EP1394073B1 - Valve for a pressurised container and container provided therewith - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to valves for equipping containers pressurized.

French patent application FR-A-2,680,161 discloses a valve for a container pressurized comprising a shutter constituted by a ball. The latter is intended for close an orifice traversed by the fluid to be dispensed when the container is not in a normal position of use and that the actuation of the valve would cause for example a loss of propellant alone. If an attempt is made to use the device in the wrong position, the pressure downstream of the shutter tends to equilibrate with the pressure atmospheric due to communication with the exterior established by the valve stem when it is activated. The ball is then likely to remain pressed against his seat, even if the container is returned to its normal position of use, by the pressure prevailing inside the container, greater than that prevailing downstream of the shutter.

To prevent the shutter from staying in its position for too long even after returning the container to its normal position of use, a leak is organized between the inside of the valve body downstream of the shutter and the inside of the container by means of a micro-orifice passing through the valve body.

The realization of such a micro-orifice is relatively delicate and complicated the manufacture of the valve.

In addition, the valve has a seal which is capable of swelling on contact of the product contained in the container and the swelling of this seal tends to disturb the passage propellant gas through the micro-orifice, which further complicates the realization of the valve.

The present invention aims to provide a valve to prevent the maintenance of the shutter in the closed position even after the return of the container in a normal use position, which is relatively simple to perform while being reliable.

• un orifice configuré pour être traversé par un fluide à distribuer,
• un obturateur mobile sous l'action de la gravité entre une position d'obturation prise lorsque la valve a une orientation prédéterminée, position d'obturation dans laquelle l'obturateur obture sensiblement ledit orifice, et une position de distribution dans laquelle l'obturateur libère ledit orifice,
• un absorbeur situé en aval de l'obturateur par rapport au sens de circulation du fluide, propre à absorber au moins un gaz propulseur contenu dans le fluide et à le libérer au moins partiellement lorsque la pression dans le voisinage de l'absorbeur devient suffisamment faible.

The subject of the present invention is, according to one of its aspects, a valve for a pressurized container, comprising:

• an orifice configured to be traversed by a fluid to be dispensed,
• a movable shutter under the action of gravity between a shutter position taken when the valve has a predetermined orientation, shutter position in which the shutter substantially closes said orifice, and a dispensing position in which the shutter releases said orifice,
• an absorber located downstream of the shutter with respect to the direction of fluid flow, capable of absorbing at least one propellant gas contained in the fluid and at least partially releasing it when the pressure in the vicinity of the absorber becomes sufficiently weak .

This shutter is in particular configured so that the quantity of gas released thruster can sufficiently reduce the existing pressure difference other shutter, in case of blocking the shutter in the closed position then that it is no longer maintained by gravity in its closed position, so that the shutter can leave its closed position.

The shutter can leave its shutter position alone, by gravity and / or under the action of movements of the container.

The absorber can be made of a material and / or a structure chosen according to the nature of the substance or substances in the container, in particular the nature of the propellant and the amount of gas to be released by desorption, considering for example the configuration of the valve and the volume that the gas released by desorption is likely to occupy, the weight of the shutter, pressure prevailing in the container, the shape of the shutter and that of its seat.

The absorber may comprise a porous material. The absorber can also have a material whose chemical nature allows it to absorb a propellant contained in the fluid. The absorber can be configured for example to absorb a propellant gas selected from the group consisting of alkanes, especially butane, isopropane and isobutane, fluorinated compounds, especially difluoroethane 152a and tetrafluoroethane 134a, and dimethyl ether, this list not being limiting.

The absorber may comprise polyamide fibers, for example Nylon®.

The absorber may comprise a cellular material, for example a foam or a sintered, in particular a sintered porosity high having pores of size that can vary for example from about 5 to 20 microns.

This sintered material may be, for example, a sinter of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).

The absorber may also comprise a silicone, especially when the gas propellant is butane, isobutane, difluoroethane 152a, tetrafluoroethane 134a, dimethyl ether or a mixture of at least two of these compounds, due to the affinity existing between the silicone and the propellant gas.

The valve may comprise a valve body defining a chamber with which communicates the aforementioned orifice, this chamber being located downstream of the shutter, and the absorber can be arranged in this chamber. The absorber can be fixed for example on the valve body. Alternatively or additionally, the absorber can be attached to the valve stem. The absorber can be attached to one end of the valve stem.

The shutter can be disposed in a housing of the valve body. In Alternatively, the shutter can be disposed in a dip tube attached to the valve body.

The shutter may comprise a ball, in particular a glass ball or stainless steel.

The aforementioned predetermined position, in which the shutter takes its position shutter, may be an attempt to use the valve upside down. In this case, the container is normally used upside down to distribute the product contained in inside. A dip tube may be attached to the valve body.

The predetermined position in question may also correspond to an attempt of use of the valve head up. In this case, the container is normally used head below. The valve may be devoid of dip tube.

The valve can be configured to be actuated by a movement sink or tilt, for example.

• un récipient contenant sous pression un produit à distribuer,
• une valve telle que définie plus haut.

The subject of the invention is also a device for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising:

• a container containing under pressure a product to be dispensed,
• a valve as defined above.

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe longitudinale, un récipient pressurisé équipé d'une valve conforme à un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe longitudinale, le récipient de la figure 1, tête en bas, et
• les figures 3 à 6 représentent schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe longitudinale, des valves conformes à des variantes de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 diagrammatically and partially, in longitudinal section, a pressurized container equipped with a valve according to an embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 diagrammatically and partially, in longitudinal section, the container of FIG. 1, head down, and
• Figures 3 to 6 show schematically and partially in longitudinal section, valves according to alternative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a valve 1 according to the invention, mounted on a pressurized container R.

This container R contains a product P to be sprayed under the pressure of a gas propellant G such as isobutane, difluoroethane 152a, tetrafluoroethane 134a or dimethyl ether for example.

The container R has in the upper part an opening 2 on which is crimped a cup 3, conventionally. The valve 1 is fixed by crimping in a central housing 9 of the cup 3.

The valve 1 comprises a valve body 4 defining a chamber 7 in which is engaged a valve stem 5, of longitudinal axis X, able to move in the chamber 7 between a closed position of the valve and an open position.

The valve stem 5 is provided, at its end emerging from the valve body 4, a push button 6, as can be seen in Figure 2. This push button 6 is provided with an inner channel 8, and could be equipped with one or more channel nozzles vortices for example, depending for example on the type of aerosol desired and the nature of the product sprayed.

A sealing washer 10 interposes between the valve body 4 and the cup 3.

The valve stem 5 can slide in the valve body 4 along the X axis, sealing manner in contact with the washer 10.

A distribution channel 12 is made in the valve stem 5. This channel opens at one end into the inner channel 8 of the pushbutton 6 and to the other end on a lateral surface of the valve stem 5, by a radial orifice 14.

In the closed position of the valve, as illustrated in FIG. is closed by the washer 10.

To distribute product P, the valve stem 5 is in the example considered pressed into the valve body 4 and the orifice 14 then opens below the washer 10, in the chamber 7. Product P can flow in the distribution channel 12.

The valve 1 comprises a coil spring 22 enabling the stem of valve 5 in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1, when it is released by the user.

The valve stem 5 comprises in the lower part a cylindrical portion 23 X axis acting as a guide to the spring 22.

The valve body 4 comprises in the lower part a tip 15 on which is fixed a dip tube 16. The tip 15 opens through a hole 21 of circular section In this one.

The plunger tube 16 is closed at its lower end by a bottom 17 and a ball 30 is retained within it.

A lateral opening 20 is made in the plunger tube 16 near the bottom 17, this opening 20 opening into the space just above the ball 30 when the latter rests against the bottom 17.

The ball 30 is free to move in the plunger tube 16 under the action of the gravity.

When the container R is in its normal position of use, the ball 30 rests in the bottom 17 of the plunger tube 16, as illustrated in FIG.

The orifice 21 is closed by the ball 30 when the container R is returned, when a product distribution attempt P upside down, as shown in Figure 2.

In this position, when the user presses the push button 6, the gas propellant G is prevented from flowing through the orifice 21 and the pressure in the chamber 7 can be balanced with the atmospheric pressure, thanks to the distribution channel 12.

To prevent the ball 30 remains locked in its closed position of the orifice 21 under the effect of the pressure difference prevailing on either side thereof, an absorber 32 is disposed in the chamber 7, this absorber 32 being fixed to the portion cylindrical 23 of the valve stem 5 in the example.

The absorber 32 is made, in the illustrated example, in a porous material capable of absorbing, because of its high porosity, propellant gas in the liquefied state G and possibly product P also.

The absorber 32, by desorption of the propellant gas G, makes it possible to increase the pressure prevailing inside the chamber 7 after return of the valve stem 5 in its closing position and therefore reduces the pressure difference prevailing downstream and upstream of the ball 30.

The absorber 32 is configured so that the gaseous volume released by desorption is sufficient for the ball 30 to leave the orifice 21 by gravity and / or under the action movements of the container during handling by the user.

In the example just described, the absorber 32 is attached to the valve stem 5.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the absorber 32 may be attached to valve body 4.

The absorber 32 may especially be in the form of a ring disposed around the spring 22, bearing on a shoulder of the valve body 4.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when instead of introducing the shutter in a dip tube, there is provided in the valve body a housing for receive the shutter.

For example, there is shown in Figure 4 a valve 40 differentiating of the valve 1 described above by the fact that the valve body 4 comprises, in addition to the chamber 7, a housing 42 in its lower part, in which is disposed the ball 30.

This housing 42 communicates with the chamber 7 through an orifice 44 and also communicates with the interior of the container by a lateral end 46 on which is fixed a dip tube 47, which can be open at its lower end.

When the container is returned for an attempt of use upside down, the ball 30 closes the orifice 44.

Absorber 32 acts as previously described.

In the examples which have just been described, the valve is used normally head up.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the valve is configured for use upside down.

By way of example, FIG. 5 shows a valve 50 intended to be normally used upside down, the chamber 7 communicating with a housing 51 containing the ball 30 by a channel 53. The latter opens into the housing 51 by a orifice 55 located at the lower end of the housing 51.

If an attempt is made to use head-up, as shown in Figure 5, the ball 53 closes the orifice 55, preventing the product P and the propellant G contained therein in the container to enter the chamber 7. The absorber 32 acts as previously.

When the container R is placed head down, the ball 30 leaves the orifice 55 released and product P can flow in the chamber 7 to be distributed.

In the examples just described, the shutter 30 moves freely in the space that receives it.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when provision is made for means for delaying the displacement of the shutter between its positions of distribution and filling.

For example, there is shown in Figure 6 a valve 60 which has a valve body 4 having in the lower part a tip 62 that can be used, as illustrated, when mounting a dip tube 47.

The tip 62 defines a housing 66 which communicates with the chamber 7 by a port 65.

A ball 30 is present in the housing 66 to close the orifice 65 when the container is not in its normal position of use.

The housing 66 is closed at its lower end by an end piece 68 provided with an orifice 69 for the passage of the product.

A hollow threaded rod 63 is disposed in the housing 66. This rod 63 has an internal channel 70 which supplies the orifice 65 with the product having penetrated by the orifice 69.

The rod 63 has a thread 72 which, together with the wall of the mouthpiece 62, helical path that is traversed by the ball 30 under the action of gravity when the container is arranged upside down, which allows the ball to reach its closed position of the orifice 65.

When the container is head up, as shown in Figure 6, the ball 30 not risk, because of the presence of the hollow threaded rod 63, in case of movement of the container, to be projected against the orifice 65 and thus to interrupt the distribution.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

In particular, the valve body can be made with other shapes.

The valve can be configured to allow dispensing when the stem of valve is rotated instead of being depressed.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the expression "Comprising one" must be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least a ", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (20)

1. A valve for a pressured receptacle, the valve comprising:

   an orifice (21; 44; 55; 65) configured to pass a fluid to be dispensed;

   a shutter member (30) movable under the action of gravity between a closing position taken when the valve has a predetermined orientation, in which closing position the shutter member substantially closes said orifice, and a dispensing position in which the shutter member releases said orifice;

      the valve being characterized by the fact that the valve comprises an absorber (32) situated downstream from the shutter member relative to the fluid flow direction, suitable for absorbing at least a propellant gas contained in the fluid and for releasing at least part of it when the pressure in the vicinity of the absorber becomes low enough.
2. A valve according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) comprises a porous material.
3. A valve according to either one of the two preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) comprises a material whose chemical nature enables it to absorb a propellant gas contained in the fluid.
4. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the absorber is configured to be capable of absorbing a propellant gas selected from the group constituted by: alkanes, in particular butane, isopropane, and isobutane; fluorine-containing compounds, in particular difluoroethane 152a, and tetrafluoroethane 134a; and dimethyl ether.
5. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) comprises fibers of polyamide, in particular of Nylon®.
6. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) comprises a sintered piece.
7. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) comprises a silicone.
8. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it comprises a valve body (4) defining a chamber (7) communicating with said orifice (21; 44; 55; 65), said chamber being situated downstream from the shutter member, and by the fact that the absorber (32) is disposed in said chamber (7).
9. A valve according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) is fixed to the valve body.
10. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes a valve rod (5) and by the fact that the absorber (32) is fixed to said valve rod.
11. A valve according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the absorber (32) is fixed to one end of the valve rod.
12. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the shutter member (30) is disposed in a housing (42; 51) of the valve body (4).
13. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the shutter member is disposed in a dip tube (16) fixed to the valve body.
14. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the shutter member comprises a ball (30).
15. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the predetermined position corresponds to an attempt at using the valve in a head-down position, whereas its normal position of use is head-up.
16. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that the predetermined orientation in with the shutter member occupies the closing position is a position which corresponds to an attempt at using the valve in a head-up position, whereas the normal position of use is head-down.
17. A valve according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it is configured to be actuated by being depressed.
18. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that it is configured to be actuated by being rocked.
19. A device for packaging and dispensing a fluid (P), the device comprising:

    a receptacle containing the fluid (P) under pressure; and

    a valve (1; 40; 50; 60) as defined in any preceding claim.
20. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle contains a propellant gas selected from the group constituted by: alkanes, in particular butane, isopropane, and isobutane; fluorine-containing compounds, in particular difluoroethane 152a, and tetrafluoroethane 134a; and dimethyl ether, and by the fact that the absorber (32) is configured to absorb the propellant gas.

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