WO2007045738A1 - Method for supplying liquid to a spraying device and cartridge for such a spraying device - Google Patents
Method for supplying liquid to a spraying device and cartridge for such a spraying device Download PDFInfo
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- WO2007045738A1 WO2007045738A1 PCT/FR2006/002232 FR2006002232W WO2007045738A1 WO 2007045738 A1 WO2007045738 A1 WO 2007045738A1 FR 2006002232 W FR2006002232 W FR 2006002232W WO 2007045738 A1 WO2007045738 A1 WO 2007045738A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- liquid
- zone
- thinned
- housing
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
- B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
- B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
- B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to devices for nebulizing liquid and in particular the supply of such devices in liquid to be sprayed.
- a liquid nebulizing device is described in the international application WO 99/46126 (US 6,460,980). Although initially intended for the production of an inkjet print head, such a device is the subject of various other applications, including applications to the nebulization of liquids in the air, for the purpose of humidification or cooling of the air, or for diffusing sanitizers, deodorants, disinfectants, perfumes, ... as described for example in the application EP 0714709 or the application WO 00/78467.
- FIG. 1 is the block diagram of a conventional fogging device of the aforementioned type.
- the device comprises a nebulizing head 30, a main reservoir 1 containing a liquid 36 to be nebulized, an intermediate reservoir 33 also containing liquid 36, a pipe 31 connecting the reservoir 33 to the nebulizing head 30 and a pipe 34 equipped with an electric pump 35, connecting the tank 1 to the tank 33.
- the tanks 1 and 33 are subjected to the atmospheric pressure Patm.
- the nebulizing head 30, substantially horizontal, comprises a capillary tube 30-1 and a nozzle 30-2 for ejecting the liquid.
- the fogging head is generally in the form of a hollow needle having an inside diameter of less than a millimeter and a length of a few centimeters, the body of which forms the capillary tube 30-1 and whose chamfered distal end forms the ejection nozzle 30-2.
- the nebulizing head 30 is mechanically coupled to a vibrating means, typically a resonator TPE piezoelectric transducer.
- the TPE transducer is excited by an alternating signal Sv supplied by an EXCT circuit.
- the EXCT circuit is controlled by a CNTCT control circuit which defines the duration of nebulization cycles.
- the CNTCT circuit also controls the pump 35 and adjusts the level of liquid in the intermediate tank 33, which it monitors by means of a level detector 33a.
- the nebulization head When the excitation signal Sv is applied to the TPE transducer, the nebulization head resonates and liquid droplets 32 are ejected, forming a kind of mist of droplets or "nebulizing jet".
- the nebulizing head 30 is supplied with liquid by capillarity and by gravity, the pressure at the inlet of the capillary tube 30-1 being a function of the height and the column of liquid between the intermediate reservoir 33 and the tube capillary 30-1.
- a general objective of the present invention is to provide a method for supplying liquid such a nebulization device, easily for the user and a commercially valid way for the manufacturer.
- an idea of the invention is to supply the device with liquid by using as a main reservoir 1 a disposable removable cartridge.
- the cartridge must include an interface, such as a sealing means that can be pierced in order to seal the interior of the cartridge with the pipe leading to the nebulizing head,
- the cartridge must be of a simple and easy installation in the nebulizing device, without risk of accidental leakage of liquid at the time of its installation, and
- the liquid inside the cartridge must be kept close to the atmospheric pressure, so that the cartridge can be emptied gradually without appearing a depression that would limit the flow of liquid to the entry of the nebulizing head or even that would prevent the liquid from flowing in the pipe.
- the present invention aims to meet requirements that appear contradictory.
- making the cartridge with a minimum of material implies that the cartridge will be flexible and therefore difficult to handle, while the drilling of a rubber sealing means requires to exert a significant pressure on the cartridge and .necessite thus good rigidity of the cartridge.
- the present invention aims at a low cost cartridge that can be easily handled and installed in a nebulizer device, without risk of inadvertent flow of liquid to be sprayed outside the liquid circuit of the nebulizer device.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid supply system of the fogging head that is simple and inexpensive, and allows the realization of a nebulization device used anywhere and in difficult conditions, including in the presence of shocks and vibrations.
- the present invention provides a method for supplying liquid to a liquid nebulizer device, comprising the steps of providing a cartridge comprising flexible and deformable walls, at least a first reinforcing zone and a flow orifice of liquid, to arrange the liquid to be atomized in the cartridge and to close the orifice with a membrane, to equip the nebulizing device with a housing comprising a housing for receiving the cartridge and a means for piercing the membrane arranged under the housing, and engage the cartridge in the housing by arranging the membrane above the piercing means, and then press the first reinforcing zone to pierce the membrane.
- the method comprises the steps of providing on the cartridge a thinned zone intended to be pierced to put the liquid inside the cartridge at atmospheric pressure, filling the cartridge only partially with nebulizing liquid so that the thinned area extends above the surface of the liquid when the cartridge is arranged in the nebulizing device, and pierce the thinned area when the cartridge is introduced into the housing.
- the thinned zone is formed on a rear face of the cartridge in a region adjacent to an upper face of the cartridge, the cartridge being filled with liquid to be sprayed to a level immediately below the thinned zone.
- the method comprises a step of providing in an upper part of the housing a means for drilling the thinned portion of the cartridge secured to the housing.
- the method comprises the steps of providing on the cartridge at least a second reinforcing zone, and pressing on the second reinforcing zone to pierce the thinned portion with the piercing means, after engaging the cartridge in housing and piercing the membrane.
- the second reinforcing zone is shaped so as to surround the cartridge on either side of the thinned zone.
- the method comprises the steps of providing on the cartridge a sleeve extending from a lower face of the cartridge, and having a distal end forming the liquid flow orifice, conforming the cartridge so that it has a height substantially equal to the height of the housing without taking into account the sleeve, conforming the cartridge so that it has a side face having a recess for partially engaging the cartridge in the housing while placing the sleeve above the piercing means of the membrane, and, after piercing the membrane, lowering the cartridge and rotating the cartridge around the piercing means, so that the remainder of the cartridge enters the housing.
- the first reinforcing zone is shaped so as to surround the cartridge passing in the vicinity of the flow orifice.
- the cartridge is shaped to have a height less than its width.
- the liquid nebulizer device comprises a vibrating nebulization head comprising a capillary tube and a liquid ejection nozzle, fed by the liquid present in the cartridge, the method comprising a step of providing in the nebulizing device, a pipeline without pumping means and without intermediate reservoir for connecting the cartridge to the nebulizing head, the nebulizing head being supplied with liquid under the effect of a hydrostatic pressure due to a difference in height between the level of liquid in the cartridge and the nebulizing head.
- the housing receiving the cartridge is arranged above the nebulizing head, at a height sufficient to exert on the liquid at the inlet of the capillary tube, during nebulization cycles, a hydrostatic pressure greater than a first pressure threshold beyond which the liquid flows through the nebulizing head when it is stopped, but below a second pressure threshold beyond which the liquid would flow through the nebulizing head when it is driven in vibration.
- the invention also relates to a cartridge for liquid nebulizing device, containing or intended to contain a liquid to be sprayed and having a liquid flow orifice.
- the cartridge comprises an envelope comprising flexible and deformable walls and at least a first reinforcing zone serving as a support zone on the envelope for piercing a closing membrane the flow orifice when installing the cartridge in a nebulizer device.
- the cartridge contains liquid and the membrane closes the flow orifice.
- the cartridge is partially filled with liquid and comprises a thinned area intended to be pierced to bring the liquid to atmospheric pressure, the thinned zone being arranged above the surface of the liquid when the cartridge is installed in a position of use in a nebulizing device.
- the thinned zone is formed on a rear face of the envelope in a region adjacent to an upper face of the envelope, the cartridge being filled with liquid to be sprayed to a level immediately below the envelope. thinned area when in the use position.
- the cartridge comprises at least a second reinforcing zone serving as a support zone on the cartridge for piercing the thinned zone during the installation of the cartridge in a nebulization device.
- the second reinforcing zone surrounds the envelope on both sides of the thinned zone.
- the thinned zone has a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second reinforcing zone in which the thinned zone is formed is between 0.8 and 1.5. mm.
- the liquid flow orifice comprises a sleeve extending from a lower face of the envelope, the envelope comprising a lateral face having a recess for engaging the cartridge in a nebulizing device while placing the sleeve above a piercing means of the membrane.
- the first reinforcing zone surrounds the envelope through the flow orifice or in the vicinity thereof.
- the casing has a thickness of between 0.3 and 0.8 mm, and the thickness of the first reinforcing zone is between 0.8 and 1.5 mm.
- the envelope is made of high density polyethylene.
- FIG. 2 shows in perspective a cartridge according to the invention
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a nebulization device according to the invention and illustrating the installation of the cartridge in the device;
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view of the cartridge and the nebulizing device
- - Figure 5 is a top view in partial section of the nebulizing device and several successive positions of the cartridge, during the installation thereof; and - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the nebulizing device once the cartridge installed in the device.
- Figure 2 shows a cartridge according to the invention comprising a casing 1 having an elongated substantially parallelepiped shape with rounded edges.
- the cartridge has an upper face 1a, a lower face Ib, a right lateral face Ic, a left side face (not referenced), a rear face Id (appearing here as a front face because the cartridge is seen from the back) and a face before.
- the cartridge also comprises a sleeve 2 extending perpendicularly to the lower face Ib of the casing.
- the cartridge has a height, a width and a depth.
- the height of the cartridge is here defined as the distance between the upper face 1a and the lower face Ib, the width of the cartridge as the distance between the right side face 1c and the left side face, and the depth of the cartridge as the distance between the front and rear faces, Id.
- the right lateral face Ic is here lower than the left lateral face and the cartridge has a horizontal recess 3 substantially parallel to the faces la, Ib, followed by an offset lateral face 3a, substantially parallel to the lateral face Ic, joining the face upper la (the recess 3 and the shifted face 3a forming a kind of "step").
- the sleeve 2 is disposed substantially in line with the offset face 3a and its distal end forms an opening used for filling the cartridge. Once the cartridge is filled, the distal end of the sleeve is closed by a septum 7.
- the septum 7 is for example a rubber membrane attached to the distal end of the sleeve by a metal ring.
- the casing 1 of the cartridge has a fairly low height, to limit the variations of the hydrostatic pressure in a liquid distribution circuit according to the level of filling of the cartridge.
- the width of the cartridge is greater than its height for the cartridge to have a satisfactory internal volume.
- the cartridge has for example a height of the order of 5.3 cm, a width of the order of 15.5 cm and a depth of the order of 7.3 cm.
- the casing 1 of the cartridge is made of a material resistant to the aggressiveness of liquids such as perfumes and essential oils, and preferably recyclable, for example a polymer such as high density polyethylene.
- the casing 1 has a small thickness of between 0.3 and 0.8 mm, preferably of the order of 0.4 mm, so as to be carried out with a minimum amount of material and at a lower cost. It therefore has a certain flexibility.
- the envelope 1 also has, according to the invention, reinforcement zones 5a, 5b of greater thickness (delimited by lines in broken lines) which will be described later in more detail.
- FIGs 3 to 5 illustrate the introduction of the cartridge 1 in a nebulizing device according to the invention.
- the device is equipped with a housing 10 comprising a base 11 closed by a cover 12, the base being intended to be attached to a vertical surface (wall).
- the base 11 comprises a housing 15 provided for receiving the cartridge 1 and a box 13 receiving the liquid pipe (31, 34, Fig. 1) as well as the electrical circuits for controlling and controlling the nebulizing device (EXCT circuits, CNTCT , fig. 1).
- the nebulizing head not shown for the sake of simplicity, has its distal end which opens for example on the front of the cabinet 13, through an opening made for this purpose, a corresponding opening being provided on the front face of the lid 12 .
- the housing 15 is above the box 13 and the latter comprises an upper opening 14 provided for receiving the sleeve 2.
- FIG. 4 it appears that the opening 14 made in the box 13 gives access to the inlet 18 of the liquid circuit of the nebulization device (corresponding in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 to the part of the pipe 34 opening into the tank 1).
- the inlet 18 of the pipe is arranged to receive the sleeve 2 and has a hollow needle 19 provided for piercing the septum 7 closing the distal end of the sleeve 2, and thus sealingly communicating the inside of the cartridge with the pipe or liquid circuit of the nebulizing device.
- the cartridge is first engaged perpendicularly in the housing 15 of the housing 10, the right side face Ic of the casing 1 being presented first.
- the height d between the upper face of the casing 1 and the horizontal recess 3 is substantially equal to the length of the sleeve 2.
- the cartridge can therefore engage in the housing 15 until the septum 7 is opposite the needle 19.
- the cartridge 1 is moved downwards (in the direction indicated by the arrow 16 in FIG. 3).
- reinforcement zone 5a mentioned above belt the envelope 1 and thus extends along the upper face la, the rear face Id, the lower face Ib and the front face the passing in the vicinity of the zone of joining the sleeve 2 with the envelope or extending to this junction zone.
- the portion of the reinforcing zone 5a located on the upper face serves as a support zone for piercing the septum 7, while preventing significant deformation of the envelope.
- the septum 7 is pierced and the inside of the cartridge is in communication with the nebulizing device 10.
- the cartridge 1 is rotated. (in the direction indicated by the arrow 16b shown in Figure 3) around the needle 19, which serves as a pivot, until the rear face Id of the casing 1 abuts against the bottom of the base 11 of the case.
- Figure 5 shows in top view the initial positions 1-1, intermediate 1-2 and final 1-3 of the cartridge during the pivoting movement of the cartridge.
- the lateral face Ic of the envelope 1 must be sufficiently narrow and have sufficiently rounded lateral edges so as not to abut against the bottom of the base 11 during the pivoting movement of the cartridge 1, as illustrated by the intermediate position 1-2 .
- the cartridge In the final position 1-3, the cartridge is fully engaged in its housing 15 in the housing 10, as shown in FIG.
- a tip 17 comes into contact with a thinned zone 4 of the cartridge, then pierces this thinned zone, thus forming an orifice 4 in the envelope making it possible to put the liquid at atmospheric pressure (the orifice here in place of the thinned zone 4, it is designated by the same reference as the thinned zone).
- the tip 17 is disposed in the housing 15, perpendicularly to the base 11 of the housing, and is integral with the base 11.
- the thinned zone 4 has a thickness even smaller than the parts of the envelope extending between the reinforcement zones 5a, 5b.
- the reinforcing zone 5b mentioned above extends parallel to the reinforcing zone 5a and comprises two belts surrounding the cartridge 1 on either side of the thinned zone 4.
- the part of the reinforcing zone 5b extending on the front face, opposite the thinned zone 4, thus serves as a support zone for piercing the envelope in the thinned zone 4, while preventing a significant deformation of the envelope.
- the reinforcing zones 5a, 5b have, for example, a thickness of between 0.8 and 1.5 mm, preferably of the order of 1 mm, while the thinned zone 4 has a thickness of between 0.1 and 0, 5 mm, preferably of the order of 0.2 mm.
- the zone 4 is provided in a boss 6 formed on the upper face 1a of the cartridge in a ridge region between the upper face 1a and the rear face Id.
- the cartridge is thus pierced as close to its upper face as the .
- the cartridge can be almost completely filled to a level just below the thinned zone 4, and the subsequent piercing of the thinned zone, to form the orifice 4, can be carried out without risk of liquid flow.
- the flexibility of the cartridge is increased by the fact that it is not completely filled. Without the reinforcement zones 5a, 5b, it would be difficult or impossible to press the cartridge to obtain the piercing of the septum 7 and the orifice 4. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 6 that the volume of the housing 15 is almost completely occupied by the cartridge 1. This result is achieved by the particular shape of the cartridge and the position of the sleeve 2 on the lower face Ib. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a particularly compact nebulization device having a relatively large autonomy.
- the cartridge 1 can be manufactured by extrusion and blowing of fluidized material into a mold. In this way, the thickness of the cartridge can be precisely controlled to form including the reinforcing zones 5a, 5b and the thinned zone 4.
- the sleeve can be manufactured separately and placed in the mold before the manufacture of the cartridge.
- the low height of the cartridge has the advantage of a small variation in the height of the liquid column (between the liquid level in the cartridge and the nebulization head) as the cartridge empties, and therefore a small variation in hydrostatic pressure.
- the intermediate reservoir 33 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 is purely and simply deleted.
- the pipes 31 and 34 shown in Figure 1 form a single pipe and the filling pump 35 is replaced by a valve opening and closing the pipe.
- the position of the cartridge (position of the housing 15, Figure 3) relative to the nebulizing head, and more particularly the height of the cartridge relative to the head of the nebulization is chosen so that 1 appears at the entrance of the tube capillary, during nebulization cycles (open valve), a determined hydrostatic pressure.
- this determined pressure is greater than a first pressure threshold beyond which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when it is stopped, but below a second pressure threshold beyond which the liquid flows through the nebulizing head when it is driven in vibration.
- Such a pressure corresponding to an overpressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure exerted at the outlet of the nebulizing head, makes it possible to substantially increase the flow rate of nebulized liquid under vibratory conditions.
- the valve which replaces the pump 35 shown in FIG. 1, must then be closed again between the nebulization cycles in order to avoid the flows.
- Another advantage offered by the provision of such an overpressure is to reduce the sensitivity of the nebulizing device vis-à-vis the variations in liquid level in the cartridge (including in case of impact or movement, for example when the device is arranged in a train or a coach). It is therefore no longer necessary to monitor the liquid level by means of a level sensor, the only constraint to be respected is that the first hydrostatic pressure threshold is not exceeded when the liquid level is maximum in the cartridge.
- the cartridge and the nebulizer device according to the present invention are susceptible of various other embodiments.
- the thinned zone 4 making it possible to practice the orifice 4 can be arranged on the upper face 1a of the cartridge, and be pierced by means of an external tool through an eye provided in the upper part of the lid 12. orifice 4 can also be pre-drilled and plugged by a cap to be removed at the time of installation of the cartridge.
- the provision of an atmospheric pressure port is an optional feature of the invention.
- the envelope of the cartridge may for example be subjected to an elastic crushing force to maintain a substantially constant internal pressure as the cartridge empties.
- this solution is less satisfactory because it is difficult to make a cartridge that crashes completely while having reinforcement zones. It therefore inevitably remains in the cartridge at the end of use a little liquid that can not be nebulized unless an expensive pumping system.
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Abstract
Description
PROCEDE POUR ALIMENTER EN LIQUIDE UN DISPOSITIF DE NEBULISATION ET CARTOUCHE POUR UN TEL DISPOSITIF DE PROCESS FOR LIQUID FEEDING A NEBULIZATION DEVICE AND CARTRIDGE FOR SUCH A DEVICE
NEBULISATIONmist
La présente invention concerne les dispositifs de nebulisation de liquide et notamment l'alimentation de tels dispositifs en liquide à nébuliser.The present invention relates to devices for nebulizing liquid and in particular the supply of such devices in liquid to be sprayed.
Un dispositif de nebulisation de liquide est décrit dans la demande internationale WO 99/46126 (US 6,460,980). Bien qu'initialement destiné à la réalisation d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre, un tel dispositif fait l'objet de diverses autres applications, notamment des applications à la nebulisation de liquides dans l'air, à des fins d'humidification ou de rafraîchissement de l'air, ou pour diffuser des produits assainissants, désodorisants, désinfectants, des parfums, ... comme décrit par exemple dans la demande EP 0714709 ou la demande WO 00/78467.A liquid nebulizing device is described in the international application WO 99/46126 (US 6,460,980). Although initially intended for the production of an inkjet print head, such a device is the subject of various other applications, including applications to the nebulization of liquids in the air, for the purpose of humidification or cooling of the air, or for diffusing sanitizers, deodorants, disinfectants, perfumes, ... as described for example in the application EP 0714709 or the application WO 00/78467.
La figure 1 est le schéma de principe d'un dispositif de nebulisation classique du type précité. Le dispositif comprend une tête de nebulisation 30, un réservoir principal 1 contenant un liquide 36 à nëbuliser, un réservoir intermédiaire 33 contenant également du liquide 36, une canalisation 31 reliant le réservoir 33 à la tête de nebulisation 30 et une canalisation 34 équipée d'une pompe électrique 35, reliant le réservoir 1 au réservoir 33. Les réservoirs 1 et 33 sont soumis à la pression atmosphérique Patm. La tête de nebulisation 30, sensiblement horizontale, comprend un tube capillaire 30-1 et une buse 30-2 d'éjection du liquide. La tête de nebulisation revêt généralement la forme d'une aiguille creuse d'un diamètre intérieur inférieur au millimètre et d'une longueur de quelques centimètres, dont le corps forme le tube capillaire 30-1 et dont l'extrémité distaie, biseautée, forme la buse d'éjection 30-2. La tête de nébulisation 30 est couplée mécaniquement à un moyen vibrant, généralement un transducteur piézo-électrique TPE à résonateur. Le transducteur TPE est excité par un signal alternatif Sv fourni par un circuit EXCT. Le circuit EXCT est piloté par un circuit de contrôle CNTCT qui définit la durée de cycles de nébulisation. Le circuit CNTCT contrôle également la pompe 35 et ajuste le niveau de liquide dans le réservoir intermédiaire 33, qu'il surveille au moyen d'un détecteur de niveau 33a.Figure 1 is the block diagram of a conventional fogging device of the aforementioned type. The device comprises a nebulizing head 30, a main reservoir 1 containing a liquid 36 to be nebulized, an intermediate reservoir 33 also containing liquid 36, a pipe 31 connecting the reservoir 33 to the nebulizing head 30 and a pipe 34 equipped with an electric pump 35, connecting the tank 1 to the tank 33. The tanks 1 and 33 are subjected to the atmospheric pressure Patm. The nebulizing head 30, substantially horizontal, comprises a capillary tube 30-1 and a nozzle 30-2 for ejecting the liquid. The fogging head is generally in the form of a hollow needle having an inside diameter of less than a millimeter and a length of a few centimeters, the body of which forms the capillary tube 30-1 and whose chamfered distal end forms the ejection nozzle 30-2. The nebulizing head 30 is mechanically coupled to a vibrating means, typically a resonator TPE piezoelectric transducer. The TPE transducer is excited by an alternating signal Sv supplied by an EXCT circuit. The EXCT circuit is controlled by a CNTCT control circuit which defines the duration of nebulization cycles. The CNTCT circuit also controls the pump 35 and adjusts the level of liquid in the intermediate tank 33, which it monitors by means of a level detector 33a.
Lorsque le signal d'excitation Sv est appliqué au transducteur TPE, la tête de nébulisation entre en résonance et des gouttelettes 32 de liquide 36 sont éjectées, formant une sorte de brouillard de gouttelettes ou "jet de nébulisation". Pendant la nébulisation, la tête de nébulisation 30 est alimentée en liquide par capillarité et par gravité, la pression à l'entrée du tube capillaire 30-1 étant fonction de la hauteur ni de la colonne de liquide entre le réservoir intermédiaire 33 et le tube capillaire 30-1.When the excitation signal Sv is applied to the TPE transducer, the nebulization head resonates and liquid droplets 32 are ejected, forming a kind of mist of droplets or "nebulizing jet". During the nebulization, the nebulizing head 30 is supplied with liquid by capillarity and by gravity, the pressure at the inlet of the capillary tube 30-1 being a function of the height and the column of liquid between the intermediate reservoir 33 and the tube capillary 30-1.
Dans le cadre d'une réalisation industrielle d'un tel dispositif de nébulisation, un objectif général de la présente invention est de prévoir un procédé permettant d'alimenter en liquide un tel dispositif de nébulisation, de façon aisée pour l'utilisateur et d'une manière commercialement valable pour le fabriquant.In the context of an industrial implementation of such a nebulizing device, a general objective of the present invention is to provide a method for supplying liquid such a nebulization device, easily for the user and a commercially valid way for the manufacturer.
A cet effet, une idée de l'invention est d'alimenter le dispositif en liquide en utilisant en tant que réservoir principal 1 une cartouche amovible a usage unique.For this purpose, an idea of the invention is to supply the device with liquid by using as a main reservoir 1 a disposable removable cartridge.
La réalisation d'une telle cartouche pose toutefois divers problèmes en raison de contraintes techniques et économiques à respecter, notamment : 1) avant d'être mise en place dans le dispositif de nébulisation, la cartouche doit contenir le liquide de manière totalement étanche et doit être transportable,The realization of such a cartridge, however, poses various problems due to technical and economic constraints to be met, including: 1) before being put into place in the nebuliser device, the cartridge must contain the liquid in a completely watertight manner and must be transportable,
2) la cartouche étant à usage unique, elle doit être réalisée avec le moins de matière possible, pour être d'un faible prix de revient,2) the cartridge being disposable, it must be made with the least possible material, to be of low cost,
3) la cartouche doit comprendre une interface, telle un moyen d'operculage pouvant être percé afin de mettre en communication de façon étanche l'intérieur de la cartouche avec la canalisation menant à la tête de nébulisation,3) the cartridge must include an interface, such as a sealing means that can be pierced in order to seal the interior of the cartridge with the pipe leading to the nebulizing head,
4) la cartouche doit être d'une mise en place simple et aisée dans le dispositif de nébulisation, sans risque de fuite accidentelle de liquide au moment de son installation, et4) the cartridge must be of a simple and easy installation in the nebulizing device, without risk of accidental leakage of liquid at the time of its installation, and
5) une fois la cartouche installée, le liquide à 1 ' intérieur de la cartouche doit être maintenu au voisinage de la pression atmosphérique, pour que la cartouche puisse se vider progressivement sans qu'apparaisse une dépression qui limiterait le débit du liquide à l'entrée de la tête de nébulisation voire qui empêcherait le liquide de s'écouler dans la canalisation.5) Once the cartridge is installed, the liquid inside the cartridge must be kept close to the atmospheric pressure, so that the cartridge can be emptied gradually without appearing a depression that would limit the flow of liquid to the entry of the nebulizing head or even that would prevent the liquid from flowing in the pipe.
Ainsi, la présente invention vise à satisfaire des exigences qui apparaissent contradictoires. Notamment, réaliser la cartouche avec un minimum de matière implique que la cartouche sera souple et donc difficile à manipuler, alors que le perçage d'un moyen d'operculage en caoutchouc nécessite d'exercer une pression assez importante sur la cartouche et .nécessite ainsi une bonne rigidité de la cartouche .Thus, the present invention aims to meet requirements that appear contradictory. In particular, making the cartridge with a minimum of material implies that the cartridge will be flexible and therefore difficult to handle, while the drilling of a rubber sealing means requires to exert a significant pressure on the cartridge and .necessite thus good rigidity of the cartridge.
En résumé, la présente invention vise une cartouche à faible prix de revient qui puisse être facilement manipulée et installée dans un dispositif de nébulisation, sans risque d'écoulement intempestif de liquide à nébuliser en dehors du circuit de liquide du dispositif de nébulisation.In summary, the present invention aims at a low cost cartridge that can be easily handled and installed in a nebulizer device, without risk of inadvertent flow of liquid to be sprayed outside the liquid circuit of the nebulizer device.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est de réaliser un système d'alimentation en liquide de la tête de nébulisation qui soit simple et peu coûteux, et permette la réalisation d'un dispositif de nébulisation utilisable en tous lieux et dans des conditions difficiles, notamment en présence de chocs et de vibrations .Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid supply system of the fogging head that is simple and inexpensive, and allows the realization of a nebulization device used anywhere and in difficult conditions, including in the presence of shocks and vibrations.
Pour atteindre ces objectifs, la présente invention prévoit un procédé pour alimenter en liquide un dispositif de nébulisation de liquide, comprenant les étapes consistant à réaliser une cartouche comprenant des parois souples et déformables, au moins une première zone de renfort et un orifice d'écoulement de liquide, disposer du liquide à nébuliser dans la cartouche et obturer l'orifice avec une membrane, équiper le dispositif de nébulisation d'un boîtier comprenant un logement de réception de la cartouche et d'un moyen de perçage de la membrane agencé sous le logement, et engager la cartouche dans le logement en disposant la membrane au-dessus du moyen de perçage, puis appuyer sur la première zone de renfort pour percer la membrane.To achieve these objectives, the present invention provides a method for supplying liquid to a liquid nebulizer device, comprising the steps of providing a cartridge comprising flexible and deformable walls, at least a first reinforcing zone and a flow orifice of liquid, to arrange the liquid to be atomized in the cartridge and to close the orifice with a membrane, to equip the nebulizing device with a housing comprising a housing for receiving the cartridge and a means for piercing the membrane arranged under the housing, and engage the cartridge in the housing by arranging the membrane above the piercing means, and then press the first reinforcing zone to pierce the membrane.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à prévoir sur la cartouche une zone amincie destinée à être percée pour mettre le liquide à l'intérieur de la cartouche à la pression atmosphérique, ne remplir la cartouche que partiellement de liquide à nébuliser, de manière que la zone amincie s'étende au-dessus de la surface du liquide lorsque la cartouche est agencée dans le dispositif de nébulisation, et percer la zone amincie lorsque la cartouche est introduite dans le logement.According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing on the cartridge a thinned zone intended to be pierced to put the liquid inside the cartridge at atmospheric pressure, filling the cartridge only partially with nebulizing liquid so that the thinned area extends above the surface of the liquid when the cartridge is arranged in the nebulizing device, and pierce the thinned area when the cartridge is introduced into the housing.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la zone amincie est formée sur une face arrière de la cartouche dans une région adjacente à une face supérieure de la cartouche, la cartouche étant remplie de liquide à nébuliser jusqu'à un niveau immédiatement en dessous de la zone amincie.According to one embodiment, the thinned zone is formed on a rear face of the cartridge in a region adjacent to an upper face of the cartridge, the cartridge being filled with liquid to be sprayed to a level immediately below the thinned zone.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le procédé comprend une étape consistant à prévoir dans une partie haute du logement un moyen de perçage de la partie amincie de la cartouche solidaire du boîtier.According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing in an upper part of the housing a means for drilling the thinned portion of the cartridge secured to the housing.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à prévoir sur la cartouche au moins une seconde zone de renfort, et appuyer sur la seconde zone de renfort pour percer la partie amincie avec le moyen de perçage, après avoir engagé la cartouche dans le logement et avoir percé la membrane.According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing on the cartridge at least a second reinforcing zone, and pressing on the second reinforcing zone to pierce the thinned portion with the piercing means, after engaging the cartridge in housing and piercing the membrane.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la seconde zone de renfort est conformée de manière à ceinturer la cartouche de part et d'autre de la zone amincie.According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing zone is shaped so as to surround the cartridge on either side of the thinned zone.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à prévoir sur la cartouche un manchon s 'étendant à partir d'une face inférieure de la cartouche, et présentant une extrémité distale formant l'orifice d'écoulement de liquide, conformer la cartouche de manière que celle-ci présente une hauteur sensiblement égale à la hauteur du logement sans tenir compte du manchon, conformer la cartouche de manière que celle-ci présente une face latérale comportant un décrochement permettant d'engager partiellement la cartouche dans le logement tout en plaçant le manchon au-dessus du moyen de perçage de la membrane, et, après perçage de la membrane, abaisser la cartouche et faire pivoter la cartouche autour du moyen de perçage, pour que le reste de la cartouche pénètre dans le logement.According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing on the cartridge a sleeve extending from a lower face of the cartridge, and having a distal end forming the liquid flow orifice, conforming the cartridge so that it has a height substantially equal to the height of the housing without taking into account the sleeve, conforming the cartridge so that it has a side face having a recess for partially engaging the cartridge in the housing while placing the sleeve above the piercing means of the membrane, and, after piercing the membrane, lowering the cartridge and rotating the cartridge around the piercing means, so that the remainder of the cartridge enters the housing.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la première zone de renfort est conformée de manière à ceinturer la cartouche en passant au voisinage de l'orifice d'écoulement. Selon un mode de réalisation, la cartouche est conformée de manière à présenter une hauteur inférieure à sa largeur .According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing zone is shaped so as to surround the cartridge passing in the vicinity of the flow orifice. According to one embodiment, the cartridge is shaped to have a height less than its width.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif de nébulisation de liquide comporte une tête de nébulisation vibrante comprenant un tube capillaire et une buse d'éjection de liquide, alimentée par le liquide présent dans la cartouche, le procédé comprenant une étape consistant à prévoir dans le dispositif de nébulisation, une canalisation sans moyen de pompage et sans réservoir intermédiaire pour relier la cartouche à la tête de nébulisation, la tête de nébulisation étant alimentée en liquide sous l'effet d'une pression hydrostatique due à une différence de hauteur entre le niveau de liquide dans la cartouche et la tête de nébulisation.According to one embodiment, the liquid nebulizer device comprises a vibrating nebulization head comprising a capillary tube and a liquid ejection nozzle, fed by the liquid present in the cartridge, the method comprising a step of providing in the nebulizing device, a pipeline without pumping means and without intermediate reservoir for connecting the cartridge to the nebulizing head, the nebulizing head being supplied with liquid under the effect of a hydrostatic pressure due to a difference in height between the level of liquid in the cartridge and the nebulizing head.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le logement recevant la cartouche est agencé au-dessus de la tête de nébulisation, à une hauteur suffisante pour exercer sur le liquide à l'entrée du tube capillaire, pendant des cycles de nébulisation, une pression hydrostatique supérieure à un premier seuil de pression au-delà duquel le liquide coule à travers la tête de nébulisation quand celle-ci est à l'arrêt, mais inférieure à un second seuil de pression au-delà duquel le liquide coulerait à travers la tête de nébulisation lorsque celle-ci est entraînée en vibration.According to one embodiment, the housing receiving the cartridge is arranged above the nebulizing head, at a height sufficient to exert on the liquid at the inlet of the capillary tube, during nebulization cycles, a hydrostatic pressure greater than a first pressure threshold beyond which the liquid flows through the nebulizing head when it is stopped, but below a second pressure threshold beyond which the liquid would flow through the nebulizing head when it is driven in vibration.
L'invention concerne également une cartouche pour dispositif de nébulisation de liquide, contenant ou destinée à contenir un liquide à nébuliser et présentant un orifice d'écoulement du liquide.The invention also relates to a cartridge for liquid nebulizing device, containing or intended to contain a liquid to be sprayed and having a liquid flow orifice.
Selon l'invention, la cartouche comprend une enveloppe comportant des parois souples et déformables et au moins une première zone de renfort servant de zone d'appui sur l'enveloppe pour percer une membrane obturant l'orifice d'écoulement lors de l'installation de la cartouche dans un dispositif de nébulisation.According to the invention, the cartridge comprises an envelope comprising flexible and deformable walls and at least a first reinforcing zone serving as a support zone on the envelope for piercing a closing membrane the flow orifice when installing the cartridge in a nebulizer device.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la cartouche contient du liquide et la membrane obture l'orifice d'écoulement.According to one embodiment, the cartridge contains liquid and the membrane closes the flow orifice.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la cartouche est partiellement remplie de liquide et comprend une zone amincie destinée à être percée pour mettre le liquide à la pression atmosphérique, la zone amincie étant agencée au-dessus de la surface du liquide lorsque la cartouche est installée dans une position d'utilisation dans un dispositif de nébulisation.According to one embodiment, the cartridge is partially filled with liquid and comprises a thinned area intended to be pierced to bring the liquid to atmospheric pressure, the thinned zone being arranged above the surface of the liquid when the cartridge is installed in a position of use in a nebulizing device.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la zone amincie est formée sur une face arrière de l'enveloppe dans une région adjacente à une face supérieure de l'enveloppe, la cartouche étant remplie de liquide à nébuliser jusqu'à un niveau immédiatement en dessous de la zone amincie lorsqu'elle est dans la position d'utilisation.According to one embodiment, the thinned zone is formed on a rear face of the envelope in a region adjacent to an upper face of the envelope, the cartridge being filled with liquid to be sprayed to a level immediately below the envelope. thinned area when in the use position.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la cartouche comprend au moins une seconde zone de renfort servant de zone d'appui sur la cartouche pour percer la zone amincie lors de l ' installation de la cartouche dans un dispositif de nébulisation.According to one embodiment, the cartridge comprises at least a second reinforcing zone serving as a support zone on the cartridge for piercing the thinned zone during the installation of the cartridge in a nebulization device.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la seconde zone de renfort ceinture l'enveloppe de part et d'autre de la zone amincie.According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing zone surrounds the envelope on both sides of the thinned zone.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la zone amincie présente une épaisseur comprise entre 0,1 et 0,5 mm, et l'épaisseur de la seconde zone de renfort dans laquelle est formée la zone amincie est comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5 mm.According to one embodiment, the thinned zone has a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second reinforcing zone in which the thinned zone is formed is between 0.8 and 1.5. mm.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'orifice d'écoulement de liquide comprend un manchon s 'étendant à partir d'une face inférieure de l'enveloppe, l'enveloppe comprenant une face latérale présentant un décrochement permettant d'engager la cartouche dans un dispositif de nébulisation tout en plaçant le manchon au-dessus d'un moyen de percement de la membrane .According to one embodiment, the liquid flow orifice comprises a sleeve extending from a lower face of the envelope, the envelope comprising a lateral face having a recess for engaging the cartridge in a nebulizing device while placing the sleeve above a piercing means of the membrane.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la première zone de renfort ceinture l'enveloppe en passant par l'orifice d'écoulement ou au voisinage de celui-ci.According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing zone surrounds the envelope through the flow orifice or in the vicinity thereof.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'enveloppe présente une épaisseur comprise entre 0,3 et 0,8 mm, et l'épaisseur de la première zone de renfort est comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5 mm.According to one embodiment, the casing has a thickness of between 0.3 and 0.8 mm, and the thickness of the first reinforcing zone is between 0.8 and 1.5 mm.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'enveloppe est réalisée en polyéthylène haute densité.According to one embodiment, the envelope is made of high density polyethylene.
Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages ainsi que d'autres de la présente invention seront exposés plus en détail dans la description suivante du procédé de l'invention et d'un exemple de réalisation d'une cartouche et d'un dispositif de nébulisation selon l'invention, faite à titre non limitatif en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles : la figure 1 précédemment décrite représente schématiquement un dispositif de nébulisation classique ;These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in more detail in the following description of the process of the invention and an embodiment of a cartridge and a nebulizer device according to the invention. invention, made in a nonlimiting manner in relation to the attached figures among which: Figure 1 previously described schematically shows a conventional nebulizer device;
- la figure 2 représente en perspective une cartouche selon l'invention ;- Figure 2 shows in perspective a cartridge according to the invention;
- la figure 3 est une vue en perspective représentant un dispositif de nébulisation selon 1 ' invention et illustrant l'installation de la cartouche dans le dispositif ;FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a nebulization device according to the invention and illustrating the installation of the cartridge in the device;
- la figure 4 est une vue latérale en coupe partielle de la cartouche et du dispositif de nébulisation ;- Figure 4 is a partial sectional side view of the cartridge and the nebulizing device;
- la figure 5 est une vue de dessus en coupe partielle du dispositif de nébulisation et de plusieurs positions successives de la cartouche, durant l'installation de celle-ci ; et - la figure 6 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de nébulisation une fois la cartouche installée dans le dispositif.- Figure 5 is a top view in partial section of the nebulizing device and several successive positions of the cartridge, during the installation thereof; and - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the nebulizing device once the cartridge installed in the device.
La figure 2 représente une cartouche selon 1 ' invention comprenant une enveloppe 1 ayant une forme allongée sensiblement parallélépipédique aux arêtes arrondies. La cartouche présente une face supérieure la, une face inférieure Ib, une face latérale droite Ic, une face latérale gauche (non référencée) , une face arrière Id (apparaissant ici comme une face avant car la cartouche est vue de dos) et une face avant le. La cartouche comprend également un manchon 2 s ' étendant perpendiculairement à la face inférieure Ib de 1' enveloppe.Figure 2 shows a cartridge according to the invention comprising a casing 1 having an elongated substantially parallelepiped shape with rounded edges. The cartridge has an upper face 1a, a lower face Ib, a right lateral face Ic, a left side face (not referenced), a rear face Id (appearing here as a front face because the cartridge is seen from the back) and a face before. The cartridge also comprises a sleeve 2 extending perpendicularly to the lower face Ib of the casing.
La cartouche présente une hauteur, une largeur et une profondeur. La hauteur de la cartouche est définie ici comme étant la distance entre la face supérieure la et la face inférieure Ib, la largeur de la cartouche comme étant la distance entre la face latérale droite le et la face latérale gauche, et la profondeur de la cartouche comme étant la distance entre les faces avant et arrière le, Id.The cartridge has a height, a width and a depth. The height of the cartridge is here defined as the distance between the upper face 1a and the lower face Ib, the width of the cartridge as the distance between the right side face 1c and the left side face, and the depth of the cartridge as the distance between the front and rear faces, Id.
La face latérale droite Ic est ici moins haute que la face latérale gauche et la cartouche présente un décrochement horizontal 3 sensiblement parallèle aux faces la, Ib, suivi d'une face latérale décalée 3a, sensiblement parallèle à la face latérale Ic, rejoignant la face supérieure la (le décrochement 3 et la face décalée 3a formant une sorte de "marche d'escalier").The right lateral face Ic is here lower than the left lateral face and the cartridge has a horizontal recess 3 substantially parallel to the faces la, Ib, followed by an offset lateral face 3a, substantially parallel to the lateral face Ic, joining the face upper la (the recess 3 and the shifted face 3a forming a kind of "step").
Le manchon 2 est disposé sensiblement au droit de la face décalée 3a et son extrémité distale forme une ouverture utilisée pour le remplissage de la cartouche. Une fois la cartouche remplie, l'extrémité distale du manchon est fermée par un septum 7. Le septum 7 est par exemple une membrane en caoutchouc fixée à l'extrémité distale du manchon par une couronne métallique.The sleeve 2 is disposed substantially in line with the offset face 3a and its distal end forms an opening used for filling the cartridge. Once the cartridge is filled, the distal end of the sleeve is closed by a septum 7. The septum 7 is for example a rubber membrane attached to the distal end of the sleeve by a metal ring.
L'enveloppe 1 de la cartouche présente une hauteur assez faible, pour limiter les variations de la pression hydrostatique dans un circuit de distribution de liquide en fonction du niveau de remplissage de la cartouche. De préférence, la largeur de la cartouche est supérieure à sa hauteur pour que la cartouche présente un volume interne satisfaisant. Pour fixer les idées, la cartouche présente par exemple une hauteur de l'ordre de 5,3 cm, une largeur de 1 ' ordre de 15,5 cm et une profondeur de 1 ' ordre de 7,3 cm.The casing 1 of the cartridge has a fairly low height, to limit the variations of the hydrostatic pressure in a liquid distribution circuit according to the level of filling of the cartridge. Preferably, the width of the cartridge is greater than its height for the cartridge to have a satisfactory internal volume. To fix ideas, the cartridge has for example a height of the order of 5.3 cm, a width of the order of 15.5 cm and a depth of the order of 7.3 cm.
L'enveloppe 1 de la cartouche est réalisée dans un matériau résistant à l'agressivité des liquides tels que les parfums et les huiles essentielles, et de préférence recyclable, par exemple un polymère tel que du polyéthylène haute densité. L'enveloppe 1 présente une faible épaisseur comprise entre 0,3 et 0,8 mm, de préférence de l'ordre de 0,4 mm, de manière à être réalisée avec une quantité minimum de matière et à moindre coût. Elle présente donc une certaine souplesse.The casing 1 of the cartridge is made of a material resistant to the aggressiveness of liquids such as perfumes and essential oils, and preferably recyclable, for example a polymer such as high density polyethylene. The casing 1 has a small thickness of between 0.3 and 0.8 mm, preferably of the order of 0.4 mm, so as to be carried out with a minimum amount of material and at a lower cost. It therefore has a certain flexibility.
L'enveloppe 1 présente également, selon l'invention, des zones de renfort 5a, 5b de plus forte épaisseur (délimitées par des lignes en traits interrompus) qui seront décrites plus loin de façon plus détaillée.The envelope 1 also has, according to the invention, reinforcement zones 5a, 5b of greater thickness (delimited by lines in broken lines) which will be described later in more detail.
Les figures 3 à 5 illustrent la mise en place de la cartouche 1 dans un dispositif de nébulisation selon l'invention. Le dispositif est équipé d'un boîtier 10 comprenant une base 11 refermée par un couvercle 12, la base étant destinée à être accrochée à une surface verticale (mur) . La base 11 comprend un logement 15 prévu pour recevoir la cartouche 1 et un coffret 13 recevant la canalisation de liquide (31, 34, fig. 1) ainsi que les circuits électriques de contrôle et de commande du dispositif de nébulisation (circuits EXCT, CNTCT, fig. 1) . La tête de nébulisation, non représentée dans un souci de simplicité, a son extrémité distaie qui débouche par exemple sur la face avant du coffret 13 , à travers une ouverture pratiquée à cet effet, une ouverture correspondante étant prévue sur la face avant du couvercle 12.Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the introduction of the cartridge 1 in a nebulizing device according to the invention. The device is equipped with a housing 10 comprising a base 11 closed by a cover 12, the base being intended to be attached to a vertical surface (wall). The base 11 comprises a housing 15 provided for receiving the cartridge 1 and a box 13 receiving the liquid pipe (31, 34, Fig. 1) as well as the electrical circuits for controlling and controlling the nebulizing device (EXCT circuits, CNTCT , fig. 1). The nebulizing head, not shown for the sake of simplicity, has its distal end which opens for example on the front of the cabinet 13, through an opening made for this purpose, a corresponding opening being provided on the front face of the lid 12 .
Le logement 15 se trouve au-dessus du coffret 13 et ce dernier comprend une ouverture supérieure 14 prévue pour recevoir le manchon 2.The housing 15 is above the box 13 and the latter comprises an upper opening 14 provided for receiving the sleeve 2.
Sur la figure 4, il apparaît que l'ouverture 14 pratiquée dans le coffret 13 donne accès à l'entrée 18 du circuit de liquide du dispositif de nébulisation (correspondant sur le schéma de principe de la figure 1 à la partie de la canalisation 34 débouchant dans le réservoir 1). L'entrée 18 de la canalisation est agencée pour recevoir le manchon 2 et comporte une aiguille creuse 19 prévue pour percer le septum 7 obturant l'extrémité distale du manchon 2, et mettre ainsi en communication de façon étanche l'intérieur de la cartouche avec la canalisation ou circuit de liquide du dispositif de nébulisation.In FIG. 4, it appears that the opening 14 made in the box 13 gives access to the inlet 18 of the liquid circuit of the nebulization device (corresponding in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 to the part of the pipe 34 opening into the tank 1). The inlet 18 of the pipe is arranged to receive the sleeve 2 and has a hollow needle 19 provided for piercing the septum 7 closing the distal end of the sleeve 2, and thus sealingly communicating the inside of the cartridge with the pipe or liquid circuit of the nebulizing device.
La cartouche est tout d'abord engagée perpendiculairement dans le logement 15 du boîtier 10, la face latérale droite Ic de l ' enveloppe 1 étant présentée en premier. A cet effet, la hauteur d entre la face supérieure la de l'enveloppe 1 et le décrochement horizontal 3 est sensiblement égale à la longueur du manchon 2. La cartouche peut donc s ' engager dans le logement 15 jusqu'à ce que le septum 7 soit en regard de l'aiguille 19. Lorsque cette position est atteinte, la cartouche 1 est déplacée vers le bas (suivant la direction indiquée par la flèche 16 sur la figure 3) .The cartridge is first engaged perpendicularly in the housing 15 of the housing 10, the right side face Ic of the casing 1 being presented first. For this purpose, the height d between the upper face of the casing 1 and the horizontal recess 3 is substantially equal to the length of the sleeve 2. The cartridge can therefore engage in the housing 15 until the septum 7 is opposite the needle 19. When this position is reached, the cartridge 1 is moved downwards (in the direction indicated by the arrow 16 in FIG. 3).
Pour que l'aiguille 19 perce le septum 7, une pression doit être exercée sur la face supérieure la de l'enveloppe qui est souple et déformable. A cet effet, la „For the needle 19 to pierce the septum 7, a pressure must be exerted on the upper face of the envelope which is flexible and deformable. For this purpose, "
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zone de renfort 5a mentionnée plus haut ceinture l'enveloppe 1 et s'étend ainsi le long de la face supérieure la, de la face arrière Id, de la face inférieure Ib et de la face avant le en passant au voisinage de la zone de jonction du manchon 2 avec l'enveloppe ou en s ' étendant jusqu'à cette zone de jonction. Ainsi, la partie de la zone de renfort 5a située sur la face supérieure la sert de zone d'appui pour percer le septum 7, tout en empêchant une déformation sensible de l'enveloppe.reinforcement zone 5a mentioned above belt the envelope 1 and thus extends along the upper face la, the rear face Id, the lower face Ib and the front face the passing in the vicinity of the zone of joining the sleeve 2 with the envelope or extending to this junction zone. Thus, the portion of the reinforcing zone 5a located on the upper face serves as a support zone for piercing the septum 7, while preventing significant deformation of the envelope.
Lorsque la face inférieure Ib de la cartouche se trouve en appui sur le coffret 14 , le septum 7 est percé et l'intérieur de la cartouche se trouve en communication avec le dispositif de nébulisation 10. Dans cette position, on fait pivoter la cartouche 1 (suivant la direction indiquée par la flèche 16b représentée sur la figure 3) autour de l'aiguille 19, qui sert de pivot, jusqu'à ce que la face arrière Id de l'enveloppe 1 arrive en butée contre le fond de la base 11 du boîtier.When the lower face Ib of the cartridge rests on the casing 14, the septum 7 is pierced and the inside of the cartridge is in communication with the nebulizing device 10. In this position, the cartridge 1 is rotated. (in the direction indicated by the arrow 16b shown in Figure 3) around the needle 19, which serves as a pivot, until the rear face Id of the casing 1 abuts against the bottom of the base 11 of the case.
La figure 5 représente en vue de dessus les positions initiale 1-1, intermédiaire 1-2 et finale 1-3 de la cartouche au cours du mouvement de pivotement de la cartouche. La face latérale Ic de l'enveloppe 1 doit être suffisamment étroite et présenter des arêtes latérales suffisamment arrondies pour ne pas buter contre le fond de la base 11 durant le mouvement de pivotement de la cartouche 1, comme illustré par la position intermédiaire 1-2. Dans la position finale 1-3, la cartouche se trouve complètement engagée dans son logement 15 dans le boîtier 10, comme illustré par la figure 6.Figure 5 shows in top view the initial positions 1-1, intermediate 1-2 and final 1-3 of the cartridge during the pivoting movement of the cartridge. The lateral face Ic of the envelope 1 must be sufficiently narrow and have sufficiently rounded lateral edges so as not to abut against the bottom of the base 11 during the pivoting movement of the cartridge 1, as illustrated by the intermediate position 1-2 . In the final position 1-3, the cartridge is fully engaged in its housing 15 in the housing 10, as shown in FIG.
Avant d'atteindre la position finale 1-3, une pointe 17 (figure 3) vient au contact d'une zone amincie 4 de la cartouche, puis perce cette zone amincie en pratiquant ainsi dans l ' enveloppe un orifice 4 permettant de mettre le liquide à la pression atmosphérique (l'orifice venant ici en lieu et place de la zone amincie 4, il est désigné par la même référence que la zone amincie) . La pointe 17 est disposée dans le logement 15, perpendiculairement à la base 11 du boîtier, et est solidaire de la base 11. De préférence, la zone amincie 4 présente une épaisseur encore plus réduite que les parties de l'enveloppe s ' étendant entre les zones de renfort 5a, 5b.Before reaching the final position 1-3, a tip 17 (FIG. 3) comes into contact with a thinned zone 4 of the cartridge, then pierces this thinned zone, thus forming an orifice 4 in the envelope making it possible to put the liquid at atmospheric pressure (the orifice here in place of the thinned zone 4, it is designated by the same reference as the thinned zone). The tip 17 is disposed in the housing 15, perpendicularly to the base 11 of the housing, and is integral with the base 11. Preferably, the thinned zone 4 has a thickness even smaller than the parts of the envelope extending between the reinforcement zones 5a, 5b.
La zone de renfort 5b mentionnée plus haut s'étend parallèlement à la zone de renfort 5a et comporte deux bandes ceinturant la cartouche 1 de part et d'autre de la zone amincie 4. La partie de la zone de renfort 5b s ' étendant sur la face avant le, à l'opposé de la zone amincie 4, sert ainsi de zone d'appui pour percer l'enveloppe dans la zone amincie 4, tout en empêchant une déformation sensible de l'enveloppe.The reinforcing zone 5b mentioned above extends parallel to the reinforcing zone 5a and comprises two belts surrounding the cartridge 1 on either side of the thinned zone 4. The part of the reinforcing zone 5b extending on the front face, opposite the thinned zone 4, thus serves as a support zone for piercing the envelope in the thinned zone 4, while preventing a significant deformation of the envelope.
Les zones de renfort 5a, 5b présentent par exemple une épaisseur comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5 mm, de préférence de l'ordre de 1 mm, tandis que la zone amincie 4 présente une épaisseur comprise entre 0,1 et 0,5 mm, de préférence de l'ordre de 0,2 mm.The reinforcing zones 5a, 5b have, for example, a thickness of between 0.8 and 1.5 mm, preferably of the order of 1 mm, while the thinned zone 4 has a thickness of between 0.1 and 0, 5 mm, preferably of the order of 0.2 mm.
Avantageusement, la zone 4 est prévue dans un bossage 6 formé sur la face supérieure la de la cartouche dans une région d'arête entre la face supérieure la et la face arrière Id. La cartouche est ainsi percée au plus près de sa face supérieure la. Il en résulte que la cartouche peut être presque totalement remplie jusqu'à un niveau situé juste en dessous de la zone amincie 4, et que le percement ultérieur de la zone amincie, pour former l'orifice 4, peut être effectué sans risque d'écoulement de liquide.Advantageously, the zone 4 is provided in a boss 6 formed on the upper face 1a of the cartridge in a ridge region between the upper face 1a and the rear face Id. The cartridge is thus pierced as close to its upper face as the . As a result, the cartridge can be almost completely filled to a level just below the thinned zone 4, and the subsequent piercing of the thinned zone, to form the orifice 4, can be carried out without risk of liquid flow.
Il est à noter que la souplesse de la cartouche est augmentée par le fait que celle-ci n'est pas totalement remplie. Sans les zones de renfort 5a, 5b, il serait difficile, voire impossible d'appuyer sur la cartouche pour obtenir le percement du septum 7 et de l'orifice 4. Par ailleurs, on peut remarquer sur la figure 6 que le volume du logement 15 est presque totalement occupé par la cartouche 1. Ce résultat est atteint grâce à la forme particulière de la cartouche et à la position du manchon 2 sur la face inférieure Ib. Cette disposition permet d'obtenir un dispositif de nébulisation particulièrement compact ayant une autonomie relativement importante .It should be noted that the flexibility of the cartridge is increased by the fact that it is not completely filled. Without the reinforcement zones 5a, 5b, it would be difficult or impossible to press the cartridge to obtain the piercing of the septum 7 and the orifice 4. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 6 that the volume of the housing 15 is almost completely occupied by the cartridge 1. This result is achieved by the particular shape of the cartridge and the position of the sleeve 2 on the lower face Ib. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a particularly compact nebulization device having a relatively large autonomy.
La cartouche 1 peut être fabriquée par extrusion et soufflage de matière fluidifiée dans un moule. De cette manière, l'épaisseur de la cartouche peut être contrôlée précisément pour former notamment les zones de renfort 5a, 5b et la zone amincie 4. Le manchon peut être fabriqué séparément et disposé dans le moule avant la fabrication de la cartouche.The cartridge 1 can be manufactured by extrusion and blowing of fluidized material into a mold. In this way, the thickness of the cartridge can be precisely controlled to form including the reinforcing zones 5a, 5b and the thinned zone 4. The sleeve can be manufactured separately and placed in the mold before the manufacture of the cartridge.
Comme indiqué plus haut, la faible hauteur de la cartouche offre l'avantage d'une faible variation de la hauteur de la colonne de liquide (entre le niveau de liquide dans la cartouche et la tête de nébulisation) au fur et à mesure que la cartouche se vide, et par conséquent une faible variation de la pression hydrostatique. Ainsi, dans un mode de réalisation du dispositif de nébulisation, le réservoir intermédiaire 33 représenté sur le schéma de principe de la figure 1 est purement et simplement supprimé. Dans ce cas, les canalisations 31 et 34 représentées en figure 1 ne forment qu'une seule canalisation et la pompe de remplissage 35 est remplacée par une vanne d'ouverture et de fermeture de la canalisation.As indicated above, the low height of the cartridge has the advantage of a small variation in the height of the liquid column (between the liquid level in the cartridge and the nebulization head) as the cartridge empties, and therefore a small variation in hydrostatic pressure. Thus, in one embodiment of the nebulization device, the intermediate reservoir 33 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 is purely and simply deleted. In this case, the pipes 31 and 34 shown in Figure 1 form a single pipe and the filling pump 35 is replaced by a valve opening and closing the pipe.
De plus, selon un aspect optionnel mais avantageux de l'invention, la position de la cartouche (position du logement 15, figure 3) par rapport à la tête de nébulisation, et plus particulièrement la hauteur de la cartouche par rapport à la tête de nébulisation, est choisie de manière1 qu'apparaisse à l'entrée du tube capillaire, pendant des cycles de nébulisation (vanne ouverte) , une pression hydrostatique déterminée. Selon l'invention, cette pression déterminée est supérieure à un premier seuil de pression au-delà duquel le liquide coule à travers la tête de nébulisation quand celle-ci est à l'arrêt, mais inférieure à un second seuil de pression au-delà duquel le liquide coule à travers la tête de nébulisation lorsque celle-ci est entraînée en vibration.In addition, according to an optional but advantageous aspect of the invention, the position of the cartridge (position of the housing 15, Figure 3) relative to the nebulizing head, and more particularly the height of the cartridge relative to the head of the nebulization, is chosen so that 1 appears at the entrance of the tube capillary, during nebulization cycles (open valve), a determined hydrostatic pressure. According to the invention, this determined pressure is greater than a first pressure threshold beyond which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when it is stopped, but below a second pressure threshold beyond which the liquid flows through the nebulizing head when it is driven in vibration.
Une telle pression, correspondant à une surpression par rapport à la pression atmosphérique qui s'exerce en sortie de la tête de nébulisation, permet d'augmenter sensiblement le débit de liquide nébulisé en régime vibratoire. La vanne qui remplace la pompe 35 représentée en figure 1, doit alors être refermée entre les cycles de nébulisation pour éviter les écoulements . Un autre avantage qu'offre la prévision d'une telle surpression est d'amoindrir la sensibilité du dispositif de nébulisation vis-à-vis des variations de niveau de liquide dans la cartouche (y compris en cas de choc ou de mouvement, par exemple lorsque le dispositif est agencé dans un train ou dans un autocar) . Il n'est donc plus nécessaire de surveiller le niveau de liquide au moyen d'un détecteur de niveau, la seule contrainte à respecter étant que le premier seuil de pression hydrostatique ne soit pas dépassé lorsque le niveau de liquide est maximal dans la cartouche.Such a pressure, corresponding to an overpressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure exerted at the outlet of the nebulizing head, makes it possible to substantially increase the flow rate of nebulized liquid under vibratory conditions. The valve which replaces the pump 35 shown in FIG. 1, must then be closed again between the nebulization cycles in order to avoid the flows. Another advantage offered by the provision of such an overpressure is to reduce the sensitivity of the nebulizing device vis-à-vis the variations in liquid level in the cartridge (including in case of impact or movement, for example when the device is arranged in a train or a coach). It is therefore no longer necessary to monitor the liquid level by means of a level sensor, the only constraint to be respected is that the first hydrostatic pressure threshold is not exceeded when the liquid level is maximum in the cartridge.
Il apparaîtra clairement à l'homme de l'art que la cartouche et le dispositif de nébulisation selon la présente invention sont susceptibles de diverses autres variantes de réalisation. Notamment, la zone amincie 4 permettant de pratiquer l'orifice 4 peut être agencée sur la face supérieure la de la cartouche, et être percée au moyen d'un outil externe à travers un œil prévu dans la partie supérieure du couvercle 12. L'orifice 4 peut également être pré-percé et être bouché par un opercule à arracher au moment de l ' installation de la cartouche . De façon générale, la prévision d'un orifice de mise à la pression atmosphérique est une caractéristique optionnelle de l'invention. L'enveloppe de la cartouche peut par exemple être soumise à une force d ' écrasement élastique permettant de maintenir une pression interne sensiblement constante au fur et à mesure que la cartouche se vide. Toutefois, cette solution est moins satisfaisante car il est difficile de réaliser une cartouche qui s'écrase totalement tout en ayant des zones de renfort. Il reste donc inévitablement dans la cartouche en fin d'utilisation un peu de liquide qui ne peut pas être nébulisé, à moins de prévoir un système de pompage onéreux. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the cartridge and the nebulizer device according to the present invention are susceptible of various other embodiments. In particular, the thinned zone 4 making it possible to practice the orifice 4 can be arranged on the upper face 1a of the cartridge, and be pierced by means of an external tool through an eye provided in the upper part of the lid 12. orifice 4 can also be pre-drilled and plugged by a cap to be removed at the time of installation of the cartridge. In general, the provision of an atmospheric pressure port is an optional feature of the invention. The envelope of the cartridge may for example be subjected to an elastic crushing force to maintain a substantially constant internal pressure as the cartridge empties. However, this solution is less satisfactory because it is difficult to make a cartridge that crashes completely while having reinforcement zones. It therefore inevitably remains in the cartridge at the end of use a little liquid that can not be nebulized unless an expensive pumping system.
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE602006004474T DE602006004474D1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2006-10-04 | METHOD FOR SUPPLYING LIQUID TO A SPRAYING DEVICE AND CARTRIDGE FOR SUCH SPRAYING DEVICE |
| EP06820147A EP1940558B1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2006-10-04 | Method for supplying liquid to a spraying device and cartridge for such a spraying device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR0510733 | 2005-10-20 | ||
| FR0510733A FR2892390B1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2005-10-20 | PROCESS FOR LIQUID FEEDING A NEBULIZATION DEVICE AND CARTRIDGE FOR SUCH A NEBULIZATION DEVICE |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2007045738A1 true WO2007045738A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 |
Family
ID=36637619
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2006/002232 Ceased WO2007045738A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2006-10-04 | Method for supplying liquid to a spraying device and cartridge for such a spraying device |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1940558B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE418395T1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602006004474D1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2892390B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007045738A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009081253A1 (en) * | 2007-12-26 | 2009-07-02 | Osmooze | Device for controlling an atomizing head of an atomizer for spraying liquids into the air |
| EP2775051B1 (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2019-01-16 | Unilever N.V. | Spraying device comprising a metering chamber |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5484083A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1996-01-16 | L'oreal | Receptacle with deformable flexible wall, of the bottle, pouch or tube type |
| US5503302A (en) * | 1995-01-25 | 1996-04-02 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Sealed container puncturer and spray dispensing device |
| JPH10316140A (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1998-12-02 | Tokan Kogyo Co Ltd | Synthetic resin container |
| DE29920874U1 (en) * | 1999-11-26 | 2000-02-24 | Barnickel, Thomas C., 27299 Langwedel | Dispensing device for a particularly flexible container and a set formed therefrom for dispensing liquid or pasty medium |
| EP1008337A1 (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 2000-06-14 | Bracco International B.V. | Medicament container closure with recessed integral spike access means |
-
2005
- 2005-10-20 FR FR0510733A patent/FR2892390B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-10-04 DE DE602006004474T patent/DE602006004474D1/en active Active
- 2006-10-04 EP EP06820147A patent/EP1940558B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2006-10-04 WO PCT/FR2006/002232 patent/WO2007045738A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2006-10-04 AT AT06820147T patent/ATE418395T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5484083A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1996-01-16 | L'oreal | Receptacle with deformable flexible wall, of the bottle, pouch or tube type |
| US5503302A (en) * | 1995-01-25 | 1996-04-02 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Sealed container puncturer and spray dispensing device |
| EP1008337A1 (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 2000-06-14 | Bracco International B.V. | Medicament container closure with recessed integral spike access means |
| JPH10316140A (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1998-12-02 | Tokan Kogyo Co Ltd | Synthetic resin container |
| DE29920874U1 (en) * | 1999-11-26 | 2000-02-24 | Barnickel, Thomas C., 27299 Langwedel | Dispensing device for a particularly flexible container and a set formed therefrom for dispensing liquid or pasty medium |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1999, no. 03 31 March 1999 (1999-03-31) * |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009081253A1 (en) * | 2007-12-26 | 2009-07-02 | Osmooze | Device for controlling an atomizing head of an atomizer for spraying liquids into the air |
| FR2925860A1 (en) * | 2007-12-26 | 2009-07-03 | Osmooze Sa | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A NEBULIZATION HEAD OF A DEVICE OF LIQUIDS IN THE AIR |
| EP2775051B1 (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2019-01-16 | Unilever N.V. | Spraying device comprising a metering chamber |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE602006004474D1 (en) | 2009-02-05 |
| FR2892390B1 (en) | 2008-01-25 |
| EP1940558B1 (en) | 2008-12-24 |
| ATE418395T1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
| FR2892390A1 (en) | 2007-04-27 |
| EP1940558A1 (en) | 2008-07-09 |
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