EP1283180A2

EP1283180A2 - An aerosol type dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP1283180A2
Application number: EP01122545A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yasuo Ohsima; Hiroshi Kanno
Original assignee: Mitani Valve Co Ltd
Current assignee: Mitani Valve Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-08
Filing date: 2001-09-24
Publication date: 2003-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-24
Also published as: EP1283180A3; DE60117443T2; DE60117443D1; EP1283180B1

Abstract

An aerosol type dispenser providing a gas charge mechanism in order to reduce gas charge pressure. The aerosol type dispenser is comprised of a valve stem (11), a seal member (16) separately formed from a housing (14) and a constant stored chamber (14a,14c). The seal member has a cylindrical shape and provides an upper face for receiving gas charge pressure. When the gas is charged from an aperture (12a) between the valve stem and a gasket (12), the seal member shifts to a state apart from the valve stem with gas charge pressure so as to make a passage between the valve stem and the seal member. Since the gas is charged into a container through the passage, gas charge pressure can be reduced.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gas charge mechanism of an aerosol type dispenser for spraying contents in a constant stored chamber in a housing according to the action of a valve stem and a seal member, more particularly, to a gas charge mechanism in order to reduce the pressure of the charge gas by charging gas through a passage between the valve stem and the seal member formed by shifting the seal member apart from the stem according to the gas pressure from the valve stem.

2. Prior Art

Compressed gas such as nitrogen gas and carbonic acid gas are used for spraying contents in a container. As compressed gas are not liquefied in the normal temperature, they are not mixed with the contents. The contents are sprayed by the pressure of the compressed gas.
Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrate conventional aerosol type dispensers charged with compressed gas. Fig. 5(A) illustrates a mode in use and Fig. 5(B) illustrates a mode in nonuse. Fig. 6 illustrates a charge mode of compressed gas.
In these figures, 30 shows an aerosol type dispenser, 31 shows a valve stem, 31(a) shows a way for spraying contents, 31(b) shows a side hole for spraying contents, 32 shows an annular collar, 32(a) shows an opening between the annular collar 32 and the valve stem 31 for charging compressed gas, 33 show a gasket, 33(a) shows an aperture between the gasket 33 and the annular collar 32, 34 shows a housing, 34(a) shows a seal valve formed integrally with the housing 34, 34(b) shows a way between the seal valve 34(a) and the stem valve 31, 34(c) shows an annular convex portion, 31(d) shows a slit for charging compressed gases in the housing 34, 34(e) shows a downstream part of a constant stored chamber, 34(f) shows a lib formed in the downstream part of a constant stored chamber 34(e), 34(g) shows an upstream part of a constant stored chamber, 34h shows a space positioned in the upstream side of the constant stored chamber 34(e), 34(g), 35 shows a spring for urging the valve stem 31 upwardly, 36 shows a piston for spraying the contents, 37 shows a spring for urging the piston downwardly, 38 show a dip tube, 39 shows a bush for connecting the housing 34 and the dip tube 38, 40 show a container.
The valve stem 31 is included in the housing 34 which is integrally formed with the seal valve 34(a) by means of the spring 35. The housing 34 and the annular collar 32 is fixed firmly through the gasket 33.
As shown in Fig.5(A), in the mode in nonuse, since the valve stem 31 is urged upwardly by means of the spring 35, the way 34(b) between the seal valve 34(a) and the stem valve 31 is formed. Therefore, the contents in the container 40 is flown into the upstream part of the constant stored chamber 34(g) and the downstream part of the constant stored chamber 34(e) by the route through the dip tube 38 - the space 34(h) - the way 34(b) between the seal valve 34(a) and the stem valve 31 - the aperture between ribs 34(f) by means of the pressure of the compressed gas.
As shown in Fig.5(B), in the mode in use, pressing the valve stem 31 against the urging force of the spring 35 causes that the peripheral surface of the valve stem 31 contacts the annular convex portion 34(c) of the seal valve 34(a) firmly, the side hole 31b is opened. As the inside pressure of the constant stored chamber 34(g), 34(e) is lowered the piston 36 goes up by the pressure of the compressed gas in the container 40. Then the contents are sprayed through the route shown with an arrow, that is, the constant stored chamber 34(g) - the aperture between ribs 34(f) - the constant stored chamber 34(e) - the side hole 31(b) - the way for spraying contents 31(a).
As shown in Fig.6, when the compressed gas is charged, in the state that the valve stem 31 is forced downwardly, for example, nitrogen gas is introduced from the opening 32(a) between the annular collar 32 and the valve stem 31. The gas is charged in the container 40 through the aperture 33(a) between the gasket 33 and the annular collar 32 - the slit 34(d), as shown with an arrow.
In this state, as the valve stem 31 contacts firmly with the annular convex portion 34(c) of the seal valve 34(a), the way 34(b) between the seal valve 34(a) and the stem valve 31 is sealed. Therefore, the compressed gas is not allowed to pass through the way 34(b). As a result, the compressed gas is charged through the above-mentioned route. The gas charge pressure in this case was 20kg force.
As mentioned above, according to the conventional aerosol type dispenser, the gas is forced to pass through the aperture 33(a) between the gasket 33 and the annular collar 32. Consequently, high gas pressure has to be applied to the container 40. This high pressure causes the housing 34 gotten out of the annular collar 32 and other parts broken.
Also, the gas supplier producing high pressure causes an increase in cost.
The object of the present invention is to reduce gas pressure by making a passage between a constant stored chamber and an upstream space thereof in a container by moving the seal member for forming a constant stored chamber apart from a stem by gas charge pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aerosol type dispenser providing a gas charge mechanism in order to reduce gas charge pressure has now been discovered. The aerosol type dispenser provides a valve stem, and a constant stored chamber set by the contact between the valve stem and a seal member. The aerosol type dispenser is comprised a gas charge mechanism that the seal member shifts to a state apart from the valve stem with gas charge pressure so as to release the contact, thereby making a passage for charging gas.
According to the present invention, the aerosol type dispenser comprises a seal member which can be apart from a valve stem by the gas charge pressure. This seal member can make a passage communicating a constant stored chamber with the upstream side of the constant stored chamber so as to pass the gas. Since the gas is charged through the passage, the gas charge pressure can be reduced.
Preferably, the seal member is formed a cylindrical shape and provides a first brim to shift the seal member itself to the state with the gas charge pressure.
According to the present invention, a first brim part of the seal member receives enough gas pressure to shift the seal member and make a passage communicating a constant stored chamber with the upstream side of the constant stored chamber. The gas can be easily charged through the passage, as a result, the gas pressure can be reduced.
Preferably, the seal member is formed a cylindrical shape and provides a second brim to be bent in itself with said gas charge pressure producing said state.
According to the present invention, the second brim part of the seal member receives enough gas pressure so as to bent a portion of the seal member and make a passage communicating a constant stored chamber with the upstream side of the constant stored chamber. The gas can be easily charged through the passage, as a result, the gas pressure can be reduced.
As mentioned later, the upper face of the second brim part is different from it of the first brim part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention may be more fully understood by reference to one or more of the following drawings wherein:
FIG.1 illustrates an aerosol type dispenser providing a seal member for moving the whole body of the seal member, FIG.1(A) illustrates a mode in nonuse, FIG.1(B) illustrates a mode in use.
FIG.2 illustrates a gas charge mode of the aerosol type dispenser shown in FIG.1
FIG.3 illustrates a gas charge mode of the aerosol type dispenser providing a bendable seal member.
FIG.4 illustrates the upper face of the seal member, FIG.4(A) illustrates the upper face of the seal member, FIG.4(B) illustrates the upper face of the bendable seal member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In these figures, 1 shows an aerosol type dispenser, 2 shows an aerosol type dispenser, 11 shows a valve stem, 11(a) shows a spraying way for contents, 11(b) shows a side hole, 12 shows a gasket, 12(a) shows an aperture between the gasket 12 and valve stem 11, formed by introducing compressed gas, 13 shows an annular collar, 13(a) shows an opening between the annular collar 13 and the valve stem 11 for charging compressed gas, 14 shows a housing, 14(a) shows a downstream part of a constant stored chamber, 14(b) shows a 11b, 14(c) shows an upstream part of a constant stored chamber, 14(d) shows a stopper for receiving piston 18, 14(e) shows a pass hole communicating the downstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(a) and the upstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(c), 14(f) shows a space positioned in the upstream side of the constant stored chamber 14(a), 14(c), 15 shows a spring for urging the valve stem 11 upwardly, 16 shows a seal member, 16(a) shows a brim, 16(b) shows an upper face, 16(c) shows a pass way for contents, 16(d) shows a skirt, 16(e) shows an annular convex portion contacting the peripheral surface of the stem 11, 16(f) shows a lower end of the skirt 16, 16(g) shows a way between the seal member 16 and the stem 11 opened for introducing contents from a container to the constant stored chamber 14(c), 14(a), 16(g') shows a passage between the seal member 16 and the stem 11 opened for introducing compressed gas, 17 shows a bendable seal member, 17(a) shows a brim, 17(b) shows an outer edge, 17(c) shows a bendable portion, 17(d) shows a pass way for contents, 17(e) shows a skirt, 17(f) shows an annular convex portion contacting the peripheral surface of the stem 11, 17(g) shows a lower end of the skirt 17, 17(h) shows a passage between the seal member 16 and the stem 11 opened for introducing compressed gas, 18 shows a piston, 18(a) shows an inner surface for guiding the ends 16(f), 17(g) of the respective seal members 16, 17, 18(b) shows an annular projection, 18(c) shows an annular flat portion contacting the stopper 14(d), 19 shows a spring for urging the seal member upwardly and urging the piston downwardly, 20 show a dip tube, 21 shows a bush for connecting the housing 14 and the dip tube 20, 21(a) shows a receiver for the piston 18, 22 shows a container.
Here, the valve stem 11, the housing 14, the piston 18 and the bush 21 are made of POM(Polyacetal) and so on. The seal members 16, 17 are made of LDPE(Low Density Polyethylene) and so on.
Referring to FIG.1, the action of the mode in nonuse and the mode in use of the aerosol dispenser 1 providing gas charge mechanism of the present invention is explained, in advance of the explanation of the action of the gas charge mode according to the present invention.
Here, the seal member 16 for opening and closing the way 16(g) between the constant stored chamber 14(c),14(a) and the space 14(f) is equipped separately from the housing 14.
The seal member 16 with the brim 16a is a cylindrical shape. The seal member 16 is urged upwardly by means of the spring 16. The brim 16(a) provides the wide upper face 16(b) for receiving gas charge pressure and forms the hole 16(c) for passing through the contents (see FIG.4). The skirt 16(d) provides the annular convex portion 16(e) for contacting firmly with the peripheral surface of the stem 11 when the stem 11 moves downwardly. The seal member 16 is urged by means of the spring 19 upwardly both in the mode in nonuse and in use, and acts in the same manner as the seal valve provided in the conventional aerosol type dispenser.
As shown in FIG.1(A), in the mode in nonuse, the stem 11 is moved upwardly by urging force of the spring 15. Therewith, the side hole 11(b)is positioned above the gasket 12. The seal member 16 is also moved upwardly by urging force of the spring 19. Therefore, the way 16(g) between the stem 11 and the seal member 16 is opened.
In this state, the contents in the container 22 is allowed to flow in the constant stored chamber 14(c), 14(a) through the route of the dip tube 20 - the space 14(f) - the way 16(g) - the pass way 16(c) - the pass hole 14(e) according to the pressure of the compressed gas in the container 22.
As shown in FIG.1(B), a valve actuator (not shown) is pressed, the stem 11 moves downwardly against the urging force of the spring 14(a). At this time, as the seal member 16 keeps upward position by the urging force of the spring 19, the peripheral surface of the stem 11 contacts firmly with the annular convex portion 16(e) of the seal member 16, then the way 16g is closed. Consequently, the contents cannot be flown from the space 14(f) to the downstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(a).
On the other hand, as the side hole 11d is released from the gasket 12, the pressure in the constant stored chamber 14(a), 14(c) is lowered, then the piston 18 is moved upwardly according to the pressure of the compressed gas in the container 22 until the annular flat portion 18(c) of the piston 18 contacts the stopper 14(d). Therefore, the contents in the constant stored chamber 14(a), 14(c) are sprayed outside through the route of the upstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(c) - the pass way 16(c) of the seal member 16 - the pass hole 14(e) - the downstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(a) - the side hole 11(b) of the stem 11 - the spraying way 11(a).
When the valve actuator is released, the stem 11 moves upwardly again by the urging force of the spring 15, then the way 16(g) between the peripheral surface of the stem 11 and the seal member 16 is opened.
In this state, the contents flown in the space 14(f) makes the piston 18 move upwardly by compressed gas pressure. This force is canceled by the power which the contents flown in the upstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(c) from the way 16(g) between the peripheral surface of the stem 11 and the seal member 16 makes the piston 18 move downwardly. Therefore, as the piston 18 is moved downwardly until it contacts the receiver 21(a) by the urging force of the spring 19, the piston 18 goes back to be the mode in nonuse shown in FIG.1(A).
Then, the contents flows in the constant stored chamber 14(a), 14(c) through the above-mentioned route shown in FIG.1(A).
Next, gas charge mode of the compressed gas is explained. FIG.2 illustrates a gas charge mode of aerosol type dispenser 1. In the state that the stem 11 is forced downwardly so as to open the aperture 12(a) between the stem 11 and the gasket 12(a), compressed gas is charged into the container 22 through the route of the opening 13(a) - the aperture 12(a) between the stem 11 and the gasket 12 - the downstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(a) - the pass hole 14(e) - the passage 16(g') between the seal member 16 and the stem 11 - the space 14(f) - the dip tube 20.
Since the upper face 16(b) of the seal member 16 is wide, the upper face 16(b) can receive the pressure of the compressed gas fully. The pressure received on the upper face 16(b) surpasses the urging force of the spring 19, then the seal member 16 moves downwardly while the lower end 16(f) is guided by the inner surface 18(a) of the piston 18. As a result, the passage 16(g') between the seal member 16 and the stem 11 is opened.
That is, the seal member 16 is separated from the housing 14, and the wide upper surface receives fully pressure of gas charge, therefore the seal member 16 moves downwadly than the pressed(low positioned) stem 11. As a result, the enough passage 16(g') for allowing gas to pass through is opened between the seal member 16 and the stem 11.
With the charge of the compressed gas to the container 22, the pressure in the container 22 and the space 14(f) get higher, the seal member 16 moves gradually upward by the urging force of the spring 19.
After the compressed gas is completely charged and the stem 11 is released, the gasket 12 contacts firmly with the peripheral surface of the stem 11, the stem 11 moves upwardly by the urging force of the spring 15, the seal member 16 moves upwardly by the urging force of the spring 19. The state gets back to the mode in nonuse shown in FIG.1(A).
Since the lower end 16(f) of the seal member 16 is guided by the inner surface 18(a) of the piston 18, the seal member can move upward smoothly without inclining.
FIG.3 illustrates the gas charge mode of the aerosol type dispenser 2 providing 5 the bendable seal member 17 separately from the housing 14.
The brim 17(a) of the seal member 17 which is different from the brim 16(a) of the seal member 16 is comprised of the outer edge 17(b) and the narrow bendable portion 17(c). The pass way 17(d) for the contents is formed between the bendable portion 17(c).
The seal member 17 is urged upwardly by means of the spring 19 fixed on the outer edge 17(b).
In the gas charge mode, in the state that the stem 11 is forced downwardly so as to open the aperture 12(a) between the stem 11 and the gasket 12(a), compressed gas is charged from the opening 13(a).
At this time, the benbalbe portion 17(c) of the seal member 17 is bent because the width thereof is narrow, therewith the skirt 17(e) movesdownwadly while the lower end 17(e) is guided by the inner surface 18(a) of the piston 18, then, the passage 17(h) between the seal member 17 and the peripheral surface of the stem 11 is opened.
The compressed gas is charged into the container 22 through the route of the opening 13(a) - the aperture 12(a) between the stem 11 and the gasket 12 - the downstream part of the constant stored chamber 14(a) - the pass hole 14(e) - the passage 17(h) between the seal member 17 and the stem 11 - the space 14(f) - the dip tube 20, in the same manner as the aerosol type dispenser 1 shown in FIG.2.
After the compressed gas is completely charged and the stem 11 is released, the gasket 12 and the stem get back to the initial position as mentioned above, the bendable portion 17(c) of the seal member 17 recovers initial shape with elasticity of itself.
FIG.4(A) and FIG.4(B) illustrates the upper face of the seal member 16 shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2 and the upper surface of the seal member 17 shown in FIG.3.
As mentioned above, the upper face 16(b) for receiving gas charge pressure is wider than the upper face of the bendable portion 17(c)(for receiving gas when the gas is charged). Therefore, when the seal member 16 and the seal member 17 receive the same pressure/the unit area of gas, whole pressure applied on the seal member 16 is higher than it on the seal member 17. Consequently, the seal member 16 itself moves downwardly.
On the other hand, as the width of the bendable portion 17(c) of the seal member 17 is narrower than each section of the upper face 16(b) of the seal member 16, when the seal member 17 receives gas charge pressure, the bendable portion 17(c) is bent as shown in FIG.3.
The each gas charge pressure in the aerosol type dispenser 1 with the seal member 16 and the aerosol type dispenser 2 with the seal member 17 was 9kg force.
The seal member 16, 17 may be formed in any shape so as to open enough passage between the stem 11 for charging gas by gas charge pressure.
For example, the seal member 16 of FIG.3 may be formed integrally with the housing, and any part thereof is transformed by gas charge pressure.
Moreover, a seal member may be formed separately from the housing, the seal member itself moves downwardly with bending the part such as a brim thereof by gas charge pressure.
Still, the upper face 16(b) of the seal member 16 and the bendable portion 17(c) of the seal member 17 may be formed with bendable material so as to be bent by the gas charge pressure.
It will be understood that the claims are intended to cover all changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments of the invention herein chosen for the purpose of illustration which do not constitute a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

An aerosol type dispenser providing a valve stem, and a constant stored chamber set by the contact between said valve stem and a seal member, comprising:

a gas charge mechanism that said seal member shifts to a state apart from said valve stem with gas charge pressure so as to release said contact, thereby making a passage for charging gas.
The aerosol type dispenser of claim 1 wherein said seal member is a cylindrical shape and provides a first brim to shift said seal member itself to said state with said gas charge pressure.
The aerosol type dispenser of claim 1 wherein said seal member is a cylindrical shape and provides a second brim to be bent in itself with said gas charge pressure, thereby producing said state.