FR2733487A1 - CLOSING DEVICE FOR A SIDE OPENING OF AN AXIALLY RETRACTABLE DISTRIBUTION, CONTAINER AND METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

Closing device (1) for a container (2) provided with an outlet (9) perpendicular to a main axis (A-A '); and comprising: a fixed part (3); a movable distribution element (4), having an elbow duct (23); complementary shapes (5) for guiding the dispensing element (4) between a closed position and an open position; control means (6); a drive member (7); wherein the control means (6) comprise an outer ring (12) mounted so as to be able to rotate about the main axis (A-A '); rotating securing means (31) connecting the outer ring (12) and the drive member (4); the complementary shapes (5) comprising at least one pair of axial helices; so that the distribution element (4) is moved jointly in rotation and in translation, when the outer ring (12) is rotated.

Description

CLOSING DEVICE FOR A SIDE OPENING OF

  AXIALLY RETRACTABLE DISTRIBUTION, CONTAINER AND METHOD

  The invention relates to a closing device with a pivoting external ring, for a lateral distribution opening which can be retracted axially; a container such as a vial or a squeeze tube intended to contain a liquid or pasty content, equipped with this device; and one

  method of filling a container of this type.

  Closure devices are known in which the lateral dispensing opening is formed in a movable part (see DE-22.11.277; US-4,295,584;

  FR-1,190,757; FR-1,145,077; US-4,779,774; EP-111.813).

  The known devices pose various problems.

  Their tightness, the cleanliness of the dispensing opening after use or the preservation of the contents are such that these devices do not allow

to guarantee the required hygiene.

  Many of these devices are expensive, unreliable or pose problems in molding, assembling, mounting or even filling the container to which they

are associated.

  Their aesthetics are often unattractive.

  And their use is in many cases inconvenient. The invention aims to respond in particular to these problems. To this end, an object of the invention is a closure device intended for a container such as a vial or a squeeze tube provided with an outlet orifice perpendicular to a main axis; and comprising: - a fixed part intended to be integral with the container, which comprises an outlet chimney communicating with the outlet orifice and extending parallel to the axial direction; - A distribution element mounted movable relative to the fixed part, having a bent duct, an axial section of which is connected to the outlet orifice, while the other radial section defines a lateral distribution opening; - complementary forms of guiding the dispensing element relative to the fixed part, between a closed position o the lateral dispensing opening is retracted, and an open position o the opening is released and opens out of the device; control means which can be actuated by a user so that, by means of a drive member integral on the one hand with the control means and on the other hand axially with the dispensing element, the latter is moved between its open and closed positions; in which: the control means comprise an outer ring mounted on the fixed part so as to be able to rotate with respect to this part, around the main axis; rotation securing means connecting the outer ring and the drive member; while the complementary guiding forms comprise at least one pair of axial propellers or no screws, arranged between the fixed part and the drive member and / or the distribution element; so that the drive member and therefore the distribution element are moved jointly in rotation and in translation in an axial direction, relative to the fixed part, when the control means are actuated, by rotation

of the outer ring.

  According to one embodiment, the drive member is mounted so that its rotational movement is centered on the main axis; the radial section being substantially pendular to the main axis; while the axis around which the distribution element can be rotated, is eccentrically radially with respect to the main axis, in the direction of the radial section and opposite the lateral distribution opening in the closed position ; so that in the open position, the free end of the radial section o opens the lateral distribution opening is more distant

  radially from the main axis only in the closed position.

  It can then be provided that the axis of rotation of the dispensing element is eccentric relative to the main axis by a distance at least equal to the radial distance in the closed position between the lateral dispensing opening and the external periphery the ring of the control means; So that in the open position, the side opening

  either projecting radially from the outer ring.

  The radial section of the bent duct can be partially housed in a radial sliding bearing

of the drive member.

  This radial section may have a round or elliptical lateral section, perpendicular to the radial direction of the device. Alternatively, the main axis and the axis along which the axial section of the bent conduit can pivot by

  compared to the fixed part, can be confused.

  The rotational movement of the outer ring and of the distribution element between the closed and open positions is less than 360, preferably between

  and 270, and for example of the order of 1800.

  According to one embodiment, the axial section of the

  bent pipe is mounted outside the chimney.

  And the radial section of this conduit includes an internal axial stud which extends in line with the axial section so that in the closed position, the stud projects in part

the chimney and the shutter.

  Alternatively, the axial section of the bent duct can

  be mounted inside the chimney.

  The latter may then include an internal axial stud arranged to project in part into the

  axial section and close it, in the closed position.

  In either case, the stud may comprise at its free end a tapered sealing profile, capable of being pressed in a substantially hermetic manner inside the axial section or the chimney, in

closed position.

  The axial section of the bent duct may comprise a complementary helical shape, which cooperates with a complementary helical shape of the chimney. In one example, the complementary shape of the axial section is arranged at its free end, opposite the section

radial along the main axis.

  The complementary shapes may also or alternatively comprise at least two helical slots formed in the fixed part, at locations regularly distributed around its periphery, and for example diametrically opposite, as well as at least two guide fingers fixedly secured to the member drive, one respectively projecting in each helical lumen, the fingers being arranged opposite the radial section

along the main axis.

  In one example, the helical lights open radially on either side of a rim of the fixed part, inside - or alternatively outside - of which

  partly extends the drive member.

  In another example, the helical openings radially open from an external face of a rim of the fixed part, the drive member then being partly

  mounted on the outer periphery of this rim.

  However, the helical openings can also open radially from an internal face of a rim of the fixed part, the drive member being in this case partly

  mounted on the inner periphery of this rim.

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  Provision may be made for the fixed part to comprise, opposite the radial section along the main axis, an external peripheral surface for guiding in rotation, with which a corresponding internal surface of the

outer ring.

  The fixed part may include a bearing surface transverse to the main axis, against which a corresponding surface of the drive member abuts

axial, in the closed position.

  A transverse support surface opposite the other can allow the drive member to come into abutment

axial, in the open position.

  According to one embodiment, the fixed part comprises a bowl, with a lateral rim concentric with the outer ring and surrounding the chimney, as well as a radial bottom delimited by the lateral rim and from which the

chimney protrudes.

  Opposite the radial section in the main direction, the fixed part may include a peripheral groove in which the drive member

  partially protruding, at least in the closed position.

  When the fixed part is separate from the container, it may include securing and immobilizing means intended to cooperate with a neck of this

  container, which delimits the outlet.

  These joining means may include a

  thread, snap or the like.

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  As a variant, the fixed part and at least one part

  of the container, the neck of which forms a single piece.

  It can be provided that an internal stop protrudes radially from the external ring near the radial section in the closed position, and that a corresponding external shoulder of the drive member comes to bear.

  axially against the stop, in the open position.

  In the examples, the outer ring is cylindrical and has a dimension slightly along the main axis.

  greater than the corresponding dimension of the chimney.

  This ring may have on its external periphery, at least one relief or surface cavity in order to

facilitate gripping.

  The securing means may include complementary cavities and reliefs such as grooves and edges, arranged in the main direction between

  the drive member and the outer ring.

  These means are in the examples arranged near a free end of the outer ring opposite which the lateral distribution opening is

placed in closed position.

  The drive member may include a side skirt at least partially housed in the ring

  external, and surrounding the chimney of the fixed part.

  And a transverse wall arranged so that in the closed position, its outer periphery is

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  complementary and flush with a free end of the outer ring from which the distribution element projects

  open position. In order to close off this free end.

  With a side skirt and a transverse wall, the drive member has a cap shape

substantially cylindrical.

  At least one inviolability can be provided such as frangible bridges and / or covering lids

  and / or safety ring covers.

  Another object of the invention is a container such as a vial or a squeeze tube fitted with a device such as those which have just been mentioned, the container comprising, axially opposite the fixed part, an open end intended to allow its filling with a content, once the device is in the closed position and the container forms with the device a rigidly secured assembly, this open end can after filling be closed by pinching and made watertight by securing. Yet another object of the invention is a method

  filling a container as mentioned.

  This method provides that a rigidly secured assembly is formed with the device and the container, and the device being in the closed position, the container is filled by its open end, then after filling with a selected content, the container is closed by

pinching and joining.

  But other features of the invention

  will emerge from the detailed description, which refers to

  attached drawings, given only by way of example.

  FIG. 1 is a view in radial section along a main axis, of an example of a container equipped with a

  device according to the invention, in the closed position.

  Figure 2 is a partial view similar to the

  Figure 1, a variant of the device in the open position.

  Figures 3 to 5 are sectional views along a plane perpendicular to the main axis, which respectively illustrate a closed position, an intermediate position and an open position of a device according to the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view

  of a device according to the invention, in the closed position.

  Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view

  of the device of Figure 6, in the open position.

  Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 1, of a variant in the closed position of the device according to the invention, in which a fixed part and at least the neck

of the container are in one piece.

  FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8,

  which represents the device in the open position.

  Figures 10 to 12 are views in elevation of a container according to the invention, respectively when filling, pinching its opening and in its state

of finished product.

  To facilitate understanding of the description,

  certain terms and expressions are explained here.

  The main axis of a closure device or a container is an axis along which this device or

  container extends generally.

  The main axis is generally a central axis.

  The longitudinal direction is parallel to the main axis. The term radial refers to a direction lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis. The term lateral indicates a provision

  perpendicular to the radial direction.

  In the figures, the reference 1 designates a closure device, intended for a container or

container 2.

  The container 2 is for example a bottle or a squeeze tube, designed to contain a liquid or pasty product. Device 1 and container 2 have an axis

main common A-A '.

  In the figures, the arrows B indicate a rotation whose geometric axis is parallel to the axis

main A-A '.

  The arrows C indicate a displacement following a

  axial direction substantially parallel to the axis AA ′.

  And the arrows D indicate a following displacement

a radial direction.

  The closing device 1 and the container 2

  can be fixedly secured to each other.

  Then, the device 1 and the container 2 form a unitary assembly. Certain relative movements (B, C, D) between parts that are part of this set are

  nevertheless possible, as explained later.

  An outlet 9 for the container 2 allows the contents of the latter, in the open position, to be

discharged via device 1.

  This orifice 9 is extended perpendicular to the main axis A- A 'and is provided here in a neck 10 of the

container 2.

  Momentarily make it possible or impossible

  unloading is a function of device 1.

  The latter comprises for this purpose a distribution opening 13, extended laterally and can be put

  in fluid communication with port 9.

  The device 1 also comprises a fixed part 3, a distribution element 4 o is formed the opening 13, complementary guide shapes 5, means for

  control 6 and a drive member 7.

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  The fixed part 3 is designed to be secured to the container 2. It comprises a chimney 8 in the form of a tube extended in a direction parallel to the axis AA ′. The chimney 8 has two open ends, one in the orifice 9 and the other in the distribution element 4. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixed part 3 is a

separate part of container 2.

  And securing and immobilizing means 11 are intended to cooperate with the neck 10, in order to

  allow assembly of the device 1 and the container 2.

  These securing means 11 may for example comprise a snap-fastening as in FIG. 1. Or a

thread as in figure 2.

  According to the variant of FIGS. 8 and 9, the part

  fixed 3 and the neck 10 form a single piece.

  In either case, the container 2 can be formed in one piece, or include other

  constituents, for example an added bottom.

  An outer ring 12 of the control means 6 is mounted on the part 3, so that it can be turned by

  relative to this part, around the main axis A-A '.

  Near the orifice 9 or the neck 10, along the main axis A-A ', the part 3 comprises a surface

  external device 14 which allows this guiding in rotation.

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  Here, the surface 14 is substantially annular and perpendicular to the axis AA ′. It cooperates with a surface

  internal 15 corresponding to the external ring 12.

  In FIG. 2, the surface 14 is convex, while

  that in Figure 8 it is concave.

  The fixed part 3 further comprises a bowl 16.

  This bowl 16 has a lateral rim 17 internally concentric with the outer ring 12 and a

radial bottom 18.

  The chimney 8 projects parallel to the axis A-

  At the bottom 18, the latter being surrounded externally by the

side edge 17.

  The chimney 8 is therefore surrounded by the rim 17,

  except at its end opposite to the orifice 9 along the axis A-

AT'.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixed part 3 comprises a peripheral groove 19 which extends laterally between the rim 17 and the bottom periphery 18, in an axially direction

opposite to that of the chimney 8.

  The groove 19 is arranged in line with the neck 10.

  Here, the outer ring 12 is substantially cylindrical and has a slightly greater axial dimension

  to the corresponding dimension of the chimney 8.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, an internal stop 20 projects radially from the external ring 12, near its free end axially opposite the surface of

guiding in rotation 15.

  At this end, is formed in the ring 12 a circular open space, in which is housed the drive member 7, so as to be able to protrude therefrom.

  axially, in the open position at least.

  The stop 20 is arranged so that a corresponding external shoulder 21 of the drive member 7 comes to bear axially against this stop 20, in

open position.

  In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the outer ring 12 has on its outer periphery, at least one surface relief and / or cavity 22, in order to facilitate its

gripping and actuation.

  The actuation of the ring 12 and therefore of the device 1 by a user, consists in rotating it around its geometric axis of rotation A-A ', so as to change

  the open or closed position of the device 1.

  In the open position, the lateral distribution opening 13 is released and opens out from the device 1. The

  unloading the contents of container 2 is then possible.

  In the closed position, the opening 13 is retracted,

  and unloading is not possible.

  The rotation of the ring 12 from one position to the other is transmitted to the distribution element 4 by

  through the drive member 7.

  This member 7 is integral on the one hand in rotation with the ring 12 of the means 6, but is free to be moved

  axially with respect to this ring.

  And on the other hand the member 7 is axially integral

  as well as in rotation of the distribution element 4.

  This connection is explained first for element 4, and secondly for the means

  6, after having described the respective structures.

  The distribution element 4 is mounted movable relative to the fixed part 3, and comprises an axial section 24 and a radial section 25, which together define a

bent tubular conduit 23.

  The axial section 24 is extended parallel to the axis AA ′ and can be placed in fluid communication with the outlet orifice 9 via the

fireplace 8.

  The section 24 is here mounted in substantially sealed manner on the chimney 8, and so that it can be moved axially as well as in rotation relative to the

fixed part 3.

  Provision may be made for the axial section 24 of the conduit 23 to be mounted inside the chimney 8. And for the main axis AA ′ and the geometric axis along which the

  axial section 24 can pivot be confused.

  But in the figures, the axial section 24 is mounted outside the chimney 8, centered on a geometric axis of rotation E, parallel but offset by

relative to the axis A-A '.

  Between the chimney 8 and the section 24 are provided complementary forms 5 for guiding the distribution element 4. The axial section 24 comprises one of the guide forms 26, which cooperates with a form 27 complementary to

the chimney 8.

  Several sets of complementary shapes 5 can be provided between the chimney 8 and the element 4, for example distributed around the periphery of the chimney 8. Here, the shape 26 of the axial section is arranged at its free end opposite to the radial section 25 along the main axis AA 'While the complementary shape 27 of the fixed part 3 is provided at the periphery of the chimney 8, at

near the bottom 18.

  These are complementary helical shapes or

  no screw, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2.

  As for the radial section 25 of the conduit 23, it is connected to the axial section 24, and is extended here according to a

  plane substantially perpendicular to the axis AA ′.

  However, the axial and radial sections may not

  not form a right angle with each other.

  The distribution opening 13 opens out from the section

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  radial 25 at its free end opposite radially to its

connection to the axial section 24.

  In lateral section, the section 25 is of substantially rounded shape, and here elliptical. It is the same here for the axial section of the

section 24.

  In the radial section 25 of the bent conduit is

arranged an axial pad 36.

  This stud 36 extends to the right and inside the axial section 24, so that in the closed position, it protrudes

  partly in the chimney 8 and closes it.

  The stud 36 has at its free end along the axis A-A ', that is to say opposite to its junction with the radial section 25, a profile 37 tapered axially towards

orifice 9.

  This profile 37 is arranged to be pressed hermetically inside the chimney 8 in position

  closed, which makes it possible to seal it.

  Provision may be made, in the case where the chimney internally receives the axial section 24, that it is this which includes such an internal axial stud in line with the axial section of the bent conduit, so that in the closed position, the stud protrudes partly in the axial section and plugs it. In the figures, the drive member 7 has

the shape of a cap.

  It includes a side wall or skirt 29, and a

radial wall 30.

  The wall 29 is substantially cylindrical and centered

on the axis A-A '.

  The outer periphery of the wall 30 is delimited

through the wall 29.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall 29 is arranged between the flange 17 and the chimney 8. It is arranged in line with the groove 19 and are opposite free axial end

  at the wall 30 is housed there, at least in the closed position.

  In this position, the side wall 29 is surrounded by the ring 12 over substantially all of its

axial dimension.

  As for the radial wall 30, it is arranged so as to be placed flush with the open space provided at the free end of the ring 12, in the closed position. This

space thus being closed.

  In the open position, the free end of the wall

  29 is in this example, substantially flush with the bottom 18.

  While the wall 30 and part of the side wall 29 project axially from the open space of

the ring 12.

  At its internal junction with the wall 30, the wall 29 is provided with a bearing 28, through which is housed

  an end part of the radial section 25.

* The bearing 28 is a smooth bearing whose lateral section is substantially complementary to that of the section 25. The bearing 28 has the function of guiding in translation or in radial sliding (along D) the section, relative to the member 7. It also makes the stretch

  and this member 7 integral in rotation.

  In FIGS. 3 to 5, and therefore in a plane perpendicular to the axis AA ′, the bearing 28 has a shape

  flared, from the outside towards the inside of the member 7.

  It is through the bearing 28 of the wall 29 that the section 25 of the distribution element 4 can open

  out of the member 25, in the open position.

  The flaring of the bearing 28 allows a certain movement of the angle along which the section 25 opens out from the member 7, in a plane perpendicular to

  axis A-A ', and improves its guidance.

  In order to transmit to the distribution element 4, the rotation of the ring 12 of the means 6 via the drive member 7, subjection means 31 are provided. In the example of FIGS. 8 and 9, the securing means 31 comprise reliefs and / or cavities

  arranged axially between the member 7 and the ring 12.

  These are axial grooves and edges formed internally near the open space of the

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  ring 12 on the one hand, and outside the wall 29

on the other hand.

  These edges and grooves are in mutual engagement with sufficient clearance to allow their relative displacement along C. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, only the location of the securing means 31 is illustrated, these may have a structure different from the one that

has been described.

  The closing devices 1 illustrated comprise other complementary forms of guidance 5

  than those of the stack 8 and the axial section 24.

  However, it is possible as a variant that these other forms 5 replace those which are provided between the

chimney 8 and section 24.

  As well as these other forms may not be provided. The other forms 5 comprise on the one hand at least two helical slots 32, formed in part 3, and in

particularly in ledge 17.

  The lights 32 are arranged in locations regularly distributed around the rim 17. For example, if two lights 32 are provided, they are arranged

diametrically opposite way.

  On the other hand, forms 5 include at least

  two fingers 33 which are fixedly secured to the member 7.

  In each slot 32 a finger 33 protrudes radially. The fingers 33 are arranged on the side wall 29 so that they can slide in a helix in the slot 32 o

they protrude.

  This sliding can be carried out between two extreme states, one of which corresponds to the open position, the other

  corresponding to the closed position.

  In the closed position, a surface 34 of at least one finger 33 is in abutment against a transverse surface

corresponding 35 of rim 17.

  The surface 35 of the fixed part 3 therefore forms an axial stop for the finger 33 of the member 7, in the closed position. The surface 35 is here arranged near the bottom 18. Similarly for the open position, two facing surfaces 38, 39 respectively of the finger 33 and the flange 17 are arranged so as to bear one

  against the other, forming a stop in this position.

  The transverse surfaces 35 and 39 are at each end of a lumen 32, in the direction of the main axis. The transverse surface 39 on the rim 17 and its corresponding surface 38 on the finger 33 can, for the open position, either be added to, or be replaced by the stop 20 and the shoulder 21, as is

the case in Figure 1.

  In FIG. 1, the wall 29 is mounted inside the rim 17, so that the openings 32 open towards the inside of the fixed part 3, and therefore towards the axes AA ′ and E. While the fingers 33 are extensive

outwards.

  Conversely, in FIG. 8, the wall 29 is mounted outside the rim 17. The openings 32 therefore open outwards and the fingers 33 are

internally extended.

  In these two configurations, as in FIG. 1, the lights 32 can be provided to open out

  radially on either side of the rim 17.

  In the examples, the axes E and AA 'are not combined, but the drive member 7 is mounted so that its rotational movement is centered on the main axis A-A', while the axis E around which the distribution element 4 can be rotated, is

  eccentrically radially with respect to the main axis.

  An eccentricity F (FIG. 1) is provided here for the axes E and A-A ', in the radial direction and opposite the lateral distribution opening 13, in the closed position

of the device.

  Thus, in the open position, the lateral distribution opening 13 is more radially distant from the axis.

  main A-A 'only in the closed position.

  This results in the fact that, the periphery of the outer ring 12 being centered on the main axis, the end of the section 25 is displaced radially (according to

  D) when the device 1 is actuated.

  In the examples, the axis E of rotation of the distribution element 4 is eccentric relative to the main axis A-A ', by a distance (F) at least equal to the radial distance G in the closed position, between the lateral distribution opening 13 and the external periphery of the

ring 12 of the control means.

  Thanks to this arrangement, the drive member 7 and therefore the distribution element 4 are moved jointly in rotation and in simultaneous translation C along the main axis A-A ', relative to the fixed part 3, when the control means 6 are actuated by

rotation of the outer ring 12.

  The combined axial translation movements C and

  of rotation B are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

  And in FIGS. 3 to 5, only the rotational movement of the ring 12 and of the element 4 is broken down into

three successive stages.

  Between the closed (figure 3) and open (figure 5) extreme positions, the rotation is less than 3600,

  preferably between 900 and 270.

Here it is around 1800.

  During this rotation, the axes E and A-A 'remain

  motionless in relation to each other.

  Their offset F is such that the distance between

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  the axis E and the bearing 28 where the opening 13 opens out of the member 7 is greater in the closed position than in

open position ..

  The dispensing opening 13 therefore follows a trajectory such that it performs a radial displacement D, relative to the side wall 29, between the positions

closed and open.

  This radial displacement D is equivalent to "bringing out" the opening 13, when the device 1 is actuated towards

its open position.

  So that in the closed position the opening 13 is retracted into the ring 12. And that in the open position, the lateral opening 13 projects radially from the

  outer periphery of the ring 12.

  Thus, the advantages of protection of the opening 13 by retraction are combined, and of a distribution conduit projecting radially in the open position, which facilitates clean and precise unloading of the contents of the

container 2.

  This "exit" from the opening 13 is only possible if it is not opposite the interior of the

  ring 12, before the open position is reached.

  Also, the complementary shapes 5 are arranged to cause under the effect of the rotation B and simultaneously with this, a translation C by which the organ 4-element 7 assembly is axially distant from

orifice 9.

  L b 2733487 On the one hand by changing the location of the

contact between forms 26 and 27.

  Since in the closed position, the forms 26, 27 are complementary nested as in Figure 1. In fact the axial size of the chimney 8 and the section 24

is minimal.

  And that in the open position, only two zones

  surface-reduced forms 26, 27 are in contact.

  These zones each correspond to the greatest axial length between the form 27 and the section 24. And the overall axial size of the chimney 8 and the

  axial section 24 is then maximum, as in FIG. 2.

  This change in size causes the axial distance of the opening 13 of the section 25 relative to

orifice 9.

  The section 25 being axially integral with the drive member 7 via the bearing 28, its axial displacement a corresponding displacement according to

C of organ 7.

  On the other hand, the helical slots 32 and the corresponding fingers 33 cooperate to participate, by a rotation B, in the axial displacement C. The angle of inclination of the helix of the slots 32 is equal to that of the shapes 26, 27, so that the action

  exercised by all forms 5 is uniform.

  It goes without saying that all movements B, C and D are

  reversible by operating the ring 12 in the opposite direction.

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  Note that the device 1 and / or the container 2

  may be provided with at least one inviolability.

  I1 can be, for example, frangible bridges and / or a covering cap and / or a hood with

safety ring.

  In FIG. 10, the reference 40 designates a

  open end of container 2.

  This end 40 is arranged opposite the neck 10 along the axis A-A '. It is intended to allow the filling of container 2, with a content chosen by

pasty or liquid example.

  Figures 10 to 12 illustrate the process of a

such filling.

  In the first step (Figure 10), the container 2 and the device 1 form an integral unit. The device 1 is in the closed position, the main axis is substantially arranged vertically. And the open end 40 is

  brought to the right of a filling nozzle 41.

  The selected content is delivered, as indicated by the arrow R, through the nozzle 41, until a level

predetermined 42.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the end 40 is closed using a suitable tool, by pinching P. Two rectilinear edges, radial and perpendicular to the main axis of the end 40 are thus put in

contact with each other.

  A tight joining operation of these edges is then carried out, to obtain the finished product.

visible in figure 12.

  This joining operation can be a thermo-welding or the like, depending on the structure of the container 2, and can be carried out simultaneously or following

to the pinch operation.

  In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, each component of the device and of the container 2 are molded plastic parts, but other materials and manufacturing methods can

be considered.

  The invention is not limited to the examples described

and illustrated.

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Claims (34)

  1. Closing device (1) for a container (2) such as a vial or tube to be pressed provided with an outlet orifice (9) perpendicular to a main axis (A-A '); and comprising: a fixed part (3) intended to be integral with the container (2), which comprises an outlet chimney (8) communicating with the outlet orifice (9) and extending parallel to the main axis (A -AT'); a distribution element (4) mounted movable relative to the fixed part (3), having a bent duct of which an axial section (24) is connected to the outlet orifice, while the other radial section (25), defines a lateral dispensing opening; complementary shapes (5) for guiding the dispensing element (4) relative to the fixed part (3), between a closed position o the lateral dispensing opening (13) is retracted, and an open position o the opening (13) is released and opens out of the device (1); control means (6) which can be actuated by a user so that, by means of a drive member (7) integral on the one hand with the control means (6) and on the other hand axially with the dispensing element (4), the latter being moved between its open and closed positions; characterized in that: the control means (6) comprise an external ring (12) mounted on the fixed part so as to be able to rotate relative to this part, around the main axis (A-A '); rotation securing means (31) connecting the outer ring (12) and the drive member (4); 29 2733487   and in that the complementary guide shapes (5) comprise at least one pair of axial propellers or no screws (26, 27; 32, 33), arranged between the fixed part (3) and the drive member (7) and / or the distribution element (4); so that the drive member (7) and therefore the distribution element (4) are moved together   in rotation and in translation along the main axis (A-   A '), relative to the fixed part (3), when the control means are actuated by rotation of the outer ring (12). 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive member (7) is mounted so that its rotational movement is centered on the main axis (A-A '); the radial section (25) extending perpendicular to the main axis (A-A '); while the axis (E) around which the distribution element (4) can be rotated, is eccentrically radially with respect to the main axis (A-A '), in the direction of the radial section (25) and opposite the lateral distribution opening (13) in the closed position; so that in the open position, the free end of the radial section (25) o opens the lateral distribution opening (13) is more radially distant from   the main axis (A-A ') only in the closed position.   3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the axis of rotation of the distribution element (4) is eccentric relative to the main axis (A-A ') by a distance at least equal to the radial distance in the closed position between the lateral opening (13) of 2733487   distribution and the outer periphery of the ring (12) of the control means (6); so that in the open position, the lateral opening (13) projects radially from the outer ring (12).   4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 3, characterized in that the radial section (25) of the bent conduit (23) is partially housed in a bearing of   radial sliding of the drive member (7).   5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the radial section (25) has a round or elliptical section, perpendicular to the direction radial of the device.   6. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main axis (A-A ') and the axis along which the axial section (24) of the bent conduit (23) can pivot relative to the part fixed (3), are confused.   7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   6, characterized in that the rotational movement of the dispensing element (4) relative to the fixed part (4), between the closed and open positions is less than 3600, preferably between 90 and 270, and by example of around 1800.   8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   7, characterized in that the axial section (24) of the duct   bent (23) is mounted outside the chimney (8).   9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the radial section (25) of the bent conduit (23) comprises an internal axial stud (36) which extends in line with the axial section (24) so that 'in the closed position, the stud (36) projects in part into the chimney (8) and closes it.   l0. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   7, characterized in that the axial section (24) of the duct   bent (23) is mounted inside the chimney (8).   11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the chimney (8) comprises an internal axial stud (36) which extends in line with the axial section (24) of the bent conduit (23), so that 'in the closed position, the stud (36) projects in part into the axial section (24) and closes it off. 12. Device (1) according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that the stud (36) has at its free end a tapered sealing profile (37) arranged to be pressed in a substantially hermetic manner inside the section axial (24) or the chimney (8) in the closed position.   13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   12, characterized in that the axial section (24) of the bent conduit (23) comprises a complementary helical shape (26), which cooperates with a complementary shape (27) helical chimney (8).   14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the shape (26) complementary to the axial section (24) is arranged at its free end   opposite the radial section (25) along the main axis (A- AT').   15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 14, characterized in that the complementary guide shapes (5) comprise at least two helical slots (32) formed in the fixed part (3), at locations regularly distributed around its periphery, and for example diametrically opposite, thus that at least two guide fingers (33) fixedly integral with the drive member (7), one respectively projecting in each lumen (32) in a helix, the fingers (33) being arranged opposite the   radial section (25) along the main axis (A-A ').   16. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the lights (32) in helices open radially on either side of a rim of the fixed part (3) inside or outside from which   partly extends the drive member (7).   17. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the helical openings (32) open radially from an internal face of a rim of the fixed part (3), the drive member (7) being in   part mounted on the inner periphery of this rim.   18. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the lights (32) in helices open radially from an external face of a flange (17) of the fixed part (3), the drive member (7) being in   part mounted on the outer periphery of this rim.   19. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 18, characterized in that the fixed part (3) comprises, at   the opposite of the radial section (25) along the main axis (A-   A '), an external peripheral surface (14) for guiding in rotation, with which an internal surface (15) cooperates   corresponding to the outer ring (12).   20. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   19, characterized in that the fixed part (3) comprises a bearing surface (35) transverse to the main axis (A-A '), against which a corresponding surface (34) of the drive member (7) comes into axial abutment, in position closed.   21. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 20, characterized in that the fixed part (3) comprises a   bearing surface (20; 39) transverse to the main axis (A-   A '), against which a corresponding surface (21; 38) of the drive member (7) comes into axial abutment, in open position.   22. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 21, characterized in that the fixed part (3) comprises a bowl (16), with a lateral flange (17) concentric with the outer ring (12) which surrounds the chimney (8), as well as a bottom (18 ) radial surrounded by the lateral flange (17) and   from which the outlet chimney (8) projects.   23. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   at 22, characterized in that the fixed part (3) comprises, at   the opposite of the radial section (25) along the main axis (A-   A '), a peripheral groove (19) in which the drive member (7) partially projects, at least in closed position.   24. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 23, characterized in that the fixed part (3) comprises securing and immobilizing means (11) intended to cooperate with a neck of the container (2), which delimits the outlet (9).   25. Device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the means (11) for securing include thread.   26. Device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the means (11) for securing include a snap.   27. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   23, characterized in that the fixed part (3), and at least part of the container (2), the neck (10) of which forms a monobloc piece.   28. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   27, characterized in that an internal stop (20) projects radially from the outer ring (12) near the radial section (25) in the closed position, and a corresponding external shoulder (21) of the drive (7) bears axially against the stop in the open position.   29. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   at 28, characterized in that the outer ring (12) is cylindrical and has along the main axis (A-A ') a dimension slightly greater than the dimension corresponding to the chimney (8).   30. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   29, characterized in that the outer ring (12) has on its outer periphery, at least one relief or cavity of   surface (22), to facilitate gripping.   31. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 30, characterized in that the securing means (31) comprise complementary cavities and reliefs such as groove and edge, arranged along the main axis (A-A ') between the drive member (7) and the outer ring (12).   32. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   31, characterized in that the securing means (31) are arranged near a free end of the outer ring (12) opposite which the opening (13)   distribution side is placed in the closed position.   33. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   32, characterized in that the drive member comprises a side skirt (29) at least partially housed in the outer ring (12), and surrounding the chimney (8) of the fixed part.   34. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   33, characterized in that the drive member (7) has a radial wall (30) arranged so that its outer periphery is complementary and is flush with one end of the outer ring (12) in position closed, in order to close it.   35. Device (1) according to claims 33 and   34, characterized in that the drive member (7) has a   substantially cylindrical cap shape (29, 30).   36. Device (1) according to one of claims 1   35, characterized in that it comprises at least one inviolability, such as frangible bridges and / or cover and / or safety ring cap (12). 37. Container (2) such as vial or squeeze tube   equipped with a device (1) according to one of claims 1   to 35, characterized in that it axially opposite the fixed part (3) an open end (40) provided to allow its filling with content, once the device (1) is in the closed position and that the container (2) forms with the fixed part (3) a rigidly secured assembly, this open end (40) which can, after filling, be closed by pinching and made waterproof by joining.   38. A method of filling a container (2) according to claim 36, characterized in that there is formed with the device (1) and the container (2) a rigidly secured assembly and the device being in the closed position, the container (2) is filled by its open end (40), then after filling with a content, the container (2)   is closed by pinching and joining.