EP1651538B1 - Control valve for a fluid product dispenser and a fluid product dispenser comprising such a valve - Google Patents

Control valve for a fluid product dispenser and a fluid product dispenser comprising such a valve Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1651538B1
EP1651538B1 EP04767546A EP04767546A EP1651538B1 EP 1651538 B1 EP1651538 B1 EP 1651538B1 EP 04767546 A EP04767546 A EP 04767546A EP 04767546 A EP04767546 A EP 04767546A EP 1651538 B1 EP1651538 B1 EP 1651538B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
metering chamber
valve element
reservoir
fluid product
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EP04767546A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1651538A2 (en
Inventor
David Goujon
Frédéric PIROU
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Aptar France SAS
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Valois SAS
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Publication of EP1651538A2 publication Critical patent/EP1651538A2/en
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Publication of EP1651538B1 publication Critical patent/EP1651538B1/en
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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
    • B65D83/42—Filling or charging means
    • B65D83/425—Delivery valves permitting filling or charging
    • 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 dispensing valve for fluid products, more particularly a metering valve, and a fluid dispenser comprising such a valve.
  • Metering valves are well known in the state of the art. They are generally intended to dispense aerosol-type products, in which the fluid product is distributed by means of a propellant. These valves generally comprise a valve body in which slides a valve between a rest position and a dispensing position. The valve body defines a metering chamber, this metering chamber being emptied when actuating the valve. After actuation, when the valve returns to its rest position, the metering chamber is connected to the reservoir and fills, usually by gravity, to allow a next actuation of the valve. These known valves may have a number of disadvantages.
  • the present invention aims to provide a fluid dispenser valve that does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • the present invention aims to provide such a valve that ensures perfect dosing accuracy and a perfect reproducibility of the dose each actuation of the valve.
  • the present invention also aims to provide such a valve that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble, fill and use.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a fluid dispensing valve for assembly on a reservoir containing fluid, said valve comprising a valve body comprising a metering chamber, the valve having a first valve for dispensing the product contained in the metering chamber, and a second valve for filling said metering chamber.
  • said first and second valves are operated separately when using the valve.
  • said first and second valves are actuated together for filling the reservoir with the fluid product.
  • said second valve is arranged around said first valve, said first valve sliding in a sealed manner in said second valve.
  • each valve cooperates with a respective elastic element, such as a spring, which urges it towards its rest position.
  • a respective elastic element such as a spring
  • the actuating means of the first valve are different from the actuating means of the second valve.
  • said second valve defines with the valve body an inlet valve for the metering chamber, said second valve being movable relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position of said inlet valve.
  • said valve is formed by a lateral passage made in a wall of the second valve, said passage being closed in the closed position of the inlet valve and open in the open position of the inlet valve.
  • said first valve defines with said second valve an outlet valve for the metering chamber, said first valve being movable relative to said second valve between a closed position and an open position of said outlet valve.
  • said outlet valve is formed by a lateral passage made in said first valve, said passage being closed in the closed position of the outlet valve and open by opening into the metering chamber in the open position of the outlet valve.
  • valve body is made in two parts fixed on one another, in particular by snapping.
  • the metering chamber in the rest position of the valve, is hermetically sealed vis-a-vis the reservoir and the outside.
  • the present invention also relates to a device for dispensing fluid products comprising a reservoir containing fluid and a propellant, and a valve as described above.
  • said tank is filled by means of a filling machine which simultaneously actuates the first and second valves.
  • the valve comprises a valve body 10 defining a metering chamber 20.
  • the valve body 10 can be made in two parts, a so-called upper part 11 which comprises the metering chamber 20 and on which is fixed of sealing manner, in particular by snapping, a lower or lower portion 12.
  • This lower portion 12 (which in the figures, appears as the upper part, since the valve is shown in the reverse use position), can be made of a monobloc piece with a ring 13, said end ring can, and which allows on the one hand to limit the dead volume and therefore distribute a maximum of product contained in the tank, and other to limit the contact between the product and the seal interposed between the valve body and the fastener.
  • This fastener 70 may be arbitrary and is used to attach the valve to the neck of a reservoir (not shown) in a known manner.
  • This fixing element 70 can in particular be a crimp, screw or snap-on cap, or the like.
  • the valve comprises a first valve 30 and a second valve 40.
  • the first valve 30 is intended to dispense the product contained in the metering chamber 20 and the second valve 40 is intended to fill this metering chamber 20, from the tank (not shown).
  • the present invention thus makes it possible to decouple the expulsion from the dose and the filling of the metering chamber, unlike a conventional valve, in which the filling of the metering chamber is done when the valve returns from its dispensing position. towards his rest position. Said first and second valves 30, 40 are actuated separately when using the valve.
  • the distribution of the product, carried out by means of the first valve 30, is obtained by actuating specific actuating means, for example a pusher mounted on the outlet end of the first valve 30, and movable axially, in a known manner.
  • the second valve 40 which serves to fill the metering chamber 20 after expulsion of the previous dose, is advantageously actuated by means of an actuating system separate from the actuating system of the first valve 30.
  • a lateral actuation system can be considered, to avoid any risk of simultaneous actuation of the two valves.
  • the second valve 40 is disposed around the first valve 30, which slides in a sealed manner in said second valve 40.
  • a seal 80 is provided between the two valves 30 and 40, ensuring a tight sliding in all valve positions.
  • Another seal 81 may be provided between the two valves to ensure the sealing in the rest position of the first valve 30.
  • a particular advantage of the present invention is that in the rest position of the valve, the metering chamber 20 is completely and hermetically isolated from the outside and the tank, so there is no risk of loss of dose, which guarantees absolute dosing accuracy and total reproducibility at each actuation, even after long storage.
  • the fact that the filling of the metering chamber is independent of the actuating or return stroke of the first distribution valve 30 makes it possible to optimize this filling to ensure a good homogeneity of the product and the contained propellant.
  • the dosing chamber after filling can be filled just after the expulsion of the previous dose. Alternatively, the chamber can be filled just before the expulsion of the dose, which makes it possible not to keep the dose for too long in the chamber.
  • each valve 30, 40 cooperates directly or indirectly with a respective elastic element 35, 45, such as a spring, which urges it towards its respective rest position.
  • a respective elastic element 35, 45 such as a spring
  • This rest position is shown in FIG. 1.
  • the second valve 40 is advantageously arranged around the first valve 30, this first valve 30 sealingly sliding inside the second valve 40.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a dispensing operation cycle of the valve. To dispense the contents of the metering chamber 20, the first valve 30 is thus moved axially inside the second valve 40 until a lateral passage 61, provided in said first valve 30, opens into said chamber 20, which causes the expulsion of the dose. The second valve 40 remains stationary during this distribution of the product.
  • the first valve 30 thus defines with respect to the second valve 40 an outlet valve 60 of the metering chamber 20.
  • the metering chamber remains closed and completely isolated from the reservoir as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • Figure 3 shows the filling of the metering chamber 20 after a previous actuation.
  • the second valve 40 is moved axially inside the valve body 10, in particular inside the upper part of the valve body 11, until a lateral passage 51 provided in a wall 41 of said second valve 40 connects the reservoir (not shown) with the metering chamber 20.
  • the second valve 40 thus defines a metering chamber inlet valve 50 with the valve body 10.
  • the first valve 30 During the movement of the second valve 40 towards its filling position, the first valve 30 always remains in the closed position of the outlet valve 60 of the metering chamber 20, so that there is no risk of product loss during this filling phase.
  • the first valve 30 is driven axially by the second valve 40 during this filling cycle of the metering chamber 20, but since there is no relative movement between the two valves, the outlet valve 60 remains closed.
  • the second valve 40 can be made in two parts fixed to one another, an upper portion 41 forming a wall of the metering chamber 20, and a lower portion 42 fixed to said first portion 41. These two parts 41, 42 may define between them said lateral passage 51.
  • the lower portion 42 may form the support for the spring 35 of the first valve 30 while the spring 45 of the second valve 40 may also cooperate with said lower portion 42 as well as with the bottom of the valve body 12.
  • Another very important advantage of the present invention is the filling of the reservoir before the valve is used to dispense the product dose by dose. Indeed, as shown in Figure 4, this filling can be done through the first dispensing valve 30 without damaging the valve. To do this, the two valves 30 and 40 are actuated simultaneously, for example via a suitable machine or filling head, and are lowered by a precise stroke to simultaneously open the outlet valve of the metering chamber 60 and the check valve. In this way, the reservoir (not shown) is connected to the outlet of the first valve 30 and the product can thus be supplied by this passage by penetrating into the first valve 30 and then in the metering chamber 20 and then in the tank (not shown), without damaging the functional joints, as in the current valves.
  • the present invention therefore provides a valve which on the one hand ensures an absolute dosage accuracy, and which simplifies the filling of the reservoir, this being achieved by uncoupling the distribution of the metering chamber and the filling thereof after distribution.

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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)
  • Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une valve de distribution de produits fluides, plus particulièrement une valve doseuse, ainsi qu'un distributeur de produits fluides comportant une telle valve.The present invention relates to a dispensing valve for fluid products, more particularly a metering valve, and a fluid dispenser comprising such a valve.

Les valves doseuses sont bien connues dans l'état de la technique. Elles sont généralement destinées à distribuer des produits du type aérosol, dans lesquels le produit fluide est distribué au moyen d'un propulseur. Ces valves comportent généralement un corps de valve dans lequel coulisse une soupape entre une position de repos et une position de distribution. Le corps de valve définit une chambre de dosage, cette chambre de dosage étant vidée lors de l'actionnement de la soupape. Après actionnement, lorsque la soupape revient vers sa position de repos, la chambre de dosage est reliée avec le réservoir et elle se remplit, généralement par gravité, pour permettre un prochain actionnement de la valve. Ces valves connues peuvent présenter un certain nombre d'inconvénients. Ainsi, en position de repos de la valve, notamment lorsque celle-ci est en position droite, c'est-à-dire avec la valve disposée au-dessus du réservoir, le produit contenu dans la chambre de dosage risque de refluer en retour vers le réservoir, ce qui affecte la précision du dosage et ainsi que la reproductibilité de la dose. D'autre part, le remplissage du réservoir avec le produit fluide et le propulseur peut s'avérer compliqué et traumatisant pour la valve. Le document US-4 597 512 divulgue une valve ayant une soupape comportant deux parties, une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure, qui sont actionnées simultanément. Le document US-6 202 900 décrit une valve de distribution selon le préambule de la revendication 1.Metering valves are well known in the state of the art. They are generally intended to dispense aerosol-type products, in which the fluid product is distributed by means of a propellant. These valves generally comprise a valve body in which slides a valve between a rest position and a dispensing position. The valve body defines a metering chamber, this metering chamber being emptied when actuating the valve. After actuation, when the valve returns to its rest position, the metering chamber is connected to the reservoir and fills, usually by gravity, to allow a next actuation of the valve. These known valves may have a number of disadvantages. Thus, in the rest position of the valve, especially when it is in the upright position, that is to say with the valve disposed above the tank, the product contained in the dosing chamber may return back to the reservoir, which affects the accuracy of the assay and the reproducibility of the dose. On the other hand, filling the reservoir with the fluid and the propellant can be complicated and traumatic for the valve. US-4,597,512 discloses a valve having a valve having two parts, an upper part and a lower part, which are actuated simultaneously. Document US Pat. No. 6,202,900 describes a dispensing valve according to the preamble of claim 1.

La présente invention a pour but de fournir une valve de distribution de produit fluide qui ne reproduit pas les inconvénients susmentionnés.The present invention aims to provide a fluid dispenser valve that does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.

Plus particulièrement, la présente invention a pour but de fournir une telle valve qui assure une parfaite précision de dosage et ainsi qu'une parfaite reproductibilité de la dose à chaque actionnement de la valve.More particularly, the present invention aims to provide such a valve that ensures perfect dosing accuracy and a perfect reproducibility of the dose each actuation of the valve.

La présente invention a également pour but de fournir une telle valve qui soit simple et peu coûteuse à fabriquer, à assembler, à remplir et à utiliser.The present invention also aims to provide such a valve that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble, fill and use.

La présente invention a donc pour objet une valve de distribution de produits fluides destinée a être assemblée sur un réservoir contenant du produit fluide, ladite valve comportant un corps de valve comprenant une chambre de dosage, la valve comportant une première soupape destinée à distribuer le produit contenu dans la chambre de dosage, et une seconde soupape destinée à remplir ladite chambre de dosage. De préférence, lesdites première et seconde soupapes sont actionnées séparément lors de l'utilisation de la valve.The present invention therefore relates to a fluid dispensing valve for assembly on a reservoir containing fluid, said valve comprising a valve body comprising a metering chamber, the valve having a first valve for dispensing the product contained in the metering chamber, and a second valve for filling said metering chamber. Preferably, said first and second valves are operated separately when using the valve.

Avantageusement, lesdites première et seconde soupapes sont actionnées ensemble pour le remplissage du réservoir avec le produit fluide.Advantageously, said first and second valves are actuated together for filling the reservoir with the fluid product.

Avantageusement, ladite seconde soupape est disposée autour de ladite première soupape, ladite première soupape coulissant de manière étanche dans ladite seconde soupape.Advantageously, said second valve is arranged around said first valve, said first valve sliding in a sealed manner in said second valve.

Avantageusement, chaque soupape coopère avec un élément élastique respectif, tel qu'un ressort, qui la sollicite vers sa position de repos.Advantageously, each valve cooperates with a respective elastic element, such as a spring, which urges it towards its rest position.

Avantageusement, les moyens d'actionnement de la première soupape sont différents des moyens d'actionnement de la seconde soupape.Advantageously, the actuating means of the first valve are different from the actuating means of the second valve.

Avantageusement, ladite seconde soupape définit avec le corps de valve un clapet d'entrée pour la chambre de dosage, ladite seconde soupape étant déplaçable par rapport au corps de valve entre une position de fermeture et une position d'ouverture dudit clapet d'entrée.Advantageously, said second valve defines with the valve body an inlet valve for the metering chamber, said second valve being movable relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position of said inlet valve.

Avantageusement, ledit clapet est formé par un passage latéral réalisé dans une paroi de la seconde soupape, ledit passage étant fermé en position de fermeture du clapet d'entrée et ouvert en position d'ouverture du clapet d'entrée.Advantageously, said valve is formed by a lateral passage made in a wall of the second valve, said passage being closed in the closed position of the inlet valve and open in the open position of the inlet valve.

Avantageusement, ladite première soupape définit avec ladite seconde soupape un clapet de sortie pour la chambre de dosage, ladite première soupape étant déplaçable par rapport à ladite seconde soupape entre une position de fermeture et une position d'ouverture dudit clapet de sortie.Advantageously, said first valve defines with said second valve an outlet valve for the metering chamber, said first valve being movable relative to said second valve between a closed position and an open position of said outlet valve.

Avantageusement, ledit clapet de sortie est formé par un passage latéral réalisé dans ladite première soupape, ledit passage étant fermé en position de fermeture du clapet de sortie et ouvert en débouchant dans la chambre de dosage en position d'ouverture du clapet de sortie.Advantageously, said outlet valve is formed by a lateral passage made in said first valve, said passage being closed in the closed position of the outlet valve and open by opening into the metering chamber in the open position of the outlet valve.

Avantageusement, le corps de valve est réalisé en deux parties fixées l'une sur l'autre, notamment par encliquetage.Advantageously, the valve body is made in two parts fixed on one another, in particular by snapping.

Avantageusement, en position de repos de la valve, la chambre de dosage est fermée hermétiquement vis-à-vis du réservoir et de l'extérieur.Advantageously, in the rest position of the valve, the metering chamber is hermetically sealed vis-a-vis the reservoir and the outside.

La présente invention a également pour objet un dispositif de distribution de produits fluides comportant un réservoir contenant du produit fluide et un propulseur, ainsi qu'une valve telle que décrite ci-dessus.The present invention also relates to a device for dispensing fluid products comprising a reservoir containing fluid and a propellant, and a valve as described above.

Avantageusement, ledit réservoir est rempli au moyen d'une machine de remplissage qui actionne simultanément les première et seconde soupapes.Advantageously, said tank is filled by means of a filling machine which simultaneously actuates the first and second valves.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description détaillée suivante d'un mode de réalisation avantageux de celle-ci, faite en référence aux dessins joints, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en section transversale d'une valve selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention, en position de repos ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1, en position de distribution ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue similaire à celles des figures 1 et 2, en position de remplissage de la chambre de dosage ; et
  • la figure 4 est une vue similaire à celles des figures 1 à 3, en position de remplissage du réservoir.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the following detailed description of an advantageous embodiment thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and on which :
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, in the rest position;
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, in the dispensing position;
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to those of Figures 1 and 2, in the filling position of the metering chamber; and
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to those of Figures 1 to 3, in the filling position of the reservoir.

En référence aux figures, la valve comporte un corps de valve 10 définissant une chambre de dosage 20. Le corps de valve 10 peut être réalisé en deux parties, une partie dite supérieure 11 qui comprend la chambre de dosage 20 et sur laquelle est fixée de manière étanche, notamment par encliquetage, une partie basse ou inférieure 12. Cette partie basse 12 (qui sur les figures, apparaît comme étant la partie supérieure, puisque la valve est représentée en position d'utilisation inversée), peut être réalisée d'une pièce monobloc avec une bague 13, dite bague fin de bidon, et qui permet d'une part de limiter le volume mort et de distribuer donc un maximum de produit contenu dans le réservoir, et d'autre part de limiter le contact entre le produit et le joint interposé entre le corps de valve et l'élément de fixation. Cet élément de fixation 70 peut être quelconque et est utilisé pour fixer la valve sur le col d'un réservoir (non représenté), de manière connue. Cet élément de fixation 70 peut notamment être une capsule à sertir, à visser ou à encliqueter, ou similaire.With reference to the figures, the valve comprises a valve body 10 defining a metering chamber 20. The valve body 10 can be made in two parts, a so-called upper part 11 which comprises the metering chamber 20 and on which is fixed of sealing manner, in particular by snapping, a lower or lower portion 12. This lower portion 12 (which in the figures, appears as the upper part, since the valve is shown in the reverse use position), can be made of a monobloc piece with a ring 13, said end ring can, and which allows on the one hand to limit the dead volume and therefore distribute a maximum of product contained in the tank, and other to limit the contact between the product and the seal interposed between the valve body and the fastener. This fastener 70 may be arbitrary and is used to attach the valve to the neck of a reservoir (not shown) in a known manner. This fixing element 70 can in particular be a crimp, screw or snap-on cap, or the like.

Selon l'invention, la valve comporte une première soupape 30 et une seconde soupape 40. La première soupape 30 est destinée à distribuer le produit contenu dans la chambre de dosage 20 et la seconde soupape 40 est destinée à remplir cette chambre de dosage 20, à partir du réservoir (non représenté). La présente invention permet donc de découpler l'expulsion de la dose et le remplissage de la chambre de dosage, contrairement à une valve classique, dans laquelle le remplissage de la chambre de dosage se fait lors du retour de la soupape de sa position de distribution vers sa position de repos. Lesdites première et seconde soupapes 30, 40 sont actionnées séparément lors de l'utilisation de la valve. En d'autres mots, la distribution du produit, réalisée au moyen de la première soupape 30, est obtenue en actionnant des moyens d'actionnement spécifiques, par exemple un poussoir monté sur l'extrémité de sortie de la première soupape 30, et déplaçable axialement, de manière connue. La seconde soupape 40, qui sert à remplir la chambre de dosage 20 après expulsion de la dose précédente, est quant à elle avantageusement actionnée au moyen d'un système d'actionnement distinct du système d'actionnement de la première soupape 30. Par exemple, un système d'actionnement latéral peut être envisagé, pour éviter tout risque d'actionnement simultané des deux soupapes.According to the invention, the valve comprises a first valve 30 and a second valve 40. The first valve 30 is intended to dispense the product contained in the metering chamber 20 and the second valve 40 is intended to fill this metering chamber 20, from the tank (not shown). The present invention thus makes it possible to decouple the expulsion from the dose and the filling of the metering chamber, unlike a conventional valve, in which the filling of the metering chamber is done when the valve returns from its dispensing position. towards his rest position. Said first and second valves 30, 40 are actuated separately when using the valve. In other words, the distribution of the product, carried out by means of the first valve 30, is obtained by actuating specific actuating means, for example a pusher mounted on the outlet end of the first valve 30, and movable axially, in a known manner. The second valve 40, which serves to fill the metering chamber 20 after expulsion of the previous dose, is advantageously actuated by means of an actuating system separate from the actuating system of the first valve 30. For example , a lateral actuation system can be considered, to avoid any risk of simultaneous actuation of the two valves.

Avantageusement, la seconde soupape 40 est disposée autour de la première soupape 30, laquelle coulisse de manière étanche dans ladite seconde soupape 40. Avantageusement, un joint d'étanchéité 80 est prévu entre les deux soupapes 30 et 40, assurant un coulissement étanche en toutes positions de soupapes. Un autre joint d'étanchéité 81 peut être prévu entre les deux soupapes pour garantir l'étanchéité en position de repos de la première soupape 30.Advantageously, the second valve 40 is disposed around the first valve 30, which slides in a sealed manner in said second valve 40. Advantageously, a seal 80 is provided between the two valves 30 and 40, ensuring a tight sliding in all valve positions. Another seal 81 may be provided between the two valves to ensure the sealing in the rest position of the first valve 30.

Un avantage particulier de la présente invention est qu'en position de repos de la valve, la chambre de dosage 20 est complètement et hermétiquement isolée de l'extérieur et du réservoir, de sorte qu'il n'y a aucun risque de perte de dose, ce qui garantit une précision de dosage absolue ainsi qu'une reproductibilité totale à chaque actionnement, même après un long stockage. D'autre part, le fait que le remplissage de la chambre de dosage soit indépendant de la course d'actionnement ou de retour de la première soupape de distribution 30 permet d'optimiser ce remplissage pour assurer une bonne homogénéité du produit et du propulseur contenu dans la chambre de dosage après son remplissage. Il est à noter que la chambre de dosage peut être remplie juste après l'expulsion de la dose précédente. En variante, la chambre peut être remplie juste avant l'expulsion de la dose, ce qui permet de ne pas garder la dose pendant trop longtemps dans la chambre.A particular advantage of the present invention is that in the rest position of the valve, the metering chamber 20 is completely and hermetically isolated from the outside and the tank, so there is no risk of loss of dose, which guarantees absolute dosing accuracy and total reproducibility at each actuation, even after long storage. On the other hand, the fact that the filling of the metering chamber is independent of the actuating or return stroke of the first distribution valve 30 makes it possible to optimize this filling to ensure a good homogeneity of the product and the contained propellant. in the dosing chamber after filling. It should be noted that the dosing chamber can be filled just after the expulsion of the previous dose. Alternatively, the chamber can be filled just before the expulsion of the dose, which makes it possible not to keep the dose for too long in the chamber.

Avantageusement, chaque soupape 30, 40 coopère directement ou indirectement, avec un élément élastique respectif 35, 45, tel qu'un ressort, qui la sollicite vers sa position de repos respective. Cette position de repos est représentée sur la figure 1. Comme visible sur les figures, la seconde soupape 40 est avantageusement disposée autour de la première soupape 30, cette première soupape 30 coulissant de manière étanche à l'intérieur de la seconde soupape 40. Les figures 1 et 2 montrent un cycle d'actionnement de distribution de la valve. Pour distribuer le contenu de la chambre de dosage 20, la première soupape 30 est donc déplacée axialement à l'intérieur de la seconde soupape 40 jusqu'à ce qu'un passage latéral 61, prévu dans ladite première soupape 30, débouche dans ladite chambre de dosage 20, ce qui provoque l'expulsion de la dose. La seconde soupape 40 reste immobile pendant cette distribution du produit. La première soupape 30 définit donc par rapport à la seconde soupape 40 un clapet de sortie 60 de la chambre de dosage 20. Pendant tout le cycle d'actionnement de la première soupape 30, la chambre de dosage reste fermée et complètement isolée par rapport au réservoir comme visible sur les figures 1 et 2. La figure 3 montre le remplissage de la chambre de dosage 20 après un actionnement précédent. Pour ce faire, la seconde soupape 40 est déplacée axialement à l'intérieur du corps de valve 10 notamment à l'intérieur de la partie supérieure de corps de valve 11, jusqu'à ce qu'un passage latéral 51 prévu dans une paroi 41 de ladite seconde soupape 40 relie le réservoir (non représenté) avec la chambre de dosage 20. La seconde soupape 40 définit donc un clapet d'entrée de chambre de dosage 50 avec le corps de valve 10. Pendant le déplacement de la seconde soupape 40 vers sa position de remplissage, la première soupape 30 reste toujours en position de fermeture du clapet de sortie 60 de la chambre de dosage 20, de sorte qu'il n'y aucun risque de déperdition de produit pendant cette phase de remplissage. La première soupape 30 est entraînée axialement par la seconde soupape 40 lors de ce cycle de remplissage de la chambre de dosage 20, mais comme il n'y a aucun déplacement relatif entre les deux soupapes, le clapet de sortie 60 reste fermé.Advantageously, each valve 30, 40 cooperates directly or indirectly with a respective elastic element 35, 45, such as a spring, which urges it towards its respective rest position. This rest position is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen in the figures, the second valve 40 is advantageously arranged around the first valve 30, this first valve 30 sealingly sliding inside the second valve 40. Figures 1 and 2 show a dispensing operation cycle of the valve. To dispense the contents of the metering chamber 20, the first valve 30 is thus moved axially inside the second valve 40 until a lateral passage 61, provided in said first valve 30, opens into said chamber 20, which causes the expulsion of the dose. The second valve 40 remains stationary during this distribution of the product. The first valve 30 thus defines with respect to the second valve 40 an outlet valve 60 of the metering chamber 20. During the entire operating cycle of the first valve 30, the metering chamber remains closed and completely isolated from the reservoir as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 shows the filling of the metering chamber 20 after a previous actuation. To do this, the second valve 40 is moved axially inside the valve body 10, in particular inside the upper part of the valve body 11, until a lateral passage 51 provided in a wall 41 of said second valve 40 connects the reservoir (not shown) with the metering chamber 20. The second valve 40 thus defines a metering chamber inlet valve 50 with the valve body 10. During the movement of the second valve 40 towards its filling position, the first valve 30 always remains in the closed position of the outlet valve 60 of the metering chamber 20, so that there is no risk of product loss during this filling phase. The first valve 30 is driven axially by the second valve 40 during this filling cycle of the metering chamber 20, but since there is no relative movement between the two valves, the outlet valve 60 remains closed.

Avantageusement, la seconde soupape 40 peut être réalisée en deux parties fixées l'une à l'autre, une partie supérieure 41 formant une paroi de la chambre de dosage 20, et une partie inférieure 42 fixée à ladite première partie 41. Ces deux parties 41, 42 peuvent définir entre elles ledit passage latéral 51. La partie inférieure 42 peut former le support pour le ressort 35 de la première soupape 30 alors que le ressort 45 de la seconde soupape 40 peut également coopérer avec ladite partie inférieure 42 ainsi qu'avec le fond du corps de valve 12.Advantageously, the second valve 40 can be made in two parts fixed to one another, an upper portion 41 forming a wall of the metering chamber 20, and a lower portion 42 fixed to said first portion 41. These two parts 41, 42 may define between them said lateral passage 51. The lower portion 42 may form the support for the spring 35 of the first valve 30 while the spring 45 of the second valve 40 may also cooperate with said lower portion 42 as well as with the bottom of the valve body 12.

Un autre avantage très important de la présente invention concerne le remplissage du réservoir avant que la valve ne soit utilisée pour distribuer le produit dose par dose. En effet, comme représenté sur la figure 4, ce remplissage peut se faire à travers la première soupape de distribution 30 sans abîmer la valve. Pour se faire, les deux soupapes 30 et 40 sont actionnées simultanément, par exemple via une machine ou tête de remplissage appropriée, et sont descendues d'une course précise pour simultanément ouvrir le clapet de sortie de la chambre de dosage 60 et le clapet d'entrée de la chambre de dosage 50. De cette manière, le réservoir (non représenté) est relié à l'orifice de sortie de la première soupape 30 et le produit peut donc être alimenté par ce passage en pénétrant dans la première soupape 30 puis dans la chambre de dosage 20 puis dans le réservoir (non représenté), sans endommager les joints fonctionnels, comme dans les valves actuelles.Another very important advantage of the present invention is the filling of the reservoir before the valve is used to dispense the product dose by dose. Indeed, as shown in Figure 4, this filling can be done through the first dispensing valve 30 without damaging the valve. To do this, the two valves 30 and 40 are actuated simultaneously, for example via a suitable machine or filling head, and are lowered by a precise stroke to simultaneously open the outlet valve of the metering chamber 60 and the check valve. In this way, the reservoir (not shown) is connected to the outlet of the first valve 30 and the product can thus be supplied by this passage by penetrating into the first valve 30 and then in the metering chamber 20 and then in the tank (not shown), without damaging the functional joints, as in the current valves.

La présente invention fournit donc une valve qui d'une part assure une précision de dosage absolue, et qui simplifie le remplissage du réservoir, ceci étant obtenu en découplant la distribution de la chambre de dosage et le remplissage de celle-ci après distribution.The present invention therefore provides a valve which on the one hand ensures an absolute dosage accuracy, and which simplifies the filling of the reservoir, this being achieved by uncoupling the distribution of the metering chamber and the filling thereof after distribution.

Bien que la présente invention ait été décrite en référence à un mode de réalisation avantageux de celle-ci, il est entendu qu'elle n'est pas limitée par ce mode de réalisation. Au contraire, un homme du métier peut y apporter toutes modifications utiles sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention telle que défini dans les revendications annexées.Although the present invention has been described with reference to an advantageous embodiment thereof, it is understood that it is not limited by this embodiment. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art can make any useful modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (13)

  1. A valve for the dispensing of fluid products, intended to be fitted to a reservoir containing a fluid product, where said valve has a valve body (10) that includes a metering chamber (20), a first valve element (30) intended to dispense the product contained in the metering chamber (20), and a second valve element (40) intended to fill said metering chamber (20), characterised in that said first and second valve elements (30, 40) are actuated separately during the use of the valve.
  2. A valve according to claim 1 or 2, in which said first and second valve elements (30, 40) are actuated together to fill the reservoir with the fluid product.
  3. A valve according to claim 1 or 2, in which said second valve element (40) is positioned around said first valve element (30), said first valve element (30) sliding in a sealed manner in said second valve element (40).
  4. A valve according to any of the preceding claims, in which each valve element (30, 40) fits onto an elastic element (35, 45) respectively, such as a spring, which forces it toward its rest position.
  5. A valve according to any of the preceding claims, in which the actuating means of the first valve element (30) are different from the actuating means of the second valve element (40).
  6. A valve according to any of the preceding claims, in which said second valve element (40) forms, together with the valve body (10), an intake valve (50) for the metering chamber (20), said second valve element (40) being movable with respect to the valve body (10) between a closed position and an open position of said intake valve (50).
  7. A valve according to claim 6, in which said intake valve (50) is formed by a lateral passage (51) provided in a wall (41) of the second valve element (40), said passage (51) being closed in the closed position of the intake valve (50) and open in the open position of the intake valve (50).
  8. A valve according to any of the preceding claims, in which said first valve element (30) forms, together with said second valve element (40), an outlet valve for the metering chamber (20), said first valve element (30) being movable with respect to said second valve element (40) between a closed position and an open position of said outlet valve (60).
  9. A valve according to claim 8, in which said outlet valve (60) is formed by a lateral passage (61) provided in the said first valve element (30), said passage (61) being closed in the closed position of the discharge valve (60) and opening into the metering chamber (20) in the open position of the discharge valve (60).
  10. A valve according to any of the preceding claims, in which the valve body (10) is made in two parts (11, 12) fixed together, in particular by a snap-fit.
  11. A valve according to any of the preceding claims, in which, in the rest position of the valve, the metering chamber (20) is closed hermetically with respect to the reservoir and the exterior.
  12. A device for the dispensing of fluid products, including a reservoir containing a fluid product and a propellant, characterised in that the said device includes a valve according to any of the preceding claims.
  13. A device according to claim 12, in which said reservoir is filled by means of a filling machine which simultaneously actuates the first and second valve elements (30, 40).
EP04767546A 2003-07-02 2004-07-01 Control valve for a fluid product dispenser and a fluid product dispenser comprising such a valve Active EP1651538B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0308065A FR2856990A1 (en) 2003-07-02 2003-07-02 Fluid product e.g. aerosol, distributing valve e.g. dosing valve, has valve stem with dosing chamber sealed from container and outside, in rest position of valve, and two valves activated together for filling container
PCT/FR2004/001704 WO2005012137A2 (en) 2003-07-02 2004-07-01 Control valve for a fluid product dispenser and a fluid product dispenser comprising such a valve

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1651538A2 EP1651538A2 (en) 2006-05-03
EP1651538B1 true EP1651538B1 (en) 2006-12-27

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04767546A Active EP1651538B1 (en) 2003-07-02 2004-07-01 Control valve for a fluid product dispenser and a fluid product dispenser comprising such a valve

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US20060243753A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1651538B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2007516133A (en)
CN (1) CN1852842A (en)
DE (1) DE602004003951T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2856990A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005012137A2 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2917073B1 (en) * 2007-06-11 2012-10-05 Valois Sas FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING VALVE AND FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A VALVE
FR2918044B1 (en) * 2007-06-28 2012-01-20 Valois Sas RING FOR FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING VALVE.
WO2009027618A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-03-05 Cipla Limited A valve for an aerosol device
FR2924101B1 (en) * 2007-11-26 2009-12-04 Valois Sas IMPROVED VALVE
BR112013002491B1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2019-07-02 Toyo Aerosol Industry Co., Ltd. AEROSOL DEVICE
FR2996827B1 (en) * 2012-10-12 2014-10-31 Rexam Healthcare La Verpillier DOSING VALVE FOR DISTRIBUTING AN AEROSOL
FR2993250B1 (en) 2012-10-12 2014-08-01 Rexam Healthcare La Verpillier DOSING VALVE FOR DISTRIBUTING AN AEROSOL
FR3019535B1 (en) * 2014-04-02 2016-03-25 Rexam Healthcare La Verpillier AEROSOL DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY HAVING AN IMPROVED CONTACT AREA WITH A TANK COLLAR

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DE1425854A1 (en) * 1963-07-09 1968-11-21 Newman Green Ventil Gmbh Dosing valve for pressure atomizer
GB1201918A (en) * 1966-12-21 1970-08-12 Bespak Industries Ltd Improvements in or relating to valves for pressurised dispensers
GB2124587B (en) * 1982-08-06 1986-01-08 Kenneth Wilmot Aerosol valves
FR2670139B1 (en) * 1992-01-15 1993-12-24 Valois DOSING VALVE FOR USE IN THE REVERSE POSITION.
US6596260B1 (en) * 1993-08-27 2003-07-22 Novartis Corporation Aerosol container and a method for storage and administration of a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutically active aerosol
FR2740527B1 (en) * 1995-10-31 1998-01-02 Valois LOW FRICTION VALVE ROD
GB9626960D0 (en) * 1996-12-27 1997-02-12 Glaxo Group Ltd Valve for aerosol container
GB2329939A (en) * 1997-06-26 1999-04-07 Glaxo Group Ltd Self-lubricating valve stem for aerosol containers
FR2775263B1 (en) * 1998-02-24 2000-04-14 Valois Sa FIXING ELEMENT OF A DISTRIBUTION DEVICE ON THE NECK OF A CONTAINER, DISTRIBUTION DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A FIXING ELEMENT AND FIXING METHOD
JPH11301759A (en) * 1998-04-21 1999-11-02 Unisia Jecs Corp Gas spray valve and charging jig used for charging gas
FR2833584B1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2004-04-23 Valois Sa FLUID PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION VALVE AND FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE HAVING SUCH A VALVE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060243753A1 (en) 2006-11-02
DE602004003951T2 (en) 2007-10-11
EP1651538A2 (en) 2006-05-03
JP2007516133A (en) 2007-06-21
CN1852842A (en) 2006-10-25
WO2005012137A2 (en) 2005-02-10
FR2856990A1 (en) 2005-01-07
WO2005012137A3 (en) 2005-04-21
DE602004003951D1 (en) 2007-02-08

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