FR3074031A1 - FLUIDIC DEVICE FOR HANDLING A LIQUID, MULTILAYER COMPLEX COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

- The invention relates to a fluidic device (1) for handling a liquid, comprising a web (2) intended to come into contact with said liquid, said web (2) comprising a predefined primary target zone (4), localized away from the peripheral edges (3) of said web (2), said device (1) comprising a plurality of primary barriers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I, 5J, 5K, 5L ) for guiding said liquid, distinct and oriented in secant longitudinal extension directions at a point in said primary target zone (4) to define therebetween at least one primary channel (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F , 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, 6K, 6L) for guiding said liquid which converges towards said primary target zone (4). - Fluidic devices, fluidic device manufacturing processes, and multilayered complexes.

Description

FLUIDIC DEVICE FOR HANDLING A LIQUID, MULTI-LAYERED COMPLEX COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

The present invention relates to the general field of fluidic devices for handling liquids, as well as to the field of multilayer complexes for handling liquids comprising such fluidic devices. The invention also relates to the technical field of methods for manufacturing such fluidic devices.

The invention relates more precisely to a fluidic device for handling a liquid, comprising a surface layer intended to come into contact with said liquid, said layer comprising a predefined primary target zone, located at a distance from the peripheral edges of said layer.

The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a fluidic device.

The invention also relates to a multilayer complex for handling a liquid, comprising at least one primary layer intended to come into contact with said liquid.

Dressing type sanitary devices are known which are intended to protect a wound located at the level of the skin or of a mucous membrane of a user by covering. Such dressings are generally designed to ensure good absorption of blood and exudates from the wound in question, so as to promote rapid healing.

However, this absorption of liquid is essentially non-localized and diffuses through the entire thickness and surface of the absorbent part of the dressing. There is thus generally an impregnation of the center of the dressing with blood and / or exudates, which gradually diffuse towards the edges of the dressing and through the entire thickness of the absorbent part of the latter. Such a homogeneous and diffuse distribution of the liquid is usually sought to optimize the absorption capacity of the dressing and thus reduce the number of interventions at the level of the wound (cleaning of the wound, replacement of the used dressing, etc.).

However, it may be interesting to seek, on the contrary, to concentrate the liquid collected at the level of the wound at a very precise point of the dressing, in order for example to provide the latter with new functionalities not available to date, such as for example a detection, measurement or characterization function of exudates from a wound or of a constituent element of said exudates.

For such detection, measurement or characterization to be effective and relevant, it is imperative that the liquid to be analyzed is directed in sufficient quantity and as quickly and precisely as possible to the precise point of the dressing where it will have been positioned. for this purpose an adequate measurement or characterization detection device.

Thus, in view of the above, if the known dressings are generally satisfactory, in particular in terms of wound protection and absorption of blood and / or exudate-type liquids, they do not, however, allow the implementation of additional functions requiring local concentration of these liquids.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the drawbacks set out in the above and to propose a new fluidic device for handling a liquid, designed to allow rapid and precise delivery of said liquid to a specific target area. predefined of the latter, while being of extremely simple, compact and reliable design, which fluidic device may in particular be integrated into a sanitary, medical, surgical device of the dressing type, or even into a hygienic device of the feminine periodic protection type or diaper- cheeky.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new fluidic device for handling a liquid designed to allow rapid, precise and simultaneous delivery of said liquid to a plurality of precise predefined target zones of the latter, distinct and distant, while by being of extremely simple, compact and reliable design.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new fluidic device which has a particularly effective anti-reflux effect.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new fluidic device which is particularly easy to design and manufacture using conventional technical means.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process, of simple, rapid and efficient implementation which makes it possible to obtain a fluidic device ensuring rapid and precise routing of said liquid to a precise predefined target zone of the latter. .

Another object of the invention is to propose a new manufacturing process, of simple, rapid and efficient implementation which makes it possible to obtain a fluidic device ensuring rapid, precise and simultaneous delivery of said liquid to a plurality of precise target zones. separate and distant predefined.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new manufacturing process which makes it possible to obtain a fluidic device having a particularly effective anti-reflux effect.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process which does not require, for its implementation, costly and complex specific technical means.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new multilayer complex for handling a liquid, which comprises such an improved fluidic device.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new multilayer complex allowing a particularly precise and rapid handling of said liquid and, in particular, a particularly precise and rapid routing of said liquid within and through the various layers which constitute said complex.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a fluidic device for handling a liquid, comprising a surface layer intended to come into contact with said liquid, said layer comprising a predefined primary target area, located at distance from the peripheral edges of said sheet, said device being characterized in that it comprises a plurality of elongated primary barriers for guiding said liquid, distinct and oriented in directions of longitudinal extension intersecting at a point located in said primary target area for defining between them at least one primary channel for guiding said liquid which converges towards said primary target zone.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method of manufacturing a fluidic device for handling a liquid, comprising a surface layer intended to come into contact with said liquid, said layer comprising a predefined primary target zone, located at a distance from the peripheral edges of said sheet, said method being characterized in that it comprises a step of producing a plurality of elongated primary barriers for guiding said liquid, distinct and oriented in directions of secant longitudinal extension at a point located in said primary target zone to define between them at least one primary channel for guiding said liquid which converges towards said primary target zone.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a multilayer complex for handling a liquid, comprising at least one primary layer intended to come into contact with said liquid, characterized in that said primary layer is formed of a fluidic device in accordance with the above.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, as well as with the aid of the appended figures, provided for purely explanatory and nonlimiting purposes, among which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, schematically and in top view, a preferred embodiment of the fluidic device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 illustrates, schematically and in perspective, another preferred embodiment of the fluidic device according to the invention.

According to a first aspect, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the invention relates to a fluidic device 1 for handling a liquid, that is to say a device designed to allow the management of a flow of liquid, and more specifically to modify the state and / or the position of at least part of a given liquid fluid, with which said device is brought into contact. Within the meaning of the invention, said liquid is preferably an aqueous liquid, but this character is in no way limiting. More specifically, this fluidic device 1 is advantageously designed to move, convey, at least a certain quantity of said liquid from at least a first region of said fluidic device 1 to at least a second region of the latter. Preferably, as will be seen in what follows, these first and second regions are distant from one another and arranged in the same plane.

According to the invention, the fluidic device 1 comprises at least one surface ply 2, advantageously flexible, which preferably extends substantially along a first plane P1 of medium extension. Said surface layer 2 thus forms a substantially planar element, delimited by at least one peripheral edge 3 according to a closed contour. It preferably has an upper face and an opposite lower face, substantially parallel to each other and to said foreground P1. For example rectangular (as illustrated) or oblong, and delimited by peripheral edges 3, said ply 2 is "surface" in the sense that it preferably has a thickness (in a direction preferentially orthogonal to said foreground P1) much less to its width and its length. Obviously, while being surface, said ply 2 may affect any desired shape, for example circular or oblong (and delimited in this case by a single peripheral edge 3 continuous curvilinear).

Advantageously, said ply 2 is formed from a piece of nonwoven fabric 2A, preferably porous and / or hydrophilic. In addition, this piece of textile 2A is advantageously chosen to be draining, that is to say that if said piece of textile 2A can possibly absorb said liquid due to its hydrophilic and / or porous nature, it is however advantageously substantially free of property of significant retention of said liquid and is, on the contrary, endowed with a great capacity of diffusion of said liquid within it.

This surface layer 2 is intended to come into contact with said liquid, preferably by means of one of its upper and lower faces. If said liquid can indifferently come into contact with the ply 2 at any point (and preferably at any point) of the upper or lower face considered of the latter, said ply 2 nevertheless includes a predefined primary target zone 4, which advantageously corresponds to a particular zone of said sheet 2 to which said liquid intended to be directed, routed.

Preferably, said primary target zone 4 extends in said first plane P1 of extension of sheet 2 and along the entire thickness of the latter. In other words, said primary target area 4 is advantageously included in the ply 2. Said predefined primary target area 4 is located at a distance from the peripheral edges 3 (or from the peripheral edge 3 if the latter is unique) from said ply 2, that is to say that said primary target zone 4 is neither adjacent nor contiguous to said peripheral edge (s) 3 but on the contrary advantageously extends at a considerable distance from the latter. As illustrated in FIG. 1, said primary target zone 4 may thus, for example, be positioned substantially in the center of said ply 2, along the first plane P1 of extension of the latter, and therefore at a distance from each of the edges peripherals 3 of the latter. Advantageously, the sheet 2 having a first area S1 (area), the primary target area 4 has a second area S2 which is substantially less than said first area S1 of the sheet 2. Thus, said primary target area 4 can be defined so that said second area S2 is preferably equal to or less than half, a third, a quarter, a sixth, or even a tenth of said first area S1 of the sheet 2, in particular according to the intended application and the quantity of said liquid that the fluid device is intended to handle.

It should be noted that, if said primary target zone 4 is delimited in the figures according to a rectangular primary contour (in dotted lines), this form of contour is purely schematic and is given only for illustration only, and may obviously affect any other desired shape (circular, oblong, etc.).

As illustrated, the fluidic device 1 of the invention comprises a plurality of primary barriers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I, 5J, 5K, 5L for guiding said liquid.

Elongated, and preferably substantially rectilinear and continuous, these primary barriers 5A-5L are distinct from each other, that is to say that they are arranged at a distance from each other and do not touch or overlap. Preferably, each of said primary barriers 5A-5L extends in a direction of average longitudinal extension substantially parallel to the first plane P1 of average extension of the sheet 2.

In addition, and in a particularly interesting manner, said primary barriers 5A5L are oriented in directions of longitudinal (average) extension intersecting at a point (fictitious, not shown) located in (or at least in the immediate vicinity of) said primary target zone 4, to define at least one (and preferably a plurality of) primary channel 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, 6K, 6L for guiding said liquid which converges towards of said primary target area 4.

In other words, at least two adjacent primary barriers 5A-5L are arranged relative to each other so that the average longitudinal extension axis of one intersects the average longitudinal extension axis on the other at a point in the sheet 2 which belongs to said primary target area 4, or at least at a point located in the immediate vicinity of the latter. Preferably rectilinear, the primary barriers 5A-5L advantageously each have a primary proximal end, oriented in the direction of said primary target zone 4A and an opposite primary distal end (preferably oriented in the direction of one of said peripheral edges 3. Two primary barriers 5A-5L adjacent thus advantageously define between them a primary channel 6A-6L in a "funnel", flared at the level of the primary proximal ends of said primary barriers 5A-5L and narrowing in the direction of said primary target zone 4.

Preferably, said primary guiding barriers 5A-5L are arranged around the primary target area 4. Preferably still, they are arranged substantially along the entire primary contour of the primary target area 4, so as to surround said primary target area 4 Advantageously positioned one with respect to the other in a substantially regular manner, even equi-distributed, around the primary target zone 4, said primary barriers 5A-5L thus preferably define a "star" or "spoke" pattern. »Substantially centered on said primary target area 4.

Advantageously, the respective primary proximal end of each of said primary barriers 5A-5L is in contact with the primary contour of said primary target zone 4, said primary barriers 5A-5L preferably not extending within the primary target area 4 in itself. Otherwise considered, the primary contour of said primary target zone 4 can optionally be defined in the form of a curved line, rectilinear or not, connecting in pairs the respective primary proximal ends of adjacent primary barriers 5A-5L.

It has been observed that such a configuration of the primary barriers 5A-5L and of the primary target zone 4 makes it possible to create a particularly effective guided drainage phenomenon of the liquid in contact with said sheet 2 in the direction of said primary target zone 4, according to a direction substantially parallel to the first plane P1 of average extension of the sheet 2. In addition, such a configuration also proves to be particularly effective in very strongly limiting any risk of reflux of said liquid from the primary target zone 4 towards the edge or edges peripherals 3.

Preferably, said primary guiding barriers 5A-5L penetrate the entire thickness of said ply 2, that is to say that they advantageously extend, in a direction orthogonal to their respective mean longitudinal extension direction. and to said first plane P1 of extension of the ply 2, from the upper face to the lower face of the ply 2. In this way, said at least one primary channel 6A-6L is advantageously defined between two primary barriers 5A- 5L and throughout the thickness of the sheet 2. This avoids any risk of leakage and diffusion, in the thickness of the sheet 2, of the liquid flowing in a primary channel 6A-6L.

To guarantee the most efficient possible guidance of said liquid, said primary guiding barriers 5A-5L are preferably substantially impermeable to said liquid, and therefore each constitute a substantially sealed obstacle opposing the passage of said liquid through it. Such impermeability can be obtained physically (primary barriers 5A-5L in a non-porous material facing the liquid considered) or chemically (primary barriers 5A-5L in a material for example insoluble in said liquid considered).

In the preferred case where said liquid is an aqueous liquid, said primary guiding barriers 5A-5L are preferably made of hydrophobic polymeric material, and more preferably still non-porous with respect to the liquid. Such a hydrophobic polymer material can, for example, be chosen from the group comprising: a silicone, a polyurethane, a polyethylene, a polyamide and a polyester. Obviously, if said liquid is not an aqueous liquid, it will be necessary to use other materials suitable for the purposes sought (for example, a lipophobic material in the case of an oily liquid).

Advantageously, said hydrophobic polymeric material is a thermoplastic polymeric material, preferably a hot-melt adhesive of PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive type, more preferably based on polyurethane or rubber (for example based on silicone rubber), or an elastomer such as a silicone for example. The use of such a relatively easy thermoplastic polymer material is also particularly advantageous from a health and environmental point of view, in the absence of an organic solvent phase. Alternatively, said primary barriers 5A-5L could be made of a non-polymeric thermoplastic material, for example wax, natural or synthetic. The hydrophobic nature of said polymer material (or of wax) advantageously gives said primary barriers 5A-5L their impermeability characteristics to said liquid. However, the use of wax can however prove to be restrictive and limiting in terms of compatibility and processability depending on the nature and composition of said piece of textile 2A selected to form said ply 2.

Said piece of non-woven textile 2A in question can be made of any known material, for example paper (100% cellulose) or fiberglass. Preferably, however, said textile piece 2A consists of 80% wood pulp, 20% of polyester fibers, and preferably has a basis weight substantially equal to 28g / m ^z. Such a composition in fact makes it possible to obtain a sheet 2 offering in particular a good compromise in terms of absorption and dispersion of said liquid.

Preferably, said primary barriers 5A-5L have a width (considered in the first plane P1) substantially between 0.5 and 10 mm, it being understood that these values can be adjusted depending on the material chosen to form said primary barriers 5A- 5L, to achieve a good compromise between the quantity of said material used and the impermeability of the primary barriers 5A-5L to said liquid.

The invention is, of course, not limited to the embodiment and to the preferred variants of the fluidic device 1 set out above. In particular, according to another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the fluidic device 1 of the invention may comprise a surface sheet 2 comprising a plurality of target areas (for example two target areas) to which one may wish to direct , convey, the liquid with which said sheet 2 is intended to come into contact. Preferably, said surface layer 2 can thus comprise:

on the one hand, a predefined primary target zone 4 and a plurality of primary barriers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, 51, 5J, 5K, 5L elongated for guiding said liquid, in accordance with this above, and

- on the other hand, a predefined secondary target zone 4 ', distinct (and therefore advantageously spaced apart) from said primary target zone 4, said fluidic device 1 then advantageously comprising a plurality of secondary barriers 5A', 5B ', 5C', 5D ', 5E', 5F ', 5G', 5H ', 51', 5J ', 5K', 5L 'elongated guide lines for said liquid, distinct and oriented in secant longitudinal extension directions at a point located in said target area secondary 4 'to define at least one secondary channel 6A', 6B ', 6C', 6D ', 6E', 6F ', 6G', 6H ', 61', 6J ', 6K', 6L 'to guide them liquid which converges towards said secondary target zone 4 '.

Preferably substantially rectilinear and continuous, these secondary barriers 5A'-5L 'are, like said primary barriers 5A-5L, distinct from each other, that is to say that they are arranged at a distance from each other and do not touch or overlap. Advantageously, each of said secondary barriers 5A'-5L 'extends in a direction of average longitudinal extension substantially parallel to the first plane P1 of average extension of the sheet 2. Advantageously, these secondary barriers 5A'-5L' are they also substantially impermeable to said liquid, and preferably of a material identical to that of said primary barriers 5A-5L.

Preferably, said secondary zone 4 ′ is located, like said primary target zone 4, at a distance from the peripheral edges 3 of said ply 2. Preferably also, and as shown in FIG. 2, said secondary barriers 5A ′ - 5L ′ are arranged around said secondary target zone 4 ′ in a manner completely similar to what has been described above with regard to said primary barriers 5A-5L and the primary zone 4. Advantageously, said secondary barriers 5A-5L 'guide also penetrate the entire thickness of the sheet 2. In addition, the secondary barriers 5A'-5L' are preferably of width identical to that of the primary barriers 5A-5L.

Advantageously, said primary 4 and secondary 4 'target zones on the one hand, and said plurality of primary barriers 5A-5L and respective plurality of secondary barriers 5A-5L' on the other hand, are shaped and configured in the foreground P1 of average extension of the sheet 2 symmetrically with respect to a second plane P2 orthogonal to said first plane P1.

This means, as illustrated in FIG. 2, that said primary target area 4 and said secondary target area 4 ′ are advantageously identical to each other and positioned in mirror on either side of the second plane P2. In the same way, the primary barriers 5A-5B and secondary 5A’-5L ’are thus advantageously also identical to each other (number, shapes, arrangement, etc.) and positioned in a mirror relative to the second plane P2. In other words, the primary target area 4 and the primary barriers 5A-5L define a "fluid pattern" which is advantageously reproduced identically by second plane symmetry P2 to obtain said secondary target area 4 'and said secondary barriers 5a'-5L. Alternatively, it could of course be envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the secondary target zone 4 'has a shape and / or dimensions quite different from that of the target zone. primary4, and / or that the conformation and configuration of the secondary barriers 5A'-5L 'differ from those of said primary barriers 5A-5L.

In order to promote a substantially simultaneous and homogeneous guidance of said liquid in the direction of each of said primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones, said fluidic device 1 can also advantageously comprise a plurality of tertiary barriers 7A, 7B for guiding said liquid, which are substantially parallel to each other and define a tertiary channel 8 for guiding said liquid which interconnects said primary 4 and secondary 4 'target zones (FIG. 2). Obviously, in the eventual case where the sheet 2 has more than two target zones, provision may be made for said guide barriers 7A, 7B to define a plurality of tertiary guide channels which connect them two to two to said target zones. Preferably substantially straight, these tertiary barriers 7A, 7B are, like said primary barriers 5A-5L and secondary 5A'-5L ', distinct from each other, that is to say that they are arranged at distance from each other and do not touch. Advantageously, each of said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B extends in a direction of average longitudinal extension substantially parallel to the first plane P1 of average extension of the sheet 2, and preferably perpendicular to said second plane P2. Advantageously also, these tertiary barriers 7A, 7B are substantially impermeable to said liquid, and preferably in a material identical to that of said primary barriers 5A-5L. In addition, said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B preferably penetrate the entire thickness of the sheet 2, and are preferably of a width substantially close (if not identical) to that of said primary barriers 5A-5L.

According to a variant, in order to further improve the simultaneity and the homogeneity of the phenomenon of guiding said liquid in the first plane P1 towards each of the primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones, said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B are continuous and advantageously pass through part by part the said primary 4 and secondary 4 'target zones. Preferably, each of the tertiary barriers 7A, 7B connects one of said primary barriers 5A-5L to one of said secondary barriers 5A'-5L '. In other words, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the tertiary barriers 7A, 7B are preferably arranged parallel to one another to form a continuous tertiary channel 8 which crosses each of the primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones, by preferably connecting two primary barriers 5A, 5L adjacent to two secondary barriers 5A ', 5L' adjacent. Preferably, said primary barriers 5A, 5L adjacent and secondary barriers 5A ', 5L' adjacent are chosen to be symmetrical according to said second plane P2. More preferably, each of said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B connects the primary proximal end of one of said primary barriers 5A, 5L adjacent to the primary proximal end of one of said corresponding secondary barriers 5A ’, 5L’. One thus advantageously obtains in this way, as can be seen from FIG. 2, a tertiary channel 8 which is extended at each of its ends by a primary channel 6L, 6L ’.

According to another variant (not shown), said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B are identical to those described according to the preceding variant, except that one and / or the other of them is discontinuous. For example, the tertiary barriers 7A, 7B may have, one and / or the other, a discontinuity at the level of one and / or the other of said primary target zones 4 and secondary 4 ’. Thus, a circulation of said liquid is advantageously authorized between the interior of the tertiary channel 8 and a part of the primary or secondary target zones 4 and corresponding secondary zone 4 'which adjoins said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B. The tertiary barriers 7A, 7B could also or alternatively, one and / or the other, be discontinuous at the level of their respective segment connecting said primary 4 and secondary 4 target zones to each other.

According to yet another variant, said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B could be continuous, but designed and arranged so that the tertiary channel 8 which they form connects the primary 4 and secondary 4 'target zones to each other, without however crossing (or at least not right through) said primary 4 and secondary 4 'target zones.

Said primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones being distinct and preferably positioned at a distance from each other according to the first plane P1 of average extension of the sheet 2, said fluidic device 1 preferably comprises a region 9 (or extended ) surface area of the sheet 2 which extends between said primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones. Separating the latter in the first plane P1, said surface region 9 advantageously connects the portions of the respective primary and secondary contours of said target primary 4 and secondary 4 ’zones positioned opposite one another according to the first plane P1.

As such, and in order to limit or even prohibit the displacement (or reflux) of said liquid from said surface region 9 in the direction of at least one of said peripheral edges 3, said fluidic device 1 advantageously comprises a plurality of quaternary barriers 10A, 10B for guiding of said liquid, each of said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B being respectively interposed between said surface region 9 and at least one of said peripheral edges 3 of the ply 2. In other words, while said surface region 9 of the ply 2 is bordered on at least one part of its contour by said primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones, said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B are advantageously arranged relative to the sheet 2 to oppose the displacement of said liquid, from said surface region 9 towards at least one of said peripheral edges 3, via the part of the contour of said region 9 not bordered by the primary 4 and secondary target areas e 4 ’.

Preferably, in order to simplify as much as possible the design and manufacture of said fluidic device 1, these quaternary barriers 10A, 10B are respectively formed of the union (that is to say of the abutment), of one of said primary barriers 5A-5L and one of said secondary barriers 5A'-5L ', preferably in said second plane P2. In other words, as illustrated in an example in FIG. 2, each of these quaternary barriers 10A, 10B is advantageously formed by the end-to-end joining of a primary barrier 5E, 5H and a secondary barrier 5E ', 5H' , which is preferably identical and symmetrical according to the second plane P2 to said primary barrier 5E considered. More preferably, the primary barriers 5E, 5H and secondary 5E, 5H 'are joined, abutted, one to the other at their respective primary and secondary distal ends.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the ply 2 is of substantially rectangular shape, said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B are two in number, a first quaternary barrier 10A thus being interposed between said surface area 9 and i 'one of said peripheral edges 3, while the second quaternary barrier 10B is interposed between said surface area 9 another of said peripheral edges 3, opposite. As illustrated, said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B each advantageously has a "U" shape open in the direction of said surface region 9. By construction, the quaternary barriers 10A, 10B are advantageously positioned opposite one another, preferably symmetrically with respect to a third plane P3 orthogonal to said first P1 and second P2 planes. The surface region 9 is thus advantageously delimited on the one hand by said primary target zones 4 and secondary 4 'and, on the other hand, by said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B, the liquid present in this region 9 cannot therefore be move in the direction of the peripheral edges 3 of the sheet 2 and is effectively directed in the direction of each of said primary 4 and secondary 4 'target zones (see the arrows in FIG. 2).

Obviously, alternative embodiments of these quaternary barriers 10A, 10B can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, it being understood that the preferred embodiment described above proves to be particularly simple and quick to design. and to manufacture while allowing particularly reliable, precise and rapid routing of said liquid to each of said primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones. For example, said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B, rectilinear or not but preferably continuous, could on the contrary be completely distinct and distant from said primary barriers 5A-5L and secondary 5A'-5B ', although possibly formed of the same material as these. Alternatively again, these quaternary barriers 10A, 10B (rectilinear and continuous) could extend parallel to each other in the first plane P1 and connect one of said primary barriers 5A-5L to one of said secondary barriers 5A '-5L' corresponding by symmetry of second plane P2, via the primary and secondary distal ends of the primary barriers 5A-5L and secondary 5A'-5L 'considered.

More generally, other conformations and configurations of said secondary barriers 5A'-5L '(and, optionally said tertiary barriers 7A, 7B and / or quaternaries 10A, 10B) may be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, since two adjacent barriers (whether primary (s), secondary (s), tertiary (s) or quaternary (s)) do not define between them a liquid guide channel which would converge towards at least peripheral edges 3 of the ply 2.

It thus appears from the above that the fluidic device 1 of the invention advantageously constitutes a device allowing a “horizontal” directed routing (that is to say substantially oriented along the first plane P1 of average extension of the sheet 2 of said device fluidic 1), particularly precise, fast and efficient, of a given liquid with which the sheet 2 is brought into contact, towards at least one predefined target area of this sheet 2, as represented by arrows with Figures 1 and 2.

The invention also relates, as such, to a method of manufacturing a fluidic device 1 for handling a liquid, comprising a surface layer 2 intended to come into contact with said liquid, said layer 2 comprising a target zone predefined primary 4, located at a distance from the peripheral edges 3 of said ply 2. Advantageously, the method of the invention is intended to allow the manufacture of a fluidic device 1 in accordance with that of the invention, such that it has has been described in detail above. Consequently, the description set out in the foregoing in relation to the fluidic device 1 according to the invention remains valid and applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the present process. Preferably, said method comprises a step of supplying or manufacturing said surface sheet 2, which is preferably formed from a piece of non-woven, porous and / or hydrophilic textile 2A. Advantageously in one piece, and preferably consisting of 80% wood pulp (cellulose) and 20% polyester fibers (for example PET), such a primary piece 2A of textile can, for example, be obtained by wet or papermaking (“wet laid” process), by incorporating polyester fibers into a cellulose pulp of wood pulp.

According to the invention, said method comprises a step of producing a plurality of elongated primary barriers 5A-5L for guiding said liquid, distinct and oriented in directions of longitudinal extension intersecting at a point located in said primary target zone 4 for define between them at least one primary channel 6A-6L for guiding said liquid which converges towards said primary target zone 4.

Preferably, said ply 2 comprises, in addition to said primary target area 4, a predefined secondary target area 4 ′, distinct from said primary target area 4. In this case, the method will then preferably also include a step of carrying out a plurality of secondary barriers 5A'-5L 'elongate guide of said liquid, distinct and oriented in directions of longitudinal extension intersecting at a point located in said secondary target zone 4' to define between them at least one secondary channel 6A'- 6L ′ for guiding said liquid which converges towards said secondary target zone 4 ′.

In addition, the process of the invention may advantageously also include:

a step of producing a plurality of tertiary barriers 7A, 7B for guiding said liquid, which are, in accordance with the above, substantially parallel and define a tertiary channel 8 for guiding said liquid which connects said primary target zones 4 and secondary 4 '; and or

a step of producing a plurality of quaternary barriers 10A, 10B for guiding said liquid, each of said quaternary barriers 10A, 10B being respectively interposed, in accordance with the above, between on the one hand a surface region 9 of the sheet 2 which extends between said primary 4 and secondary 4 ′ target zones and, on the other hand, and at least one of said peripheral edges 3 of the ply 2 to limit or even prohibit the movement of said liquid from said surface region 9 in the direction of said au at least one of said peripheral edges 3.

Advantageously, these stages of production of the primary barriers 5A-5B, secondary 5A'-5B ', tertiary 7A, 7B, or even quaternary 10A, 10B, are combined (or at least simultaneous), that is to say that the all of the barriers considered are produced during a single operation (or during separate stages carried out in parallel), which saves a considerable amount of time.

Preferably, said step of producing the plurality of primary barriers 5A-5L (respectively said secondary barriers 5A'-5L ', tertiary 7A, 7B, or even quaternary 10A, 10B, if applicable) comprises an operation of coating said surface layer 2 (preferably of the upper face of the latter) with a hydrophobic polymer material, so as to locally and chemically waterproof said surface layer 2 and thus materialize said primary barriers 5A-5L (respectively said secondary barriers 5A'- 5L ', tertiary 7A, 7B, or even quaternary 10A, 10B, if applicable).

If such a coating operation could, for example, be carried out using a solution of a prepolymer in solvent phase, deposited on the surface sheet 2 using nozzles and then crosslinked under UV or IR, said coating operation will advantageously be carried out hot, said hydrophobic polymeric material being a thermoplastic polymeric material (“hotmelt” process), preferably a hot-melt adhesive of PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive type, preferably still based on polyurethane or rubber. Indeed, as already introduced previously, the use of such a “hotmelt” coating operation, in dry extract, makes it possible to limit or even avoid any deleterious, environmental and / or health effect, linked to the handling of solvents. Alternatively, said coating operation may possibly be carried out cold, when said hydrophobic polymeric material is an elastomer, such as a silicone for example.

For example, such a coating operation can then be implemented using a system of cylinders (for example in chromed or copper-plated steel) the surface of which has been engraved with one or more patterns in hollow corresponding to the conformation and the configuration which it is desired to give to said primary barriers 5A-5L (respectively to said secondary barriers 5A-5L ', tertiary 7A, 7B, even quaternary 10A, 10B), The depth of etching may, depending on the material and the thickness of the textile part 2A of the ply 2 and the thermoplastic polymer material retained, be between 0.1 and 10 mm.

Such a “hotmelt” coating operation is thus particularly simple and quick to implement, does not require resorting to specific technical means which is complex and costly, and advantageously makes it possible to coat large surfaces continuously at a high rate. surface layer 2.

Advantageously, said step of producing the plurality of primary barriers 5A-5L (respectively said pluralities of secondary barriers 5A'-5L ', tertiary 7A, 7B, or even quaternary 10A, 10B, if applicable) also comprises an impregnation operation , preferably hot and possibly under pressure, of said ply 2 thus coated (that is to say an operation of reheating said coated ply 2, possibly by passage between two cylinders). This impregnation operation, preferably by calendering, will advantageously allow the hydrophobic polymeric material deposited on the surface of the ply 2 to impregnate the entire thickness of said ply 2, by promoting its deep penetration. Advantageously, it will therefore ultimately allow said primary barriers 5A-5L (and preferably said secondary barriers 5A'-5L ', tertiary 7A, 7B, or even quaternary 10A, 10B) thus obtained to penetrate through the entire thickness of said sheet. 2.

It emerges from the above that the method of the invention is thus simple, rapid (possibility of "continuous") and efficient implementation and makes it possible to obtain a fluidic device 1 ensuring rapid and precise delivery of a liquid towards a precise predefined target zone of the latter, or even advantageously towards a plurality of distinct and distant predefined precise target zones.

The invention further relates, as such, to a multilayer complex (not shown) for handling a liquid, comprising at least one primary layer intended to come into contact with said liquid, said primary layer being formed of a fluidic device 1 conforms to the description which was given above.

Preferably, the term “multilayer complex” is understood here to mean an assembly advantageously obtained by stacking a plurality of surface layers distinct from one another (and, preferably, of different nature and functions), these layers preferably extending according to respective planes substantially parallel to each other. Advantageously, the multilayer complex of the invention is designed to move, convey, a certain amount of said liquid from at least a first region of said complex to at least a second region of the latter, said second region being preferably distant and distinct from said first region. As such, the different layers forming the complex of the invention are preferably designed, configured and arranged one with respect to the other to allow a displacement of the liquid considered from said first region to said second region of the complex, said first and second regions advantageously belonging to two distinct layers which are not immediately adjacent. The displacement of said liquid preferably includes at least one component orthogonal to the layers, or even advantageously even a combination of at least one component parallel to the layers (that is to say a displacement in the plane of extension of the at least one of the layers of the complex) and at least one component orthogonal to said layers. In this sense, the multilayer complex of the invention advantageously constitutes, as such, a fluidic system (or at least a component of a fluidic system), two-dimensional or even three-dimensional.

Advantageously, the multilayer complex of the invention is intended to be integrated into a sanitary, medical, surgical or hygienic device (not shown in the figures) of the dressing type, transdermal system, hygienic protection device or even diaper. In this case, the liquid handled will generally be an aqueous biological liquid (or “biological fluid” or “bodily fluid”) coming from the user of said sanitary, medical, surgical or hygienic device (blood, urine, exudate, sweat, etc.). ).

Preferably, said primary layer of said complex (and in particular said surface layer 2 of the fluidic device 1) is intended to come first into contact with said liquid, that is to say that it advantageously constitutes a layer of said complex which is intended to come into contact with the liquid before all or part of the other layers of said complex, said liquid thus advantageously penetrating said complex, from the medium external to the latter, via said primary layer. Preferably, said primary layer constitutes one of the most superficial layers of said complex.

Advantageously, said multilayer complex further comprises a secondary layer and an intermediate layer, said intermediate layer being interposed between said primary and secondary layers and itself comprising an impermeable portion (impervious) to said liquid and at least one permeable portion allowing, on the contrary , the passage (advantageously in a mean direction substantially orthogonal to the mean extension plane of said layers) of said liquid coming from the primary layer.

Preferably, said permeable portion of the intermediate layer is positioned substantially opposite, that is to say facing, and preferably plumb with, said primary target zone 4 of said fluidic device 1. This means that the primary and intermediate layer are advantageously configured and arranged relative to each other so that said permeable portion and said primary target area 4 are mapped in a direction orthogonal to said layers. The impermeable portion of the intermediate layer is advantageously positioned opposite and above the ply 2 of the fluidic device 1 forming said primary layer, to cover substantially entirely the upper face of said ply 2, with the exception therefore of the primary target zone 4 of the latter.

Thus, said primary target zone 4 constitutes a preferential liquid collection zone at the level of said primary layer, from which collection zone said liquid can be directed, via the permeable portion of the intermediate layer, to a precise point of said secondary layer advantageously located directly above said permeable portion.

Preferably, in the case where said ply 2 comprises a primary target zone 4 and a secondary target zone 4 '(or even more target zones), said intermediate layer will then advantageously comprise two impermeable portions (or even as many impermeable portions as said ply 2 will include target areas). Each of these impermeable portions will then advantageously be positioned substantially opposite, that is to say facing, and perpendicular to one of said primary target zones 4, secondary 4 ’, etc.

Said multilayer complex may also advantageously comprise a transfer layer permeable to said liquid (for example formed from a mesh ply of polymeric material). Arranged opposite and overlapping the underside of said primary layer (that is to say opposite to said intermediate layer relative to said primary layer), this transfer layer will preferably constitute a surface layer of said complex and will then allow the passage of said liquid from the medium external to said complex towards said primary layer of the latter, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the planes of average extension of the layers of said complex.

The multilayer complex of the invention thus advantageously allows particularly precise and rapid handling of said liquid and, in particular, particularly precise and rapid routing of said liquid within and through the various layers which constitute said complex.

Claims (21)

1. Fluidic device (1) for handling a liquid, comprising a surface layer (2) intended to come into contact with said liquid, said layer (2) comprising a predefined primary target area (4), located at a distance from the peripheral edges (3) of said ply (2), said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises a plurality of primary barriers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I, 5J , 5K, 5L) elongate guide lines for said liquid, distinct and oriented in secant longitudinal extension directions at a point located in said primary target zone (4) to define between them at least one primary channel (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, 6K, 6L) for guiding said liquid which converges towards said primary target area (4). 2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said primary guiding barriers (5A-5L) are arranged around said primary target area (4). 3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said primary barrier (5A-5L) for guiding penetrate the entire thickness of the said ply (2). 4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said primary guiding barriers (5A-5L) are substantially impermeable to said liquid. 5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said primary guiding barriers (5A-5L) are made of hydrophobic polymer material. 6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hydrophobic polymeric material is a thermoplastic polymeric material, preferably a hot-melt adhesive of PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive type, or an elastomer. 7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ply (2) is formed from a piece of non-woven, porous and / or hydrophilic textile (2A). 8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said piece of textile (2A) consists of 80% wood pulp and 20% polyester fibers, and preferably has a surface mass substantially equal to 28 g / m ² . 9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ply (2) comprises a predefined secondary target zone (4 '), distinct from said primary target zone (4), said device (1) comprising a plurality of secondary barriers (5A ', 5B', 5C ', 5D', 5E ', 5F', 5G ', 5H', 5I ', 5J', 5K ', 5L') elongated guide for said liquid, distinct and oriented in secant longitudinal extension directions at a point located in said secondary target area (4 ') to define between them at least one secondary channel (6A ¹ , 6B', 6C ', 6D', 6E ', 6F' , 6G ', 6H', 61 ', 6J', 6K ', 6L') for guiding said liquid which converges towards said secondary target zone (4 '). 10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said ply (2) extends substantially along a first plane (P1) of average extension, said primary (4) and secondary (4 ') target zones, on the one hand, and said plurality of primary barriers (5A-5L) and plurality of secondary barriers (5A'-5L '), on the other hand, being shaped and configured in said first plane (P1) symmetrically with respect to to a second plane (P2) orthogonal to said first plane (P1). 11. Device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tertiary barriers (7A, 7B) for guiding said liquid, which are substantially parallel and define a tertiary channel (8) for guiding said liquid which interconnects said primary (4) and secondary (4 ') target zones. 12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a surface region (9) of the sheet (2) which extends between said primary (4) and secondary target zones (4 '), and in that it comprises a plurality of quaternary barriers (1 OA, 10B) for guiding said liquid, each of said quaternary barriers (1 OA, 10B) being respectively interposed between said surface region (9) and at at least one of said peripheral edges (3) of the ply (2) to limit or even prohibit the movement of said liquid from said surface region (9) in the direction of at least said peripheral edges (3). 13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said quaternary barriers (1 OA, 10B) are respectively formed from the union of one of said primary barriers (5A-5L) and one of said secondary barriers (5A '-5L'). 14. Method for manufacturing a fluidic device (1) for handling a liquid, comprising a surface layer (2) intended to come into contact with said liquid, said layer (2) comprising a primary target zone (4) predefined, located at a distance from the peripheral edges (3) of said ply (2), said method being characterized in that it comprises a step of producing a plurality of elongated primary barriers (5A-5L) for guiding said liquid, distinct and oriented in secant longitudinal extension directions at a point located in said primary target zone (4) to define between them at least one primary channel (6A-6L) for guiding said liquid which converges towards said primary target zone (4). 15. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step of supplying or manufacturing said surface sheet (2), which is formed from a piece of non-woven, porous textile (2A) and / or hydrophilic. 16. Method according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that said step of producing the plurality of primary barriers (5A-5L) comprises an operation of coating said surface sheet (2) with a polymer material hydrophobic. 17. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hydrophobic polymeric material is a thermoplastic polymeric material, preferably a hot-melt adhesive of PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive type, said coating operation being carried out hot, 18. The method of claim 16, characterized in that said hydrophobic polymeric material is an elastomer, said coating operation being carried out cold. 19. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that said step of producing the plurality of primary barriers (5A-5L) also comprises an operation of impregnation, preferably hot, of said sheet ( 2) thus coated, allowing said hydrophobic polymeric material to permeate the entire thickness of said ply (2) and to said primary barriers (5A-5L) thus obtained to penetrate through the entire thickness of said ply (2). 20. Multilayer complex for handling a liquid, comprising at least one primary layer intended to come into contact with said liquid, characterized in that said primary layer is formed of a fluidic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 21. Complex according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a secondary layer and an intermediate layer, said intermediate layer being interposed between said primary and secondary layers and itself comprising a portion impermeable to said liquid and at least one permeable portion allowing the passage of said liquid coming from the primary layer, said permeable portion being positioned substantially opposite and perpendicular to said primary target zone (4) of said fluidic device (1).