EP3433184B1 - Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve - Google Patents

Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3433184B1
EP3433184B1 EP17720539.0A EP17720539A EP3433184B1 EP 3433184 B1 EP3433184 B1 EP 3433184B1 EP 17720539 A EP17720539 A EP 17720539A EP 3433184 B1 EP3433184 B1 EP 3433184B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
collar
metering
chamber
cylindrical portion
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EP17720539.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3433184A1 (en
Inventor
Arnaud Helie
Fabien CHABILAN
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Aptar France SAS
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Aptar France 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 and a fluid dispenser device comprising such a valve.
  • metering valves in which each actuation of the valve, a precise dose of fluid is distributed, are well known in the state of the art, and are generally assembled on a reservoir containing the fluid and a propellant used to expel the dose.
  • the so-called retention valves include a valve which, in the rest position, partially closes the metering chamber. More specifically, the outside of the valve cooperates in a sealed manner with the chamber seal of the metering chamber, so that the metering chamber is connected to the reservoir, in this rest position, only via the internal channel of the valve.
  • valves without priming or ACT valves do not fill until just before the actual actuation.
  • the present invention aims to improve the metering valves of the retention type.
  • the present invention aims in particular to provide a metering valve which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and of reliable operation.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a metering valve ensuring good reliability of operation of said valve.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a metering valve for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a valve body containing a metering chamber, a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a rest position and a dispensing position, for selectively dispensing the contents of said metering chamber, said valve comprising a flange and being urged towards its rest position by a spring cooperating on the one hand with said valve body and on the other hand with said flange said valve body comprising a cylindrical part of a valve body in which said flange of said valve slides between its rest and dispensing positions, said cylindrical part of valve body comprising a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending at least over part of the height of said cylindrical part of valve body, said longitudinal ribs projecting radially inwards and a sliding on said flange of said valve to substantially center said flange in said cylindrical part of the valve body.
  • said cylindrical part of the valve body comprises at least three, advantageously six, longitudinal ribs.
  • each longitudinal rib has a rounded shape to minimize the areas of contact with said flange.
  • said valve comprising an internal channel for filling said metering chamber after each actuation of the metering valve, said cylindrical part of valve body containing a second chamber defined between said flange and said metering chamber, said second chamber being in the position of rest connected to said metering chamber via said internal channel.
  • the difference between the internal diameter of said cylindrical part of the valve body and the external diameter of said flange is less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm, so that in the rest position of the valve, the fluid contained in said second chamber is substantially retained in said second chamber, said longitudinal ribs having a radial dimension d2 less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.09 mm, advantageously approximately 0.07 mm, so that the peripheral radial gap between said flange and said longitudinal ribs is less than 0.06 mm, advantageously less than 0.02 mm.
  • said difference in diameters is greater than 0.01 mm, in particular at least equal to 0.04 mm.
  • said longitudinal ribs have a decreasing radial dimension, with a maximum radial dimension d2 at the rest position of said flange, and a minimum radial dimension at the distribution position of said flange.
  • the present invention also relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a metering valve as defined above fixed to a reservoir.
  • top, bottom, upper and lower refer to the straight position shown in the figure 1
  • axial and radial refer to the longitudinal axis B of the valve shown in the figure 1 .
  • the retention type metering valve shown in the figure 1 comprises a valve body 10 extending along a longitudinal axis B. Inside said valve body 10, a valve 30 slides between a rest position, which is that shown on the figure 1 , and a dispensing position, in which the valve 30 is pressed inside the valve body 10.
  • This valve is intended to be assembled on a reservoir 1, preferably by means of a fixing element 5, which can be a crimp, screw or snap-on capsule, and advantageously with the interposition of a neck seal 6.
  • a ring 4 can be assembled around the valve body, in particular to reduce the dead volume in the inverted position and to limit the contact of the fluid with the neck seal.
  • This ring can be of any shape, and the example of the figure 1 is not limiting.
  • the valve 30 is biased towards its rest position by a spring 8, which is arranged in the valve body 10 and which cooperates on the one hand with this valve body 10, and on the other hand with the valve 30, preferably with a radial flange 320 of the valve 30.
  • a metering chamber 20 is defined inside the valve body 10, said valve 30 sliding inside said metering chamber to allow the distribution of the content thereof when the valve is actuated.
  • the metering chamber is preferably defined between two annular seals, a valve seal 21 and a chamber seal 22, in a well known manner.
  • the figure 1 represents the valve in the upright storage position, that is to say the position in which the metering chamber 20 is arranged above the reservoir 1.
  • the valve 30 has an outlet port 301 connected to an inlet port 302, which is disposed in the metering chamber 20 when the valve 30 is in the dispensing position.
  • the valve 30 can be made in two parts, namely an upper part 31 (also called the valve top) and a lower part 32 (also called the valve bottom).
  • the lower part 32 is in this embodiment assembled inside the upper part 31.
  • An internal channel 33 is provided in the valve 30 which makes it possible to connect the metering chamber 20 to the reservoir 1, to fill said metering chamber 20 when, after each actuation of the valve, the valve 30 returns to its rest position under the effect of the spring 8. This filling takes place when the device is still in the inverted position of use, with the valve disposed below the tank.
  • the metering chamber 20 As visible on the figure 1 , when the valve 30 is in the rest position, the metering chamber 20, outside the valve 30, is substantially isolated from the reservoir by the cooperation between the lower part 32 of the valve 30 and the chamber seal 22. In this rest position, the metering chamber 20 therefore remains connected to the reservoir 1 only via said internal channel 33.
  • the valve body 10 comprises a cylindrical part 15 in which the spring 8 is disposed and in which the flange 320 slides between its rest and distribution positions. In the position of the figure 1 , this cylindrical part 15 is the lower part of the valve body.
  • This cylindrical part 15 has one or more longitudinal openings 11, such as slots, extending laterally in said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body, over part of the axial height of the valve body in the direction of the central axis. longitudinal B. These openings allow the filling of the metering chamber after each actuation, when in the inverted position of use (with the valve placed under the tank), the valve 30 returns from its dispensing position to its rest position.
  • the flange 320 of the valve defines a second chamber 29 defined between said flange 320 and the metering chamber 20. More precisely, with reference to the figure 1 , this second chamber 29 is disposed below the chamber seal 22 and above the flange 320 of the valve 30. This second chamber 29 empties itself by gravity into the upright storage position via the functional clearance between the outside of the flange 320 and the inside diameter of said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body.
  • a known problem with metering valves is the phenomenon of dose loss, also called “drainback". This loss of dose is evaluated in particular by the so-called “Loss of Prime” test consisting in weighing the dose after expulsion at storage intervals which can range from three to seven days, typically five days. Analyzes have made it possible to understand that the metering chamber 20 of the valve can be emptied at least partially in the storage position (right position of the figure 1 ) via the internal channel 33 of the valve 30 when said second chamber 29 of the valve is empty.
  • the figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the invention, in which said flange 320 of the valve 30 is substantially centered in the cylindrical part 15 of the valve body. This centering makes it possible to distribute the clearance between the flange 320 and the valve body over the entire periphery.
  • the passage surface of the formulation is better, which improves the filling of the metering chamber 20.
  • each longitudinal rib 100 has a rounded shape to minimize the areas of contact with said flange 320.
  • the difference between the internal diameter of said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body and the external diameter of said flange 320 is less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm.
  • longitudinal ribs 100 which have a radial dimension d2 of less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.09 mm, advantageously approximately 0.07 mm, a peripheral radial gap is obtained between said flange 320 and said longitudinal ribs 100 which is less than 0.06 mm, advantageously less than 0.02 mm.
  • said difference in diameters is greater than 0.01 mm, in particular at least equal to 0.04 mm. This is to avoid any risk of blockage of the valve, regardless of manufacturing tolerances.
  • the emptying of the second chamber 29 is prevented or at least greatly slows down, so that the metering chamber 20 does not empty either through the internal channel of the valve.
  • said longitudinal ribs 100 may have a decreasing radial dimension, with a maximum radial dimension d2 at the rest position of said flange 320, and a minimum radial dimension at the distribution position of said flange 320.
  • the ribs 100 leave from the top of the cylindrical part 15 of the valve body until the inscribed diameter of these ribs join the inside diameter of said cylindrical part 15.
  • the ribs 100 being less stripped than the inside diameter of said cylindrical part 15, the two diameters end up joining at a certain height in said cylindrical part 15.

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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 concerne une valve doseuse et un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant une telle valve.The present invention relates to a metering valve and a fluid dispenser device comprising such a valve.

Les valves dite doseuses, dans lesquelles à chaque actionnement de la valve, une dose précise de produit fluide est distribuée, sont bien connues dans l'état de la technique, et sont généralement assemblées sur un réservoir contenant le produit fluide et un gaz propulseur utilisé pour réaliser l'expulsion de la dose.The so-called metering valves, in which each actuation of the valve, a precise dose of fluid is distributed, are well known in the state of the art, and are generally assembled on a reservoir containing the fluid and a propellant used to expel the dose.

On connaît notamment deux types de valves doseuses.Two types of metering valves are known in particular.

Les valves dites à rétention comportent une soupape qui, en position de repos, obture partiellement la chambre de dosage. Plus précisément, l'extérieur de la soupape coopère de manière étanche avec le joint de chambre de la chambre de dosage, de sorte que la chambre de dosage n'est reliée au réservoir, dans cette position de repos, que via le canal interne de la soupape.The so-called retention valves include a valve which, in the rest position, partially closes the metering chamber. More specifically, the outside of the valve cooperates in a sealed manner with the chamber seal of the metering chamber, so that the metering chamber is connected to the reservoir, in this rest position, only via the internal channel of the valve.

Les valves dites sans amorçage ou valves ACT ne se remplissent que juste avant l'actionnement proprement dit.The valves without priming or ACT valves do not fill until just before the actual actuation.

Pour les valves à rétention, il peut se poser un problème de dose incomplète au moment de son expulsion, en particulier si la valve a été stockée pendant un certain temps en position droite, avec la valve disposée au-dessus du réservoir. Dans ce cas, il est possible qu'une partie de la dose retourne dans le réservoir via le canal interne de la soupape, malgré une forme plus ou moins compliqué de ce canal interne.For retention valves, there may be a problem of incomplete dose at the time of expulsion, in particular if the valve has been stored for a certain time in an upright position, with the valve placed above the reservoir. In this case, it is possible that part of the dose returns to the reservoir via the internal channel of the valve, despite a more or less complicated shape of this internal channel.

Les documents EP0551782 , US3738542 , FR2860503 , US5632421 et EP0916596 décrivent des valves à rétention de l'art antérieur.The documents EP0551782 , US3738542 , FR2860503 , US5632421 and EP0916596 describe prior art retention valves.

La présente invention a pour but d'améliorer les valves doseuses du type à rétention.The present invention aims to improve the metering valves of the retention type.

La présente invention a notamment pour but de fournir une valve doseuse qui soit simple et peu coûteuse à fabriquer et à assembler, et de fonctionnement fiable.The present invention aims in particular to provide a metering valve which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and of reliable operation.

La présente invention a également pour but de fournir une valve doseuse garantissant une bonne fiabilité de fonctionnement de ladite valve.The present invention also aims to provide a metering valve ensuring good reliability of operation of said valve.

La présente invention a donc pour objet une valve doseuse de distribution de produit fluide, comportant un corps de valve contenant une chambre de dosage, une soupape coulissant axialement dans ledit corps de valve entre une position de repos et une position de distribution, pour sélectivement distribuer le contenu de ladite chambre de dosage, ladite soupape comportant une collerette et étant sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort coopérant d'une part avec ledit corps de valve et d'autre part avec ladite collerette ledit corps de valve comportant une partie cylindrique de corps de valve dans laquelle ladite collerette de ladite soupape coulisse entre ses positions de repos et de distribution, ladite partie cylindrique de corps de valve comportant une pluralité de nervures longitudinales s'étendant au moins sur une partie de la hauteur de ladite partie cylindrique de corps de valve, lesdites nervures longitudinales étant saillantes radialement vers l'intérieur et agissant sur ladite collerette de ladite soupape pour sensiblement centrer ladite collerette dans ladite partie cylindrique de corps de valve.The present invention therefore relates to a metering valve for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a valve body containing a metering chamber, a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a rest position and a dispensing position, for selectively dispensing the contents of said metering chamber, said valve comprising a flange and being urged towards its rest position by a spring cooperating on the one hand with said valve body and on the other hand with said flange said valve body comprising a cylindrical part of a valve body in which said flange of said valve slides between its rest and dispensing positions, said cylindrical part of valve body comprising a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending at least over part of the height of said cylindrical part of valve body, said longitudinal ribs projecting radially inwards and a sliding on said flange of said valve to substantially center said flange in said cylindrical part of the valve body.

Avantageusement, ladite partie cylindrique de corps de valve comporte au moins trois, avantageusement six, nervures longitudinales.Advantageously, said cylindrical part of the valve body comprises at least three, advantageously six, longitudinal ribs.

Avantageusement, chaque nervure longitudinale a une forme arrondie pour minimiser les zones de contact avec ladite collerette.Advantageously, each longitudinal rib has a rounded shape to minimize the areas of contact with said flange.

Avantageusement, ladite soupape comportant un canal interne pour remplir ladite chambre de dosage après chaque actionnement de la valve doseuse, ladite partie cylindrique de corps de valve contenant une deuxième chambre définie entre ladite collerette et ladite chambre de dosage, ladite deuxième chambre étant en position de repos reliée à ladite chambre de dosage via ledit canal interne.Advantageously, said valve comprising an internal channel for filling said metering chamber after each actuation of the metering valve, said cylindrical part of valve body containing a second chamber defined between said flange and said metering chamber, said second chamber being in the position of rest connected to said metering chamber via said internal channel.

Avantageusement, la différence entre le diamètre interne de ladite partie cylindrique de corps de valve et le diamètre externe de ladite collerette est inférieure à 0,2 mm, de préférence inférieur à 0,15 mm, de telle sorte qu'en position de repos de la valve, le produit fluide contenu dans ladite deuxième chambre est sensiblement retenu dans ladite deuxième chambre, lesdites nervures longitudinales ayant une dimension radiale d2 inférieure à 0,1 mm, de préférence inférieure à 0,09 mm, avantageusement environ 0,07 mm, de telle sorte que l'écart radial périphérique entre ladite collerette et lesdites nervures longitudinales est inférieur à 0,06 mm, avantageusement inférieur à 0,02 mm.Advantageously, the difference between the internal diameter of said cylindrical part of the valve body and the external diameter of said flange is less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm, so that in the rest position of the valve, the fluid contained in said second chamber is substantially retained in said second chamber, said longitudinal ribs having a radial dimension d2 less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.09 mm, advantageously approximately 0.07 mm, so that the peripheral radial gap between said flange and said longitudinal ribs is less than 0.06 mm, advantageously less than 0.02 mm.

Avantageusement, ladite différence de diamètres est supérieure à 0,01 mm, notamment au moins égale à 0,04 mm.Advantageously, said difference in diameters is greater than 0.01 mm, in particular at least equal to 0.04 mm.

Avantageusement, lesdites nervures longitudinales ont une dimension radiale décroissante, avec une dimension radiale maximale d2 au niveau de la position de repos de ladite collerette, et une dimension radial minimale au niveau de la position de distribution de ladite collerette.Advantageously, said longitudinal ribs have a decreasing radial dimension, with a maximum radial dimension d2 at the rest position of said flange, and a minimum radial dimension at the distribution position of said flange.

La présente invention a aussi pour objet un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant une valve doseuse telle que définie ci-dessus fixée sur un réservoir.The present invention also relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a metering valve as defined above fixed to a reservoir.

Ces caractéristiques et avantages et d'autres de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description détaillée suivante 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 de distribution en position de repos de la soupape, dans la position droite de stockage de la valve,
  • La figure 2 est une vue de détail du corps de valve, selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, et
  • La figure 3 est une vue de détail en section transversale selon le plan de coupe A-A de la figure 1 d'un corps de valve selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 2.
These and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly during the following detailed description thereof, given with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and in which
  • The figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing valve in the valve rest position, in the upright position for storing the valve,
  • The figure 2 is a detailed view of the valve body, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and
  • The figure 3 is a detail view in cross section along the section plane AA of the figure 1 a valve body according to the embodiment of the figure 2 .

Dans la description ci-après, les termes "haut", "bas", "supérieur" et inférieur" se réfèrent à la position droite représentée sur la figure 1, et les termes "axial" et "radial" se réfèrent à l'axe longitudinal B de la valve représenté sur la figure 1.In the description below, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and lower "refer to the straight position shown in the figure 1 , and the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal axis B of the valve shown in the figure 1 .

La valve doseuse du type à rétention représentée sur la figure 1 comporte un corps de valve 10 s'étendant le long d'un axe longitudinal B. À l'intérieur dudit corps de valve 10, une soupape 30 coulisse entre une position de repos, qui est celle représentée sur la figure 1, et une position de distribution, dans laquelle la soupape 30 est enfoncée à l'intérieur du corps de valve 10.The retention type metering valve shown in the figure 1 comprises a valve body 10 extending along a longitudinal axis B. Inside said valve body 10, a valve 30 slides between a rest position, which is that shown on the figure 1 , and a dispensing position, in which the valve 30 is pressed inside the valve body 10.

Cette valve est destinée à être assemblée sur un réservoir 1, de préférence au moyen d'un élément de fixation 5, qui peut être une capsule à sertir, à visser ou à encliqueter, et avantageusement avec interposition d'un joint de col 6. Éventuellement, une bague 4 peut être assemblée autour du corps de valve, notamment pour diminuer le volume mort en position inversée et pour limiter le contact du produit fluide avec le joint de col. Cette bague peut être de forme quelconque, et l'exemple de la figure 1 n'est pas limitatif.This valve is intended to be assembled on a reservoir 1, preferably by means of a fixing element 5, which can be a crimp, screw or snap-on capsule, and advantageously with the interposition of a neck seal 6. Optionally, a ring 4 can be assembled around the valve body, in particular to reduce the dead volume in the inverted position and to limit the contact of the fluid with the neck seal. This ring can be of any shape, and the example of the figure 1 is not limiting.

La soupape 30 est sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort 8, qui est disposé dans le corps de valve 10 et qui coopère d'une part avec ce corps de valve 10, et d'autre part avec la soupape 30, de préférence avec une collerette radiale 320 de la soupape 30. Une chambre de dosage 20 est définie à l'intérieur du corps de valve 10, ladite soupape 30 coulissant à l'intérieur de ladite chambre de dosage pour permettre la distribution du contenu de celle-ci lorsque la valve est actionnée.The valve 30 is biased towards its rest position by a spring 8, which is arranged in the valve body 10 and which cooperates on the one hand with this valve body 10, and on the other hand with the valve 30, preferably with a radial flange 320 of the valve 30. A metering chamber 20 is defined inside the valve body 10, said valve 30 sliding inside said metering chamber to allow the distribution of the content thereof when the valve is actuated.

La chambre de dosage est de préférence définie entre deux joints annulaires, un joint de soupape 21 et un joint de chambre 22, de manière bien connue.The metering chamber is preferably defined between two annular seals, a valve seal 21 and a chamber seal 22, in a well known manner.

La figure 1 représente la valve en position droite de stockage, c'est-à-dire la position dans laquelle la chambre de dosage 20 est disposée au-dessus du réservoir 1.The figure 1 represents the valve in the upright storage position, that is to say the position in which the metering chamber 20 is arranged above the reservoir 1.

La soupape 30 comporte un orifice de sortie 301 relié à un orifice d'entrée 302, qui est disposé dans la chambre de dosage 20 lorsque la soupape 30 est en position de distribution. La soupape 30 peut être réalisée en deux parties, à savoir une partie haute 31 (également appelée haut de soupape) et une partie basse 32 (également appelée bas de soupape). La partie basse 32 est dans ce mode de réalisation assemblée à l'intérieur de la partie haute 31. Un canal interne 33 est prévu dans la soupape 30 qui permet de relier la chambre de dosage 20 au réservoir 1, pour remplir ladite chambre de dosage 20 lorsque, après chaque actionnement de la valve, la soupape 30 revient vers sa position de repos sous l'effet du ressort 8. Ce remplissage se fait quand le dispositif est encore en position inversée d'utilisation, avec la valve disposée en-dessous du réservoir.The valve 30 has an outlet port 301 connected to an inlet port 302, which is disposed in the metering chamber 20 when the valve 30 is in the dispensing position. The valve 30 can be made in two parts, namely an upper part 31 (also called the valve top) and a lower part 32 (also called the valve bottom). The lower part 32 is in this embodiment assembled inside the upper part 31. An internal channel 33 is provided in the valve 30 which makes it possible to connect the metering chamber 20 to the reservoir 1, to fill said metering chamber 20 when, after each actuation of the valve, the valve 30 returns to its rest position under the effect of the spring 8. This filling takes place when the device is still in the inverted position of use, with the valve disposed below the tank.

Comme visible sur la figure 1, lorsque la soupape 30 est en position de repos, la chambre de dosage 20, à l'extérieur de la soupape 30, est sensiblement isolée du réservoir par la coopération entre la partie basse 32 de la soupape 30 et le joint de chambre 22. Dans cette position de repos, la chambre de dosage 20 reste donc reliée au réservoir 1 uniquement via ledit canal interne 33.As visible on the figure 1 , when the valve 30 is in the rest position, the metering chamber 20, outside the valve 30, is substantially isolated from the reservoir by the cooperation between the lower part 32 of the valve 30 and the chamber seal 22. In this rest position, the metering chamber 20 therefore remains connected to the reservoir 1 only via said internal channel 33.

Le corps de valve 10 comporte une partie cylindrique 15 dans laquelle est disposé le ressort 8 et dans laquelle la collerette 320 coulisse entre ses positions de repos et de distribution. Dans la position de la figure 1, cette partie cylindrique 15 est la partie inférieure du corps de valve. Cette partie cylindrique 15 comporte une ou plusieurs ouvertures longitudinales 11, telles que des fentes, s'étendant latéralement dans ladite partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve, sur une partie de la hauteur axiale du corps de valve dans le sens de l'axe central longitudinal B. Ces ouvertures permettent le remplissage de la chambre de dosage après chaque actionnement, lorsqu'en position inversée d'utilisation (avec la valve disposée sous le réservoir), la soupape 30 revient de sa position de distribution vers sa position de repos.The valve body 10 comprises a cylindrical part 15 in which the spring 8 is disposed and in which the flange 320 slides between its rest and distribution positions. In the position of the figure 1 , this cylindrical part 15 is the lower part of the valve body. This cylindrical part 15 has one or more longitudinal openings 11, such as slots, extending laterally in said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body, over part of the axial height of the valve body in the direction of the central axis. longitudinal B. These openings allow the filling of the metering chamber after each actuation, when in the inverted position of use (with the valve placed under the tank), the valve 30 returns from its dispensing position to its rest position.

En position de repos, la collerette 320 de la soupape définit une deuxième chambre 29 définie entre ladite collerette 320 et la chambre de dosage 20. Plus précisément, en référence à la figure 1, cette deuxième chambre 29 est disposée en-dessous du joint de chambre 22 et au-dessus de la collerette 320 de la soupape 30. Cette deuxième chambre 29 se vidange elle-même par gravité dans la position droite de stockage via le jeu fonctionnel entre l'extérieur de la collerette 320 et le diamètre intérieur de ladite partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve.In the rest position, the flange 320 of the valve defines a second chamber 29 defined between said flange 320 and the metering chamber 20. More precisely, with reference to the figure 1 , this second chamber 29 is disposed below the chamber seal 22 and above the flange 320 of the valve 30. This second chamber 29 empties itself by gravity into the upright storage position via the functional clearance between the outside of the flange 320 and the inside diameter of said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body.

Un problème connu des valves doseuses est le phénomène de perte de dose, également appelé "drainback". Cette perte de dose est évaluée notamment par le test dit de "Loss of Prime" consistant à peser la dose après expulsion à des intervalles de stockage pouvant aller de trois à sept jours, typiquement à cinq jours. Des analyses ont permis de comprendre que la chambre de dosage 20 de la valve peut se vidanger au moins partiellement en position de stockage (position droite de la figure 1) via le canal interne 33 de la soupape 30 lorsque ladite deuxième chambre 29 de la valve est vide.A known problem with metering valves is the phenomenon of dose loss, also called "drainback". This loss of dose is evaluated in particular by the so-called "Loss of Prime" test consisting in weighing the dose after expulsion at storage intervals which can range from three to seven days, typically five days. Analyzes have made it possible to understand that the metering chamber 20 of the valve can be emptied at least partially in the storage position (right position of the figure 1 ) via the internal channel 33 of the valve 30 when said second chamber 29 of the valve is empty.

Des recherches ont permis de déterminer que ce vidage de la deuxième chambre 29 est ralenti voire supprimé en fonction de la dimension du jeu fonctionnel ou de la surface d'échange à l'interface entre la collerette 320 et le diamètre intérieur de ladite partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve. En particulier, un centrage de la soupape dans le corps de valve s'avère favorable.Research has made it possible to determine that this emptying of the second chamber 29 is slowed down or even eliminated as a function of the dimension of the functional clearance or of the exchange surface at the interface between the flange 320 and the internal diameter of said cylindrical part 15 valve body. In particular, centering of the valve in the valve body proves favorable.

Les figures 2 et 3 représentent un mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans lequel ladite collerette 320 de la soupape 30 est sensiblement centrée dans la partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve. Ce centrage permet de répartir le jeu entre la collerette 320 et le corps de valve sur toute la périphérie. La surface de passage de la formulation est meilleure, ce qui améliore le remplissage de la chambre de dosage 20.The figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the invention, in which said flange 320 of the valve 30 is substantially centered in the cylindrical part 15 of the valve body. This centering makes it possible to distribute the clearance between the flange 320 and the valve body over the entire periphery. The passage surface of the formulation is better, which improves the filling of the metering chamber 20.

Pour obtenir un centrage de la soupape 30 dans la partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve, cette dernière comporte des nervures longitudinales 100. Avantageusement, on prévoit au moins trois nervures, notamment six comme représenté sur la figure 4. Ces nervures longitudinales 100 s'étendent au moins sur une partie de la hauteur de ladite partie cylindrique 15 de corps de valve, en étant saillantes radialement vers l'intérieur. Elles agissent donc sur ladite collerette 320 de ladite soupape 30 pour sensiblement centrer ladite collerette 320 dans ladite partie cylindrique 15 de corps de valve. Avantageusement, chaque nervure longitudinale 100 a une forme arrondie pour minimiser les zones de contact avec ladite collerette 320.To obtain centering of the valve 30 in the cylindrical part 15 of the valve body, the latter comprises longitudinal ribs 100. Advantageously, at least three ribs are provided, in particular six as shown in FIG. 4. These longitudinal ribs 100 s extend at least over part of the height of said cylindrical part 15 of valve body, projecting radially inwards. They therefore act on said flange 320 of said valve 30 to substantially center said flange 320 in said cylindrical part 15 of valve body. Advantageously, each longitudinal rib 100 has a rounded shape to minimize the areas of contact with said flange 320.

Avantageusement, la différence entre le diamètre interne de ladite partie cylindrique 15 de corps de valve et le diamètre externe de ladite collerette 320 est inférieure à 0,2 mm, de préférence inférieur à 0,15 mm. Avec des nervures longitudinales 100 qui ont une dimension radiale d2 inférieure à 0,1 mm, de préférence inférieure à 0,09 mm, avantageusement environ 0,07 mm, on obtient un écart radial périphérique entre ladite collerette 320 et lesdites nervures longitudinales 100 qui est inférieur à 0,06 mm, avantageusement inférieur à 0,02 mm.Advantageously, the difference between the internal diameter of said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body and the external diameter of said flange 320 is less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm. With longitudinal ribs 100 which have a radial dimension d2 of less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.09 mm, advantageously approximately 0.07 mm, a peripheral radial gap is obtained between said flange 320 and said longitudinal ribs 100 which is less than 0.06 mm, advantageously less than 0.02 mm.

Avantageusement, ladite différence des diamètres est supérieure à 0,01 mm, notamment au moins égale à 0,04 mm. Ceci pour éviter tout risque de blocage de la soupape, indépendamment des tolérances de fabrication.Advantageously, said difference in diameters is greater than 0.01 mm, in particular at least equal to 0.04 mm. This is to avoid any risk of blockage of the valve, regardless of manufacturing tolerances.

Avec un écart radial périphérique aussi faible, le vidage de la deuxième chambre 29 est empêché ou du moins fortement ralentit, de sorte que la chambre de dosage 20 ne se vide pas non plus à travers le canal interne de la soupape.With such a small radial radial deviation, the emptying of the second chamber 29 is prevented or at least greatly slows down, so that the metering chamber 20 does not empty either through the internal channel of the valve.

En variante, lesdites nervures longitudinales 100 peuvent avoir une dimension radiale décroissante, avec une dimension radiale maximale d2 au niveau de la position de repos de ladite collerette 320, et une dimension radial minimale au niveau de la position de distribution de ladite collerette 320. Dans cette variante, les nervures 100 partent du haut de la partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve jusqu'à ce que le diamètre inscrit de ces nervures rejoignent le diamètre intérieur de ladite partie cylindrique 15. Les nervures 100 étant moins dépouillées que le diamètre intérieur de ladite partie cylindrique 15, les deux diamètres finissent par se rejoindre à une certaine hauteur dans ladite partie cylindrique 15.As a variant, said longitudinal ribs 100 may have a decreasing radial dimension, with a maximum radial dimension d2 at the rest position of said flange 320, and a minimum radial dimension at the distribution position of said flange 320. In this variant, the ribs 100 leave from the top of the cylindrical part 15 of the valve body until the inscribed diameter of these ribs join the inside diameter of said cylindrical part 15. The ribs 100 being less stripped than the inside diameter of said cylindrical part 15, the two diameters end up joining at a certain height in said cylindrical part 15.

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

Claims (8)

  1. A metering valve for dispensing fluid, the metering valve comprising: a valve body (10) containing a metering chamber (20); and a valve member (30) that slides axially in said valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position, for selectively dispensing the contents of said metering chamber (20), said valve member (30) including a collar (320) and being urged towards its rest position by a spring (8) that co-operates firstly with said valve body (10) and secondly with said collar (320), said valve body (10) including a valve-body cylindrical portion (15) in which said collar (320) of said valve member (30) slides between its rest and dispensing positions, the metering valve being characterized in that said valve-body cylindrical portion (15) includes a plurality of longitudinal splines (100) that extend over at least a fraction of the height of said valve-body cylindrical portion (15), said longitudinal splines (100) projecting radially inwards and acting on said collar (320) of said valve member (30) for substantially centering said collar (320) in said valve-body cylindrical portion (15).
  2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said valve-body cylindrical portion (15) includes at least three, advantageously six, longitudinal splines (100).
  3. A valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each longitudinal spline (100) has a rounded shape so as to minimize the areas of contact with said collar (320).
  4. A valve according to any preceding claim, wherein said valve member (30) including an internal channel (33) for filling said metering chamber after each actuation of the metering valve, said valve-body cylindrical portion (15) containing a second chamber (29) that is defined between said collar (320) and said metering chamber (20), said second chamber (29) being connected, in the rest position, to said metering chamber (20) via said internal channel (33).
  5. A valve according to claim 4, wherein the difference between the inside diameter of said valve-body cylindrical portion (15) and the outside diameter of said collar (320) is less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm, such that in the rest position of the valve, the fluid contained in said second chamber (29) is substantially retained in said second chamber (29), said longitudinal splines (100) having a radial dimension d2 that is less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.09 mm, advantageously about 0.07 mm, such that the peripheral radial offset between said collar (320) and said longitudinal splines (100) is less than 0.06 mm, advantageously less than 0.02 mm.
  6. A valve according to claim 5, wherein said difference between the diameters is greater than 0.01 mm, in particular equal to at least 0.04 mm.
  7. A valve according to any preceding claim, wherein said longitudinal splines (100) may have a radial dimension that decreases, with a maximum radial dimension d2 at the rest position of said collar (320), and a minimum radial dimension at the dispensing position of said collar (320).
  8. A fluid dispenser device characterized in that it comprises a metering valve according to any preceding claim fastened on a reservoir (1).
EP17720539.0A 2016-03-23 2017-03-20 Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve Active EP3433184B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1652468A FR3049275B1 (en) 2016-03-23 2016-03-23 DOSING VALVE AND DEVICE FOR DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCT COMPRISING SUCH A VALVE
PCT/FR2017/050644 WO2017162972A1 (en) 2016-03-23 2017-03-20 Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3433184A1 EP3433184A1 (en) 2019-01-30
EP3433184B1 true EP3433184B1 (en) 2020-04-29

Family

ID=56148456

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17720539.0A Active EP3433184B1 (en) 2016-03-23 2017-03-20 Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US10745189B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3433184B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7373280B2 (en)
CN (1) CN108778957B (en)
FR (1) FR3049275B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017162972A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3049275B1 (en) 2019-07-19
CN108778957A (en) 2018-11-09
WO2017162972A1 (en) 2017-09-28
CN108778957B (en) 2021-01-12
EP3433184A1 (en) 2019-01-30
US20190047778A1 (en) 2019-02-14
FR3049275A1 (en) 2017-09-29
JP2019510696A (en) 2019-04-18
JP7373280B2 (en) 2023-11-02
US10745189B2 (en) 2020-08-18

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