed new plug has a diameter that spans the entire circumference of the inner part of the flow circulation body, with at least one perimeter recess or free cavity for the passage of liquid. In another preferred embodiment, the upper part of the cap (10) includes at least one evaporation window in communication with the liquid outlet tip of the silicone valve.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the bar-shaped valve support and silicone valve are arranged with a separation space (37) for fluid circulation.

[0085] In another preferred modality, the proposal includes a cap placed on the lid which, when broken, denotes the first opening of the bottle.

[0086] The different types of seals achieved through the proposed multifunctional valve are explained below:

[0087] Top seal:

[0088] The silicone valve presses against the valve support in its normal position. When a drop is to be released, the container must have sufficient pressure to open this upper seal. As the drop is released and the pressure in the bottle is freed, the temporarily open space through which the drop escapes begins to close from the bottom up, following a path toward the liquid outlet (the top of the valve). Thus, every last drop of liquid in the valve is expelled. This valve design required in-depth engineering analysis to achieve the appropriate dimensions for the aforementioned purpose.

[0089] Medium seal:

[0090] Furthermore, the proposed invention includes a middle seal, where the silicone valve, when pressed on the inside by the flow circulation body and on the outside by the upper housing, generates a pressure on the valve in the middle zone, which has been called the middle seal.

[0091] This middle seal ensures that the air entering the bottle cannot return through the air channel, thus controlling the intermediate air flow.

[0092] Bottom seal: The bottom seal occurs on the lower part of the valve itself, which controls that the air entering through the side of the bottle flows through its duct and comes into contact with the filter and only then comes into contact with the contents of the container, without the airflow being diverted from its own duct.

[0093] The proposed invention integrates a series of upper, middle, and lower seals to allow the proper functioning of its parts, with a multifunctional valve that has specific geometric shapes that simplify the production and assembly method.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising: A flow circulation body (40) with at least one air compensation through-hole (41), a rod-shaped valve support (42) disposed on the upper surface of the flow circulation body; at least one upper through-hole (44) in the upper surface of the circulation body suitable for communication with the liquids inside the dispensing device; A silicone valve (30) with a top portion (31) covering the valve support, having a droplet-forming opening (36) at one end of the valve support; at the bottom of the silicone valve is disposed a horizontal extension portion (32) extending outwards and continuously a vertical extension portion (33) downwards; wherein an intermediate zone of the vertical extension portion (33) comprises at least a first annular depression (35) on its outer surface and a second annular depression (35') on its inner surface, wherein between the first and second annular depression there is at least one window (34) for airflow into the dispensing device, wherein the vertical extension portion (33) is coupled by a first snap-fit ​​coupling (36) to the flow circulation body (40); An upper housing (20) covering the silicone valve and part of the flow circulation body, wherein the lower part of the upper housing has a second snap-fit ​​coupling (24) with the lower part of the flow circulation body, the upper housing comprising at least one side hole (21) arranged at the height of the at least one window (34) of the silicone valve. 2.- The liquid dispensing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that a filter is coupled to a circular wall (46) located inside the flow circulation body.

3. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that a silicone plug (60) covers the filter (50), wherein this silicone plug is fitted between the circular wall (46) and an inner and lower surface of the flow circulation body (45), and wherein the plug includes recesses perimeter plugs (61) arranged along the perimeter of the plug for the passage of liquids and a central hole (62) for the passage of air. 4.- The liquid dispensing device, according to claim 1 characterized in that, before assembly, the outer diameter of the intermediate portion of the flow circulation body (40) is greater than the inner diameter of the vertical extension (33) of the silicone valve (30).

5. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 characterized in that the flow circulation body (40) is press-fitted to the vertical extension (33) of the silicone valve (30), because, before assembly, the outer diameter of the vertical extension (33) is greater than the inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the upper housing (20). 6.- The liquid dispensing device, according to claim 2, characterized in that the filter is a porous solid arranged inside the circular wall of the flow circulation body (46), between the walls of this filter a flat filter silicone is arranged perpendicular to the air flow.

7. The liquid dispensing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that an internal upper part of a lid (10) comprises a central protrusion (11) into which a tip of the silicone valve (30) fits.

8. The liquid dispensing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part of the lid (10) includes at least one evaporation window (13) and a lid filter (14) in contact with the liquid outlet tip (39) of the silicone valve.

9. The liquid dispensing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end of the silicone valve is concave (38) with respect to the center of the silicone valve.

10. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that a separation space (37) is arranged between the bar-shaped valve support (42) and the silicone valve for the circulation of liquid.

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