EP0551782B1 - Metering valve that can be utilised in an inverted position - Google Patents

Metering valve that can be utilised in an inverted position Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0551782B1
EP0551782B1 EP92403549A EP92403549A EP0551782B1 EP 0551782 B1 EP0551782 B1 EP 0551782B1 EP 92403549 A EP92403549 A EP 92403549A EP 92403549 A EP92403549 A EP 92403549A EP 0551782 B1 EP0551782 B1 EP 0551782B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
inlet channel
opening
valve rod
define
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP92403549A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0551782A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Di Giovanni
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Aptar France SAS
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Valois SAS
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/44—Valves specially adapted therefor; Regulating devices
    • B65D83/52—Valves specially adapted therefor; Regulating devices for metering
    • B65D83/54—Metering valves ; Metering valve assemblies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a metering valve usable in the inverted position, more particularly intended for aerosols.
  • the present invention specifically aims to solve the aforementioned technical problem of maintaining the liquid in the metering chamber when the valve is in the non-inverted position.
  • valve can remain in the non-inverted position without the valve chamber being emptied of its liquid.
  • Tests have shown that the valve according to the invention can remain in the non-inverted position for more than 5 days without defusing or losing part of the dose contained in the valve.
  • the first ends of the two channel sections of the inlet channel are located axially substantially in the vicinity of the valve seal when the valve stem is in its rest position.
  • said end of said fixing section is at a certain distance from the bottom of said housing so as to define a space between said end and said bottom, and the two sections of the inlet channel open into said space.
  • the two parts forming the valve stem collaborate to define the second section of the inlet channel.
  • the securing section of the second part comprises at least one axial groove which collaborates with the housing of the first part to define the second section of the inlet channel.
  • said second part has a shoulder against which said other end of the first part abuts, said other end may have a radial groove which collaborates with said shoulder to define the second opening of the inlet channel.
  • the housing of the first part comprises at least one axial groove which collaborates with the securing section of the second part to define the second section of the inlet channel.
  • said shoulder may comprise a radial groove which collaborates with said other end to define the second opening of the inlet channel.
  • valve stem is formed in two pieces the two pieces forming the valve stem can collaborate to define the second opening of the inlet channel.
  • valve is generally described in the non-inverted position, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • Terms such as “upper, lower”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. are used with reference to this non-inverted position, but are used only to facilitate understanding of the description, without being limiting.
  • the valve according to the invention conventionally comprises a cylindrical valve body 1, which extends axially between a bottom 1a and an open end 1c.
  • the valve body 1 further comprises an enlargement 1b which forms an interior shoulder 1e, directed towards the open end 1c.
  • one or more axial slots 1d are cut in the valve body 1, between the enlargement 1b and the bottom 1a.
  • the valve body can conventionally be molded in thermoplastic material.
  • the valve body 1 is mounted on the neck 10 of a can or reservoir 11, generally using a metal capsule 3 crimped on the neck 10.
  • the metal capsule 3 has a central annular wall 3b radial, which covers the end open 1c of the valve body, and said annular wall 3b delimits an orifice 3a centered on the open end 1c of the valve body.
  • An annular neck seal 9, generally made of elastomer, can be interposed between the neck 10 and the capsule 3.
  • the reservoir or can 11 contains a liquid 12 intended to be sprayed, as well as a propellant which occupies the free volume 13 left by the liquid.
  • the propellant is generally mixed with the liquid by dissolution or by liquefaction.
  • the ferrule 6 may optionally include radial ribs 6a directed inwardly, which extend axially at the height of said ferrule.
  • the ferrule 6 may also include an inner flange 6b clearly visible in Figure 1, which extends radially inward.
  • the valve further comprises an annular valve seal 4, generally made of elastomer, interposed between the shell and the annular wall 3b of the metal capsule 3.
  • the valve seal 4 extends radially inward from the wall from the valve body 1, to a central orifice 4a.
  • annular chamber seal 5 generally made of elastomer, is interposed between the flange 6b and the shoulder 1e of the valve body.
  • the chamber seal 5 extends radially inwards from the wall of the valve body 1, to a central orifice 5a.
  • valve seal 4 and the chamber seal 5 axially delimit a metering chamber 7, the volume of which can be chosen suitably by modifying the thickness of the shell 6 and / or of the ribs 6a.
  • the valve further comprises a valve stem 2, slidably mounted in the valve body 1.
  • the valve stem slides with sealing inside the valve seal 4 and chamber seal 5, and it s' extends to an outlet end 201 located outside the valve body, which generally receives an actuator.
  • the ribs 6a of the shell 6 can participate in guiding the valve stem 2.
  • a metal spring 13 in a spiral biases the valve stem 2 towards the outside of the valve body.
  • the valve stem 2 has an external collar 203, clearly visible in FIG. 4, which is applied against the valve seal 4 under the effect of the spring 13 when the push rod is in a rest position, as shown in the Figure 1.
  • the push rod 2 further comprises an inlet channel 211, 214 having two lateral openings 212, 213.
  • the valve stem further includes an axial outlet channel 205, which extends from the outlet end 201 to a side opening 206, which is located outside the metering chamber when the valve stem is in its rest position.
  • valve stem 2 has an enlarged part 207 located between the second opening of the inlet channel and the collar 203.
  • valve When the valve is to be actuated, it is placed in the inverted position, that is to say with the outlet end 201 of the valve stem pointing downwards.
  • the valve When the valve is actuated by pushing the valve stem 2 into the valve body 1 against the bias of the spring 13, the enlarged part 207 of the valve stem comes to bear in sealed contact against the chamber seal 5, this which isolates the metering chamber from the inlet channel.
  • the lateral opening 206 of the outlet channel enters the metering chamber 7 by sliding in the central orifice 4a of the valve seal 4, the metering chamber 7, which is filled with a product charged with propellant gas then empties through the lateral opening 206 and the outlet channel 205, under the effect of said gaseous propellant.
  • valve stem When the lateral opening 206 is inside the metering chamber, the valve stem is in a so-called actuation position. In this position, the central part of the chamber seal 5 is deformed axially in the direction of the bottom 1a of the valve body, by the support of the enlarged part 207 of the valve stem.
  • the valve stem When the valve stem is released, it returns to its rest position, while the valve is still in the inverted position.
  • the liquid 12 of the reservoir 11 is located in the vicinity of the neck 10 of the reservoir, so that it can fill the metering chamber 7 via the inlet channel.
  • the flange 6b When the valve stem 2 returns to its rest position.
  • the flange 6b extends radially inwards to the vicinity of the valve stem 2, so that it prevents the central part of the chamber seal 5 from being driven by friction by said valve stem. 2 in the direction of the metering chamber 7. This avoids inaccuracy in the volume of the metering chamber 7, and / or possible closure of the second opening 213 of the inlet channel in the rest position.
  • valve 1 When the use of the valve is stopped, the device is generally stored by placing the container 11 on its base. Thus, the valve is in the non-inverted position, the end of the parts of the valve stem being directed upwards. In this position, the body of valve 1 is no longer surrounded not by the liquid contained in the reservoir 11, but by the gas 13 located above the liquid.
  • the inlet channel 211, 214 forms a siphon, which comprises two sections of axial channels, a first section of channel 211 extending axially between a first end closer to the outlet opening 205 and a second end which communicates with the first opening 212 of the inlet channel, and a second section 214 which extends axially between a first end closer to the outlet opening 205 and a second end which communicates with the second opening 213 of the inlet channel, the two sections 211, 214 being connected to each other by their first ends.
  • gas may possibly enter the first section 211 of the inlet channel, gradually migrating through the first opening 212 and up the channel 211, so that the opening 212 and section 211 can gradually empty out of the liquid they contain.
  • the gas is trapped at the first end of the section 211 which, in this position, is also the upper end of the section.
  • the gas having penetrated to the first end of the section 211 can indeed no longer descend into the section 214, since the gas has a density less than the density of the liquid. Consequently, the section 214 of the inlet channel, the second opening 213 of the inlet channel, and the metering chamber 7 remain filled with liquid.
  • the first ends of the sections 211 and 214 are located substantially at the same height as the valve seal 4 when the valve stem is in its rest position, so as to promote the retention of the liquid in the pump chamber.
  • said first ends could even be above the level of the valve seal 4 when the valve stem is in its rest position and the valve is in the non-inverted position.
  • valve stem 2 is formed in two parts 20, 21, which can be molded in thermoplastic material and then assembled by interlocking, with possibly a fixing by ultrasonic welding.
  • the valve stem 2 comprises a first part 20 of generally cylindrical shape of revolution, which extends axially between the outlet end 201 of the push rod, and another end 202.
  • Said first part 20 comprises the outlet channel 205 and its lateral opening 206, as well as the collar 203 and said enlarged part 207 of the valve stem, which is located between the end 202 and the collar 203.
  • the second part 20 comprises a cylindrical housing 204 which extends axially from the end 202 of the part 20, over a certain distance in the direction of its outlet end 201, to a bottom 208.
  • the push rod 2 further comprises a second part 21 of general shape which is also cylindrical.
  • Said second part 21 extends axially between a first end 223 close to the bottom 1a of the valve body, and a second end 216.
  • said second part 21 firstly comprises a centering finger 224 of the spring 13, then a collar 222 for supporting the spring 13, then a cylindrical section 225, having a diameter less than the outside diameter of said part 207 of the first part 20, then a cylindrical fixing section 215, which extends axially up to said second end 216 of the part 21.
  • the fixing section 215 is adapted to fit into the cylindrical housing 204 of the first part 20, and it has an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the first cylindrical section 225 , so that a shoulder 221 directed towards said second end 216 is formed between the first section 225 and the fixing section 215.
  • the channel section 211 extends axially to the center of the part 21, from the second end 216 to the first opening 212 of the inlet channel, which extends radially.
  • the fixing section 215 has an outer groove 217, which extends axially over the entire height of said section 215, and which joins a radial groove 218 formed in the shoulder 221, said radial groove 218 extending up to the outside of the first section 225 of part 21.
  • the end 202 of the first part 20 is in abutment against the shoulder 221 and the lengths of the fixing section 215 and of the housing 204 are such that the end 216 of the section 215 does not touch the bottom 208 of the housing 204.
  • a space 22 is left free between the end 216 of the section 215 and the bottom 208.
  • the grooves 218 and 217 collaborate with the walls of the part 20 to form the second opening 213 and the second section of channel 214 of the inlet channel, while the free space 22 allows the communication of the first ends of the channel 214 and of the channel 211.
  • the thickness of the free space 22, that is to say the axial distance between the end 216 and the bottom 208, can advantageously be small, for example of the order of about 1/10 mm.
  • the possible leakage of liquid from the section of channel 214 towards the section 211 is limited by capillarity, in particular when the device is manipulated or agitated. It would also be possible to connect the first ends of the two channel sections 211, 214 by a groove formed at the end 216 of the second part 21.
  • the securing section 215 of the second part 21 may be full, while the inner wall of the housing 204 has an axial groove 219 which communicates with a radial groove 221 at the end 202 of part 20, said groove 220 extending radially up to the outside of said part 30.
  • the groove 219 thus collaborates with the section 215 to form the second section 214 of the inlet channel, while the groove 220 collaborates with the shoulder 221 of the second part 21, to form the second opening 213 of the inlet channel.
  • the filling of the canister 1 with gas propellant or liquefied gas is done after mounting the valve on the canister.
  • the valve stem 2 is positioned in the actuating position, and the propellant is injected under pressure through the channel 205.
  • the propellant enters the metering chamber 7, and the pressure deforms the seal 5 towards the can 11, away from the valve stem 2, which allows the propellant to enter the can 11.
  • the propellant does not borrow the siphon of the inlet channel 211, 214 during filling, so that the two parts 20, 21 of the valve stem are not liable to be accidentally separated due to the filling pressure of the propellant.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet une valve doseuse utilisable en position inversée, plus particulièrement destinée aux aérosols.The present invention relates to a metering valve usable in the inverted position, more particularly intended for aerosols.

On connaît du document DE-U-8 713 851 des valves doseuses pour produit fluide chargé d'un propulseur, utilisable en position inversée, comportant :

  • un corps de valve cylindrique creux ayant une chambre de dosage qui s'étend axialement entre un joint de soupape et un joint de chambre percés chacun d'un orifice central, le corps de valve ayant en outre un passage d'entrée à l'extérieur de la chambre doseuse, ledit passage d'entrée étant adapté à faire entrer du liquide dans le corps de valve lorsque la valve est en position inversée,
  • une tige de soupape coulissant axialement dans le corps de valve et coulissant avec étanchéité dans les orifices centraux respectifs du joint de soupape et du joint de chambre, ladite tige de soupape étant déplaçable entre une position de repos et une position d'actionnement, ladite tige de soupape ayant une extrémité de sortie saillante à l'extérieur du corps de valve, qui comporte un canal de sortie s'étendant axialement depuis ladite extrémité de sortie jusqu'à une ouverture latérale de sortie, ladite ouverture latérale de sortie étant isolée de la chambre de dosage par le joint de soupape lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos et, ladite ouverture latérale de sortie étant à l'intérieur de la chambre de dosage lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position d'actionnement, ladite tige de soupape comportant en outre un canal d'entrée qui s'étend entre une première ouverture qui communique avec les moyens de passage du corps de pompe et une seconde ouverture qui débouche latéralement à l'intérieur de la chambre de valve lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos et qui est isolée de la chambre de dosage par le joint de chambre lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position d'actionnement,
  • un moyen élastique qui sollicite la tige de soupape vers sa position de repos,
   Ces valves doseuses sont généralement montées dans le col d'un bidon ou réservoir qui contient un liquide à pulvériser ainsi qu'un propulseur gazeux et/ou liquifié Eventuellement, le produit fluide à pulvériser peut se trouver non pas sous forme liquide, mais sous forme de poudre en suspension dans le gaz propulseur liquéfié. Lorsque la valve n'est pas utilisée, le bidon est généralement posé sur son culot, et la valve est en position non inversée, c'est-à-dire l'extrémité de sortie de la tige de soupape dirigée verticalement vers le haut. Dans cette position, le corps de valve ne se trouve plus plongé dans le liquide du bidon, mais est au contraire entouré par le gaz comprimé situé au-dessus du liquide. Par conséquent, le gaz a tendance à migrer vers la chambre de dosage par le canal d'entrée de la tige de soupape, et le liquide contenu dans la chambre de dosage a tendance à s'écouler vers le bidon. La chambre de dosage se désamorce donc au bout d'un certain temps ou tout au moins perd une partie du liquide qu'elle contenait initialement.Document DE-U-8 713 851 discloses metering valves for fluid product loaded with a propellant, usable in the inverted position, comprising:
  • a hollow cylindrical valve body having a metering chamber which extends axially between a valve seal and a chamber seal each pierced with a central port, the valve body further having an outside inlet passage of the metering chamber, said inlet passage being adapted to bring liquid into the valve body when the valve is in the inverted position,
  • a valve stem sliding axially in the valve body and sliding with sealing in the respective central holes of the valve seal and the chamber seal, said valve stem being movable between a rest position and an actuation position, said stem A valve having an outlet end projecting outside the valve body, which has an outlet channel extending axially from said outlet end to a lateral outlet opening, said lateral outlet opening being isolated from the metering chamber through the valve seal when the valve stem is in its rest position and, said lateral outlet opening being inside the metering chamber when the valve stem is in its actuation position, said valve stem further comprising an inlet channel which extends between a first opening which communicates with the passage means of the pump body and a s second opening which opens laterally inside the valve chamber when the valve stem is in its rest position and which is isolated from the metering chamber by the chamber seal when the valve stem is in its position actuation,
  • elastic means which urge the valve stem towards its rest position,
These metering valves are generally mounted in the neck of a can or reservoir which contains a liquid to be sprayed as well as a gaseous and / or liquid propellant. powder suspended in the liquefied propellant. When the valve is not in use, the container is generally placed on its base, and the valve is in the non-inverted position, that is to say the outlet end of the valve stem directed vertically upwards. In this position, the valve body is no longer immersed in the liquid in the container, but is instead surrounded by the compressed gas located above the liquid. Consequently, the gas tends to migrate to the metering chamber through the inlet channel of the valve stem, and the liquid contained in the metering chamber dosing tends to flow to the container. The dosing chamber therefore deactivates after a certain time or at least loses part of the liquid which it initially contained.

Un remède que l'on a trouvé à ce problème est de réduire le diamètre du canal d'entrée de façon que la capillarité freine le désamorçage. Mais la chambre de dosage finit tout de même par se désamorcer au bout de quelques heures.One remedy that has been found for this problem is to reduce the diameter of the inlet channel so that capillarity slows down defusing. But the dosing chamber still ends up defusing after a few hours.

Une autre solution au désamorçage de la valve a été apportée par le document FR 2 615 124, pour une valve différente dans laquelle la tige de soupape ne comporte pas de canal d'entrée, et dans laquelle le joint de chambre est séparé de la tige de soupape en position de repos et en contact étanche avec la tige de soupape en position d'actionnement. Dans ce document, il est prévu d'envelopper le corps de valve dans un godet de rétention emboîté sur le corps de valve. L'inconvénient de cette valve est que, lors du remplissage du réservoir en propulseur gazeux ou liquéfié, qui se pratique généralement par la valve, le propulseur doit passer dans le godet de rétention et risque de la déboîter, du fait de la forte pression de remplissage du propulseur.Another solution to defusing the valve has been provided by document FR 2 615 124, for a different valve in which the valve stem does not have an inlet channel, and in which the chamber seal is separated from the stem valve in rest position and in leaktight contact with valve stem in actuation position. In this document, provision is made to wrap the valve body in a retention cup fitted onto the valve body. The disadvantage of this valve is that, when filling the tank with gaseous or liquefied propellant, which is generally practiced by the valve, the propellant must pass through the retention bucket and risk of dislodging it, due to the high pressure of filling the propellant.

La présente invention a précisément pour but de résoudre le problème technique susmentionné du maintien du liquide dans la chambre de dosage lorsque la valve est en position non inversée.The present invention specifically aims to solve the aforementioned technical problem of maintaining the liquid in the metering chamber when the valve is in the non-inverted position.

La présente invention a donc pour objet une valve doseuse pour liquide chargé d'un propulseur, utilisable en position inversée, comportant :

  • un corps de valve cylindrique creux ayant une chambre de dosage qui s'étend axialement entre un joint de soupape et un joint de chambre percés chacun d'un orifice central, le corps de valve ayant en outre un passage d'entrée à l'extérieur de la chambre doseuse, ledit passage d'entrée étant adapté à faire entrer du liquide dans le corps de valve lorsque la valve est en position inversée,
  • une tige de soupape coulissant axialement dans le corps de valve et coulissant avec étanchéité dans les orifices centraux respectifs du joint de soupape et du joint de chambre, ladite tige de soupape étant déplaçable entre une position de repos et une position d'actionnement, ladite tige de soupape ayant une extrémité de sortie saillante à l'extérieur du corps de valve, qui comporte un canal de sortie s'étendant axialement depuis ladite extrémité de sortie jusqu'à une ouverture latérale de sortie, ladite ouverture latérale de sortie étant isolée de la chambre de dosage par le joint de soupape lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos, et ladite ouverture latérale de sortie étant à l'intérieur de la chambre de dosage lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position d'actionnement, ladite tige de soupape comportant en outre un canal d'entrée qui s'étend entre une première ouverture qui communique avec les moyens de passage du corps de valve et une seconde ouverture qui débouche latéralement à l'intérieur de la chambre de valve lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos et qui est isolée de la chambre de dosage par le joint de chambre lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position d'actionnement,
  • un moyen élastique qui sollicite la tige de soupape vers sa position de repos,
caractérisée en ce que le canal d'entrée de la tige de soupape forme un siphon qui comporte deux tronçons axiaux qui s'étendent chacun entre une première extrémité plus proche de l'extrémité de sortie de la tige de soupape et une deuxième extrémité plus éloignée de l'extrémité de sortie de la tige de soupape, un premier tronçon du canal d'entrée communiquant par sa deuxième extrémité avec la première ouverture du canal d'entrée, un second tronçon du canal d'entrée communiquant par sa deuxième extrémité avec la deuxième ouverture du canal d'entrée, et les deux tronçons du canal d'entrée communiquant ensemble par leur première extrémité.The present invention therefore relates to a metering valve for liquid charged with a propellant, usable in the inverted position, comprising:
  • a hollow cylindrical valve body having a metering chamber which extends axially between a valve seal and a chamber seal each pierced with a central port, the valve body further having an outside inlet passage of the metering chamber, said inlet passage being adapted to bring liquid into the valve body when the valve is in the inverted position,
  • a valve stem sliding axially in the valve body and sliding with sealing in the respective central holes of the valve seal and the chamber seal, said valve stem being movable between a rest position and an actuation position, said stem A valve having an outlet end projecting outside the valve body, which has an outlet channel extending axially from said outlet end to a lateral outlet opening, said lateral outlet opening being isolated from the metering chamber through the valve seal when the valve stem is in its rest position, and said lateral outlet opening being inside the metering chamber when the valve stem is in its actuation position, said valve stem further comprising an inlet channel which extends between a first opening which communicates with the passage means of the valve body and a second opening which opens laterally inside the valve chamber when the valve stem is in its rest position and which is isolated from the metering chamber through the chamber seal when the valve stem is in its actuation position,
  • elastic means which urge the valve stem towards its rest position,
characterized in that the inlet channel of the valve stem forms a siphon which has two axial sections which each extend between a first end closer to the outlet end of the valve stem and a second end more distant from the outlet end of the valve stem, a first section of the inlet channel communicating through its second end with the first opening of the inlet channel, a second section of the inlet channel communicating through its second end with the second opening of the inlet channel, and the two sections of the inlet channel communicating together through their first end.

De cette façon, la valve peut rester en position non inversée sans que la chambre de valve ne se vide de son liquide. Des essais ont montré que la valve selon l'invention peut rester plus de 5 jours en position non inversée sans se désamorcer ni perdre une partie de la dose contenue dans la valve.In this way, the valve can remain in the non-inverted position without the valve chamber being emptied of its liquid. Tests have shown that the valve according to the invention can remain in the non-inverted position for more than 5 days without defusing or losing part of the dose contained in the valve.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation particulièrement avantageuse, les premières extrémités des deux tronçons de canal du canal d'entrée se trouvent axialement sensiblement au voisinage du joint de soupape lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos. Dans un cas particulier de cette forme de réalisation, ladite extrémité dudit tronçon de fixation est à une certaine distance du fond dudit logement de façon à définir un espace entre ladite extrémité et ledit fond, et les deux tronçons du canal d'entrée débouchent dans ledit espace.According to another particularly advantageous embodiment, the first ends of the two channel sections of the inlet channel are located axially substantially in the vicinity of the valve seal when the valve stem is in its rest position. In a particular case of this embodiment, said end of said fixing section is at a certain distance from the bottom of said housing so as to define a space between said end and said bottom, and the two sections of the inlet channel open into said space.

Selon une forme de réalisation, les deux pièces formant la tige de soupape collaborent pour définir le second tronçon du canal d'entrée. Dans un cas particulier de cette forme de réalisation, le tronçon de fixation de la deuxième pièce comporte au moins une rainure axiale qui collabore avec le logement de la première pièce pour définir le second tronçon du canal d'entrée. Dans ce dernier cas, si ladite deuxième pièce comporte un épaulement contre lequel bute ladite autre extrémité de la première pièce, ladite autre extrémité peut comporter une rainure radiale qui collabore avec ledit épaulement pour définir la deuxième ouverture du canal d'entrée.According to one embodiment, the two parts forming the valve stem collaborate to define the second section of the inlet channel. In a particular case of this embodiment, the securing section of the second part comprises at least one axial groove which collaborates with the housing of the first part to define the second section of the inlet channel. In the latter case, if said second part has a shoulder against which said other end of the first part abuts, said other end may have a radial groove which collaborates with said shoulder to define the second opening of the inlet channel.

Dans un autre cas particulier, le logement de la première pièce comporte au moins une rainure axiale qui collabore avec le tronçon de fixation de la deuxième pièce pour définir le second tronçon du canal d'entrée. Dans ce dernier cas, si ladite deuxième pièce comporte un épaulement contre lequel bute ladite autre extrémité de la première pièce, ledit épaulement peut comporter une rainure radiale qui collabore avec ladite autre extrémlité pour définir la deuxième ouverture du canal d'entrée.In another particular case, the housing of the first part comprises at least one axial groove which collaborates with the securing section of the second part to define the second section of the inlet channel. In the latter case, if said second piece comprises a shoulder against which said other end of the first part abuts, said shoulder may comprise a radial groove which collaborates with said other end to define the second opening of the inlet channel.

Plus généralement, dans tous les cas où la tige de soupape est formée en deux pièces les deux pièces formant la tige de soupape peuvent collaborer pour définir la deuxième ouverture du canal d'entrée.More generally, in all cases where the valve stem is formed in two pieces the two pieces forming the valve stem can collaborate to define the second opening of the inlet channel.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront dans la description suivante de deux modes de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, en regard des dessins joints.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of two embodiments of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Sur les dessins :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une valve doseuse selon une forme de réalisation, montée sur un bidon de réserve,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une des deux pièces qui constituent la tige de soupape de la valve de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la pièce de la figure 2,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'autre pièce qui constitue la tige de soupape de la valve de la figure 1,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'une virole qui délimite partiellement la chambre de dosage de la valve de la figure 5, et
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont respectivement des vues similaires aux figures 2 et 4, pour une variante de l'invention.
In the drawings:
  • FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section of a metering valve according to one embodiment, mounted on a reserve container,
  • FIG. 2 is a view in longitudinal section of one of the two parts which constitute the valve stem of the valve of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the part of FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a view in longitudinal section of the other part which constitutes the valve stem of the valve of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ferrule which partially delimits the metering chamber of the valve of FIG. 5, and
  • Figures 6 and 7 are respectively views similar to Figures 2 and 4, for a variant of the invention.

Sur les dessins, les mêmes références désignent des parties similaires ou identiques.In the drawings, the same references designate similar or identical parts.

Dans la description qui suit, la valve est généralement décrite en position non inversée, comme représenté sur la figure 1. Les termes tels que" supérieur, inférieur", "haut", "bas", etc. sont employés en référence à cette position non inversée, mais ne sont employés que pour faciliter la compréhension de la description, sans être limitatifs.In the following description, the valve is generally described in the non-inverted position, as shown in FIG. 1. Terms such as "upper, lower", "top", "bottom", etc. are used with reference to this non-inverted position, but are used only to facilitate understanding of the description, without being limiting.

En référence à la figure 1, la valve selon l'invention comporte de façon classique un corps de valve 1 cylindrique, qui s'étend axialement entre un fond 1a et une extrémité ouverte 1c. Le corps de valve 1 comporte en outre un élargissement 1b qui forme un épaulement 1e intérieur, dirigé vers l'extrémité ouvertre 1c. Enfin, une ou plusieurs fentes axiales 1d sont découpées dans le corps de valve 1, entre l'élargissement 1b et le fond 1a. Le corps de valve peut classiquement être moulé en matière thermoplastique.Referring to Figure 1, the valve according to the invention conventionally comprises a cylindrical valve body 1, which extends axially between a bottom 1a and an open end 1c. The valve body 1 further comprises an enlargement 1b which forms an interior shoulder 1e, directed towards the open end 1c. Finally, one or more axial slots 1d are cut in the valve body 1, between the enlargement 1b and the bottom 1a. The valve body can conventionally be molded in thermoplastic material.

Le corps de valve 1 est monté sur le col 10 d'un bidon ou réservoir 11, généralement à l'aide d'une capsule métallique 3 sertie sur le col 10. La capsule métallique 3 comporte une paroi annulaire centrale 3b radiale, qui recouvre l'extrémité ouverte 1c du corps de valve, et ladite paroi annulaire 3b délimite un orifice 3a centré sur l'extrémité ouverte 1c du corps de valve. Un joint de col 9 annulaire, généralement en élastomère, peut être interposé entre le col 10 et la capsule 3. Le réservoir ou bidon 11 contient un liquide 12 destiné à être pulvérisé, ainsi qu'un gaz propulseur qui occupe le volume libre 13 laissé par le liquide. En outre, le gaz propulseur est généralement mélangé au liquide par dissolution ou par liquéfaction.The valve body 1 is mounted on the neck 10 of a can or reservoir 11, generally using a metal capsule 3 crimped on the neck 10. The metal capsule 3 has a central annular wall 3b radial, which covers the end open 1c of the valve body, and said annular wall 3b delimits an orifice 3a centered on the open end 1c of the valve body. An annular neck seal 9, generally made of elastomer, can be interposed between the neck 10 and the capsule 3. The reservoir or can 11 contains a liquid 12 intended to be sprayed, as well as a propellant which occupies the free volume 13 left by the liquid. In addition, the propellant is generally mixed with the liquid by dissolution or by liquefaction.

Une virole 6, pouvant elle-aussi être réalisée par moulage en matière thermoplastique, est emboîtée dans le corps de valve 1, entre l'extrémité ouverte 1c et l'épaulement 1e dudit corps de valve. Comme représenté sur la figure 5, la virole 6 peut éventuellement comporter des nervures 6a radiales dirigées vers l'intérieur, qui s'étendent axialement à hauteur de ladite virole. En outre, la virole 6 peut aussi comporter une bride intérieure 6b bien visible sur la figure 1, qui s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur.A ferrule 6, which can also be produced by molding in thermoplastic material, is fitted into the valve body 1, between the open end 1c and the shoulder 1e of said valve body. As shown in Figure 5, the ferrule 6 may optionally include radial ribs 6a directed inwardly, which extend axially at the height of said ferrule. In addition, the ferrule 6 may also include an inner flange 6b clearly visible in Figure 1, which extends radially inward.

La valve comporte en outre un joint de soupape 4 annulaire, généralement réalisé en élastomère, intercalé entre la virole et la paroi annulaire 3b de la capsule métallique 3. Le joint de soupape 4 s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur à partir de la paroi du corps de valve 1, jusqu'à un orifice central 4a.The valve further comprises an annular valve seal 4, generally made of elastomer, interposed between the shell and the annular wall 3b of the metal capsule 3. The valve seal 4 extends radially inward from the wall from the valve body 1, to a central orifice 4a.

En outre, un joint de chambre 5 annulaire, généralement réalisé en élastomère, est intercalé entre la bride 6b et l'épaulement 1e du corps de valve. Le joint de chambre 5 s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur à partir de la paroi du corps de valve 1, jusqu'à un orifice central 5a.In addition, an annular chamber seal 5, generally made of elastomer, is interposed between the flange 6b and the shoulder 1e of the valve body. The chamber seal 5 extends radially inwards from the wall of the valve body 1, to a central orifice 5a.

Le joint de soupape 4 et le joint de chambre 5 délimitent axialement une chambre de dosage 7, dont le volume peut être choisi de façon adaptée en modifiant l'épaisseur de la virole 6 et/ou des nervures 6a.The valve seal 4 and the chamber seal 5 axially delimit a metering chamber 7, the volume of which can be chosen suitably by modifying the thickness of the shell 6 and / or of the ribs 6a.

De façon classique la valve comporte en outre une tige de soupape 2, montée coulissante dans le corps de valve 1. La tige de soupape coulisse avec étanchéité à l'intérieur du joint de soupape 4 et de joint de chambre 5, et elle s'étend jusqu'à une extrémité de sortie 201 située à l'extérieur du corps de valve, qui reçoit généralement un poussoir d'actionnement. Les nervures 6a de la virole 6 peuvent participer au guidage de la tige de soupape 2. Un ressort métallique 13 en spirale sollicite la tige de soupape 2 vers l'extérieur du corps de valve. La tige de soupape 2 comporte un collet extérieur 203, bien visible sur la figure 4, qui est appliqué contre le joint de soupape 4 sous l'effet du ressort 13 lorsque la tige-poussoir est dans une position de repos, comme représenté sur la figure 1. La tige-poussoir 2 comporte en outre un canal d'entrée 211, 214 ayant deux ouvertures latérales 212, 213. Lorsque la tige-poussoir reste dans sa position de repos, la première ouverture 212 est située à l'extérieur de la chambre de dosage 7, et communique avec le réservoir 11 par l'intermédiaire de la fente 1d du corps de valve, tandis que la deuxième ouverture 213 se trouve à l'intérieur de la chambre de dosage 7. Ainsi, la chambre de dosage 7 communique avec le réservoir 11 lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos. La tige de soupape comporte en outre un canal de sortie 205 axial, qui s'étend depuis l'extrémité de sortie 201 jusqu'à une ouverture latérale 206, qui est située à l'extérieur de la chambre de dosage lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos.In a conventional manner, the valve further comprises a valve stem 2, slidably mounted in the valve body 1. The valve stem slides with sealing inside the valve seal 4 and chamber seal 5, and it s' extends to an outlet end 201 located outside the valve body, which generally receives an actuator. The ribs 6a of the shell 6 can participate in guiding the valve stem 2. A metal spring 13 in a spiral biases the valve stem 2 towards the outside of the valve body. The valve stem 2 has an external collar 203, clearly visible in FIG. 4, which is applied against the valve seal 4 under the effect of the spring 13 when the push rod is in a rest position, as shown in the Figure 1. The push rod 2 further comprises an inlet channel 211, 214 having two lateral openings 212, 213. When the push rod remains in its rest position, the first opening 212 is located outside of the metering chamber 7, and communicates with the reservoir 11 via the slot 1d of the valve body, while the second opening 213 is located inside the metering chamber 7. Thus, the metering chamber 7 communicates with the reservoir 11 when the valve stem is in its rest position. The valve stem further includes an axial outlet channel 205, which extends from the outlet end 201 to a side opening 206, which is located outside the metering chamber when the valve stem is in its rest position.

En outre, la tige de soupape 2 comporte une partie élargie 207 située entre la deuxième ouverture du canal d'entrée et le collet 203.In addition, the valve stem 2 has an enlarged part 207 located between the second opening of the inlet channel and the collar 203.

Lorsqu'on veut actionner la valve, on la place en position inversée, c'est-à-dire avec l'extrémité de sortie 201 de la tige de soupape dirigée vers le bas. Lorsqu'on actionne la valve en enfonçant la tige de soupape 2 dans le corps de valve 1 contre la sollicitation du ressort 13, la partie élargie 207 de la tige de soupape vient s'appuyer en contact étanche contre le joint de chambre 5, ce qui isole la chambre de dosage par rapport au canal d'entrée. Dans la suite du mouvement d'enfoncement de la tige de soupape, l'ouverture latérale 206 du canal de sortie pénètre dans la chambre de dosage 7 par coulissement dans l'orifice central 4a du joint de soupape 4, la chambre de dosage 7, qui est remplie d'un produit chargé de gaz propulseur se vide alors par l'ouverture latérale 206 et le canal de sortie 205, sous l'effet dudit propulseur gazeux. Lorsque l'ouverture latérale 206 se trouve à l'intérieur de la chambre de dosage, la tige de soupape est dans une position dite d'actionnement. Dans cette position, la partie centrale du joint de chambre 5 est déformée axialement en direction du fond 1a du corps de valve, par l'appui de la partie élargie 207 de la tige de soupape.When the valve is to be actuated, it is placed in the inverted position, that is to say with the outlet end 201 of the valve stem pointing downwards. When the valve is actuated by pushing the valve stem 2 into the valve body 1 against the bias of the spring 13, the enlarged part 207 of the valve stem comes to bear in sealed contact against the chamber seal 5, this which isolates the metering chamber from the inlet channel. In the continuation of the driving movement of the valve stem, the lateral opening 206 of the outlet channel enters the metering chamber 7 by sliding in the central orifice 4a of the valve seal 4, the metering chamber 7, which is filled with a product charged with propellant gas then empties through the lateral opening 206 and the outlet channel 205, under the effect of said gaseous propellant. When the lateral opening 206 is inside the metering chamber, the valve stem is in a so-called actuation position. In this position, the central part of the chamber seal 5 is deformed axially in the direction of the bottom 1a of the valve body, by the support of the enlarged part 207 of the valve stem.

Lorsqu'on relâche la tige de soupape, celle-ci revient dans sa position de repos, alors que la valve est encore en position inversée. Ainsi, le liquide 12 du réservoir 11 se trouve au voisinage du col 10 du réservoir, de sorte qu'il peut remplir la chambre de dosage 7 par l'intermédiaire du canal d'entrée. On notera le rôle avantageux joué par la bride 6b lors du retour de la tige de soupape 2 dans sa position de repos. En effet, la bride 6b s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur jusqu'au voisinage de la tige de soupape 2, de sorte qu'elle empêche la partie centrale du joint de chambre 5 d'être entrainée par frottement par ladite tige de soupape 2 en direction de la chambre de dosage 7. On évite ainsi une imprécision sur le volume de la chambre de dosage 7, et/ou une obturation éventuelle de la deuxième ouverture 213 du canal d'entrée en position de repos.When the valve stem is released, it returns to its rest position, while the valve is still in the inverted position. Thus, the liquid 12 of the reservoir 11 is located in the vicinity of the neck 10 of the reservoir, so that it can fill the metering chamber 7 via the inlet channel. Note the advantageous role played by the flange 6b when the valve stem 2 returns to its rest position. In fact, the flange 6b extends radially inwards to the vicinity of the valve stem 2, so that it prevents the central part of the chamber seal 5 from being driven by friction by said valve stem. 2 in the direction of the metering chamber 7. This avoids inaccuracy in the volume of the metering chamber 7, and / or possible closure of the second opening 213 of the inlet channel in the rest position.

Lorsqu'on cesse d'utiliser la valve, on stocke généralement le dispositif en posant le bidon 11 sur son culot. Ainsi, la valve se retrouve en position non inversée, l'extrémité des parties de la tige de soupape étant dirigée vers le haut. Dans cette position, le corps de valve 1 se touve entouré non plus pas le liquide contenu dans le réservoir 11, mais par le gaz 13 situé au-dessus du liquide.When the use of the valve is stopped, the device is generally stored by placing the container 11 on its base. Thus, the valve is in the non-inverted position, the end of the parts of the valve stem being directed upwards. In this position, the body of valve 1 is no longer surrounded not by the liquid contained in the reservoir 11, but by the gas 13 located above the liquid.

Selon l'invention, le canal d'entrée 211, 214 forme un siphon, qui comporte deux tronçons de canaux axiaux, un premier tronçon de canal 211 s'étendant axialement entre une première extrémité plus proche de l'ouverture de sortie 205 et une deuxième extrémité qui communique avec la première ouverture 212 du canal d'entrée, et un deuxième tronçon 214 qui s'étend axialement entre une première extrémité plus proche de l'ouverture de sortie 205 et une deuxième extrémité qui communique avec la deuxième ouverture 213 du canal d'entrée, les deux tronçons 211, 214 étant reliés l'un à l'autre par leurs premières extrémités.According to the invention, the inlet channel 211, 214 forms a siphon, which comprises two sections of axial channels, a first section of channel 211 extending axially between a first end closer to the outlet opening 205 and a second end which communicates with the first opening 212 of the inlet channel, and a second section 214 which extends axially between a first end closer to the outlet opening 205 and a second end which communicates with the second opening 213 of the inlet channel, the two sections 211, 214 being connected to each other by their first ends.

Ainsi, lorsque la valve n'est pas en position inversée, du gaz peut éventuellement pénétrer dans le premier tronçon 211 du canal d'entrée, en migrant progressivement par la première ouverture 212 et en remontant le canal 211, de sorte que l'ouverture 212 et le tronçon 211 peuvent se vider progressivement du liquide qu'ils contiennent. Mais le gaz est piégé à la première extrémité du tronçon 211 qui, dans cette position, est aussi l'extrémité supérieure du tronçon. Par la suite, le gaz ayant pénétré jusqu'à la première extrémité du tronçon 211, ne peut en effet plus redescendre dans le tronçon 214, puisque le gaz a une densité inférieure à la densité du liquide. Par conséquent, le tronçon 214 du canal d'entrée, la deuxième ouverture 213 du canal d'entrée, et la chambre de dosage 7 restent remplis de liquide. Avantageusement, les premières extrémités des tronçons 211 et 214 se trouvent sensiblement à la même hauteur que le joint de soupape 4 lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos, de façon à favoriser la rétention du liquide dans la chambre de pompe. Eventuellement, lesdites premières extrémités pourraient même se trouver au-dessus du niveau du joint de soupape 4 lorsque la tige de soupape est dans sa position de repos et la valve est en position non inversée.Thus, when the valve is not in the inverted position, gas may possibly enter the first section 211 of the inlet channel, gradually migrating through the first opening 212 and up the channel 211, so that the opening 212 and section 211 can gradually empty out of the liquid they contain. However, the gas is trapped at the first end of the section 211 which, in this position, is also the upper end of the section. Subsequently, the gas having penetrated to the first end of the section 211, can indeed no longer descend into the section 214, since the gas has a density less than the density of the liquid. Consequently, the section 214 of the inlet channel, the second opening 213 of the inlet channel, and the metering chamber 7 remain filled with liquid. Advantageously, the first ends of the sections 211 and 214 are located substantially at the same height as the valve seal 4 when the valve stem is in its rest position, so as to promote the retention of the liquid in the pump chamber. Optionally, said first ends could even be above the level of the valve seal 4 when the valve stem is in its rest position and the valve is in the non-inverted position.

Dans l'exemple particulier représenté, la tige de soupape 2 est formée en deux pièces 20, 21, qui peuvent être moulées en matière thermoplastique et ensuite assemblées par emboîtement, avec éventuellement une fixation par soudage ultrasons.In the particular example shown, the valve stem 2 is formed in two parts 20, 21, which can be molded in thermoplastic material and then assembled by interlocking, with possibly a fixing by ultrasonic welding.

Comme représenté sur la figure 4, la tige de soupape 2 comporte une première pièce 20 de forme générale cylindrique de révolution, qui s'étend axialement entre l'extrémité de sortie 201 de la tige-poussoir, et une autre extrémité 202. Ladite première pièce 20 comporte le canal de sortie 205 et son ouverture latérale 206, ainsi que le collet 203 et ladite partie élargie 207 de la tige de soupape, qui se trouve entre l'extrémité 202 et le collet 203. En outre, la deuxième pièce 20 comporte un logement 204 cylindrique qui s'étend axialement à partir de l'extrémité 202 de la pièce 20, sur une certaine distance dans la direction de son extrémité de sortie 201, jusqu'à un fond 208.As shown in FIG. 4, the valve stem 2 comprises a first part 20 of generally cylindrical shape of revolution, which extends axially between the outlet end 201 of the push rod, and another end 202. Said first part 20 comprises the outlet channel 205 and its lateral opening 206, as well as the collar 203 and said enlarged part 207 of the valve stem, which is located between the end 202 and the collar 203. In addition, the second part 20 comprises a cylindrical housing 204 which extends axially from the end 202 of the part 20, over a certain distance in the direction of its outlet end 201, to a bottom 208.

Comme représenté sur les figures 2 et 3, la tige-poussoir 2 comporte en outre une deuxième pièce 21 de forme générale elle-aussi cylindrique. Ladite deuxième pièce 21 s'étend axialement entre une première extrémité 223 proche du fond 1a du corps de valve, et une deuxième extrémité 216. A partir de ladite première extrémité 223, ladite deuxième pièce 21 comporte tout d'abord un doigt de centrage 224 du ressort 13, puis un collet 222 d'appui du ressort 13, puis un tronçon cylindrique 225, ayant un diamètre inférieur au diamètre extérieur de ladite partie 207 de la première pièce 20, puis un tronçon cylindrique de fixation 215, qui s'étend axialement jusqu'à ladite deuxième extrémité 216 de la pièce 21. Le tronçon de fixation 215 est adapté à s'emboîter dans le logement cylindrique 204 de la première pièce 20, et il a un diamètre intérieur inférieur au diamètre extérieur du premier tronçon cylindrique 225, de sorte qu'un épaulement 221 dirigé vers ladite deuxième extrémité 216, est formé entre le premier tronçon 225 et le tronçon de fixation 215. En outre, le tronçon de canal 211 s'étend axialement au centre de la pièce 21, depuis la deuxième extrémité 216 jusqu'à la premiètre ouverture 212 du canal d'entrée, qui s'étend radialement. Enfin, le tronçon de fixation 215 comporte une rainure extérieure 217, qui s'étend axialement sur toute la hauteur dudit tronçon 215, et qui rejoint une rainure radiale 218 formée dans l'épaulement 221, ladite rainure radiale 218 s'étendant jusqu'à l'extérieur du premier tronçon 225 de la pièce 21.As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the push rod 2 further comprises a second part 21 of general shape which is also cylindrical. Said second part 21 extends axially between a first end 223 close to the bottom 1a of the valve body, and a second end 216. From said first end 223, said second part 21 firstly comprises a centering finger 224 of the spring 13, then a collar 222 for supporting the spring 13, then a cylindrical section 225, having a diameter less than the outside diameter of said part 207 of the first part 20, then a cylindrical fixing section 215, which extends axially up to said second end 216 of the part 21. The fixing section 215 is adapted to fit into the cylindrical housing 204 of the first part 20, and it has an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the first cylindrical section 225 , so that a shoulder 221 directed towards said second end 216 is formed between the first section 225 and the fixing section 215. In addition, the channel section 211 extends axially to the center of the part 21, from the second end 216 to the first opening 212 of the inlet channel, which extends radially. Finally, the fixing section 215 has an outer groove 217, which extends axially over the entire height of said section 215, and which joins a radial groove 218 formed in the shoulder 221, said radial groove 218 extending up to the outside of the first section 225 of part 21.

Ainsi, lorsque le tronçon 215 est emboîté dans le logement 204, l'extrémité 202 de la première pièce 20 est en butée contre l'épaulement 221 et les longueurs du tronçon de fixation 215 et du logement 204 sont telles que l'extrémité 216 du tronçon 215 ne touche pas le fond 208 du logement 204. De cette façon, comme représenté sur la figure 1, un espace 22 est laissé libre entre l'extrémité 216 du tronçon 215 et le fond 208. Ainsi, les rainures 218 et 217 collaborent avec les parois de la pièce 20 pour former la seconde ouverture 213 et le second tronçon de canal 214 du canal d'entrée, tandis que l'espace libre 22 permet la communication des premières extrémités du canal 214 et du canal 211. L'épaisseur de l'espace libre 22, c'est-à-dire la distance axiale entre l'extrémité 216 et le fond 208, peut avantageusement être faible, par exemple de l'ordre de 1/10 mm environ. Ainsi, on limite par capillarité les fuites possibles de liquide du tronçon de canal 214 vers le tronçon 211, notamment lorsque le dispositif est manipulé ou agité. Il serait aussi possible de faire communiquer les premières extrémités des deux tronçons de canal 211, 214 par une rainure formée à l'extrémité 216 de la deuxième pièce 21.Thus, when the section 215 is fitted into the housing 204, the end 202 of the first part 20 is in abutment against the shoulder 221 and the lengths of the fixing section 215 and of the housing 204 are such that the end 216 of the section 215 does not touch the bottom 208 of the housing 204. In this way, as shown in FIG. 1, a space 22 is left free between the end 216 of the section 215 and the bottom 208. Thus, the grooves 218 and 217 collaborate with the walls of the part 20 to form the second opening 213 and the second section of channel 214 of the inlet channel, while the free space 22 allows the communication of the first ends of the channel 214 and of the channel 211. The thickness of the free space 22, that is to say the axial distance between the end 216 and the bottom 208, can advantageously be small, for example of the order of about 1/10 mm. Thus, the possible leakage of liquid from the section of channel 214 towards the section 211 is limited by capillarity, in particular when the device is manipulated or agitated. It would also be possible to connect the first ends of the two channel sections 211, 214 by a groove formed at the end 216 of the second part 21.

En variante, comme représenté sur les figures 7 et 8, le tronçon de fixation 215 de la deuxième pièce 21 peut être plein, tandis que la paroi intérieure du logement 204 comporte une rainure axiale 219 qui communique avec une rainure radiale 221 à l'extrémité 202 de la pièce 20, ladite rainure 220 s'étendant radialement jusqu'à l'extérieur de ladite pièce 30. La rainure 219 collabore ainsi avec le tronçon 215 pour former le second tronçon 214 du canal d'entrée, tandis que le rainure 220 collabore avec l'épaulement 221 de la deuxième pièce 21, pour former la deuxième ouverture 213 du canal d'entrée.Alternatively, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the securing section 215 of the second part 21 may be full, while the inner wall of the housing 204 has an axial groove 219 which communicates with a radial groove 221 at the end 202 of part 20, said groove 220 extending radially up to the outside of said part 30. The groove 219 thus collaborates with the section 215 to form the second section 214 of the inlet channel, while the groove 220 collaborates with the shoulder 221 of the second part 21, to form the second opening 213 of the inlet channel.

Le remplissage du bidon 1 en propulseur gazeux ou gaz liquéfié, se fait après montage de la valve sur le bidon. Pour cela, on positionne la tige de soupape 2 en position d'actionnement, et on injecte le propulseur sous pression par le canal 205. Le propulseur pénètre dans la chambre de dosage 7, et la pression déforme le joint d'étanchéité 5 vers le bidon 11, en l'écartant de la tige de soupape 2, ce qui permet au propulseur de pénétrer dans le bidon 11. Le propulseur n'emprunte pas le siphon du canal d'entrée 211, 214 lors du remplissage, de sorte que les deux pièces 20, 21 de la tige de soupape ne risquent pas d'être séparées accidentellement du fait de la pression de remplissage du propulseur.The filling of the canister 1 with gas propellant or liquefied gas, is done after mounting the valve on the canister. For this, the valve stem 2 is positioned in the actuating position, and the propellant is injected under pressure through the channel 205. The propellant enters the metering chamber 7, and the pressure deforms the seal 5 towards the can 11, away from the valve stem 2, which allows the propellant to enter the can 11. The propellant does not borrow the siphon of the inlet channel 211, 214 during filling, so that the two parts 20, 21 of the valve stem are not liable to be accidentally separated due to the filling pressure of the propellant.

Claims (10)

  1. A metering valve for a fluid substance charged with a propellant, the valve being usable in the upsidedown position and comprising:
       a hollow cylindrical valve body (1) having a metering chamber (7) which extends axially between a valve gasket (4) and a chamber gasket (5) each of which is pierced by a central orifice (4a, 5a), the valve body also having an inlet passage (1d) outside the metering chamber, said inlet passage being adapted to cause the liquid to enter into the valve body (1) when the valve is in the upsidedown position;
       a valve rod (2) axially slidable in the valve body (1) and slidable in sealed manner through the respective central orifices (4a, 5a) of the valve gasket (4) and of the chamber gasket (5), said valve rod (2) being displaceable between a rest position and an actuated position, said valve rod having an outlet end (201) projecting outside the valve body and including an outlet channel (205) which extends axially from said outlet end (201) to a lateral outlet opening (206), said lateral outlet opening being isolated from the metering chamber (7) by the valve gasket (4) when the valve rod (2) is in its rest position, and said lateral outlet opening being in the metering chamber (7) when the valve rod (2) is in its actuated position, said valve rod (2) further including an inlet channel (211, 214) which extends between a first opening (212) in communication with the inlet passage (1d) of the valve body and a second opening (213) which opens out laterally inside the valve chamber (7) when the valve rod is in its rest position, said second opening being isolated from the metering chamber (7) by the chamber gasket (5) when the valve rod is in its actuated position; and
       resilient means (13) urging the valve rod towards its rest position;
       the valve being characterized in that the inlet channel (211, 214) of the valve rod forms a siphon which comprises a first inlet channel length (211) and a second inlet channel length (214) each extending between a first end that is closer to the outlet end (201) of the valve rod and a second end that is further from the outlet end (201) of the valve rod, said first inlet channel length (211) communicating via its second end with the first opening (212) of the inlet channel, said second inlet channel length (214) communicating via its second end with the second opening (213) of the inlet channel, and the first and second inlet channel lengths communicating with each other via their first ends.
  2. A metering valve according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first ends of the two channel lengths (211, 214) of the inlet channel are to be found axially substantially in the vicinity of the valve gasket (4) when the valve rod (2) is in its rest position.
  3. A metering valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, further characterized in that the valve rod is made of two parts that are assembled together, a first part (20) including the outlet channel (205) and the lateral outlet opening (206) said first part extending axially between the outlet end and another end (202) provided with a housing (204) which extends axially towards the outlet end up to a transverse wall (208), a second part (21) including a fixing length (215) suitable for engaging in said housing (204), said fixing length (215) having an axial end (216) close to the transverse wall (208) of said housing (204), and the two parts (20, 21) co-operating to define a communication passage (22) between said first ends of the two inlet channel lengths (211, 214).
  4. A valve according to claim 3, further characterized in that said end (216) of said fixing length (215) is at a certain distance from the transverse wall (208) of said housing (204) so as to define said communication passage (22) between said end and said transverse wall, and the two inlet channel lengths (211, 214) open out into said communication passage (22).
  5. A valve according to claim 3 or claim 4, further characterized in that the two parts (20, 21) forming the valve rod co-operate to define the second length (214) of the inlet channel.
  6. A valve according to claim 5, further characterized in that the fixing length (215) of the second part includes at least one axial groove (217) which co-operates with the housing (204) of the first part to define the second inlet channel length (214).
  7. A valve according to claim 5, further characterized in that the housing of the first part includes at least one axial groove (219) which co-operates with the fixing length (215) of the second part to define the second inlet channel length (214).
  8. A valve according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further characterized in that the two parts (20, 21) forming the valve rod (2) co-operate to define the second opening (213) of the inlet channel (211, 214).
  9. A valve according to claim 6, further characterized in that said second part includes a shoulder (221) against which said other end (202) of the first part comes into abutment, and said other end (202) includes a radial groove (218) which co-operates with said shoulder to define the second opening (213) of the inlet channel (211, 214).
  10. A valve according to claim 7, further characterized in that said second part includes a shoulder (221) against which said other end (202) of the first part comes into abutment, and said shoulder includes a radial groove (220) which co-operates with said other end to define the second opening (213) of the inlet channel (211, 214).
EP92403549A 1992-01-15 1992-12-23 Metering valve that can be utilised in an inverted position Expired - Lifetime EP0551782B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9200363 1992-01-15
FR9200363A FR2670139B1 (en) 1992-01-15 1992-01-15 DOSING VALVE FOR USE IN THE REVERSE POSITION.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0551782A1 EP0551782A1 (en) 1993-07-21
EP0551782B1 true EP0551782B1 (en) 1995-07-19

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92403549A Expired - Lifetime EP0551782B1 (en) 1992-01-15 1992-12-23 Metering valve that can be utilised in an inverted position

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5169038A (en)
EP (1) EP0551782B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3467629B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69203591T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2670139B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2670139A1 (en) 1992-06-12
DE69203591T2 (en) 1996-04-11
FR2670139B1 (en) 1993-12-24
JPH05254578A (en) 1993-10-05
US5169038A (en) 1992-12-08
EP0551782A1 (en) 1993-07-21
DE69203591D1 (en) 1995-08-24
JP3467629B2 (en) 2003-11-17

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