EP0354137B1 - Process for making a pocket dispenser, parts thereof and dispensers - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a pocket dispenser and its manufacturing and packaging method. Such a pocket dispenser is used for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, hygienic or food products.

We know from US-A-4,457,455 a method of manufacturing a pocket dispenser comprising a rigid housing surmounted by a rigid plastic dome, this dome comprising a threaded neck onto which a distribution means is screwed and an annular lower portion comprising an inner lower tube fixed to a sealed flexible bag, this tube forming with an external tube an annular groove allowing the fixing of this dome on the upper end of a housing. The filling of the pocket by the opening of the neck of the dome is followed by a sealed sealing of this opening and of a fixing of the assembly (dome + filled pocket) on a case, for example made of cardboard, by said annular groove. , then a fixing of the distribution means. In this process and with this dispenser, filling is done from above before fixing the dispensing means.

The Applicant has sought to develop a manufacturing process and a dispenser allowing easy assembly and filling operations, as well as improved emptying of the bag at the end of distribution of the product contained.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The subject of the invention is a method of manufacturing and packaging a bag dispenser comprising a box surmounted by a plastic dome fixed in a sealed manner on the upper end of said box, a flexible flexible bag fixed in said dome, and distribution means fixed to an upper portion of said dome, in which an annular dome is first produced by molding comprising an annular upper portion allowing the tight fixing of said distribution means and an annular lower portion comprising an annular inner lower tube fixed to said pocket (13) and, surrounding this tubing, an annular groove allowing the fixing of the annular dome on said upper end of the housing, characterized in that instead of fixing a flexible waterproof pocket to the dome, the inner tubing of this dome is fixed to 5 to 20 mm from height a skirt open at its two ends forming the outline of a pocket, either by embedding the upper end of said skirt in said inner lower tube during said molding of said dome, or by gluing said upper end of said skirt around of said inner lower tube, thus obtaining a preassembled part (dome + skirt), the skirt being able to be filled by its lower end.

In the present description, the vertical direction is by convention that of the longitudinal axis of the housing and of the skirt or pocket, and the top of the dispenser or of its constituent parts corresponds to the end of this dispenser carrying the dispensing means.

• les opérations de mise en forme et d'assemblage sont facilitées ;
• la pièce (dôme+jupe) peut être fixée de façon étanche d'abord aux moyens de distribution, ce qui permet des remplissages de la jupe par son extrémité inférieure ;
• l'axe de l'ouverture supérieure du dôme, et donc la direction de distribution du produit, peut être orientée de diverses façons, par simple changement de la géométrie du dôme ;
• le procédé de fabrication peut être adapté à des types de distributeurs variés :
  • . ayant un boîtier métallique, avec une valve de distribution, et un gaz propulseur entre poche et boîtier ;
  • . ou ayant un boîtier métallique ou un boîtier en matière plastique ou métallo-plastique, avec une pompe de distribution à reprise d'air faible ou nulle, la poche étant alors soumise à la pression atmosphérique ;
• comme on le verra, les méthodes de fixation de la pièce (dôme+jupe) sont variées et industriellement simples et fiables, leur choix permet d'effectuer la fabrication avec divers types d'équipements.

The pre-assembled part (dome + skirt) has significant advantages:

• the shaping and assembly operations are facilitated;
• the part (dome + skirt) can be fixed in a sealed manner first to the distribution means, which allows the skirt to be filled by its lower end;
• the axis of the upper opening of the dome, and therefore the direction of distribution of the product, can be oriented in various ways, by simply changing the geometry of the dome;
• the manufacturing process can be adapted to various types of distributors:
  • . having a metal case, with a distribution valve, and a propellant between pocket and case;
  • . or having a metal casing or a casing made of plastic or metallo-plastic material, with a distribution pump with little or no air intake, the bag then being subjected to atmospheric pressure;
• as we will see, the methods of fixing the part (dome + skirt) are varied and industrially simple and reliable, their choice allows manufacturing to be carried out with various types of equipment.

The interior dome tubing is sealed tightly on the upper end of the pocket blank skirt. preferably for large series by molding during the molding of the dome, or by gluing the end of the skirt around said tubing.

In the case of direct production by molding of the part (dome + skirt), a portion of the tubular skirt is threaded around a punch so that its upper end exceeds a chosen length of this punch. This skirt is then included between this punch and the die tools which define with this protruding end, with tools inside the punch and with die bottom tools, an annular interval supplied with plastic material, typically by at least two injection channels. lateral or oblique.
The annular molding interval thus defined has, in cross section, the profile of the dome part to be produced, and makes it possible to obtain the desired part (dome + skirt) on demolding. The skirt is connected to the dome part of this part by an internal tube which comes to adapt to the mounting in the neck of the housing.
The upper end of the skirt embedded in this tubing by molding can thus be: either flush with the interior surface of the tubing, or in the thickness of this tubing and preferably closer to the outer surface of the tubing interior of the dome as of its interior surface, that is, even more advantageously for the surmounting, on the exterior surface of said tube. Experience has also shown that the sheath, which is usually very thin, for example 0.2 to 0.3 mm thick, tends, when used as a pocket, to close at the end of emptying by twisting effect, and this when the steep end of this pocket was welded to the tubing of the dome for only 3 to 4 mm. This drawback is avoided and a more complete emptying of the bag is obtained at the end of dispensing of the product by taking a higher inner tubing of the dome and by molding so that the end of the bag is included in the thickness of the dome, that is to say typically of its internal tubing, or linked to this tubing, on 5 to 20 mm in height, at best 8 to 15 mm.

In the case of bonding the upper end of the waterproof skirt around the inner tubing of the dome, it is preferable to surface oxidize one of the two surfaces to be bonded beforehand, typically by flaming or by Corona effect. When the inner surface of the skirt is made of PE, it must therefore be surface oxidized to obtain good adhesion of the adhesive. Care must be taken to ensure that the glue which is then applied, usually to the tubing, is not completely scraped off by the introduction of the skirt. A first solution is to leave a slight clearance between the skirt and the tubing, the inside diameter of the skirt being approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mm greater than the outside diameter of the tubing, so as to leave a film of adhesive. .
A second, much better solution is to have, preferably with a slight tightening of the skirt on the tubing, one or more annular recessed zones for glue retention on the surface to be glued on the dome tubing, zones of depth less than 0.15 mm to facilitate demolding of the dome.
When there are several annular zones, at the optimum height or width between 0.5 and 2.5 mm and depth between 0.04 and 0.1 mm, they are advantageously connected to each other by bridges or hollow passages of equal or similar depth so as to improve the distribution of the adhesive when belted by the skirt. These annular zones can furthermore, to allow a more convenient and safer bonding, be preceded by an end portion carrying a flexible annular lip inclined upwards serving as a glue reserve, the bottom of this reserve being connected to the nearest hollow annular zone, that is to say the first hollow annular zone starting from the end of the tube, by hollow bridges. The introduction of the skirt around the tubing then tightens this flexible lip by expelling glue towards the recessed annular zone or zones, this glue propagating through said recessed bridges.

The bonding tests which have been carried out have shown that cyanoacrylate adhesives are particularly suitable for industrial manufacture, the annular dome preferably being for its rigidity, made of polyamide, polyacetal or polycarbonate, and the skirt being at least on the surface. inner PE (polyethylene).
Once the piece (dome + skirt) is made, the manufacturing sequences may vary significantly, with operations being split between the packaging manufacturer and the conditioner to the best of their ability.

• a₁) on fixe de façon étanche au dôme de la pièce (dôme+jupe) les moyens de distribution comprenant soit une valve, soit une pompe à reprise d'air faible ou nulle ;
• b₁) on retourne l'ensemble obtenu et on remplit la jupe, obturée par le dôme et par lesdits moyens de distribution, du produit à distribuer, par l'extrémité inférieure de cette jupe située en position haute ;
• c₁) on ferme ladite extrémité de la jupe, qui devient une poche ;
• d₁) on introduit la poche remplie du nouvel ensemble obtenue (dôme + poche+ moyens de distribution) dans le boîtier ;
• e₁) on fixe de façon étanche ce nouvel ensemble par sa partie dôme à l'extrémité supérieure du boîtier ;
• f₁) lorsque les moyens de distribution comprennent une valve, on introduit un gaz sous pression entre la poche et le boîtier.

According to a first production range in which packaging and assembly are integrated, the other assembly and packaging operations are carried out in the following order:

• a₁) is fixed sealingly to the dome of the room (dome + skirt) the distribution means comprising either a valve or a low or no return air pump;
• b₁) the assembly obtained is turned over and the skirt, closed by the dome and by said distribution means, is filled with the product to be distributed, by the lower end of this skirt located in the high position;
• c₁) closing said end of the skirt, which becomes a pocket;
• d₁) the pocket filled with the new assembly obtained (dome + pocket + dispensing means) is introduced into the housing;
• e₁) this new assembly is tightly fixed by its dome part at the upper end of the housing;
• f₁) when the dispensing means comprise a valve, a pressurized gas is introduced between the pocket and the housing.

In the case where the distribution means then comprise a low or no return air pump provided with an annular fixing flange at least externally made of plastic, it is advantageous in series production to carry out the fixing of this pump to the dome - that is to say the operation (a₁) - at the same time as the fixing of the skirt or dome by molding. The direct molding process already described for the part (dome + skirt) is modified in that the annular molding cavity defining the dome comprises the periphery of the annular rim of the pump. The tools containing the pump and protecting it from overheating in the molding are a lower tool with a central cavity surmounted by a flange supporting said flange in leaktight fashion, and a tool at the bottom of the matrix covering the pump and resting on the flange by completing the seal against the molten plastic. The connection obtained between the dome and the rim of the pump is either a weld if the plastics concerned are of the same nature, or a bonding with intimate adhesion, without reflow, ensuring however, as has been verified, a good seal when the materials Plastics are dissimilar, for example polypropylene for the pump ring and PE-HD for the dome. To improve the strength of this fixing and the security of the corresponding seal, it is then advisable to provide the annular rim in its part included by molding at least one fine rib or circular groove. Once the assembly (dome + skirt + pump) thus obtained, we continue with operations (b₁) to (e₁).

• a₂) on fixe de façon étanche au dôme de la pièce (dôme + jupe) les moyens de distribution comprenant soit une valve, soit une pompe à reprise d'air faible ou nulle;
• b₂) on introduit la jupe de l'ensemble obtenu (jupe + dôme + moyens de distribution) dans le corps du boîtier;
• c₂) on fixe de façon étanche ledit ensemble par sa partie dôme à l'extrémité supérieure dudit corps de boîtier; puis chez le conditionneur:
• d₂) on retourne l'ensemble complexe obtenu et on remplit la jupe, obturée par le dôme et lesdits moyens de distribution du produit à distribuer, par l'extrémité inférieure de cette jupe située en position haute;
• e₂) on ferme ladite extrémité de la jupe, qui devient une poche, et on rentre si nécessaire cette extrémité, dans le corps de boîtier;
• f₂) on sertit le fond métallique qui est percé d'un trou sur l'extrémité inférieure ouverte du corps métallique;
• g₂) lorsque les moyens de distribution comprennent une valve, on introduit un gaz sous pression entre la poche et le boîtier et on bouche le trou du fond métallique.

According to a second manufacturing range and in the case where a metal case is used comprising a tubular body and a separate bottom, for example both made of tinplate or possibly aluminum, the other assembly and packaging operations are carried out in the '' following order:

• a₂) is fixed sealingly to the dome of the room (dome + skirt) the distribution means comprising either a valve or a low or no return air pump;
• b₂) the skirt of the assembly obtained (skirt + dome + distribution means) is introduced into the body of the housing;
• c₂) said assembly is fixed in leaktight manner by its dome portion to the upper end of said housing body; then at the conditioner:
• d₂) the complex assembly obtained is returned and the skirt is filled, closed by the dome and said means for dispensing the product to be dispensed, by the lower end of this skirt located in the high position;
• e₂) closing said end of the skirt, which becomes a pocket, and if necessary this end, into the housing body;
• f₂) crimping the metal bottom which is pierced with a hole on the open lower end of the metal body;
• g₂) when the dispensing means comprise a valve, a pressurized gas is introduced between the pocket and the housing and the hole in the metal bottom is plugged.

As in the first manufacturing range, in the case where the distribution means comprise a low or no return air pump carrying an annular fixing rim at least externally made of plastic, it is advantageous to first produce a dome plastic molded both on the skirt forming the blank of the pocket and around said pump fixing flange.
After having thus produced an assembly (dome + skirt + pump), we continue with operations (b₂) and (c₂), then usually at the conditioner with the same operations (d₂) to (g₂).

We can go further in the case of pre-assembly by molding and directly make an assembly (dome + skirt + pump + metallic tubular body), which then replaces the elementary molding (dome + skirt) and operations (a₂) to c₂) .

The molding tools are then of the same type as those described for the variant of the second manufacturing range, with the following modifications:
there is a double concentric punch allowing the positioning of the skirt of the pocket and the skirt of the metallic tubular body and the release from the mold, and the annular molding cavity surrounds a rolled edge prepared at the upper end of the metallic tubular body , the connection of the dome being at this level produced by filling the inside and outside of this edge. This rolled or folded edge is not closed and can be much less tight than a rolled edge for crimping, which is an advantage of ease of manufacture and flexibility.

The complex assembly then obtained is then ready for the packaging operations (d₂) to (f₂).

In addition to the molding of sets of parts or "sub-assemblies of distributors" already described, various methods of fixing the part (dome + skirt) can be used and will be described with reference to the examples and the drawings which illustrate them. The method of closing the lower end to give a pocket is important to facilitate re-entry of the pocket into the case, it will also be explained.

The invention also relates to a preassembled part for a pocket dispenser, obtainable by the method described above, comprising an annular dome of molded plastic material and a flexible waterproof pocket fixed to said dome, this dome comprising an annular upper portion allowing the sealed fixing of distribution means and an annular lower portion comprising an annular inner lower tube tightly fixed to said pocket as well as, surrounding this tube, an annular groove allowing the dome to be fixed on a housing, characterized in that said flexible pocket watertight is replaced by a skirt open at its lower end and forming the blank of said pocket, and in that said inner lower tube is fixed by molding or by welding on 5 to 20 mm in height from the upper end of said skirt .

Preferably, the annular dome is in polyolefin and the skirt is in complex comprising a barrier layer and surface layers in polyolefin compatible with the polyolefin of the dome and is embedded by molding in said tubing.

The invention also relates to a dispenser which can also be obtained by the above method, this dispenser comprising a housing surmounted by an annular dome of molded plastic material which itself comprises an annular upper portion allowing the watertight fixing of means of distribution and an annular inner lower tube tightly fixed to a flexible flexible bag as well as, surrounding this tube, an annular groove, this distributor also comprising a valve or a weak or no return air pump fixed to said annular upper portion and said housing having its upper end fixed to said annular groove, characterized in that said sealed pocket is replaced by a skirt whose lower end is open, is intended to be filled by its lower end, and in that said tubing is fixed by molding or by gluing on 5 to 20mm in height from the upper end of said skirt, and in that said housing is metallic and carries at its upper end a rolled edge, said annular groove being circular and resting on said rolled edge by being tightly fixed thereto.

In particular, the casing is made of tinplate and comprises a tubular body and a separate bottom, the bottom being to be crimped onto the tubular body after filling of the skirt by its open lower end and tight closure of this end.

EXAMPLES

• Figure 1 shows a preassembled part (dome + skirt) in axial section.
• Figure 2 shows a distributor obtained from this part (dome + skirt), also in axial section.
• Figures 3 and 4 show the contours of two end closures of the skirt, in section perpendicular to the axis.
• FIGS. 5 to 7 show different modes of sealing the dome and the upper end of a metal case, in axial half-section.
• FIG. 8 represents a part (dome + skirt), the dome of which is provided on its reverse side with an insert forming a barrier for perfumes, in axial half-section.
• Figure 9 shows the assembly of a part (dome + skirt) and the upper end of a plastic housing, in axial half-section.
• FIG. 10 shows a dispenser with a metal case, the bottom of which is to be crimped, corresponding to the third manufacturing range described, in partial axial section.
• FIG. 11 represents an assembly of a part (dome + skirt) and of the upper end of a metal case, the skirt and the dome being assembled by molding, in axial section.
• FIG. 12 represents a part (dome + skirt) assembled by gluing, in axial section.
• FIG. 13 shows the internal tubing of a dome provided with means for distributing the adhesive, in axial half-section.
• Figure 14 shows a distributor obtained from the part (dome + skirt) of Figure 12, in axial section.
• FIG. 15 represents the outline of the triangular star weld of the pocket of the preceding dispenser, seen at the end.

EXAMPLE 1

• 1 couche en PE.BD blanc (additionnée de poudre d'oxyde de titane) d'épaisseur 90 µm;
• 1 couche d'adhésif copolymère à base d'EAA de 30 µm;
• 1 couche d'aluminium d'épaisseur 40 µm;
• 1 nouvelle couche du même adhésif de 30 µm;
• 1 couche intérieure de PE moyenne densité d'épaisseur 90 µm.

The part (dome + skirt) of FIG. 1 comprises a dome 2 made of high density polyethylene (PE.HD) molded on the upper end portion 3 of a metalloplastic skirt 4 with an outside diameter of 35 mm and a thickness of 0, 28 mm comprising 5 layers, either from the outside to the inside:

• 1 layer of white PE.BD (containing titanium oxide powder), 90 µm thick;
• 1 layer of 30 µm EAA-based copolymer adhesive;
• 1 layer of aluminum 40 µm thick;
• 1 new layer of the same 30 µm adhesive;
• 1 inner layer of medium density PE 90 µm thick.

The upper end 3 of the skirt 4 has been trapped by molding in an inner tube 5 of the dome 2, with an outside diameter of 36.3 mm, over a height of 13 mm, its inner and outer layers therefore being partially recast. and welded and the plastic covering of the dome 2 being 0.8 mm on the outside and 1.5 mm on the inside.
This arrangement ensures at the top of the skirt closed in the pocket sufficient rigidity so that the opening of this pocket remains during the last product distributions.

The dome part 2 comprises on the outside of its internal tube 5 a semicircular groove 6, of radius 1.5 mm in axial section and of average diameter 42 mm, the outside diameter of the dome 2 being 45 mm.

The dome 2 comprises at its upper end an external bulge 7 of external diameter 20 mm allowing the crimping of a cup metallic valve or distribution pump.

EXAMPLE 2

The part (dome + skirt) 1 was used to manufacture a pocket dispenser 8 (FIG. 2) according to the method of the first manufacturing range. The lower end 9 of the skirt 4 has been closed by arc welding, this end being folded back into a lined semi-circular shape 10 as shown in the diagram in FIG. 4 and pinched to a height of 6 mm by welding. This arrangement gives a welded end 12 of the pocket 13 of curved shape but of the same diameter as the skirt 4 and presenting no difficulty of introduction into the housing 11. After welding, the weld 12 has been freed of approximately 2 mm. , thus eliminating its excess length from the non-welded outer end.

FIG. 3 represents, in the same way as FIG. 4, another so-called "bellows" folding mode 14 providing the same advantage of non-enlargement of the end of the pocket, the closure of the end then being carried out by gluing, or by welding, the latter being more delicate than in arc welding.

The housing 11 of the distributor 8 is made of aluminum with a thickness of the cylindrical body 0.35 mm and an opening or groove 15 with an internal diameter of 36.5 mm surmounted by a rolled edge 16 over approximately 150 ° of external radius 1.3 mm. The attachment of the dome 2 to the rolled edge 16, after the closure of the pocket 13 and its introduction into the housing 11 was made by surface oxidation of the circular groove 6 of the dome 2 (Corona treatment) and bonding with cyanoacrylic adhesive of this groove 6 fitted on the rolled edge 16 and held in abutment for a little more than 1 minute during the drying of the glue.
Other known methods for treating the surface of the plastic groove can be used, for example a flame treatment or with a shaped electrode (Corona effect).
The metal fixing cup 17 of a distribution means 18, here capped with a pusher-diffuser 19, has been crimped with a seal under the bulge 7 of the upper end of the dome 2. When this means 18 is a product outlet valve, the annular gap 20 between the housing 11 and the pocket 13 is filled with a pressurized gas and the tight plug 21 is then replaced. When the means 18 is a pump without air intake, there is no need for propellant gas and putting the outside of the bag 13 at atmospheric pressure is sufficient, which simplifies the packaging. In the present case, the plug 21 is removed, and the bottom 22 of the housing provided with any air passage orifice has only a protective role for the bag, not necessary for the operation of the distribution.

EXAMPLE 3

The attachment of the dome 2 of the prefabricated part (dome + skirt) 1 to the housing is typically done by the packaging manufacturer. Various methods can be used in mass production. The methods which relate to metal housings, typically aluminum or tinplate of thickness 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, the distributors being as we have already seen pressurized or not, are commented below in relation with Figures 5 to 7.

FIG. 5 represents the fixing of a dome 2 provided with a skirt 4, of the same geometry as in the first two examples, on a housing 11 identical to the housing of FIG. 2, using an annular part of link 23 compatible both with the plastic of the dome 2 - here PE.HD - and the metal of the housing 11 - here aluminum. This molded part 23 0.2 mm thick is in complex containing the same polyolefin as that of the dome 2, that is to say of PE, and EAA; its outer edge is snapped onto the end of the rolled edge 16, and after the installation of the part 1, the dome 2 coming to be applied by its circular groove 6 on the connecting part 23, the welding is carried out by the 'one of the following methods: by high frequency induction, by rotation, or by ultrasound by modifying the shape of the dome for the support of the ultrasonic transducer.

In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the dome 2, put in place by its circular groove 6 on the rolled edge 16 of the housing 11, has a circular groove end 6 projecting about 1 mm beyond the end of the rolled edge 16, without obstructing the interior of this rolled edge 16. By annular injection of plastic material of the same nature as that of the dome, here of PE, the interior cavity of the rolled edge 16 is at least partially filled by partially melting the outer lip 24 of the dome bordering the end of the circular groove 6, this lip 24 having at this point 1 mm thick. A good quality sealed welded connection is obtained. In general, the end 24 of the dome 2 thus secured by the molding must come in the vicinity of the end of the rolled edge, either less than 0.5 mm before this end or a little further leaving at least 1 mm of passage inward of the rolled edge 16.

The fixing method of FIG. 7 uses an annular piece of plastic shape 25 of the same kind as that of the dome 2, the top of which is not shown, this piece 25 being placed on the end of the constricted housing. 26 before rolling its end edge. This part 25, here in PE like the dome 2, has a base 27 resting on the shoulder 26 of the housing 11, an upper portion 28 which will be crimped as shown by rolling the upper end edge of the housing, as well as one or more surfaces, here the two surfaces 29 and 30, coming into contact with the outer skirt 31 of the dome 2. The positioning of the shaped part 25, the rolled edge 16 and the dome 2 being made, the waterproof fixing is carried out by welding by rotation of the annular surfaces 29 and 30 against the annular portion 31 of the dome 2. The fixing can also be made by welding by HF induction or by ultrasound.

EXAMPLE 4

The external geometry of the preassembled part 101 (FIG. 8) is the same as that of the part 1, but the reverse surface 32 of its dome 102 was provided during the molding of this dome 102 on the skirt 4 with an annular washer. 33 with barrier effect. This washer 33 is welded to the dome 102 by a large face 34 and retained at its base by a small annular bead of plastic material 35. It generally has surface layers of polyolefin compatible with the polyolefin of the dome and an intermediate layer of A1 or barrier plastic. The metalloplastic complex 0.28 mm thick in the first example is used here for the washer 33.

EXAMPLE 5

The housing 110 of FIG. 9 is made of plastic, here HDPE 0.6 mm thick in its cylindrical part. This molded housing has at its upper end 116 a tube 111 of axial section rectangular which fits tightly between the inner tube 115 and an annular groove 114 of the dome 112, the tube 111 applying by its horizontal end against the bottom of the groove 114. The fixing is preferably made by welding by rotation , it can also be made by gluing. The horizontal annular surface 113 and the end of the outer lip 117 of the dome 102 can also intervene in this fixing.

EXAMPLE 6

FIG. 10 illustrates the process of the third manufacturing range. The preassembled part 1 is the same as in the first two examples, and the fixing of this part 1 to the upper end of the housing 211 with separate bottom 212, tin box with external diameter 47 mm and thickness 0.3 mm is made like that of the second example, the skirt 4 not however being closed. A cover 213 is adapted to protect the distribution means 18 and 19, and the filling takes place in the inverted position by the open end of the skirt 4 projecting from the body of the housing 211. The end of the skirt 4 is then closed, typically by one of the methods already described in the second example, the closed end is freed and returned to the body 211, then the bottom 212 is crimped. The dispenser is then pressurized if necessary as already described.

EXAMPLE 7

FIG. 11 shows a dome 302 made of PE.HD molded onto the upper end portion 3 of a metalloplastic skirt 4 identical to the skirt 4 of Example 1. In the present case, the internal tubing 325 of the dome 302 is molded on the inside of the end 3 of the skirt 4, the tubing 325 being reinforced by a thickening of its upper part which constitutes part of the periphery of its semicircular annular groove 6 for fixing to the housing 11.
The flared arrangement of the end 3 around the tube 325 results from the direction of injection of the HDPE, this injection pressing this end 3 against the annular molding tool.
The dome 302 is fixed to the rolled edge of the housing 11 by gluing with cyanoacrylate glue, in the same way as in Example 2. The bulged upper part 70 of the dome 302 allows the distribution means to be fixed by expansion.

EXAMPLE 8

• . PA 12 (= Rilsan Ⓡ )
• . PA 6 (= Nylon Ⓡ )
• . PE. HD
• . PE linéaire

ces dômes étant collés sur des bords roulés d'extrémité supérieure de boîtiers en aluminium, avec des familles de colle:

• . une colle au silicone "Rhodorseal 5552" (Ⓡ )
• . trois colles au cyanoacrylate:
  • N° 406 Loctite (Ⓡ )
  • N° 202 Cyanolit (Ⓡ )
  • N° 208 Cyanolit (Ⓡ )

FIG. 12 represents a dome 312 made of polyamide PA 12, the internal tubing 335 of external diameter 34.3 mm is glued over 12 mm in height inside a metalloplastic skirt 4 identical to the previous skirts. This arrangement was the subject of a set of bonding tests, concerning domes of different materials:

• . PA 12 (= Rilsan Ⓡ)
• . PA 6 (= Nylon Ⓡ)
• . PE. HD
• . Linear PE

these domes being glued to the rolled edges of the upper end of aluminum boxes, with families of glue:

• . "Rhodorseal 5552" silicone glue (Ⓡ)
• . three cyanoacrylate adhesives:
  • N ° 406 Loctite (Ⓡ)
  • N ° 202 Cyanolit (Ⓡ)
  • N ° 208 Cyanolit (Ⓡ)

The observations made can be summarized as follows: the plastic surfaces must preferably be prepared by surface oxidation such as flame or Corona effect, and the aluminum surfaces must preferably be previously varnished, these adhesives not giving satisfactory adhesion to bare aluminum. Silicone glue requires pressing times of 1 to 2 min and ambient drying times greater than 24 h. The three cyanoacrylate adhesives give similar results: the pressing times can be limited to 5 to 10 seconds, and the parts can be handled after 30 seconds to 1 minute at room temperature. These cyanoacrylate adhesives are therefore much preferable for industrial application.

During these bonding tests, it was noted that the well-centered introduction of the skirt 4 around the tubing 335 of the dome was delicate and that there were sometimes lack of bonding corresponding to excessive scraping of the adhesive by the end of the skirt 4. After several tests, a dome 322 made of PE.HD shown in FIG. 13 is then produced, the tubing 345 of which comprises, starting from its end lower: a flexible lip 346 delimiting with the circular cylindrical outer surface 347 of the tubing 345 an annular reserve 348 of height 2.5 mm, then 5 mm above the lower end a portion of frustoconical outer surface 349 of 1/2 cone angle between 1 and 2); this portion 349 comprising 2 hollow annular zones 350 and 351 of depth 0.06 to 0.08 mm, these zones of unitary heights 2 mm being connected to each other as well as to the cylindrical portion 347 by a plurality of hollow bridges of unit width 4 mm. The frustoconical outer surface 349 extends to the lower edge 326 of the dome 322 corresponding to the open end of the groove 6 for attachment to the housing, this edge 326 serves as a stop and adjusts the threading of the skirt 4 around the tubing 14 mm high. Taking into account the glue reserve system 348, 350 and 351, the skirt 4 is slightly tightened on the tubing 345, and we have here, for the inner skirt diameter of 34.45 mm with one end of the inlet tubing 352 progressive: a diameter of the cylindrical outer surface 347 of 34.1 mm, a flexible lip 346 of thickness 0.15 to 0.2 mm at its root and a frustoconical outer surface 349 ending with a diameter of 34.5 mm. The tests with cyanoacrylate adhesive deposited in advance in the annular reserve 348 gave reproducible results and, according to the detachment tests of the skirt 4, a reliable seal is obtained at each of the hollow zones 350 and 351.

EXAMPLE 9

• le rebord inférieur extérieur 327 du dôme 312, bordant sa gorge annulaire 6 de fixation par collage sur le bord roulé 16 du boîtier 11 en aluminium comporte un petit bord en surplomb 328 permettant l'encliquetage d'un capot de protection non représenté, et une petite jupe ou prolongement 329 masquant la fixation du dôme 312 sur le bord roulé 16;
• comme le montre la figure 15, on a soudé en triangle, ou plus exactement en étoile triangulaire ou à trois branches sensiblement égales, l'extrémité inférieure90 de la jupe 4 avant l'introduction de cette jupe 4 dans le boîtier 11. Cette soudure a été faite au moyen de 3 pinces isolantes et d'une boucle d'induction HF, méthode avec laquelle on obtient un fluage suffisant du PE pour obtenir l'étanchéité au centre de l'étoile. On peut aussi employer les ultrasons. Cette disposition en trois plis souples, rattrapant progressivement la forme cylindrique circulaire du haut de la jupe 4, permet une introduction particulièrement commode de la poche obtenue dans le boîtier du distributeur. Quatre plis ou plus sont aussi possibles.

We used a part (dome + skirt) 312 and 4 (Figure 14) pre-assembled by gluing (Example 8 and Figure 12) to manufacture a bag dispenser 80 according to the method of the first manufacturing range. Compared to Example 2, we have the following additional differences:

• the outer lower edge 327 of the dome 312, bordering its annular groove 6 for fixing by gluing to the rolled edge 16 of the aluminum housing 11 has a small overhanging edge 328 allowing the latching of a protective cover, not shown, and a small skirt or extension 329 masking the fixing of the dome 312 on the rolled edge 16;
• as shown in FIG. 15, the lower end 90 of the skirt 4 was welded in a triangle, or more exactly in a triangular star or with three substantially equal branches, before the introduction of this skirt 4 in the housing 11. This welding was done by means of 3 insulating clamps and an HF induction loop, method with which a sufficient creep of the PE is obtained to obtain the seal in the center of the star. Ultrasound can also be used. This arrangement in three flexible folds, gradually catching up with the circular cylindrical shape of the top of the skirt 4, allows a particularly convenient introduction of the pocket obtained in the dispenser housing. Four or more folds are also possible.

BENEFITS

Important advantages have already been indicated at the beginning of the description of the invention.

The tests carried out made it possible to highlight another advantage, particularly surprising and interesting from an economic point of view. The use of the plastic dome makes it possible to reduce the size of the constriction of the upper end of the case in the case of a metal case. We can then significantly reduce the thickness of the cylindrical part of the housing, the only requirement for resistance to internal pressure allowing the thickness of the side wall to be less than the same requirement associated with the resistance requirement of the highly constricted dome. This reduction in wall thickness is typically 20 to 35% relative.

APPLICATIONS

The application of the manufacturing process of the invention and of the corresponding bag dispensers extends to the distribution of aerosol products, liquids and creams or gels, in the pharmaceutical, cosmetological, hygienic and food fields.

Claims (30)

1. A process for the production and packaging of a bag-type dispenser (8; 80) comprising a casing (11; 211) surmounted by a dome (2; 102; 112; 302; 312; 322) of plastics material sealingly fixed on the upper end (3) of said casing (11; 211), a sealed flexible bag (13) fixed to the dome, and dispensing means (18, 19) fixed to an upper portion (7; 70) of said dome, wherein there is firstly produced by moulding an annular dome (2; 102; 112; 302; 312; 322) comprising an upper annular portion (7; 70) permitting sealing fixing of said dispensing means (18; 19) and a lower annular portion comprising a lower annular internal tubular portion (5; 115) fixed to said bag (13) and, surrounding said tubular portion (5; 115), an annular groove (6) permitting fixing of the annular dome (2; 102; 112; 302; 312; 322) on said upper end (3) of the casing (11; 211), characterised in that instead of fixing a sealed flexible bag (13) to the dome (2; 102; 112; 302; 312; 322), a skirt (4) which is open at its two ends an which forms the blank for a bag (13) is fixed to said lower annular internal tubular portion (5; 115; 325; 335; 345) of said dome over a height of from 5 to 20 mm, either by fitting of the upper end (3) of said skirt (4) into said lower internal tubular portion in the operation of moulding said dome (2; 102; 112; 302) of by glueing of said upper end (3) of said skirt (4) around said lower internal tubular portion (335; 345), thus providing a preassembled component (dome + skirt) (1; 101; 312; and 4), wherein the skirt (4) can be filled by way of its lower end.
2. A process according to claim 1 wherein said upper annular portion (7; 70) is produced externally enlarged, wherein said sealing fixing of the dispensing means (18; 19) can then be effected by crimping around said enlarged portion (7; 70).
3. A process according to claim 1 wherein said upper end (3) of said skirt (4) is fixed to said lower internal tubular portion (5; 115; 325; 335; 345) over a height of from 8 to 15 mm.
4. A process according to either one of claims 1 and 3 wherein the upper end (3) of the skirt (4) is fitted in said lower internal tubular portion (5; 115) of said dome (2) by moulding in the operation of moulding the dome (2) which is carried out under the following conditions:

   - the skirt (4) is fitted around a punch, its upper end (3) projecting beyond said punch by a selected length;

   - an internal tool is assembled to said punch and assembled around said skirt (4) are die tools and die bottom tools, all said tools defining with said projecting end (3) of said skirt (4) an annular space corresponding to the dome (2) to be produced;

   - said annular space is supplied with plastics material by way of at least two injection ducts; and

   - a said preassembled component (dome + skirt) (1; 101) is obtained by removal from the mould.
5. A process according to claim 4 wherein said plastics material is a polyolefin and wherein said skirt (4) is metalloplastic material with surface layers of polyolefin which are compatible in the moulding operation with said polyolefin of the dome.
6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said upper end (3) of said skirt (4) is fixed around said lower internal tubular portion (345) of the dome (322) by glueing, the surface to be glued of said tubular portion (345) comprising at least one annular recessed zone for retaining the glue of a depth of less than 0.15 mm, and at least one of the surfaces of the two elements to be glued together (3 and 345) having been oxidised prior to the glueing operation by a process from the group formed by the flaming process and the corona effect process.
7. A process according to claim 6 wherein said surface to be glued of said tubular portion (345) comprises at least two annular recessed zones (350; 351) which are connected together by recessed bridging portions, said zones (350, 351) each being of a height of between 0.5 and 2.5 mm and a depth of between 0.04 and 0.1 mm.
8. A process according to either one of claims 6 and 7 wherein said annular recessed zone or zones (350, 351) are preceded by an end portion of said tubular portion (345) which bears an upwardly inclined flexible annular lip (346) serving as a reserve for glue, the bottom of said reserve (348) being connected to the most closely adjacent recessed annular zone (350) by recessed bridging portions, the operation of introducing said skirt (4) around said tubular portion (345) causing said flexible lip (346) to be squeezed down and resulting in the glue being expelled towards said recessed annular zone or zones (350, 351) by way of the recessed bridging portions.
9. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the glueing operation is effected with a cyanoacrylate glue, the annular dome (312, 322) being of polyamide, polycarbonate or polyacetal, and the interior of said skirt (4) being of PE.
10. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the other assembly and packaging operations are carried out in the following order:

    a₁) sealingly fixing to the dome (2; 102) of the component (dome + skirt) (1; 101) the dispensing means (18; 19) comprising either a valve or a pump with a low or zero intake of air;

    b₁) turning over the resulting assembly (1 and 18, 19) and filling the skirt (4) which is closed by the dome (2; 102) and by said dispensing means (18; 19) with the product to be dispensed, by way of the lower end (9) of said skirt (4) which is disposed in the upward position;

    c₁) closing said end (9) of the skirt which becomes a bag (13);

    d₁) introducing the filled bag (13) of the new assembly produced (dome + bag + dispensing means ) (1 and 18; 19) into the casing (11);

    e₁) sealingly fixing said new assembly (1 and 18; 19) by way of its dome portion (2; 102) to the upper end (16; 116) of the casing (11; 211); and

    f₁) when the dispensing means (18; 19) comprise a valve (18), introducing a gas under pressure between the bag (13) and the casing (11; 211 and 212).
11. A process according to claim 10 in the case where the dispensing means comprise a pump with a low or zero intake of air, provided with an annular fixing rim at least externally of plastics material, wherein firstly a dome (2) of plastics material is produced, which is moulded both onto the skirt (4) forming the blank for the bag (13) and around said fixing rim of the pump, and wherein the operations (b₁) to (e₁) are then carried out.
12. A process according to claim 4 in the case where the dispensing means comprise a pump with a low or zero intake of air, bearing an annular fixing rim at least externally of plastics material, wherein said annular space also comprises the periphery of said annular rim of the pump, said pump being contained in tools protecting it from the heating effect of the moulding operation, said tools being a lower tool with a central cavity which is surmounted by a rim sealingly supporting said annular rim of the pump, and a tool which fits over the pump and which bears sealingly against said annular rim, said moulding operation producing a dome of plastics material which is sealingly moulded both onto said skirt (4) forming the bag blank (13) and around said annular rim of the pump, and wherein the other assembly and packaging operations are carried out in the following order:

    b₁) turning over the preassembled component (dome + skirt + pump) (1 and 18; 19) obtained and filling the skirt (4) which is closed by the dome (2; 102) and by said pump (18) and its annular rim with the product to be dispensed, by way of the lower end of said skirt (4) which is disposed in the upward position;

    c₁) closing said end of the skirt which becomes a bag (13);

    d₁) introducing the filled bag (13) forming part of the new assembly produced (dome + bag + pump) into a casing (11);

    e₁) sealingly fixing said new assembly (1 and 18; 19) by way of its dome portion (2; 102) to the upper end (16; 116) of the casing (11).
13. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in the case where a metal casing is used comprising a tubular body (211) and a bottom (212) which are separate, and wherein the other assembly and packaging operations are carried out in the following order:

    a₂) sealingly fixing to the dome (2) of the component (dome + skirt) (1) the dispensing means (18; 19) comprising either a valve or a pump with a low or zero intake of air;

    b₂) introducing the skirt (4) of the resulting assembly (skirt + dome + dispensing means) into the body (211) of the casing;

    c₂) sealingly fixing said assembly by means of its dome portion (2) to the upper end (6) of the casing body (211);

    d₂) turning over the resulting complex assembly and filling the skirt (4) which is closed by way of the dome (2) and said dispensing means (18; 19) by way of the lower end of said skirt (4) which is disposed in the upward position;

    e₂) closing said end of the skirt (4) which becomes a bag (13) and if necessary putting said end (9) back into the body of the casing (211);

    f₂) crimping the metal bottom (212) which is pierced with a hole over the open lower end of the metal body (211); and

    g₂) when the dispensing means comprise a valve, introducing a gas under pressure between the bag (13) and the casing (211) and closing the hole in the metal bottom (212).
14. A process according to claim 13 in the case where the dispensing means (18; 19) comprise a pump (18) with a low or zero intake of air, bearing an annular fixing rim at least externally of plastics material, wherein a dome (2) of plastics material is first produced, which is moulded both onto the skirt (4) forming the blank for the bag (13) and around said fixing rim of the pump (18), said moulding operation replacing step (a₂).
15. A process according to claim 13 in the case where the dispensing means (18; 19) comprise a pump with a low or zero intake of air bearing an annular fixing rim at least externally of plastics material, and wherein the upper end of the casing body (11) bears a rolled edge (16), in which process a dome (2) of plastics material is first produced, which is moulded both onto the skirt (4) forming the blank for the bag (13), onto said upper end of the casing (16) and around said fixing rim of the pump, and the operations (d₂) to (f₂) are carried out.
16. A process according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein, in step (e₂), the lower end (9) of the skirt (4) is closed by being folded in a bellows configuration (14) and glueing.
17. A process according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein, in step (e₂), the lower end (9) of the skirt (4) is closed by welding in a configuration forming part of the following group: folded in a bellows configuration, in an arc, or in the form of a triangular star.
18. A process according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the casing (110) is of plastics material and wherein the dome (112) is fixed to the upper end (116) of the casing (110) by rotational welding.
19. A process according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the casing (11; 211) is of metal and comprises a rolled edge (16) at its upper end, the portion for fixing of the dome (2) onto the casing (11; 211) comprising a circular groove (6) which fits onto said rolled edge (16), and wherein said circular groove (6) of plastics material is sealingly fixed to said metal rolled neck (16).
20. A process according to claim 19 wherein said fixing operation is effected by surface treatment of said circular groove (6) followed by glueing thereof onto said rolled neck (16).
21. A process according to claim 19 wherein a connecting member (23) which is compatible both with the metal of the rolled neck (16) and with the plastics material of the dome (2) is disposed between said rolled neck (16) and said circular groove (6), and that the operation of welding the dome (2) and the rolled neck (16) of the casing (11) is then effected by a process from the group formed by: high frequency induction welding, ultrasonic welding and rotational welding.
22. A process according to claim 21 wherein the casing (11) is of aluminium or alloy and the dome is of polyolefin, said connecting member (23) being of plastics material containing EAA.
23. A process according to claim 21 wherein the circular groove (6, 24) of the dome (2) extends to the vicinity of the end of the rolled edge (16) of the casing and wherein the dome (2) and said rolled edge (16) are secured together by lateral annular injection of plastics material of the same nature as that of the dome (2).
24. A process according to claim 21 wherein an annular member (25) of plastics material of the same nature as that of the dome (2) is disposed around the necked upper end (21) of the casing (11) before rolling of its end edge, said member (25) comprising above a base (27) which bears against the shoulder (26) of the casing (11), an upper portion which will be crimped by the rolled portion (16) of the end edge of the casing (11), and one or more surfaces (29, 30) which will come into contact with the dome (2; 31) when said dome (2) is set in position on the casing, and wherein the end edge (6) of the casing (11) is rolled around said upper portion (28) of said annular member (25), then the dome (2) is set in position on the upper end (16) of the casing (11), which upper end is prepared in that way, and the operation of fixing the dome (2) and the upper portion (28) of said annular member (25) is effected by rotational welding.
25. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the dome (2) is of polyolefin and wherein the skirt (4) which forms the bag blank (13) is of a complex material comprising a barrier layer and surface layers of polyolefin which is compatible with the polyolefin of the dome (2).
26. A process according to claim 25 wherein the reverse surface (32) of the dome (102) is provided with an annular barrier ring (33) which is fixed by the moulding operation, said ring (33) comprising at least surface layers of polyolefin which is compatible with the polyolefin of the dome (3) and an intermediate layer of aluminium or barrier plastics material.
27. A preassembled component for a bag distributor which can be produced by the process of any one of claims 1 to 9 and 25 or 26 comprising an annular dome (2; 102; 112; 302) of moulded plastics material and a sealed flexible bag (13) fixed to the dome (2), said dome comprising an upper annular portion (7; 70) permitting sealing fixing of dispensing means (18, 19) and a lower annular portion comprising a lower annular internal tubular portion (5; 115) sealingly fixed to said bag (13) and surrounding said tubular portion (5; 115) an annular groove (6) permitting fixing of the dome (2; 102; 112; 302) onto a casing (11; 110; 211), characterised in that said sealed flexible bag (13) is replaced by a skirt (4) which is open at its lower end and which forms the blank for said bag (13), and that said lower internal tubular portion (5; 115) is fixed by moulding or by welding over from 5 to 20 mm in height of the upper end (3) of said skirt (4).
28. A preassembled component according to claim 27 characterised in that the annular dome (2) is of polyolefin and that said skirt (4) is of a complex material comprising a barrier layer and surface layers of polyolefin which is compatible with the polyolefin of the dome (2) and is fitted by moulding into said tubular portion (5; 115).
29. A dispenser (8; 80) which can be obtained by the process of any one of claims 1 to 9 and 25 or 26, the dispenser comprising a casing (11; 211) surmounted by an annular dome (2; 102; 112; 302; 312; 322) of moulded plastics material, which itself comprises an upper annular portion (7; 70) permitting sealing fixing of dispensing means (18) and a lower annular internal tubular portion (5; 115) sealingly fixed to a sealed flexible bag (13) and, surrounding said tubular portion (5; 115), an annular groove (6), said dispenser (8; 80) also comprising a valve or a pump (18) with low or zero intake of air which is fixed to said upper annular portion (7; 70) and said casing (11; 211) having its upper end (18) fixed to said annular groove (6), characterised in that said sealed bag (13) is fixed by a skirt (4) whose lower end is open and is intended to be filled by way of its lower end and closed after filling, that said tubular portion (5; 115) is fixed by moulding of glueing over from 5 to 20 mm in height of the upper end (3) of said skirt (4) and that said casing (11; 211) is of metal and carries a rolled edge (16) at its upper end (16), said annular groove (6) being circular and bearing against said rolled edge (16) while being sealingly fixed thereto.
30. A dispenser according to claim 29 wherein the casing (211) is of tinplate and comprises a tubular hollow body (211) and a separate bottom (212), the bottom (212) being to be crimped onto the body (211) after filling of the skirt (4) by way of its lower end which is open and sealing closure of said end.

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