Device for containing and dispensing a fluid product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for fully dispensing a fluid product contained inside a bag by arranging the bag into a sealed chamber of the device and generating an overpressure inside the chamber, which overpressure guarantees full squeezing of the bag during the dispensing step and therefore full dispensing of the product.

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTAINING AND DISPENSING A FLUID PRODUCTScope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for containing products to be dispensed, in particular for example liquid products (for example for pharmaceutical use, food use, etc.) .

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a device which allows complete dispensing of said product contained in a bag.Brief outline of prior art

[0003] In many technical fields, the working of fluid products, for example liquids, which are then subsequently injected into suitable containers, is necessary for example in order to be sold on the market.

[0004] An exemplifying case may be the one relative to the pharmaceutical field, in which products, for example liquids (such as medicines, supplements, etc.) must be injected into vials, bags, phials and the like to be then sold on the market. The same is for food products such as drinks.

[0005] Initially these liquids are contained in a bag, for example of material of plastic sheet such as PVC .

[0006] Depending on the working process, the liquid contained in this initial bag must then be transferred into a second container which will be sold on the market, such as for example vials which are filled accordingly.

[0007] The refore, the bag, of PVC for example, comprises one outlet mouth and a tube, generally of plastic or rubber, as well (for example of PVC) . Said tube is flexible and deformable and is hooked to the opening of the bag for dispensing .

[0008] At the current state of the art, dispensing may occureither by gravity or through the help of peristaltic pumps .

[0009] The operation by gravity simply implies positioning of the bag upside down in such a way that the liquid contained in the bag exits along the tube by gravity force , like a drip- feed .

[0010] It is clear that this solution is little ef ficient given that it cannot be controlled and, in addition, requires time and does not guarantee either full emptying of the product from the bag or guarantees an ef ficient filling of the containers to which said liquid is sent .

[0011] In the case of peristaltic pumps , these act by deforming the flexible tube exiting the bag, thereby creating a suction depression which makes the product exit the bag .

[0012] However, the compression action of peristaltic pumps tends to squeeze the product strongly and therefore it tends to deteriorate the product . In addition, this method is not particularly functional and in fact , also in thi s case , a remarkable remaining amount of the product remains inside the bag and cannot be extracted .

[0013] The refore , incomplete and inef ficient dispensing of the product occurs in which a certain amount of product remains as a residue in the bag and this , obviously, implies a strong economic loss with big waste of raw material .

[0014] In addition, the publication US5163909 is known in which a bag of fluid is placed in a pressure chamber for allowing dispensing of its content .

[0015] However, this solution does not guarantee seal in the exit area of the conduit of the bag from its containment chamber under pressure . In addition, the lid present in the chamber is actually an interface which connects the inner bag with a further additional connection tube . This solution is a problem because of the fact that each additionalconnection may represent an inlet point for pathogens.Summary of the invention

[0016] The refore, the object of the invention is a device which resolves said technical inconveniences at least partially .

[0017] In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a device which allows full pouring out of the fluid product (for example a liquid) contained in a bag thereby eliminating or reducing to the minimum the amount of product which remains in the starting bag and therefore which is not dispensed.

[0018] More particularly, the aim of the invention is to provide a device in which leakages of load (therefore of pressure) are reduced to a minimum above all in the exit area of the conduits of the bag from the overpressure chamber where it is placed.

[0019] These and other aims are obtained with the device for dispensing a fluid product contained in a bag, according to claim 1.

[0020] This device (1) comprises:

[0021] A chamber (5) for containing the bag;

[0022] A hole (80) obtained in the chamber (5) for allowing, in use, passage towards the outside of the chamber (5) .

[0023] In this way, advantageously, at least one tube which is connected to said bag placed into the chamber 5 may pass from the chamber 5 towards the outside for dispensing;

[0024] According to the invention, a body (20) formed by at least two parts (21, 22) (that is, at least one first part 21 and at least one second part 22) separable from and couplable to each other is comprised, said body (20) being insertable in a removable way (preferably in a sealing way) in said hole.

[0025] Still according to the invention, further, each ofsaid two parts (that is the first part and the second part) comprises a coupling surface (23) such that when said coupling surfaces are coupled to each other said body 20 is generated .

[0026] In addition, said coupling surfaces are configured in such a way that when they are coupled they generate at least one channel (29' ) through the body adapted to house in use one said tube which is connected to said bag.

[0027] In particular, the through channel (29' ) allows the single original tube which converges towards the bag to pass through the body 20 thereby emerging outside it and therefore outside the chamber 5 and therefore outside the device .

[0028] In this way, the channel acts as a sealing passage and no further connections are necessary. The same tube of the bag may be directly connected to the filling machinery to which it is intended.

[0029] In this way, the tube may pour where it is necessary.

[0030] Advantageously, in addition, at least one between said two coupling surfaces (preferably both said coupling surfaces) comprise / s at least one layer (23' ) of deformable material adapted to generate a seal.

[0031] In particular, the whole coupling surface or surfaces is / are covered by this layer ( 23 ’ ) , comprised said present passage / s (29) .

[0032] In this way, the coupling between said two parts 21 and 22, when it occurs with a certain clamping pressure (for example obtainable by inserting in the hole 80 with a certain interference and / or using a coupling handwheel 26) , determines a deformation of the layer ( 23 ’ ) which therefore allows an optimal seal along the coupling line and well surrounding this layer ( 23 ’ ) each of the tube or the tubes passing into a channel ( 29 ’ ) .

[0033] This allows passage of the tubes towards the outsidewith an optimal seal thereby without obstructing them but at the same time having reduced or null pressure drops inside the chamber 5. In addition, there is a limited access of pathogens and it is further limited by the fact that directly the only original tube / s of the bag pass in a sealing way through the body to be connected to the intended machine and thus reducing the risk of access of pathogens differently from the solutions of known art.

[0034] Advantageously, the channel (29' ) is preferably passing along the whole longitudinal length (P-S) of the body 20.

[0035] For example, the layer (23' ) may be of silicone.

[0036] More particularly, according to an advantageous feature of the invention, each of said surfaces comprising at least one passage (29) such that when said two coupling surfaces are coupled, said at least two passages (29) are in front of each other thus generating said channel (29' ) adapted to house in use one said tube which is connected to said bag.

[0037] In this way, by leaning a portion of tube in one said passage 29 and coupling the two parts 21 and 22 together, the tube is inserted into the channel ( 29 ’ ) which is formed.

[0038] Dispensing is advantageously operated through a predetermined pressure which is obtained and maintained in the chamber 5.

[0039] In this way the bag is compressed and the fluid contained in it exits towards the outside through the tube connected to the bag and passing through the hole (80) of the chamber (5) .

[0040] With the purpose of creating overpressure in the chamber 5, means for allowing generation of an overpressure inside said chamber (5) may be advantageously comprised.

[0041] In this way, advantageously, one may perform dispensing;

[0042] Advantageously, said chamber (5) is sealed or substantially sealed.

[0043] In this way, leakages are reduced or eliminated.

[0044] Advantageously, at least one between said first part (21) and second part (22) comprises one or more reference pegs (25) adapted to be inserted into one or more respective holes of the other part (21, 22) .

[0045] In this way, the coupling of the first part with the second part is guided and therefore precise and facilitated.

[0046] Advantageously, further at least one first annular gasket (27) and at least one second annular gasket (28) cooperating with said body (20) may be comprised.

[0047] In this way, when the body is inserted into the hole 80 of the container element (4) forming the chamber (5) , leaks (that is leakages which may cause pressure drops) are reduced .

[0048] Advantageously, said first annular gasket (27) and second annular gasket (28) are arranged into the hole (80) .

[0049] More particularly, advantageously, the first annular gasket (27) is applied on the entry of the hole (80) into the part facing the chamber (5) .

[0050] Advantageously, the second annular gasket (28) is inserted into an annular recess obtained in the circular wall delimiting this hole (80) .

[0051] Advantageously, a handwheel (26) may be comprised for locking the first part (21) to the second part (22) .

[0052] In this way, the two parts form the body (20) in a strong and firm way.

[0053] More particularly, advantageously, the lateral surface of both the first part (21) and the second part (22) of the body (20) comprise a portion of helicoidal guide dug into said lateral surface.

[0054] Advantageously, the handwheel comprises at least two pins 24 each of them configured to be inserted into saidhelicoidal guide.

[0055] In this way, advantageously, after rotation of the handwheel in a direction the helicoidal guides guide by screwing said handwheel on the body (20) thereby clamping between them said first and second part while, in a direction of rotation opposite to the previous one, said helicoidal guides guide the handwheel in an unscrewing direction thereby unhooking said handwheel from the body (20) which is then separable into said two parts (21, 22) .

[0056] Advantageously, the chamber (5) is delimited by a container element (4) comprising a lid (4b) and a lower portion (4a) .

[0057] Advantageously, the lid (4b) is movable with respect to the lower portion to give access to the chamber (5) .

[0058] In this way, the bag may be inserted into the chamber 5.

[0059] Advantageously, the hole (80) may be obtained in the lower portion (4a) .

[0060] Advantageously, this hole may be delimited by a circular wall.

[0061] Advantageously, said means for allowing generation of an overpressure inside said chamber (5) may comprise for example at least one joint (30) communicating with said chamber (5) and to which a compressor element may be connected in use.

[0062] For example, a tube is connected to the joint 30 and with the tube connected on the opposite part to an air compressor .

[0063] Advantageously, a relief valve (31) and / or a pressure gauge for controlling pressure inside the chamber (5) may be comprised.

[0064] Advantageously, the container element (4) is mounted in such a way that it can oscillate.

[0065] In this way, if necessary, one may mix better thecontent in the bag, for example before dispensing it.

[0066] Advantageously, a motorization (12) may be comprised for generating an oscillation of said container element 4.

[0067] In this way, the motorization, for example an actuator, allows automatic oscillation of the chamber 5 for example with a programming through control panel 100.

[0068] The object of the present invention is also the use of a device as described above for dispensing a product exiting a bag, for example a fluid product such as a liquid.

[0069] The object of the invention is also a method for dispensing a fluid product contained in a bag through the device according to one or more of the previous features indicated above.

[0070] The method provides the following steps:

[0071] Inserting the bag into the chamber (5) with each of the tube / s of the bag passing through a through channel ( 29 ' ) of the body (20) and with the body (20) which is inserted into the hole (80) of the chamber (5) such that the ends of the tubes opposite their connection with the bag emerges outside the containment chamber;

[0072] Closing the containment chamber and generating an overpressure inside the containment chamber in such a way as to dispense the product contained in the bag.

[0073] Advantageously, the passage step of the tube / s in the through channel (29' ) is obtained by starting from the body subdivided into its first part (21) and second part (22) and laying each tube in a passage (29) present in the first part or in the second part to then couple together the first part with the second part.

[0074] Advantageously, this coupling of the first part with the second part may be fixed firmly with application of the handwheel 26.

[0075] An object of the present invention is also a body (20) for obstructing, in a sealing way or in a substantiallysealing way, the outlet hole ( 80 ) of a chamber ( 5 ) under pressure , which is used for dispensing a product contained in a bag .

[0076] According to the invention, said body ( 20 ) is formed by at least one first part ( 21 ) and at least one second part ( 22 ) separable from and couplable to each other, and wherein, further, each of said first part ( 21 ) and second part ( 22 ) comprises a coupling surface ( 23 ) such that when said two coupling surfaces are coupled to each other said body is generated, said coupling surfaces being configured in such a way that when said two coupling surfaces are coupled at least one channel ( 29 ’ ) through the body is formed and adapted to house in use one tube , at least one between said two coupling surfaces comprising at least one layer ( 23 ’ ) of deformable material adapted to generate a seal .Brief description of the drawings

[0077] The invention, in one or more embodiments , is now described below with reference to the following appended drawings :Figure 1 shows an overall view of the device obj ect of the invention while figure 1A shows a portion of the container element 4 which conforms the chamber 5 and highlights the hole 80 which from the outside gives access to said chamber 5 formed by the container element 4 ;Figure 2 , figure 3 and figure 3A show a body like a lid which is necessary to seal the opening hole of the chamber 5 where the bag is inserted and from which the tubes of the bag exit outside the chamber 5 ; in particular, figure 3 and 3A are an exploded view of the body 20 ;Figure 4 is a view of a part of the device obj ect of the invention and particularly of the container element 4 which forms the chamber 5 and which rests on a tilting base ;Figure 5 is a further view with the opened container element 4 for showing the chamber 5 and the body 20 placed like a lid;Figure 6 shows a detail of this body 20 when it is applied to close the hole of the chamber 5 exactly like in figure 5 but with the addition of the tubes of the bag exiting it towards the outside of the chamber 5 ;Figure 7 shows an enlarged detail of the hole 80 with the applied gaskets 27 and 28 ;Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the container element 4 for highlighting its chamber 5 and the hole 80 present in the lower portion ( 4a ) where the body 20 is inserted which transports in a sealing way towards the outside the tube or the tubes of the bag arranged in the chamber 5 ( and not shown for the sake of simplicity in the figure ) .Detailed description of the invention

[0078] Figure 1 shows in an axonometric view the device 1 obj ect of the invention .

[0079] The device may provide a frame 2 which, for example , may be in the form of a trolley equipped with wheels in order to make the device 1 , as a whole , readily movable and therefore transportable to the working area where required .

[0080] As for example outlined in figure 1 and as also clari fied below, the device may have a control panel 100 through which one or more operational parameters may be monitored obviously in addition to being able to program, therefore control , these parameters by varying them i f necessary .

[0081] The refore , the frame 2 forms a support plane 3 where a container element 4 is arranged .

[0082] The container element 4 is wel l highlighted in figure 4 when it is closed and in figure 5 when it is open .

[0083] Therefore, it is formed by a lower portion (4a) and by a lid (4b) which lid, as shown in figure 5, is movable with respect to the lower portion (4a) , for example rotatable, in order to be able to open this container element and have access to the chamber 5 inside it.

[0084] For example, in the solution shown in figure 5, the lid (4b) is rotatable with respect to the lower portion (4a) . However, it is evident that a solution of lid with capability of being fully removed would be possible, thereby being able to fully remove the lid to then hook it again to the lower portion in the closing position.

[0085] In all cases, as shown in figure 5, when the lid has been removed or rotated, then the access to this container element 4 is generated thereby having access to the chamber 5 which is generated by it.

[0086] In all said cases, anyway this chamber 5 is generated which is therefore delimited by the walls of the container element and therefore also by the lid when it has been applied to the lower portion.

[0087] In all aforesaid cases, as for example also shown in figure 4, some quick attachments 70 (one or more than one) are provided to fasten the lid (4b) to the lower portion (4a) in operational condition.

[0088] From figure 5 one may infer that along the perimeter edge 6 relative to the lower portion (4a) at least one gasket 7 may be present, whose function is to guarantee a seal against leakages when the lid (4b) is applied for closure .

[0089] Obviously, alternatively, the gasket might be present along an equivalent perimeter edge of the lid which leans along the perimeter edge 6 of the lower portion when indeed the lid closes the lower portion.

[0090] In a further alternative, both the perimeter edge 6 of the lower portion (4a) and the equivalent perimeter edgeof the lid (4b) which leans along the perimeter edge 6 may comprise a gasket such that they are coupled by contact.

[0091] In all aforesaid cases, the aim is to create a sealed chamber 5 as much as possible, that is sealed or substantially sealedt thereby reducing to the minimum or eliminating possible leakages of fluid, in particular gas such as air. Therefore, the chamber 5 is fluid-tight as much as possible.

[0092] Therefore, this would allow generating and above all readily maintaining a certain overpressure inside the chamber 5 thereby maintaining this overpressure value steady given that leakages would be eliminated or anyway reduced.

[0093] As better described in the functioning below, generally the overpressure value which may be generated inside this chamber 5 is approximately 0.5 bar. Therefore, overpressure means a pressure of additional value which is added to the regular atmospheric pressure of the environment and therefore normally present in the chamber 5. Thus, the inside of the chamber 5, the Delta (Pr) of additional pressure which is injected is preferably 0.5 bar. Therefore, it follows that, considering the normal value of atmospheric pressure 1.013 bar, the preferred value in the chamber 5 is approximately 1.513 bar.

[0094] Anyway, overpressure values comprised in a range between 0.1 bar and 1 bar (therefore, additional pressure to the atmospheric one) may be used.

[0095] These values mentioned above, in particular an overpressure range between 0.1 bar and 0.6 bar and more specifically the exact value of 0.5 bar proved to be suitable for the aims of the invention, that is compressing uniformly the bag positioned inside the chamber 5 for fully expelling the content thereof and without damaging the product. In other cases, in order to limit degradation of the product overpressure value lower than or equal to 0,4bar have even been found functional.

[0096] Therefore, the chamber 5 is necessary to contain the bag (not shown in the figure 5 for the sake of simplicity) .

[0097] The bag is of deformable material such as a sheet of plastic-coated type (for example PVC) in such a way that it can contain a liquid or a gas.

[0098] The bag per se is well known and it is not the object of the invention.

[0099] The bag is intended to be inserted inside the chamber 5 and is thus fully emptied of its content thanks to overpressure which is generated inside said chamber 5.

[0100] Overpressure acts on the bag by squeezing and deforming it thereby causing complete exit of its whole content .

[0101] Therefore, moving to figure 4, the container element 4 which comprises the lower portion (4a) and the lid (4b) is highlighted such that it generates inside it a sealed chamber 5 and intended to contain at least one bag.

[0102] In a possible solution, the container element 4 could be fixed to the frame in such a way that it can oscillate with respect to it.

[0103] In a particularly simple case, oscillation could be manual, for example through the help of a handle integral with the container element such that the operator may grasp this handle to make the container element oscillate.

[0104] Although it is not an essential element of the invention, oscillation allows to better mix the product contained in the bag when this bag is indeed placed into the chamber 5. This may for example be necessary before dispensing the product.

[0105] A solution of oscillation of the automated type could be provided.

[0106] In fact, as shown in figure 4, the container element may rest on a tilting system controlled by an electricmotor .

[0107] More particularly, a double plate may be provided, that is two plates (10, 11) overlapping each other.

[0108] The lower plate 11 may be made integral with the plane 3 of the trolley (see figure 1) .

[0109] The upper plate 10 is the one on which it rests and to which the container element 4 is directly fixed.

[0110] The connection between the upper plate 10 and the lower plate 11 may be of the floating type, for example with pins connected rotatably to both plates.

[0111] Then for example an electric motor 12 is present which activates an actuator connected to the upper plate.

[0112] In this way, by activating said electric motor 12, the upper plate 10 is moved with respect to the lower plate 11 which acts as anchoring, thereby creating a motion, for example oscillatory, for said container element.

[0113] As already indicated above, even it is not essential, this motion allows, if necessary, a pre-mixture of product contained in the bag before its dispensing.

[0114] In addition, a weighing system may be present which allows weighing of the product inserted into the chamber 5.

[0115] As mentioned, inside the chamber 5, a certain pressure condition greater than the value of atmospheric pressure must be created in order to create a squeezing force which deforms the bag and allows dispensing of the product .

[0116] As mentioned, this overpressure may be for example at a value of 0.5 bar or for example within the range values mentioned above or values lower than or equal to 0,4 bar.

[0117] Although it is not shown in figure 1, therefore, the device may comprise a pressure gauge for measuring pressure.

[0118] In addition, means for generating this overpressure are comprised.

[0119] For example, in a possible solution, a joint ispresent to which to connect a tube which converge towards a compressor or another element for inj ecting air under pressure inside the chamber 5 , in order to reach and maintain the desired pressure value inside the chamber .

[0120] Figure 4 shows indeed with number 30 the j oint to which a convergent tube may be connected to said means for generating overpressure , for example the compressor .

[0121] The element indicated with number 31 is instead a relief valve which may be adj usted at a predetermined pressure value , in order to be activated once said pressure value has been reached inside the chamber 5 .

[0122] I f for example this valve 31 is adj usted at 0 . 8 bar, this implies that i f in the chamber 5 this value of 0 . 8 bar has been exceeded, it opens thus allowing an air outflow towards the outside and causing the pressure inside the chamber 5 to still maintain the desired value until the means for generating overpressure are active .

[0123] In this way, it is certain not to exceed too high pressure values which may result in being dangerous both for an accidental explosion of the chamber 5 and for the fact that too high pressures may break the bag and / or degrade the product contained in it .

[0124] Continuing in the structural description of the invention further, figure 2 shows a body 20 in its assembled configuration and with the same body 20 shown in figure 3 in an exploded view .

[0125] Figure 5 shows the body 20 mounted to the container element 4 while figure 6 shows in an enlarged view the only body 20 applied to the container element exactly like in figure 5 ( the portion of the container element to which it is applied is indeed visible ) and from which the tubes of the bag placed into the chamber 5 exit .

[0126] Figure 8 shows for clarity purposes the container element 4 with the hole 80 to which the body 20 indeed isapplied, shown in figure 8 in its two halves (parts 21, 22) .

[0127] In particular, as shown in figure 8 or in figure 7, the container body 4 comprises a hole 80 for passage of the tube or of the tubes relative to the bag which is placed inside it.

[0128] In this way, through the tubes which exit the chamber 5, the product is dispensed outside.

[0129] Clearly, there is the technical issue to close this hole 80 in a sealed way to avoid sudden pressure drops inside the chamber 5. However, at the same time, the tubes must be able to exit the chamber 5 and must not be flattened by pressure, given that they will be obstructed if they are flattened by pressure.

[0130] Therefore, a passage for these tubes of the bag must be created with this passage which is capable of guaranteeing seal inside the chamber at the same time maintaining the tubes intact without flattening them.

[0131] In fact, the bag has at least one tube for dispensing the product .

[0132] Preferably the bag may have two tubes and of which one for dispensing and the other for filling it. In fact, the fact that a certain product contained in a bag must be mixed with another product before dispensing is not excluded. For this reason, these bags of product may be provided with two tubes.

[0133] Furthermore, these bags of product may be also even provided with three tubes and of which one for emptying, one for filling and one for dispensing an amount to be analyzed if for example an analysis of the product is necessary before supplying.

[0134] For example, figure 6 shows three tubes converging towards a bag not visible in figure 6 given that it is placed into the chamber 5.

[0135] Therefore, the tubes connected to the bag may be one or more than one, preferably at least two or more than two, such as three or more than three.

[0136] Having said that, said body 20 shown in figures 2, 3, 5 and operationally in figure 6 is therefore described structurally .

[0137] It retraces the shape of the hole 80 where it is inserted in order to obstruct it.

[0138] Thus, if the hole of the container element is for example circular, then the body as shown in the exploded view of figure 3 or in figure 2, will be cylindrical in order to plug and obstruct this hole.

[0139] As shown in figure 3, the body 20 is produced in at least two parts which may be separated from each other and joined again together.

[0140] The refore, there is one first part 21 and one second part 22.

[0141] The at least two separable parts in which it is produced are preferably exactly two symmetrical halves.

[0142] Each of these two parts has a coupling surface 23 which may be imagined as a separation surface of the cylindrical body into the two halves.

[0143] When the first part 21 is coupled to the second part 22 this implies that the two coupling surfaces 23 move close to each other.

[0144] In order to guarantee a correct positioning one or more guide pegs 25 emerging from a coupling surface 23 may be provided and which are inserted into receiving holes obtained in the other coupling surface (see figure 3 for this purpose) .

[0145] According to an important feature of the invention, both the coupling surfaces form at least one passage 29.

[0146] The passage 29 is like a sort of channeling dug into the coupling surface 23.

[0147] The passage 29 moves along the longitudinal direction of the body, that is from its rear face (P) to its front face (A) or vice versa obviously.

[0148] Actually, the passage 29 is a sort of channeling or groove obtained in the surface 23 whose shape in transversal section is preferably a semi-circumference.

[0149] In this way, as clearly shown in figure 2, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are coupled to each other to form the cylindrical body, the passage 29 present in a coupling surface 23 is coupled with the passage 29 present in the same position on the other coupling surface thereby generating a channel ( 29 ’ ) well highlighted in figure 2.

[0150] The channel (29' ) is passing longitudinally the whole length of the body 20.

[0151] Obviously if each coupling surface 23 relative to the first part 21 and to the second part 22, like for example shown in figure 3, provides two passages 29 placed side by side, then two channels ( 29 ’ ) are generated after coupling of the first part 21 with the second part 22.

[0152] Each channel (29' ) is necessary for passage of a tube converging towards the bag, surrounding it without flattening it in a sealing way, as well highlighted in figure 6.

[0153] Therefore, in this way the body 20 acts as a lid for opening of the chamber 5 but the body 20 conforms itself one or more sealed channels ( 29 ’ ) , each for housing a tube of the bag (see figure 6) .

[0154] With the aim of guaranteeing seal, the coupling surfaces 23 are covered with a layer of deformable sealing material, for example a material which is normally used for producing seals such as 0-rings.

[0155] For example this material may be a material such as a rubber such as silicone.

[0156] Figure 3 shows with number 23' just the thickness of said layer of sealing deformable material which covers the coupling surface of the first part 21 and of the second part 22, thus forming the coupling surface which is indicated indeed with number 23 in figure 3.

[0157] Therefore, a preferred production material of this layer ( 23 ’ ) of sealing deformable material is preferably silicone .

[0158] The use of the sealing deformable material is important given that, after coupling of the first part with the second part to form the body, this coupling may be performed with a certain tightening value which brings the two parts to be reciprocally flattened thereby with a certain deformation of the layer ( 23 ’ ) .

[0159] This guarantees a seal not only along the whole coupling line of the first part 21 with the second part 22 but also all along the tubes which pass through the channels (29' ) as per figure 6, given that also the conformation of this channel (29' ) is deformed perfectly wrapping the tube which passes through it.

[0160] It follows that a perfect seal or anyway a remarkable reduction of leakages through the channels ( 29 ’ ) is achieved when a tube passes into each of them and through the coupling line of the two parts (21, 22) (see figure 6) .

[0161] Having said that, a seal between the hole 80 to which the body 20 is applied and the body 20 itself is also important to be achieved.

[0162] For this purpose, at least one gasket (27, 28) and preferably at least two gaskets are provided, for example in the shape of a sort of 0-ring.

[0163] The preferred configuration of the invention, therefore, provides a first annular gasket 27 and a second annular gasket 28 which are applied in two specific points of the access hole 80 to the chamber 5, the hole obtainedin the lower portion (4a) where indeed the body 20 is inserted by obstruction (see figure 7, figure 8 or figure 1A) .

[0164] The f irst annular gasket 27 is inserted at the entry of the hole of the chamber 5 on the part facing the chamber 5 (see figure 8) . This is also highlighted in figure 7. The gasket surrounds the access to the hole and is locked by abutting the shoulder (S) of the body, thus remaining constrained between the access to the hole and the shoulder (S) , when the body is inserted into the hole from the inside of the chamber 5.

[0165] The body 20 is inserted into the hole 80 from the inside of the chamber 5 until the end point, that is until the shoulder (S) abuts against the walls surrounding the hole and therefore against the first annular gasket 27.

[0166] The second annular gasket 28 is inserted into a circular groove obtained in said hole thereby being placed to seal all around the body 20.

[0167] Both said gaskets 27 and 28 may be of silicone.

[0168] The clamping of the first part 21 with the second part 22 occurs through a handwheel 26.

[0169] More particularly, one may notice that both the first part 21 and the second part 22 have a helicoidal excavation 70 to form both one threading portion (see figure 3) .

[0170] The helicoidal excavation 70 on the second part 22 is not visible in figure but it is present in a specular way to the one of the first part.

[0171] The handwheel has two pins 24 (the figure 3A shows only one of them) , each of which is engaged in a helicoidal excavation such that, when by coupling the pins of the handwheel in the excavation and by rotating the handwheel, the pins are guided along the helicoidal excavation thereby determining a longitudinal forward motion of the handwheel along the longitudinal length of the body 20.

[0172] In this way, the handwheel is actually screwed around the body 20 by clamping the two parts with a certain pressure which deforms the layer ( 23 ’ ) .

[0173] Then if the excavation is made with a certain tilt, meaning that it rises towards the outer surface by starting from the access point of the pins, this rotation of the handwheel also determines an increase in clamping of the two parts (21, 22) to each other with a consequent greater flattening and deformation of the layer ( 23 ’ ) , thereby having greater seal.

[0174] Having described the invention sufficiently from the structural point of view, an example of functioning is provided below for the sake of better clarity.

[0175] In the event that a bag must be emptied in order to transfer its content, the bag is placed inside the chamber 5 thereby providing for the removal or rotation of the lid (4b) in order to have access to said chamber 5.

[0176] Each of the tube or tubes of the bag (placed inside the chamber 5) is inserted in a passage 29 of the body 20 opened into two halves as per figure 3.

[0177] Obviously, if one operates with bags with one tube only, then the bodies forming a single channel (29' ) are used. Depending on the number of tubes of the bag then there will be a respective body forming the equivalent number of channels (29' ) .

[0178] Having said that, in the event of figure 3, one supposes that the bag has two tubes of which one for delivery and one for filling.

[0179] A tube is laid on a passage 29 and the other on the other passage 29 of the same part (for example the part 22) . Then one proceeds with applying the other part 21 above to the part 22 by coupling them and by clamping the whole through the handwheel.

[0180] The result is that the bag, with its two tubes, willfind the body 20 connected to the two tubes, each of them passing through a channel ( 29 ’ ) and exiting the channel (29' ) .

[0181] The example of figure 6 shows the case of the three tubes .

[0182] At this point, the bag is laid in the chamber 5 and the body 20 is applied to close the opening hole of the chamber 5 thereby in such a way that the tubes exiting the channels 29' face the outside of the chamber 5 as per figure 6. The exploded view of figure 8 clearly shows application of the body omitting its connection to the tubes of the bag for the sake of simplicity.

[0183] The hole 80 of the chamber 5 will be equipped with the first and the second annular gasket (27, 28) before applying the body 20 for guaranteeing a greater seal.

[0184] Once the body has been applied through the hole 80 the handwheel is applied by clamping.

[0185] The handwheel causes the layer (23' ) to deform by adhering all around the tubes thereby preventing leakages in the space between the tubes and the walls of the channel (29' ) which is now adhering to the tube in one or more areas (see figure 6) .

[0186] At this point the lid is applied to close the opening 5 and the system is ready.

[0187] It is sufficient to dispense pressure into the chamber 5 to determine exit of the liquid contained into the bag which deforms under action of pressure.

[0188] The control panel 100 allows setting of parameters, thus also allowing activation of oscillation before dispensing if this is necessary, in the event of motorization present for oscillation.

[0189] If the tubes are two (that is one for dispensing and one for filling the bag) , a dispensing will occur from both tubes .

[0190] For this purpose, the process may readily be controlled by applying clamping pegs to the tubes which are of flexible rubber or anyway deformable material.

[0191] When the pegs (not shown in figure) are clamped around the tubes they are flattened, and they are obstructed thereby; also in pressure condition in the chamber 5 nothing will exit from them.

[0192] Even if they are not shown in figure 6, one may imagine that each of the portions of the tubes exiting the body 6 is fitted with this peg.

[0193] Then it is sufficient to release the peg from the dispensing tube and the product will exit it for as long as the pressure is maintained and / or until this peg is maintained flattened. For example, the peg may be closed during the dispensing step for interrupting the dispensing flow, to then start it again at any time.

[0194] Any filling tube may be released from the peg in the filling step thereby when the other peg relative to the dispensing tube is applied to obstruct it.

[0195] Figure 6 shows three tubes and therefore one for dispensing, one for filling and one for dispensing for product testing. All three can therefore be equipped with this peg.

[0196] The pegs may be applied and controlled manually by an operator or, alternatively, they may be controlled by automatized systems.

[0197] The pegs may be also replaced by open-close valve systems .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (1) for dispensing a fluid product contained in a bag, the device comprising:A chamber (5) for containing the bag;A hole (80) obtained in the chamber (5) for allowing, in use, passage from the chamber (5) towards the outside of at least one tube which is connected to said bag;Characterized by the fact that a body (20) formed by at least one first part (21) and at least one second part (22) separable from and couplable to each other is comprised, said body (20) being insertable in a removable way in said hole and wherein, further, each of said first part (21) and second part (22) comprise a coupling surface (23) such that when said coupling surfaces are coupled to each other said body is generated, said coupling surfaces being configured in such a way that when they are coupled at least one channel (29' ) through the body is formed and adapted to house in use one said tube which is connected to said bag, at least one between said two coupling surfaces comprising at least one layer ( 23 ’ ) of deformable material adapted to generate a seal.

2. The device (1) , according to claim 1, wherein means for allowing generation of said overpressure inside said chamber (5) are comprised.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said coupling surfaces comprise at least one passage (29) such that when said two coupling surfaces are coupled, said at least two passages (29) are in frontof each other thus generating said channel(29' ) .

4. The device (1) , according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said chamber (5) is sealedor substantially sealed.

5. The device (1) , according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein at least one between said first part (21) and second part (22) comprise one or more reference pegs (25) adapted to be inserted into one or more respective holes of the other part (21, 22) .

6. The device (1) , according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein at least one first annular gasket (27) and one second annular gasket (28) cooperating with said body (20) are comprised; preferably said first annular gasket (27) and second annular gasket (28) are arranged into the hole (80) ; even more preferably the first annular gasket (27) is applied on the entry of the hole (80) into the part facing the chamber (5) and the second annular gasket (28) is inserted into an annular recess obtained in the circular wall delimiting this hole (80) .

7. The device (1) , according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising a handwheel (26) for locking the first part (21) to the second part (22) .

8. The device (1) , according to claim 7, wherein the lateral surface of both the first part (21) and the second part (22) of the body (20) comprise a portion of helicoidal guide dug into said lateral surface and wherein said handwheel comprises at least two pins each of them configured to be inserted into said helicoidal guide in such a way that after rotation of the handwheelin a direction the helicoidal guides guide by screwing said handwheel on the body (20) thereby clamping between them said first and second part while, in a direction of rotation opposite to the previous one, said helicoidal guides guide the handwheel in an unscrewing direction thereby unhooking said handwheel from the body (20) which is then separable into said two parts (21, 22) .

9. The device (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the chamber (5) is delimited by a container element (4) comprising a lid (4b) and a lower portion (4a) .

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the lid (4b) is movable with respect to the lower portion to give access to the chamber (5) .

11. The device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the hole (80) is obtained in the lower portion (4a) and is delimited by a circular wall.

12. The device (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said means for allowing generation of an overpressure inside said chamber (5) comprise at least one joint (30) communicating with said chamber (5) and to which a compressor element may be connected in use.

13. The device (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein a relief valve (31) and / or a pressure gauge for controlling pressure inside the chamber (5) are comprised.

14. The device (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the container element (4) is mounted insuch a way that it can oscillate; preferably wherein a motorization (12) is comprised for generating an oscillation of said container element.

15. A body (20) for obstructing, in a sealing or substantially sealing way, the outlet hole (80) of a chamber (5) under pressure, wherein said body (20) is formed by at least one first part (21) and at least one second part (22) separable from and couplable to each other, and wherein, further, each of said first part (21) and second part (22) comprises a coupling surface (23) such that when said coupling surfaces are coupled to each other said body (20) is generated, said coupling surfaces being configured in such a way that when said coupling surfaces are coupled at least one channel ( 29 ’ ) through the body is formed and adapted to house in use a tube, at least one between said two coupling surfaces comprising at least one layer ( 23 ’ ) of deformable material adapted to generate a seal.

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