EP3772470A1 - Device for dispensing a liquid product with improved performance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising:
- an axial tube (12) which comprises an elastically deformable outer casing defining an internal space (16) enclosing the product,
- a neck (14) which defines an open internal passage for the passage of the product,
- a device for generating drops (16) comprising an elastically deformable part (22) mounted inside the neck of the tube around a rigid member (24), the elastically deformable part comprising an emerging end portion (30b ) located outside the neck and through which the product is likely to come out of the device in the event of pressure on the outer casing, the emerging end portion (30b) being deformed in a first position as a result of its mounting resting on an open end (36) of the rigid member when no pressure is exerted on the casing of the tube.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product in the form of drops.

The devices known to date for generating drops of product are found for example in the field of ophthalmic products and fall into two categories.

In the first category we find the single-dose devices including the container, flexible plastic (the containers are generally manufactured and offered for sale in the form of a package containing a strip of containers attached to each other in a detachable manner by a user ), is sealed by a stopper which must be removed irreversibly before use. The user strongly presses on the outer casing of the container in order to release the liquid product in the form of drops through the non-reclosable opening. This type of device is designed to deliver a single dose of product (daily dose consisting of one or more drops) and once the user has extracted the prescribed dose from the container, even if some product remains in it, it is not necessary. It is not possible to close the orifice and therefore the product is liable to deteriorate on contact with air. The cost of the prescribed dose is therefore relatively expensive since it requires one container per dose.

In the second category we find devices that come in the form of a bottle containing several doses for a complete treatment over several days. However, the product contained in the bottle is in contact with the ambient air each time the bottle is opened and it is therefore exposed to various pollutions carried by the air. As a result, manufacturers are obliged to add preservatives to the product such as anti-bacterial agents, anti-oxidants, etc. However, such agents are liable to generate reactions with the eyes of users.

In view of the foregoing, there is therefore a need for a new device for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product which overcomes at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular which limits the pollution of the device, and can find many applications including in particular the ophthalmic field.

We know from the document US 2013/0037574 an apparatus for dispensing drops of liquid product in the form of doses but which is however not satisfactory.

We also know documents US 5,271,513 , BE 747 465 and FR 3 041 411 fluid distribution devices with an elastically deformable lip mounted to bear on a needle.

• un tube axial qui comprend une enveloppe externe déformable élastiquement définissant un espace interne renfermant le produit,
• une partie formant col qui définit un passage interne ouvert pour le passage du produit,
• un dispositif de génération de gouttes qui est disposé au niveau du col et qui est apte, d'une part, à former et à expulser une goutte de produit du dispositif par suite d'une pression exercée sur l'enveloppe externe tendant à la déformer et à réduire le volume de l'espace interne et, d'autre part, à empêcher ou à limiter le retour de produit dans le dispositif lorsque la pression sur l'enveloppe cesse, le dispositif de génération de gouttes comprenant une pièce élastiquement déformable montée à l'intérieur du col du tube autour d'un organe rigide, la pièce élastiquement déformable comportant une partie d'extrémité débouchante située en dehors du col et par laquelle le produit est susceptible de sortir du dispositif en cas de pression sur l'enveloppe externe, la partie d'extrémité débouchante de la pièce élastiquement déformable étant déformée dans une première position par suite de la pénétration d'une extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide dans ladite la partie d'extrémité débouchante lorsqu'aucune pression n'est exercée sur l'enveloppe du tube, l'organe rigide comportant également une portion qui exerce une contrainte axiale sur une zone Z de la pièce élastiquement déformable située à distance de l'extrémité débouchante de ladite pièce de manière à définir un point de pivot pour la partie d'extrémité débouchante de ladite pièce qui est située entre cette zone Z et l'extrémité débouchante de ladite pièce.

The present invention thus relates to an apparatus for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product, characterized in that it comprises:

• an axial tube which comprises an elastically deformable outer envelope defining an internal space enclosing the product,
• a neck portion which defines an internal passage open for the passage of the product,
• a device for generating drops which is arranged at the level of the neck and which is capable, on the one hand, of forming and expelling a drop of product from the device as a result of pressure exerted on the outer casing tending to deform it and to reduce the volume of the internal space and, on the other hand, to prevent or limit the return of product into the device when the pressure on the envelope ceases, the device for generating drops comprising an elastically deformable part mounted inside the neck of the tube around a rigid member, the elastically deformable part comprising an opening end part located outside the neck and through which the product is capable of leaving the device in the event of pressure on the casing external, the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part being deformed in a first position as a result of the penetration of a through opening end of the rigid member into said end portion nte when no pressure is exerted on the casing of the tube, the rigid member also comprising a portion which exerts an axial stress on a zone Z of the elastically deformable part located at a distance from the emerging end of said part of so as to define a pivot point for the emerging end portion of said part which is located between this zone Z and the emerging end of said part.

The elastically deformable part is put under stress when it is mounted inside the neck around the rigid member, the latter forcing the emerging end portion of the part to deform according to a first deformed position, in the absence of pressure exerted on the envelope. This first stressing is exerted by the emerging end (generally central) of the rigid member which pushes the deformable open end portion from the inside, forcing it to deform outwards.

The emerging end portion thus rests, deformed, resting on (and around) the emerging end of the rigid member which exerts on the latter a radial and axial thrust force. The contact between the emerging end portion and the emerging end of the rigid member is therefore tight, which ensures the seal (vis-à-vis a possible return of product in the device) between these two elements in the absence of pressure on the outer casing of the tube.

The axial stress (parallel to the axis of the tube) exerted by the rigid member portion (portion called the constraining portion) in the inner zone Z of the elastically deformable part (creation or not of a mechanical interference on the inner face of the part and towards the outside thereof) corresponds to an axial thrust force generated on the inner face of the part in said zone Z and creating a local deformation. This local axial stressing of the part makes it possible to define, and generally to block, a pivot point for a part of this part and thus to control the opening and reclosing geometry of the emerging end part which is located between this zone Z and the emerging (free) end of the elastically deformable part. This local axial stressing thus makes it possible to favor a mechanical deformation for only a part of the elastically deformable part (the part of the part which will be deformed in a privileged manner is circumscribed to the part of said picèe which extends between the zone Z put under stress and the emerging (free) end of the part) and to control it while also favoring / favoring the orientation of the deformation itself (mainly radial controlled elastic deformation). Indeed, this axial stressing of the zone Z promotes a opening movement of the radial opening end part towards the outside (under the action of an external pressure exerted on the tube to distribute the product through the device for generating drops): the emerging end part is thus deformed by deviating in a predominant manner radially (relative to the axis of the tube) from the emerging end of the rigid member against which it is resting rather than axially as in the prior art (generally , in the prior art the deformation of the elastically deformable part is free, random and not controlled). The control of the deformation of the emerging end part following a mainly / mainly radial movement or displacement is due to the axial stressing of the zone Z of the elastically deformable part (pivot point defined as a result of the local axial stress exerted by a portion of the rigid member on the elastically deformable part). Likewise, during reclosing, that is to say when the external action exerted by a user on the tube ceases, the emerging end part of the part returns to its initial position, deforming mainly radially. in the direction of the emerging end of the rigid member to approach it and come to rest on it. This essentially radial controlled elastic deformation makes it possible to greatly limit, or even avoid, the phenomenon of product recovery when the dispensing action ceases (recovery of the product extracted from the device and which still adheres to the emerging end of the device. generation of drops).

The axial stress exerted by the rigid member portion on the zone Z of the elastically deformable part (on the inside of this part or on its inside face) can be seen as an axial pressure stress exerted on this area. This constraint leads to deforming the constituent material of the elastically deformable part. Depending on the value of the stress and the nature of the material itself, the deformation can take different forms: the constraining portion of the rigid member (this is the portion which is configured to exert this local axial stress on the part) can for example penetrate into the internal face of the part or exert a local pressure thereon without penetrating it and, in this case, the material of the part can be deformed by stretching of the material and for example elsewhere than in zone Z. We will note that this stress (and the associated deformation) is permanent as soon as the elastically deformable part is mounted around the rigid member inside the neck of the tube.

The stressing of the elastically deformable part by a suitable / suitably configured portion of the rigid member (and on which the part rests) defines the emerging end part of the part which will deform, which thus makes it possible to control the length of this zone or part of deformation. By adjusting, during design, the length of this deformation zone or part, it is possible to adjust the pressure force to be exerted on the outer casing of the tube in order to distribute a drop of product. By way of example, the greater the length of this deformation zone or part, the lower the pressure force on the casing of the tube.

The axial stressing of the elastically deformable part by the rigid member portion in zone Z of the part, occurs in addition to the stressing exerted by the emerging end of the rigid member on said end part emerging from the room, as explained above.

It will be noted that the constraining portion of the rigid member is distinct from the emerging end, generally central, of the latter.

The axial tube has a generally longitudinal shape which thus defines the axis of the tube and the axis along which the product flows between the elastically deformable part and the emerging end of the rigid member to exit the device.

In the device briefly described above, the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part is generally pierced with an opening or an orifice at its emerging end for the passage of the rigid member and to come to rest. against the emerging end of this rigid member in the rest position (when no pressure is exerted by the user on the casing of the tube). On the contrary, if pressure is exerted by the user on the casing of the tube, the pressurized product flows in the direction of the outlet of the device for generating drops and thus separates it radially and away from the rigid member. end portion emerging from the rigid member to flow between these two elements to the outside of the device. In general, the emerging end portion surrounds the emerging end of the rigid member and generally exhibits axial symmetry.

• l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide a un diamètre extérieur supérieur au diamètre de sortie de la partie d'extrémité débouchante, en l'absence de déformation, afin que l'extrémité débouchante dudit organe rigide déforme radialement la partie d'extrémité débouchante lorsque cette dernière est montée en appui sur l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide; on notera que la partie d'extrémité débouchante qui a ainsi été mise sous contrainte au montage est du type à se déformer radialement pour adopter une deuxième position déformée qui autorise le passage d'une goutte de produit en cas de pression exercée sur l'enveloppe ; lors de la déformation radiale le diamètre intérieur de la partie d'extrémité déjà déformée augmente pour s'écarter de l'organe rigide sans presque se relever et augmenter l'extension axiale de la pièce élastiquement déformable ; cette déformation majoritairement radiale (annulaire) permet au dispositif de ne pas reprendre de produit (ou en tout cas de réduire significativement la reprise de produit) lorsque la pression exercée sur le tube cesse, ce qui limite considérablement la contamination du tube ; dans l'art antérieur, les embouts déformables des dispositifs de distribution effectuent généralement un mouvement de pivotement en se relevant pour ouvrir l'orifice (avec la base du pivot qui se déplace en se relevant elle-aussi) et un mouvement inverse de pivotement en se rabattant à la refermeture, un tel mouvement favorisant la reprise de produit ; une différence entre les deux diamètres comprise entre 2 et 6/10^e mm est envisageable ;
• la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide peut être disposée de manière périphérique par rapport à l'extrémité débouchante dudit organe rigide ;
• la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide peut être décalée radialement relativement à la position de l'extrémité débouchante dudit organe rigide qui est centrée par rapport à la partie d'extrémité débouchante de la pièce élastiquement déformable;
• la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide peut être décalée axialement (et radialement) relativement à la position axiale de l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide et en retrait par rapport à cette position, de manière à être entourée par la pièce élastiquement déformable ;
• la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide peut entourer l'extrémité débouchante dudit organe rigide ; cet agencement permet de répartir uniformément la contrainte axiale exercée par la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide sur l'intérieur de la pièce élastiquement déformable ; de préférence, la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide présente une symétrie axiale;
• la portion de l'organe rigide peut pénétrer dans la zone de contrainte suivant une distance axiale comprise entre 2 et 4/10^e mm ;
• l'organe rigide est apte à contraindre la zone de la pièce élastiquement déformable suivant un contact plan, en forme de biseau, en forme de pointe ou toute autre forme entre la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide et la zone de la pièce ;
• l'organe rigide est apte à pénétrer dans la zone de la pièce suivant un contact en forme de biseau, de pointe ou toute autre forme entre la portion contraignante de l'organe rigide et la zone de la pièce ;
• la partie d'extrémité débouchante de la pièce élastiquement déformable s'appuie sur l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide par l'intermédiaire d'une arête ; le contact sur une arête limite la surface de contact et donc les éventuelles possibilités de collage de la pièce sur l'organe rigide après le passage du produit entre ces éléments pour sa sortie du tube ; c'est par exemple le cas avec un produit ophtalmologique ;
• la partie d'extrémité débouchante de la pièce élastiquement déformable s'appuie sur l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide par l'intermédiaire d'une surface d'appui ; cet agencement peut s'avérer utile lorsque le produit du tube n'est pas du type à coller aux surfaces avec le temps ;
• la partie d'extrémité débouchante de la pièce élastiquement déformable déformée suivant la première déformation permanente adopte une forme incurvée dont la concavité est orientée vers l'extérieur du dispositif ; la forme est par exemple celle d'un bord périphérique d'une pièce qui délimite intérieurement un orifice et qui est retroussé vers l'extérieur sous l'action d'un organe introduit en force dans l'orifice et qui force le bord à se déformer radialement en s'incurvant vers l'extérieur comme des lèvres qui s'ouvrent ;
• la partie d'extrémité débouchante tend, en cas de pression exercée sur l'enveloppe du tube, à s'écarter radialement de l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide en se déformant jusqu'à adopter une deuxième position déformée, dans ladite deuxième position déformée la partie d'extrémité débouchante définissant avec l'extrémité débouchante de l'organe rigide un orifice à travers lequel une goutte de produit se forme lors de la traversée dudit orifice par le produit.

According to other possible characteristics:

• the open end of the rigid member has an outer diameter greater than the outlet diameter of the through end portion, in the absence of deformation, so that the through end of said rigid member radially deforms the through end portion when the latter is mounted to bear on the emerging end of the rigid member; it will be noted that the emerging end part which has thus been put under stress during assembly is of the type to deform radially to adopt a second deformed position which allows the passage of a drop of product in the event of pressure exerted on the casing ; during the radial deformation, the internal diameter of the already deformed end portion increases to move away from the rigid member without almost rising and increasing the axial extension of the elastically deformable part; this predominantly radial (annular) deformation allows the device not to take up any product (or in any case to significantly reduce the take-up of product) when the pressure exerted on the tube ceases, which considerably limits contamination of the tube; in the prior art, the deformable end pieces of the dispensing devices generally perform a pivoting movement while rising to open the orifice (with the base of the pivot which moves while also rising) and a reverse pivoting movement in falling back on reclosing, such a movement promoting product recovery; a difference between the two diameters of between 2 and 6/10 ^th mm can be envisaged;
• the constraining portion of the rigid member may be disposed peripherally with respect to the emerging end of said rigid member;
• the constraining portion of the rigid member may be radially offset relative to the position of the emerging end of said rigid member which is centered relative to the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part;
• the constraining portion of the rigid member can be offset axially (and radially) relative to the axial position of the emerging end of the rigid member and set back from this position, so as to be surrounded by the elastically deformable part;
• the constraining portion of the rigid member may surround the emerging end of said rigid member; this arrangement makes it possible to uniformly distribute the axial stress exerted by the constraining portion of the rigid member on the inside of the elastically deformable part; preferably, the constraining portion of the rigid member has axial symmetry;
• the portion of the rigid member can penetrate into the stress zone at an axial distance of between 2 and 4/10 ^th mm;
• the rigid member is capable of constraining the zone of the elastically deformable part following a plane contact, in the form of a bevel, in the form of a point or any other form between the constraining portion of the rigid member and the zone of the part;
• the rigid member is able to penetrate into the area of the part following a contact in the form of a bevel, point or any other shape between the constraining portion of the rigid member and the area of the part;
• the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part rests on the emerging end of the rigid member via a ridge; the contact on an edge limits the contact surface and therefore the possible possibilities of bonding the part to the rigid member after the product has passed between these elements for its exit from the tube; this is for example the case with an ophthalmological product;
• the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part rests on the emerging end of the rigid member via a bearing surface; this arrangement can be useful when the product in the tube is not of the type that will stick to surfaces over time;
• the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part deformed according to the first permanent deformation adopts a curved shape, the concavity of which is oriented towards the outside of the device; the shape is for example that of a peripheral edge of a part which internally delimits an orifice and which is rolled up outwards under the action of a member forcibly introduced into the orifice and which forces the edge to deform radially by curving outwards like lips which open;
• the emerging end portion tends, in the event of pressure exerted on the casing of the tube, to move away radially from the emerging end of the rigid member by deforming until it adopts a second deformed position, in said second deformed position the emerging end portion defining with the emerging end of the rigid member an orifice through which a drop of product is formed when the product passes through said orifice.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique générale d'un appareil de distribution de gouttes selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de l'appareil de la figure 1 sans le dispositif de distribution de gouttes ;
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée des différents éléments de l'appareil de la figure 1 sans le tube ;
• la figure 4a est une vue agrandie de la partie supérieure de l'appareil de la figure 1 sans le tube ;
• la figure 4b représente le tube de la figure 1 en position retournée d'utilisation pour la distribution de gouttes de produit ;
• les figures 5a et 5b sont des vues comparatives de deux configurations différentes de dispositif de distribution de gouttes avec (fig. 5a) et sans (fig. 5b) mise sous contrainte de la pièce élastiquement déformable autour de l'organe rigide ;
• la figure 5c représente un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif de distribution de gouttes ;
• les figures 6a et 6b illustrent des variantes de réalisation de dispositif de distribution de gouttes avec différentes manières de réaliser une mise en compression axiale de la pièce élastiquement déformable ;
• les figures 7a et 7b illustrent des variantes de réalisation de dispositif de distribution de gouttes avec des contacts différents sur la partie centrale de l'organe rigide ;
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique d'un dispositif de distribution de gouttes (en position retournée) combinant l'effet d'un pointeau sur ressort avec celui d'une pièce élastiquement déformable montée sous contrainte.

Other characteristics and advantages will become apparent from the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a general schematic view of an apparatus for dispensing drops according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a view of the device from the figure 1 without the drop dispensing device;
• the figure 3 is an exploded view of the various elements of the device of the figure 1 without the tube;
• the figure 4a is an enlarged view of the upper part of the apparatus of the figure 1 without the tube;
• the figure 4b represents the tube of the figure 1 in the inverted position of use for dispensing product drops;
• the figures 5a and 5b are comparative views of two different configurations of drop dispensing device with ( fig. 5a ) and without ( fig. 5b ) putting under stress of the elastically deformable part around the rigid member;
• the figure 5c shows another embodiment of the drop distribution device;
• the figures 6a and 6b illustrate variant embodiments of a drop distribution device with different ways of achieving axial compression of the elastically deformable part;
• the figures 7a and 7b illustrate variant embodiments of a drop distribution device with different contacts on the central part of the rigid member;
• the figure 8 is a schematic view of a drop distribution device (in the inverted position) combining the effect of a spring needle with that of an elastically deformable part mounted under stress.

As shown in the figure 1 and designated by the general reference denoted 10, an apparatus for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product according to one embodiment of the invention comprises, on the one hand, a container 12 in the form of a flexible axial tube on which is mounted a portion forming a neck 14 and, on the other hand, a device or tip for generating drops 16 disposed at the neck. In this embodiment, the product is liquid and it is for example an ophthalmological product. Alternatively, the product may for example be a very fluid cream such as milk, or even a gel.

On the figure 1 the tube is arranged vertically in the storage position, with the device 16 positioned at the top of the tube. The tube is a conventional tube on the market.

More particularly, the tube 12 is in the form of an elastically deformable outer casing, for example made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and defining an internal space 18 which contains the product to be dispensed (not shown on the diagram). figure 1 ).

The tube 12 has two opposite ends, namely an upper end 12a on the figure 1 which is provided with a first opening at which the device 16 is fixed and a lower end 12b which forms a tube bottom. During the manufacture of the tube the bottom of the tube is left open (second opening) for filling the tube with product. Once the product has been introduced into the internal space 18 of the tube, the bottom is closed, for example by making a welded clamping of the edges of the outer casing delimiting the second opening.

The part forming the neck 14 is more particularly fixed at the level of the edges of the first opening (the part forming the neck is for example fitted by a force fit in the opening, but can alternatively be snapped, screwed, welded ...) which defines, in its central portion, a passage 20 for the product to be dispensed. The neck portion 14 has on its outer surface an external thread 14a and has a generally substantially cylindrical shape which extends axially from an enlarged base 14b attached to the casing of the tube to a top 14c. The central passage 20 extends axially from the base to the top of the neck 14.

The device or tip for generating drops 16 is mounted in part inside the neck 14 and is able, on the one hand, to form a drop of product and to expel it out of the device (when the tube is turned upside down). position of use) as a result of an external pressure exerted on the external casing and which tends to deform it and reduce the internal volume 18 and, on the other hand, to limit or even prevent any return of product into the device when the external pressure on the envelope ceases.

The device for generating drops 16 more particularly comprises an elastically deformable part 22 and a rigid member 24 both mounted inside the neck 14 with the part 22 pierced generally at its center, which surrounds the member 24 and is wedged between the inner surface of the neck and the member 24. The part 22 and the member 24 form for the device what may be called a valve system.

The figure 2 shows the tube 12 and its neck 14 open without the device 16. The figures 3 and 4a illustrate the mounting of the elements 22 and 24 of the device 16 inside the neck 14 (the tube is not shown for the sake of simplicity).

This assembly will make it possible to put under stress the elastically deformable part 22 inside the neck 14, between the latter and the rigid member 24. It will be noted that the present principle of assembly under stress of an elastically deformable part of a device for distributing drops inside the neck of a tube of product and around a rigid member placed in the neck is applicable to other forms of device, neck, elastically deformable part and member rigid than those shown in the figures and described here.

The figure 3 is an exploded view which shows the order of assembly of the various elements of the device for distributing drops in the neck 14.

As shown on figure 3 , the part forming the neck 14 comprises an internal portion 14d situated at the bottom of the threaded cylindrical portion 14a, on the inside of the neck and which forms an internal annular rim narrowing the passage 20 for the product. This internal rim 14d serves as an axial support for the rigid member 24.

The elastically deformable part or membrane 22 here has a symmetry of revolution along the axis A and is made of flexible elastic material, of the elastomer or rubber type. This part forms what is called a shutter.

The part 22 comprises a side skirt of substantially cylindrical shape of revolution 26, for example surmounted by a thicker portion 28 which extends radially and externally beyond the diameter of the cylinder 26. The part 22 also comprises an axial cylindrical portion surmounting portion 28 and, beyond this cylindrical portion, an end portion 30 which includes the emerging end of the part and which has substantially a conical shape leaving an axial orifice 32 at its top. The configuration of the part 22 may vary in particular as regards the skirt 26, the widened portion 28 and the conical shape of the end portion 30.

The rigid member 24, also called the needle, is more rigid than the part 22 but can however accept certain deformations. The member 24 comprises a cylindrical inner skirt of revolution 34 and a central portion 36 located inside the skirt 34 and projecting axially beyond said skirt and away from the tube (by the emerging end or tip of the central portion). The central portion 36 is connected internally by an internal arm 38 perpendicular to the skirt 34, thus leaving at least one passage opening 40 (here annular except in its portion where the arm 38 extends)) for the product. The central portion 36 has an axial central position relative to the peripheral skirt 34 offset laterally or radially.

In this embodiment, the upper end 34a of the skirt is flat and here exhibits symmetry of axial revolution. This end 34a is intended to come into contact with an inner surface 30a of the conical end portion 30 of the part 22 (and to generate an axial stress or thrust force on this inner surface to interfere mechanically or not with it. the latter as will be explained below) which also has an axial symmetry of revolution.

The rigid member 24 also comprises here an outer skirt 42 which surrounds a lower part of the inner skirt 34 and is connected to the lower end 34b of the latter. The outer skirt 42 extends axially lower than the inner skirt 34 in the form of an end portion 42a widened towards the outside of the rigid member. The inner skirt 34 and the outer skirt 42 jointly define a substantially annular groove 44 between them.

The rigid member 24 comprises for example a plurality of radially elastic tabs 46, 48 (there are two of them on the figure 3 ) distributed around the inner skirt 34 in a symmetry of revolution. The tabs 46, 48 (and those not shown) extend the outer skirt 42 upwards.

The tabs 46, 48 define with the inner skirt 42 a receiving space in the groove 44, in which the side skirt 26 of the part 22 is introduced axially as illustrated in the figure. figure 4 during the axial insertion of the rigid member 24 inside the neck 14 until the end portion 42a comes into axial abutment on the internal rim 14d. Other configurations for mounting the part 22 around a rigid member can be envisaged.

The tabs 46, 48 deform radially in the direction of the side skirt 26 and come to bear against a peripheral hook 26a of the latter located between two cylindrical zones. The free ends 46a, 48a of the tabs have a shape adapted to cooperate with the hook 26a and, for example, have a bevelled shape which matches the beveled shape of the hook. The tabs 46, 48 are made of a material more rigid than that of the part 22 and thus penetrate radially into the skirt 26 to exert a radial clamping force on the part 22. The widened portion 28 (annular rim) of the part 22 abuts axially against the free end 14c of the neck 14.

The configuration of the rigid member 24 may vary in particular as regards the internal skirt 34, the central portion 36 and its tip, the external skirt 42 and its legs. Other forms of organ are conceivable.

In the position of the figure 4a part of the device 16 is located outside the neck 14 and projects axially with respect to the latter.

When the part 22 is engaged by force (under stress) inside the neck 14, between the neck and the rigid member 24, the rigid member exerts on the part 22 stresses (eg: axial, radial) which induce a first deformation in the end portion 30 of said part. This first deformation is permanent in the sense that it is maintained as long as the part 22 is mounted under stress in the neck with the rigid member 24.

The rigid member 24 comprises a portion 34a (separate and remote from the central portion 36) which exerts an axial stress or an axial thrust force from the inside in a zone Z of the part 22 (the zone Z is a zone of the inner face of the end portion 30 where the reference 30a is located on the figures 3 and 4a ). This axial stress (which can be qualified as axial "compression") is generated permanently at the level of the zone Z when the elastically deformable part 22 is mounted around the rigid member in the neck and when the zone Z of the part comes to rest on the portion 34a. Zone Z is located at a distance from the emerging end of part 22 (this is the unreferenced end of part 22, the outer peripheral edge of which surrounds / internally delimits the orifice 32) and defines with this end (with the edge delimiting the orifice 32) a part of the part 22 called the emerging end part 30b ( fig. 4a ). This zone of axial stress thus defines and fixes the point or the zone from which the emerging end part 30b is capable of moving in a controlled manner. Thanks to this axial stressing which blocks the emerging end part 30b at the level of the zone Z, said part 30b can only subsequently deform by moving mainly radially or annularly (and in a very axially) by moving away from the tip of the central portion 36 of the rigid member when opening the device 16 to allow the product to exit. With this axial constraint, the flexible part 22 cannot slide on the rigid member 24 unlike the embodiment of the figure 5c .

This axial stressing arrangement makes it possible to control the deformation zone or part of the flexible part and the way in which the emerging end zone or part 30b (this part can be qualified as lip (s)) will deform to open. an orifice or passage to allow the flow of the product in the form of a drop when the user squeezes the tube.

The axial stressing of the part 22 by a constraining portion of the rigid member 24 is ensured in this example by a plane contact between the two elements concerned (eg: here the elements 30a and 34a). It will be noted here that the end portion 30 of the part 22 has on its inner face a notch or shoulder 30a (here horizontal) which is located at the base of the generally conical shape of said end portion and which is at a distance from the end. emerging from this portion. The hook or shoulder 30a is arranged radially inwardly offset with respect to the axial cylindrical portion surmounting the excess thickness 28. Alternatively, this axial cylindrical portion can be omitted and the bearing surface 30a is then arranged immediately after the excess thickness 28, internally. to this one. Other constraining portion configurations are however possible, as will be seen later.

As shown on figure 4a , when mounting the part 22 in the neck 14 with the member 24, the central portion 36 (which includes the emerging end or end part 36a of the rigid member) exerts an axial thrust on the inside of the part opening end 30b, in particular at the level of the peripheral edge delimiting the orifice 32 (internal outlet diameter of the opening end portion 30b), due to the larger external diameter of the tip 36 (for example a difference of 1 about 2 to ^6/10 mm between the two diameters is possible). This tends to radially enlarge the orifice 32. The emerging end portion 30b is thus also radially deformed by its bearing on the outer periphery of the tip 36 (it is pushed back by the tip 36). This arrangement thus guarantees the tightness of the device vis-à-vis the outside.

The emerging end portion 30b thus deformed by putting under stress during assembly in the neck adopts a generally curved shape, the concavity of which is turned towards the outside of the part 22 (eg: upturned edge (s) of the or lips delimiting the orifice 32).

The axial stressing of the part 22 by the constraining portion of the rigid member at the level of the zone Z has made it possible to define the deformable part or zone of this part (emerging end part 30b) and to control its deformation by favoring its radial deformation. This deformable part or zone 30b participates in controlling the dimensions and the regularity of the drop distributed, that is to say of the dose of product. This part constitutes, in a way, an adjustment zone whose parameters (length, thickness, material, etc.) selected in an appropriate manner make it possible in particular to measure the pressure force to be applied to the tube, to control the geometry of the drop. ..

The axial stressing can be obtained by making the constraining portion penetrate (mechanical interference) or not into the part 22. In the event of penetration, the distance of penetration or interference of the penetrating portion into the part 22 is for example 2 at 4/10 ^th of mm.

Parts 22 and 24 can have respective Shore hardnesses of 35 to 45 and 60 to 80.

On the figure 4a (enlarged view of the upper end of the apparatus of the figure 1 without the tube), the emerging end portion 30b is supported by means of a contact edge 50 on the outer periphery of the tip 36. Such a support makes it possible to limit, or even completely eliminate, the possible bonding of the elements in contact with the remains of the product when it is removed from the device.

In the positions of figures 1 and 4a no pressure is exerted on the tube to dispense drops of product. It will be noted that in order to dispense drops of product, the apparatus 10 must be turned upside down (upside down or at least tilted down) as shown in figure figure 4b . The user presses on the outer casing of the tube 12, which causes the opening end portion 30b of the tip 36 to spread radially and the generation of a drop G through the enlarged orifice 32. More d 'explanations will be provided below with reference to figures 5a and 5b .

The figures 5a and 5b are comparative views, in the inverted position, showing the configuration and the opening behavior of the emerging end portion according to one embodiment of the invention ( fig. 5a ) and the same elastically deformable part mounted around the same rigid member but without axial stress during assembly inside the neck ( fig. 5b ; the peripheral portion 34a ′ of the rigid member does not exert any axial stress on the inner face of the elastically deformable part).

On the figure 5a , the position 30b (F) of the emerging end portion is that obtained after the assembly under stress of the part 22 around the member 24 in the neck (identical to the position of the figures 1 and 4a ). This is a first position in which part 30b has undergone a double permanent deformation as explained above (a first deformation generated at the level of the edge 50 and a second local deformation generated at the level of the setting zone. under axial stress Z. It will be noted that this second local deformation can be generated differently and in particular by axial stressing according to another type of contact, penetrating or not a rigid member-elastically deformable part. Similarly, the first deformation can be generated differently. , in particular by another type of elastically deformable part-tip support of the rigid member.

In position 30b (F) of the figure 5a , the device is closed and does not allow any drop of product to pass because the user of the device 10 does not exert any pressure on the flexible tube 12.

On the figure 5a the position 30b (O) in broken lines of the emerging end portion 30b is that obtained when the user of the device 10 exerts pressure on the flexible tube 12.

To dispense a drop of product, the user holds the tube between the fingers of one hand and presses on the deformable outer casing of the tube 12 as illustrated in figure figure 4b . By thus deforming the envelope, the volume of the internal space 18 containing the product is reduced, which generates a rise in pressure of the liquid product in the envelope. The pressure of the liquid product inside the tube is thus proportional to the pressing force of the user on the tube. The force exerted by the user is for example between 200 and 500g.

The pressurized liquid product pushes on the internal face F of the emerging end part 30b (see the direction of the vertical arrows on the figure 5a ), thus spreading outward in a privileged / predominant manner radially the edge or edges 30b1 of the peripheral wall which delimits the orifice 32. The orifice 32 widens while the emerging end portion 30b moves away mainly radially from the tip 36 of the rigid member 24 (to adopt the open / separated position in broken lines of the figure 5a ), while remaining in the same axial position as evidenced by the axial position L.

This essentially radial movement / displacement is obtained due to the fact that the emerging end part 30b is blocked / limited in its movement by the axial stress exerted by the axial bearing of the zone Z against the portion 34a of the member. rigid (in the downward direction on the figure 5a ). To reach the open position (O), the emerging end part 30b (this part is similar to a deformable lip) is therefore elastically deformed in a privileged / predominant manner in a radial direction away from the emerging end of the rigid organ.

In this position 30b (O) the liquid product can flow through the enlarged orifice 32 (eg cylindrical outlet).

On the figure 5b , the same references as on figure 5a have been repeated with a "'" sign to distinguish the elements.

According to this unconstrained configuration, it can be seen that the part 30b 'is not deformed in its closed position 30b' (F) and simply rests on the rigid member 24 'while being supported, on the one hand, on the end 34a 'of the skirt 34' via a contact zone Z '(there is no axial stress exerted between the end 34a' and the zone Z ') and, on the other hand, on the conical bearing surface of the point 36 '. On opening, the thrust of the product on the internal face F 'of the end part 30b' causes the latter to pivot downward as indicated by the arrow to the open position in broken lines 30b '( O). As the part 30b 'is not constrained at the level of the zone Z', it performs a conventional pivoting movement (the pivot point is not blocked at the base of the part 30b ') and the end of the part 30b 'changes its axial position between the closed position (axial position L1) and the open position (more extended axial position L2) while also moving away radially from the rigid member 36'. The deformation of part 30b 'is free.

This configuration does not make it possible to control the dimensions and the regularity of the drops formed. Consequently, the dose of product dispensed by such a device is less precise than with the device of the figure 5a , in its form or in its various embodiments and possible variants.

In addition, the configuration of the figure 5b is much more subject to the recovery of product when the device is reclosed (when the pressure on the tube ceases and the part 30b 'moves in the opposite direction to come back to bear on the rigid member in its initial position) than the configuration of the figure 5a , as will be explained later.

Back to the dispensing of product drops with the configuration of the figure 5a , it will be noted that by pressing slowly, constantly with a reasonable pressure (for a user) on the tube, the adhesion phenomena of materials in contact with the product (surface tensions) make it possible to keep the product in suspension at the end of the device (valve system) and thus form a drop of product. This drop falls when its weight is greater than the resistance generated by the surface tensions which hold the drop.

The volume of the drop is defined by several parameters which are the shapes, the dimensions, the surface conditions, the materials of the device 16 (valve system) as well as the actual constitution of the product (viscosity, etc.).

A drop of product thus formed corresponds to a dose of product. The user manages his dose since he himself generates the drops while, in a device provided with pumping means, it is the pump which manages the dose but it does not manage the drops.

When the user stops pressing on the tube, the pressure of the liquid product in the latter decreases and, thanks to the elasticity of the material constituting the part 22, in particular of the emerging end portion 30b (flexible wall) , the part 30b closes in a controlled manner around the rigid member 24 (central portion 36) by tightening in a predominant / privileged manner radially (annular contraction) and returns to its initial shape, as does the orifice 32 ( figures 1 and 2 ), thus preventing any passage of the product out of the device 16.

When the emerging end portion 30b returns to its initial shape, the edge or edges 30b1 of the wall which delimits the orifice 32 (deformable lips) tighten and thus separate the drop being formed from the product remaining inside the valve system. The drop thus remains in suspension on the outer end of the device 16 (valve system) in the closed position.

Therefore, the drop is not sucked back into the valve system when the pressure on the tube ceases. This anti-return product (anti-pollution) function is advantageous since it makes it possible to avoid adding preservatives (anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial agents, etc.) to the product to be dispensed, or in any case to limit the 'addition of such agents.

The anti-reverse or anti-reverse function is greatly improved with the configuration of the figure 5a . Indeed, the annular constriction movement when the device is reclosed and which causes the emerging end part to pass from position 30b (O) to 30b (F), makes it possible to detach the product which still adheres to the device (via the phenomena surface tension) as close as possible to the latter, in particular as close as possible to the central portion 36 (and to its end portion 36a). The part 30b (curved) shears / detaches the product in a clean manner, substantially at the level of the edge 50 by moving substantially along a radius (horizontally) and therefore in the same axial position, without bringing any product back inside the device. On the contrary, on the figure 5b the pivoting movement of the part 30b 'from the bottom to the top to pass from the open position 30b' (O) to the closed position 30b '(F) is similar to the folding movement of a valve which returns, to the 'inside the device, the product having been in contact with the external atmosphere and in particular with a zone external to the device (and therefore in contact with the outside), namely the conical bearing surface of the tip of the central portion 36'. It is in particular the product which was present at the opening between the internal face F 'and the conical bearing surface of the point of the central portion 36' when the part 30b 'was in the position 30b' (O).

Once the drops have been dispensed and the device 16 (valve system) according to the invention has closed, it is therefore possible to use the device again (multi-dose device) to dispense one or more several drops of product (depending on the desired dose), immediately after or even later in the same day, after one or more hours, or even another day and, for example, repeatedly over time over a period predetermined.

It will be noted that in order to generate several drops consecutively, it is possible either to alternate the steps of pressing and releasing on the tube, or pressing for a long time on the latter.

The figure 5c illustrates another embodiment in which the elastically deformable part 22 is mounted under stress around the rigid member, in particular of its central portion 36, only by the support of the emerging end portion 30b on the outer periphery ( here on an edge 50 but it could be a bearing surface) of the point of the central portion 36 of greater diameter as already explained above. On the other hand, the peripheral portion 34a (offset radially with respect to the central portion or needle 36) of the rigid member does not locally constrain the elastically deformable part as on the figure 5a . The elastically deformable part 22 is simply mounted to bear against the portion 34a of the rigid member via the bearing surface 30a (contact zone Z "). Thus, the emerging end portion 30b is not blocked in its subsequent radial deformation movement to allow a drop to pass as shown in dotted lines on the figure 5c . The emerging end portion 30b can thus move away from the rigid member (point 36) by sliding on the portion 34a of the rigid member (portion radially and axially spaced from the central portion 36) and by performing a non-moving movement. controlled both radial and axial. Such an arrangement may prove to be useful in order to have an enlarged passage orifice and / or to reduce the pressure force to be exerted on the tube, for example as a function of the viscosity of the product.

• sur la figure 6a l'organe rigide pénètre axialement dans la zone de la pièce élastiquement déformable suivant un contact entre une portion excentrée (par rapport à la portion centrale) en forme de biseau de l'organe rigide et la zone de la pièce : l'extrémité supérieure 34a" de la jupe 34" a une forme de biseau rentrant (tourné vers l'intérieur) qui pénètre axialement dans une zone intérieure 30a" de la portion terminale 30" afin d'y générer des contraintes (de compression) axiales.
• sur la figure 6b l'organe rigide pénètre axialement dans la zone de la pièce élastiquement déformable suivant un contact entre une portion excentrée (par rapport à la portion centrale) en forme de pointe de l'organe et la zone de la pièce : l'extrémité supérieure 34a"' de la jupe 34'" a une forme de pointe tournée vers le haut qui pénètre dans une zone intérieure 30a"' de la portion terminale 30'" afin d'y générer des contraintes (de compression) axiales.

Other embodiments for one or more constraining portions (for example, several peripheral portions can be distributed around the central needle) of the rigid member 24 in the elastically deformable part 22 are possible:

• on the figure 6a the rigid member penetrates axially into the area of the elastically deformable part following a contact between an eccentric portion (relative to the central portion) in the form of a bevel of the rigid member and the area of the part: the upper end 34a "of the skirt 34" has the shape of a re-entrant bevel (turned inward) which axially penetrates an area interior 30a "of the end portion 30" in order to generate axial (compressive) stresses therein.
• on the figure 6b the rigid member penetrates axially into the area of the elastically deformable part following contact between an eccentric portion (relative to the central portion) in the form of a point of the member and the area of the part: the upper end 34a "'of the skirt 34'"has an upwardly pointed tip shape which penetrates an interior region 30a"'of the end portion 30'"in order to generate axial (compressive) stresses therein.

The two embodiments of figures 6a and 6b make it possible to further anchor a constraining portion of the rigid member in the flexible part, thus providing better immobilization of the latter and therefore better control of its deformation. The controlled radial spacing of the end portion 30 ", 30 '" is made more difficult. The seal between the flexible part and the emerging end of the central portion of the rigid member is thus improved. With the layout of the figure 6b immobilization is even more marked than with figure 6a .

According to variants not shown, it will be noted that the placing under axial stress of a constraining portion of the rigid member in a peripheral zone of the elastically deformable part can be carried out by fitting a particular shape of the constraining portion into a shape complementary to the peripheral zone of the room. Thus, the constraining portion may have the shape of a bevel, a point or any other shape and the internal face of the peripheral zone of the part has a complementary shape in order to allow interlocking.

The figures 7a and 7b illustrate alternative embodiments of contact between the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part and the emerging end of the rigid member.

On the figure 7a the emerging end part 60b of the end portion 60 of the elastically deformable part 62 rests on the emerging end 64 (tip) of the rigid member 64 by means of a bearing surface S and not of an edge.

On the figure 7b the emerging end portion 70b of the end portion 70 of the elastically deformable part 72 rests on the end emerging 74 from the rigid member 76 via a contact edge a. The shape of the emerging end 74 of the rigid member is rectilinear and not in the form of a point as on the figure 4a .

In this configuration, the emerging end of the rigid member penetrates further axially into the deformable part, which allows the latter (more particularly, its emerging end portion 70b) to rely on the outer diameter of the emerging end 74. This configuration can, in certain circumstances, have an effect on the drops (eg shape, etc.) and in particular constitute an additional adjustment means.

The figure 8 illustrates another embodiment (here the dispensing device is directed downwards in the dispensing position) in which the rigid member is different from that of the figure 4a . The rigid member 90 still comprises an axial skirt 92 which here is pierced with lateral openings O for the passage of the product. The skirt 92 contains in its part closest to the base B of the neck C an elastic element such as a spring 94. The rigid member 90 comprises a needle 96 mounted axially slidably on the spring (like a piston), to inside the skirt 92.

The emerging end portion 98 of the elastically deformable part 100 is put under stress as explained above and bears on the peripheral edge of the needle 96 by means of a contact edge a '.

When the user presses on the tube, the product descends to the dispensing device of the figure 8 and causes the needle 96 to rise as indicated by the vertical arrow, while the emerging end portion 98 (lips) radially moves away from the needle as explained above.

The two combined effects (retraction of the needle and deformation of the emerging end part 98) make it possible to carry out a finer adjustment of the distribution of drops by playing, not only, on the emerging end part 98 (material, dimensions ...), but also on the characteristics of the elastic element 94.

It will also be noted that, during the filling of the tube, the product is introduced inside the internal space 18 of the tube, leaving a free volume predetermined unoccupied by the product. This predetermined free volume is greater than the volume of product contained in the area of the device which is undeformable. The predetermined volume to be left free of product depends on the volume of the undeformable zone. This zone corresponds to the zone of the tube (generally located at the level of the upper end 12a of the tube and below the base 14b of the neck 14) in which the residual product remains trapped at the end of use of the device due to the dimensionality of the device in this area. The predetermined free volume is thus occupied by a gas such as air (or even an inert gas such as nitrogen) which, under the effect of the pressure exerted by the user on the outer casing of the tube, drives the product accumulated in this zone towards the passage 20. This arrangement improves the rate of return of the apparatus. By way of example, a predetermined volume of air of about one third of the volume of the internal space 18 of the tube is left.

When an embodiment is shown in an embodiment described above with a type of support of the emerging end portion on the through end of the rigid member and with a type of axial stress (the stress is exerted by a portion of given configuration of the rigid member which comes into contact with the elastically deformable part), it should be noted that various other types of support and / or axial stress can be used.

As an example, the types of axial stress of figures 6a and 6b can be used instead of the axial stress type of figures 7a and 7b . Likewise, the support of figures 7a and 7b can be used instead of the supports of figures 1 to 5c .

Note that the device 10 of figures 1 and 4b does not include pumping means, in particular no pumping means comprising a pusher mounted on a metering pump, making it possible to raise the product to the top of the device for distribution. With such a pumping means, the user does not manage the dose of product dispensed because this is imposed by the pump. The apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the invention is therefore simpler in design than an apparatus which would require such a pumping means.

Claims (13)

Apparatus for dispensing drops of a liquid or semi-liquid product, characterized in that it comprises: - an axial tube (12) which comprises an elastically deformable outer casing defining an internal space (18) enclosing the product, - a neck portion (14) which defines an open internal passage for the passage of the product, - a device for generating drops (16) which is arranged at the level of the neck and which is able, on the one hand, to form and expel a drop of product (G) from the device as a result of pressure exerted on the 'outer casing tending to deform it and reduce the volume of the internal space and, on the other hand, to prevent or limit the return of product into the device when the pressure on the casing ceases, the device for generating drops (16) comprising an elastically deformable part (22) mounted inside the neck of the tube around a rigid member (24, 36), the elastically deformable part comprising a through end portion (30b) located outside neck and through which the product is likely to come out of the device in the event of pressure on the outer casing, the emerging end part (30b) of the elastically deformable part being deformed in a first position as a result of the penetration of a emerging end (36) of the ri member gide in said emerging end portion (30b) when no pressure is exerted on the casing of the tube, the rigid member (24, 36) also comprising a portion (34a) which exerts an axial stress on an area (Z) of the elastically deformable part (22) located at a distance from the through end of said part (22) so as to define a pivot point for the through end portion (30b) of said part (22) which is located between this zone (Z) and the emerging end of said part (22). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the open end (36) of the rigid member (24) has an outer diameter greater than the exit diameter of the open end portion, in the absence of deformation, in order that the emerging end of said rigid member deforms radially the emerging end portion when the latter is mounted to bear on the emerging end of the rigid member. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable deformed part rests on the emerging end (64) of the rigid member via an edge (50 ). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the emerging end portion (60b) of the elastically deformable deformed part rests on the emerging end of the rigid member via a surface of support (s). Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the portion (34a) of the rigid member penetrates into the zone (Z) at an axial distance of between 2 and 4/10 ^th mm. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rigid member is capable of constraining the area of the elastically deformable part in a plane contact (34a), in the form of a bevel (34a ") or in the form of a point (34a "') between the constraining portion of the rigid member and the area of the part. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rigid member is able to penetrate into the area of the elastically deformable part following a contact in the form of a bevel (34a ") or in the form of a point (34a"') between the constraining portion of the rigid member and the part area. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the constraining portion of the rigid member is disposed peripherally with respect to the emerging end of said rigid member. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the constraining portion of the rigid member is radially offset relative to the position of the emerging end of said rigid member which is centered relative to the emerging end portion of the elastically deformable part. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the constraining portion of the rigid member is offset axially relative to the axial position of the emerging end of the rigid member and recessed by relative to this position so as to be surrounded by the elastically deformable part. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the constraining portion of the rigid member surrounds the emerging end of said rigid member. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the emerging end portion (30b) of the elastically deformable deformed part adopts a curved shape, the concavity of which is oriented towards the outside of the device. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the emerging end portion (30b) tends, in the event of pressure exerted on the casing of the tube (12), to move away radially from the end opening (36) of the rigid member by deforming to adopt a second deformed position, in said second deformed position the emerging end portion defining with the emerging end of the rigid member an orifice (32) through which a drop of product (G) forms when the product passes through said orifice.

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