EP0931734B1 - Valve for regulating a fluid flow and container equipped with such a valve - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a valve according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular for an aerosol container, intended to distribute a product, in particular cosmetic, according to a flow substantially constant. The invention is particularly suitable for distribution of deodorants, or styling products, in particular lacquers or foams.

In the field of aerosols, the problem of variations arises today of performance between the start of use of the contents of the container, and the end use. These problems arise in particular for devices, where the pressurization of the product is carried out by means of a compressed gas, in particular carbon dioxide or nitrogen dioxide. For these devices, the gas is either directly in contact with the product, or isolated from the product by a piston or a pocket containing the product. Flow and / or pressure variations are linked directly to pressure drops inside the container, which inevitably cause a drop in the product outlet flow.

It is known, in particular from patent application EP-A-0 450 990 to provide regulation inside a valve so as to regulate the outlet flow of the product distributed. Among other things, such regulatory systems involve the use of a calibrated spring, controlling the opening more or less large or the closing of an orifice, depending on the pressure inside the chamber regulation, relative to the set pressure imposed by the spring. In overpressure in the control chamber causes closure from the inlet of the control chamber, until after evacuation of a sufficient quantity of product contained in the regulation, the pressure in the chamber returns to the nominal pressure. A drawbacks linked to such a regulation system is due to the fact that the spring calibrated is placed in a part of the valve body, in communication with the product. The pressure in this part of the valve body is a partial pressure between atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the container. Such a pressure depends on the internal pressure of the container, and the pressure losses existing up to the product outlet. Pressure also depends on the product in the container, especially its vapor pressure. So, for each new formula, it is necessary to use a different calibrated spring, which makes the system not very flexible. In addition, the means for closing the outlet orifice are not integral with the piston, this which makes the flow regulation obtained less precise.

Patent application FR 2 711 973 describes a push button inside which is arranged a regulation system. The disadvantages of such system are mainly of two kinds. On the one hand, the system of regulation occupies a substantial place in the push button, which leaves little freedom in the definition of the feeding of the nozzle outlet or diffusion system and spray mechanism. Else apart, the means for closing the regulation chamber are, between two uses, in communication with the outside of the container, and therefore with the air, which implies a high risk of "sticking" of the shutter, especially in the case of products with a high resin content.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a regulating valve flow without the drawbacks relating to the regulation previously discussed with reference to the devices of the technique earlier.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a device valve integrated regulation, reliable and economical to perform, and in particular the deposit does not vary depending on the product to be distributed, or variations in pressure inside the container on which it is intended to be mounted.

It is another object of the invention to provide a valve on which one can adapt any type of distribution head, and allowing a large latitude in the choice of the diffusion characteristics of said head.

Still other objects will appear in detail in the description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a valve, in particular for an aerosol container, comprising inside a valve body: a) a inlet passage in communication with the container and an outlet passage; b) means for, in response to an actuation command, putting the exit passage in communication with the entry passage; c) first elastic return means for biasing the valve in the closed position; and D) means for regulating the output flow rate of the product, comprising second elastic return means for supplying a set pressure for said regulation means, the second elastic return means (14) are isolated from the product, the pressure inside said compartment being equal to the atmospheric pressure, characterized in that the second means elastic return are arranged in a compartment of the valve body.

Thus, the elastic return means being at atmospheric pressure, the setpoint it imposes is constant, whatever the formula, and whatever or the pressure inside the container. In addition the sealing means associated with the regulation system being located inside the valve body, i.e. isolated from the outside in the valve closed position, it does not produces no phenomenon of sticking or fouling of the regulation, which remains reliable over time.

Advantageously, the flow regulation means comprise a regulation chamber, arranged between the inlet passage and the passage of outlet, said control chamber having an inlet port and an orifice outlet, shutter means, mounted on said second means elastic return being provided for, depending on the pressure inside the regulation chamber (in reality, inside the part in which circulates the product), modify the degree of opening of the inlet and / or outlet orifice, said second elastic return means being arranged in a regulation chamber compartment, isolated from the product by a piston mobile, in direct communication with the outside, and therefore maintained at atmospheric pressure. Thus, even in the event of parasitic diffusion by or around the piston, the pressure inside the compartment containing the spring tared, remains identical to atmospheric pressure.

Advantageously, the movable piston is integral with said first means shutter. This contributes to improving the precision of the regulation in the product outlet flow.

According to a specific embodiment, the sealing means comprise first means for closing the outlet orifice, consisting of a skirt annular carried by the piston and disposed inside the chamber regulation, and whose position relative to the outlet orifice determines the degree opening of the latter. The annular skirt forms a single piece with the piston, obtainable by molding a thermoplastic material, such than a polyolefin, in particular a polyethylene or a polypropylene.

Advantageously, the movable piston is slidably mounted inside the regulation chamber. The seal between the compartment containing the spring calibrated and the compartment forming the actual regulation chamber is improved by means of a flexible membrane arranged inside the body of the regulation chamber, between the piston and the calibrated spring. Preferably, a such a membrane is overmolded or bi-injected with the body of the regulation. This membrane completes the seal between the two compartments of the regulation chamber, without appreciably affecting the pressing force exerted by the second elastic return means on the piston.

Advantageously also, stop means are provided for, in the event of overpressure inside the regulation chamber, maintain a flow minimum product output. This allows the product contained in the regulation chamber, until the pressure inside the chamber returns to the level set by the second elastic return means, thus avoiding any phenomenon of blockage of the valve.

The sealing means may also include second means shutter, integral with the movable piston for, depending on the pressure at inside the regulation chamber, modify the degree of opening of the orifice of the regulation chamber, said first and second means shutter being arranged so that in the closed position of the inlet orifice, the outlet is at least partially open. We further improve the valve regulation level. Indeed, according to this embodiment, we also regulates the pressure inside the regulation chamber.

According to a particular embodiment, the inlet orifice is arranged in the bottom of the regulation chamber, the outlet orifice being located on a wall side of the control chamber, at a distance d from the bottom of the control chamber regulation, an annular lip ensuring sealing between the regulation and the valve body, all around said regulation chamber, said sealing lip being disposed axially between the bottom of the chamber regulator and outlet. Such an annular lip can be obtained molding with the regulation chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet passage is formed of a rod valve integral with the regulation chamber, said regulation chamber being mounted on said first elastic return means, said rod valve comprising an emerging part outside the valve body, and forming a outlet channel which can be put in communication with the valve body via a passage passing radially through the valve stem. Alternatively, it can be a "female" type valve intended to receive a hollow hollow rod by the valve actuation mechanism.

Advantageously, in the closed position of the valve, the radial passage is maintained opposite a seal located in the upper part of the valve body.

According to another preferred embodiment, when the pressure inside of the regulation chamber drops below a predetermined value, the sealing means seal the outlet orifice of the regulation chamber, so as to interrupt the dispensing of product. This prevents any spraying or diffusion whose characteristics do not would be unsatisfactory due to insufficient outlet pressure.

According to another aspect of the invention, a container is also produced for the pressure distribution of a product, fitted with a valve conforming to the invention.

Such a container may comprise a body defining a reservoir containing the product to be dispensed, one end of which is closed by a bottom, the other end being surmounted by said valve, the means for actuating the valve consisting of a push button which may have means of broadcast for product release. Such a container can be presented in particular in the form of a flexible pocket, possibly placed inside a body rigid, a tube, or a can.

By way of example, the diffusion means consist of a nozzle, in particular vortex, a grid, or a porous tip, in particular a sintered or open cell foam. The product can consist of a styling product, in particular a hairspray, a spray or a mousse, or a deodorant, or a care product, in particular a milk, an oil, a cream or a gel.

• le figure 1 représente un mode de réalisation d'un récipient équipé d'une valve selon l'invention;
• les figures 2A-2C illustrent de façon schématique un premier mode de réalisation d'une valve selon l'invention; et
• les figures 3A-3C illustrent de façon schématique un second mode de réalisation d'une valve selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a container equipped with a valve according to the invention;
• FIGS. 2A-2C schematically illustrate a first embodiment of a valve according to the invention; and
• Figures 3A-3C schematically illustrate a second embodiment of a valve according to the invention.

The container 100 shown in Figure 1 is in the form of a container, for aluminum example, comprising a body 101, one end 102 of which is closed by a bottom 103. The other end 104 is open and is surmounted a valve 1 mounted on a cup 105, set on a rolled edge 106 of the can. The valve 1 is crimped or clipped onto the cup 105. A push button 109 is mounted on the valve so as to allow actuation of the valve 1, and the diffusion of the product via an outlet nozzle 107. A dip tube 108 is connected to valve 1, and descends substantially to the bottom 103 of the container. The valve will be the subject of a detailed description with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3C.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, the valve 1 comprises mainly a body 2, the bottom 3 of which has an orifice 4 at its center surrounded by an axial chimney 7, arranged outside the valve body 2, and intended to receive a dip tube 108. The end of the valve body opposite the bottom 3, is open. The edge delimiting the opening 5 of the body of valve 2 forms on its outer surface a bead 8 intended for attachment of valve 1 on a valve holder cup 105. Said edge also forms inside the valve body 2, a recess intended to receive a seal seal 6. The seal 6 is of annular shape, and forms in its center a opening, in which is slidably mounted a sealing rod valve 9.

The valve stem 9 comprises a first part 10, forming a passage for outlet of the product, in the form of a tubular element, and intended for mounting an actuation and distribution device (not shown), such as a pushbutton. The valve stem 9 also includes a second part emerging 11, isolated from the first and intended for pressurization atmospheric, via an orifice 15, of a compartment 12 of a regulation 13. The orifice 15 is made in the bottom 18 of the valve stem. AT inside the compartment 12 of the regulation chamber 13, is disposed a calibrated spring 14 intended to supply the regulation set point and which will be discussed in more detail later. The first part 10 of the valve stem comprises a passage 17, passing radially through the tubular element. In rest position of the valve (Figure 1A), under the elastic return action exerted by the spring 16, the passage 17 is arranged opposite the annular seal 6, so as to keep the valve in the closed position. For this purpose, the spring 16 is in support on the one hand against the bottom 21 of the regulation chamber, and on the other hand against the bottom 3 of the valve body. The bottom 18 of the valve stem has a annular edge 19, facing the seal 6, and which, under the action of the spring 16, is maintained in abutment on the seal 6, all around the valve stem 9, so as to seal the closure.

On the side opposite the valve stem, the bottom 18 is integral with the regulation 13, which has an outer diameter substantially identical to the outer diameter of the bottom 18. The regulation chamber 13 is formed of a body 20, arranged coaxially inside the valve body 2, of which the upper end is closed by the bottom 18, and the lower end of which is closed by a bottom 21. Inside the regulation chamber 13, is slidingly mounted a movable piston 22, sealingly isolating the upper compartment 12, and a lower compartment 23. Inside the compartment 12 is arranged a spring 14 whose, the restoring force urges the movable piston 22 towards the bottom 21. The insulation between the compartment upper 12 and lower compartment 23 is improved by the presence a thin membrane 24, in particular made of elastomeric material, and the peripheral edge is integral with the inner wall of the body of the chamber regulation. Thus, the piston is isolated from the calibrated spring 14 by said membrane, preferably obtained by overmolding or bi-injection with the body of the regulation chamber.

The bottom 21 of the regulation chamber 13 is pierced in its center with an orifice 25 forming an inlet orifice for the regulation chamber. The body 20 of the regulation chamber 13 is crossed, near the bottom 21, by an orifice 26 forming an outlet orifice for the regulation chamber 13. On the side opposite the compartment 12, the piston 22 is integral with a rod 27, arranged axially. The rod 27 passes through the orifice 25, and has its free end ending by a plate 28 with an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the orifice 25. The rod, for its part, has an outer section less than the section of the orifice 25, so as to allow the product to pass between the interior walls of the orifice 25 and the rod 27. The rod 27 is of sufficient length to be able to go from the closed position of the inlet port shown in the figure 2C, in the closed position of the outlet orifice 26, shown in the figure 2A. A seal 31 is placed around the rod 27, in contact with the plate 28, so as to seal the inlet orifice 25 of the regulation chamber 13, in the event of overpressure inside the regulation.

The piston 22 extends on the side opposite to the compartment 12 by a portion annular skirt 29, of decreasing thickness in the direction of the bottom 21. Thus, as a function of the pressure inside the container, compared to the pressure of the calibrated spring 14, the relative position of the skirt portion 29 relative to the orifice outlet 26, changes, so as to more or less clear the outlet orifice 26, and regulating the product outlet flow rate through the orifice 26. A sealing is carried out all around the regulation chamber, between the body 20 of the regulation chamber 13 and the internal wall of the valve body 2 at by means of a sealing lip 30, advantageously obtained by molding with the body 20 of the regulation chamber 13, and located near the bottom 21 of the regulation chamber 13, below the outlet orifice 26.

The operation of such regulation is as follows. In Figure 2A, in valve not mounted position, or in the case of a valve mounted on a container not yet filled or practically empty, the calibrated spring 14 urges the piston 22, through the membrane 24, towards the bottom 21 of the regulation chamber, and the skirt 29 completely closes the outlet orifice 26. In this position, the valve stem is not actuated. The exit passage 17 is located opposite seal 6.

In FIG. 2B, the valve stem 9 is actuated, that is to say pressed in against the return force of the spring 16, which causes the release the outlet passage 17. In this configuration, the pressure inside the compartment 23 is substantially equal to the pressure exerted by the spring calibrated 14. The piston 22 is in an equilibrium position such that the inlet orifice 25 is not blocked by the plate 28. The skirt portion 29 is above the orifice 26, which is entirely free. The product enters the regulation by the orifice 25, leaves the regulation chamber by the orifice 26, and is routed in the tubular part 10 of the valve stem 9, via the passage of exit 17.

When the pressure decreases inside the compartment 23, the piston 22 goes back down into the regulation chamber 13, thus reducing the open section of the outlet, which causes the pressure to rise in said control chamber, until it returns to normal pressure operation. When the pressure becomes too low inside the container, in particular at the end of use, the outlet orifice 26 is completely closed by the skirt 29, which definitively interrupts product distribution. The strength of calibrated spring 14 is chosen so as to allow optimal distribution of the product and a cessation of distribution as soon as the product can no longer be dispensed or sprayed under acceptable conditions due to pressure too weak.

As soon as the pressure becomes too high in the regulation chamber 13, the piston 22 rises in the regulation chamber. This rise of the piston 22 tends to block the inlet orifice 25 of the regulation chamber by means of the plate 28. In the extreme position shown in FIG. 2C, the inlet orifice 25 is sealed off by the plate 28. The outlet orifice 26 is open to the maximum. As soon as the pressure drops in compartment 23 to return to normal operating pressure, the inlet 25 opens again, and the product enters compartment 23. There follows a permanent balance between inlet 25 and outlet 26 of the regulation, and therefore excellent regulation of flow and / or pressure of outlet of product dispensed by the valve.

Figures 3A-3C to which reference is now made illustrate a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C. According to this variant, only the output flow of the product is controlled, compartment 23 of the regulation 13 being at the same pressure as the container. Unlike the first embodiment, the regulation chamber 13 does not have any means for closing the inlet orifice. According to this embodiment, the closing means of the outlet orifice consist of a skirt portion 29, integral with the piston 22, and having an orifice 40 whose position by with respect to the outlet 26 determines the output flow of the product. Moreover, in compartment 12, stop means 41 are provided for so as to limit the ascent of the piston in the regulation chamber, in order to never completely block the outlet in the event of overpressure in the regulation chamber.

The operation of such regulation is as follows. In Figure 3A, in valve not mounted position, or in the case of a valve mounted on a container not yet filled, the calibrated spring 14 urges the piston 22 towards from the bottom 21 of the regulation chamber, and the orifice 40 is offset with respect to the orifice 26, so that the skirt 29 completely closes the outlet orifice 26. In this position, the valve stem is not actuated. Exit passage 17 is located next to seal 6.

In FIG. 3C, the valve stem is actuated, that is to say pressed against of the return force of the spring 16, which causes the passage to be cleared outlet 17. In this configuration, the pressure inside the compartment 23 is substantially equal to the pressure exerted by the calibrated spring 14. The piston 22 is in an equilibrium position such that port 40 is substantially in alignment with the outlet orifice 26. The product enters the regulation chamber through port 25, exits regulation chamber through the orifice 26, and is conveyed in the tubular part 10 of the valve stem 9, via the exit passage 17.

When the pressure becomes too low inside the container, especially in end of use, the orifice 40 of the skirt 29 is no longer opposite the outlet orifice 26, which is completely closed by the skirt 29 (see FIG. 3A), which interrupts definitively product distribution. The force of the calibrated spring 14 is chosen so as to allow an optimal distribution of the product, and a stop of the distribution as soon as the product can no longer be distributed or sprayed in acceptable conditions, due to too low pressure.

As soon as the pressure becomes too high in compartment 23 of the regulation chamber 13, the piston 22 rises in the regulation chamber. This raising of the piston 22 tends to block the outlet orifice 26 of the chamber regulating, by more or less shifting the orifice 40 upwards, relative to orifice 26, thereby reducing the output flow. In the extreme position shown at FIG. 3B, the piston 22 is in abutment against the annular ring 41. In this position, a minimum opening of the outlet orifice 26 is retained, so as not to block the valve. When the pressure returns to a pressure normal operation, the piston returns to the equilibrium position of the Figure 3C.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations be made without departing from the invention as claimed below. By way of example, it is possible, in particular in the case of formulas viscous, overcome the presence of the membrane 24 above the piston 22. As another example, the regulation can be done only at the inlet of the regulation chamber, with a rod and plate device of the type of that described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.

Claims (16)

1. Valve (1), particularly for an aerosol container, comprising, inside a valve body (2): a) an inlet passage (4) communicating with the inside of the container and an outlet passage (10) communicating with the outside; b) means (9) for, in response to an actuation command, placing the outlet passage (10) in communication with the inlet passage (4); c) first elastic return means (16) for urging the valve (1) into the closed position; and d) means (12-14, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29) of regulating the product outlet flow rate, comprising second elastic return means (14) for supplying a datum pressure for the said regulating means, the second elastic return means (14) being arranged in a compartment (12) isolated from the product, the pressure inside the said compartment (12) being equal to atmospheric pressure, characterized in that the compartment (12) is arranged inside the valve body (2).
2. Valve according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flow rate regulating means (12-14, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29) comprise a regulating chamber (13) arranged between the inlet passage (4) and the outlet passage (10), the said regulating chamber comprising an inlet orifice (25) and an outlet orifice (26), shut-off means (28, 29) mounted on the said second elastic return means (14) being provided for, according to the pressure between the inlet orifice (25) and the outlet orifice (26), altering the extent to which the inlet orifice (25) and/or outlet orifice (26) is/are open, the said second elastic return means (14) being arranged in a compartment (12) of the regulating chamber (13) isolated from the product by a moving piston (22) and kept at atmospheric pressure.
3. Valve according to Claim 2, characterized in that the moving piston (22) is secured to the said shut-off means (28, 29).
4. Valve according to Claim 3, characterized in that the shut-off means (28, 29) comprise first means (29) of shutting off the outlet orifice (26), these consisting of an annular skirt (29) borne by the piston (22) and arranged inside the regulating chamber (13), and whose position with respect to the outlet orifice (26) determines the extent to which the latter is open.
5. Valve according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the moving piston (22) is mounted so that it can slide inside the regulating chamber (13), a flexible diaphragm (24) being arranged in the regulating chamber (13) between the said piston (22) and the second elastic return means (14) so as to isolate the piston (22) in a leaktight manner from the said second elastic return means (14).
6. Valve according to Claim 5, characterized in that the flexible diaphragm (24) is overmoulded or twin-shot injection moulded with the body of the regulating chamber (13).
7. Valve according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that stop means (41) are provided for, in the event of an overpressure inside the regulating chamber (13), maintaining a minimum product outlet flow rate.
8. Valve according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the shut-off means (28, 29) additionally comprise second shut-off means (28) secured to the moving piston (22) for, according to the pressure inside the regulating chamber (13), altering the extent to which the inlet orifice (25) of the regulating chamber (13) is open, the said first and second shut-off means (28, 29) being configured such that when the inlet orifice (25) is in the closed position, the outlet orifice (26) is at least partially open.
9. Valve according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the inlet orifice (25) is arranged in the end wall (21) of the regulating chamber, the outlet orifice (26) being situated in a side wall of the regulating chamber (13), a distance d from the end wall (21) of the regulating chamber, an annular lip (30) providing the seal between the regulating chamber (13) and the valve body (2), right around the said regulating chamber, the said sealing lip (30) being arranged axially between the end wall (21) of the regulating chamber and the outlet orifice (26).
10. Valve according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the outlet passage (10) is formed of a valve stem (9, 10) secured to the regulating chamber (13), the said regulating chamber (13) being mounted on the said first elastic return means (16), the said valve stem (9, 10) comprising a part that emerges from the valve body and forms an outlet duct that can be placed in communication with the valve body via a passage (17) that passes radially through the valve stem (9, 10).
11. Valve according to Claim 10, characterized in that when the valve (1) is in the closed position, the radial passage (17) is kept opposite a seal (6) located in the upper part of the valve body (2).
12. Valve according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, characterized in that when the pressure inside the regulating chamber (13) drops below a predetermined value, the shut-off means (29) shut off the outlet orifice (26) of the regulating chamber in a leaktight manner so as to interrupt the dispensing of product.
13. Container (100) for dispensing a product under pressure, this container being equipped with a valve (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12.
14. Container (100) according to Claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a body (101) defining a reservoir containing the product to be dispensed, and one end (102) of which is closed by an end wall (103), the other end (104) being surmounted by the said valve (1), the means of actuating the valve consisting of a push-button (109).
15. Container according to Claim 14, characterized in that the push-button comprises diffuser means (107) for discharging the product, the diffuser means (107) consisting of a nozzle, especially a swirl-inducing nozzle, a grating, or a porous end piece, especially a sinter or an open-cell foam.
16. Use of a container according to any one of Claims 13 to 15 for packaging and dispensing under pressure a hairstyling product, especially a lacquer, a spray or a mousse, or a deodorant, or a beauty care product, especially a milk, an oil, a cream or a gel.

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