EP4255824A1 - Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a metering valve - Google Patents

Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a metering valve

Info

Publication number
EP4255824A1
EP4255824A1 EP21845087.2A EP21845087A EP4255824A1 EP 4255824 A1 EP4255824 A1 EP 4255824A1 EP 21845087 A EP21845087 A EP 21845087A EP 4255824 A1 EP4255824 A1 EP 4255824A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reservoir
valve
fluid product
piston
follower piston
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21845087.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthieu Savalle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar France SAS
Original Assignee
Aptar France SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aptar France SAS filed Critical Aptar France SAS
Publication of EP4255824A1 publication Critical patent/EP4255824A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D83/60—Contents and propellant separated
    • B65D83/64—Contents and propellant separated by piston
    • 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
    • B65D83/36—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 allowing operation in any orientation, e.g. discharge in inverted position
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D83/75—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74
    • B65D83/752—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74 characterised by the use of specific products or propellants

Definitions

  • Fluid product dispensing device comprising a metering valve
  • the present invention relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a metering valve.
  • metering valves in which each time the valve is actuated, a precise dose of fluid product is dispensed, are well known in the state of the art, and are generally assembled on a reservoir containing the fluid product and a propellant gas used to carry out the expulsion of the dose.
  • So-called retention valves comprise a valve which, in the rest position, partially closes off the metering chamber. More precisely, the outside of the valve cooperates in a sealed manner with the chamber seal of the metering chamber, so that the metering chamber is only connected to the tank, in this rest position, via the internal channel of the valve.
  • the metering chambers of so-called non-priming valves only fill up just before the actual actuation.
  • the filling of the reservoir with the fluid product to be dispensed is generally done after assembly of the metering valve on the reservoir, through said metering valve.
  • An important parameter for correct operation of a retention metering valve is to avoid emptying of the metering chamber during storage between two actuations, called “drain back", for example due to a vacuum inside. of the reservoir likely to increase after each actuation.
  • valves must be used to function reliably.
  • metering valves should be used in an inverted position, with the reservoir positioned above the valve, to ensure good metering accuracy.
  • the object of the present invention is thus to provide such a device which limits or even prevents the “drain back” phenomenon.
  • the present invention also aims to provide such a device which allows use in all desired orientations.
  • the present invention also aims to provide such a device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and which operates reliably.
  • the subject of the present invention is therefore a fluid product dispensing device, comprising a reservoir containing the fluid product and a metering valve comprising a valve body containing a metering chamber, a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a position of rest and a dispensing position, for dispensing the contents of said metering chamber, said valve being biased towards its rest position by a valve spring, said fluid product comprising a liquid formulation consisting of one or more active principle(s) (s) in suspension and/or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, said tank containing a follower piston which separates said tank between an upper part of the tank connected to the said metering valve and a lower part of the tank isolated from the said metering valve by the said follower piston, said reservoir containing a piston spring which urges said follower piston axially in the direction of said metering valve, said follower piston being adapted to slide axially in said reservoir in a sealed manner after each actuation, to compensate for the volume of
  • said follower piston is pushed axially downwards by said fluid product during its filling in said reservoir, so that said follower piston compresses said piston spring and the air disposed in said lower part of the reservoir, until that a balance of pressures takes place between said upper part of the reservoir containing said fluid product in liquid form and said lower part of the reservoir containing the compressed air and said piston spring.
  • said piston spring pushes said follower piston axially upwards to compensate for the reduction in volume generated by the dispensing of a dose of fluid product, without substantial modification of the pressure in said upper part of the reservoir, so that said fluid product always remains in liquid form.
  • said piston spring exerts a pressure adapted to compensate for each decrease in volume after each actuation, but without exerting pressure on said follower piston likely to interfere with the filling of said reservoir with said fluid product.
  • the fluid product can be a pharmaceutical, cosmetic or perfumery product.
  • said propellant gas comprises an HFA gas, such as HFA 134a and/or HFA 227 and/or HFA-152a.
  • said propellant gas comprises HFO1234ze.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product dispensing device, before filling the reservoir with the fluid product,
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, during the filling of the reservoir with the fluid product, and
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, in the rest position after several actuations.
  • top, bottom, upper and lower refer to the upright position shown in the figures, and the terms “axial” and “radial” refer to the central longitudinal axis of the device.
  • the device shown in the figures comprises a reservoir 1 containing the fluid product, and a metering valve 10.
  • This metering valve 10 is assembled on the reservoir 1, preferably by means of a fixing element 2, which can be a capsule with crimp, screw or snap-on, and advantageously with the interposition of a neck seal 3.
  • a ring 4 can be assembled around the body 11 of the metering valve 10, in particular to reduce the dead volume in the inverted position and to limit the contact of the fluid product with the seal of neck 3.
  • This ring 4 can be of any shape, and the example of the figures is not limiting.
  • the reservoir 1 contains the fluid product and the propellant gas, in particular a liquid formulation consisting of one or more active principle(s) in suspension and/or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, as well as possibly excipients.
  • the propellant gas advantageously comprises an HFA gas, for example HFA 134a and/or HFA 227.
  • the propellant gas comprises HFA-152a.
  • the fluid contained in the reservoir is thus pressurized.
  • Metering valve 10 has a valve body 11 extending along a central longitudinal axis. Inside said valve body 10, a valve 20 slides between a rest position, which is that shown in Figure 3, and a dispensing position in which the valve 20 is pushed inside the valve body 11 .
  • FIG. 2 shows the valve in the dispensing position when filling the reservoir 1 with the fluid product, filling carried out through the metering valve 10 with the valve 20 actuated.
  • valve 20 is urged towards its rest position by a valve spring 12, which is arranged in the valve body 11 and which cooperates on the one hand with this valve body 11, and on the other hand with the valve 20, preferably with a radial flange 21 of the valve 20.
  • a metering chamber 30 is defined inside the valve body 11, said valve 20 sliding inside said metering chamber 30 to allow the distribution of the contents of this when the metering valve is actuated.
  • valve 20 can be made in two parts, namely an upper part (also called the valve top) and a lower part (also called the valve bottom).
  • the metering chamber 30 is preferably defined between two annular seals, a valve seal 31 and a chamber seal 32, in a well-known manner.
  • FIG. 3 shows the metering valve in the upright storage position, that is to say the position in which the metering chamber 30 is arranged above the reservoir 1 .
  • the reservoir 1 contains a follower piston 5 and a piston spring 6 which urges the follower piston 5 axially upwards in the direction of said metering valve 10.
  • the follower piston 5 is subjected on one side to the pressure exerted on it by the pressurized fluid product, and on the other side to the pressure exerted on it by the piston spring 6.
  • the follower piston 5 is adapted to slide axially in the reservoir 1 in a sealed manner after each actuation, to compensate for the volume of each dispensed dose.
  • the insertion of the follower piston 5 in the tank can for example be carried out through an open bottom of the closed tank, after insertion, by fixing an appropriate closing element. Alternatively, this insertion could also be achieved by an open top of the reservoir followed by the attachment of a reservoir neck portion.
  • the piston spring 6 exerts a low pressure, sufficient to compensate for each decrease in fluid product after each actuation, but without exerting excessive pressure on the follower piston 5, which could prevent or complicate the filling of the reservoir 1 .
  • the choice of the piston spring 6 and its properties therefore depends on the parameters of the device, such as the dimensions of the reservoir 1, the volume of each dose, the type of formulation, the pressure of the propellant gas, etc.
  • the volume of the upper part 7 decreases, and the piston spring 6 pushes the follower piston 5 axially upwards to compensate for this decrease in volume without substantial modification of the pressure in the upper part 7 of the reservoir.
  • the fluid product always remains in liquid form, which eliminates or at least greatly reduces the risk of "drain back".
  • Another advantage of this implementation is the possibility of actuating the valve in any orientation, since the regulation of the volume and the pressure in the upper part 7 of the tank by the follower piston 5 and its piston spring 6 makes it possible not only to prevent “drain back” but also to ensure good filling of the metering chamber 30 after each actuation.

Landscapes

  • 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)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a reservoir (1) containing the fluid product and a metering valve (10) comprising a valve body (11) containing a metering chamber (30), a valve (20) sliding axially in the valve body (11) between an idle position and a dispensing position in order to dispense the contents of the metering chamber (30), the valve (20) being biased towards its idle position by a valve spring (12), the reservoir (1) containing a follower piston (5) and a piston spring (6) which axially biases the follower piston (5) towards the metering valve (10), the follower piston (5) being suitable for axially sliding in the reservoir (1) in a sealed manner after each actuation to compensate for the volume of each dispensed dose.

Description

Dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant une valve doseuse Fluid product dispensing device comprising a metering valve
La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant une valve doseuse. The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a metering 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. So-called metering valves, in which each time the valve is actuated, a precise dose of fluid product is dispensed, are well known in the state of the art, and are generally assembled on a reservoir containing the fluid product and a propellant gas used to carry out the expulsion of the dose.
On connaît principalement deux types de valves doseuses. Two main types of metering valves are known.
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. So-called retention valves comprise a valve which, in the rest position, partially closes off the metering chamber. More precisely, the outside of the valve cooperates in a sealed manner with the chamber seal of the metering chamber, so that the metering chamber is only connected to the tank, in this rest position, via the internal channel of the valve.
Les chambres de dosage des valves dites sans amorçage ne se remplissent que juste avant l’actionnement proprement dit. The metering chambers of so-called non-priming valves only fill up just before the actual actuation.
Dans les deux cas, le remplissage du réservoir avec le produit fluide à distribuer se fait généralement après assemblage de la valve doseuse sur le réservoir, à travers ladite valve doseuse. In both cases, the filling of the reservoir with the fluid product to be dispensed is generally done after assembly of the metering valve on the reservoir, through said metering valve.
Un paramètre important pour un bon fonctionnement d’une valve doseuse à rétention est d’éviter un vidage de la chambre de dosage pendant le stockage entre deux actionnements, appelé "drain back", par exemple en raison d’une dépression à l’intérieur du réservoir susceptible d’augmenter après chaque actionnement. An important parameter for correct operation of a retention metering valve is to avoid emptying of the metering chamber during storage between two actuations, called "drain back", for example due to a vacuum inside. of the reservoir likely to increase after each actuation.
Une autre difficulté concerne l’orientation dans laquelle la valve doit être utilisée pour fonctionner de manière fiable. Généralement, les valves doseuses doivent être utilisées en position inversée, avec le réservoir disposé au-dessus de la valve, pour garantir une bonne précision de dosage. Another difficulty concerns the orientation in which the valve must be used to function reliably. Generally, metering valves should be used in an inverted position, with the reservoir positioned above the valve, to ensure good metering accuracy.
Les documents US5007556 et CN105217166 décrivent des dispositifs de l'état de la technique. La présente invention a pour but de fournir un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide qui ne reproduit pas les inconvénients susmentionnés. Documents US5007556 and CN105217166 describe prior art devices. The object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser device which does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.
La présente invention a ainsi pour but de fournir un tel dispositif qui limite voire empêche le phénomène de "drain back". The object of the present invention is thus to provide such a device which limits or even prevents the “drain back” phenomenon.
La présente invention a également pour but de fournir un tel dispositif qui permet une utilisation dans toutes les orientations souhaitées. The present invention also aims to provide such a device which allows use in all desired orientations.
La présente invention a aussi pour but de fournir un tel dispositif qui soit simple et peu coûteux à fabriquer et à assembler, et de fonctionnement fiable. The present invention also aims to provide such a device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and which operates reliably.
La présente invention a donc pour objet un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide, comportant un réservoir contenant le produit fluide et une valve doseuse comprenant 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 distribuer le contenu de ladite chambre de dosage, ladite soupape étant sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort de valve, ledit produit fluide comprenant une formulation liquide constituée d'un ou plusieurs principe(s) actif(s) en suspension et/ou en solution dans un gaz propulseur liquéfié, ledit réservoir contenant un piston suiveur qui sépare ledit réservoir entre une partie supérieure de réservoir reliée à ladite valve doseuse et une partie inférieure de réservoir isolée de ladite valve doseuse par ledit piston suiveur, ledit réservoir contenant un ressort de piston qui sollicite ledit piston suiveur axialement en direction de ladite valve doseuse, ledit piston suiveur étant adapté à coulisser axialement dans ledit réservoir de manière étanche après chaque actionnement, pour compenser le volume de chaque dose distribuée. The subject of the present invention is therefore a fluid product dispensing device, comprising a reservoir containing the fluid product and a metering valve comprising a valve body containing a metering chamber, a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a position of rest and a dispensing position, for dispensing the contents of said metering chamber, said valve being biased towards its rest position by a valve spring, said fluid product comprising a liquid formulation consisting of one or more active principle(s) (s) in suspension and/or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, said tank containing a follower piston which separates said tank between an upper part of the tank connected to the said metering valve and a lower part of the tank isolated from the said metering valve by the said follower piston, said reservoir containing a piston spring which urges said follower piston axially in the direction of said metering valve, said follower piston being adapted to slide axially in said reservoir in a sealed manner after each actuation, to compensate for the volume of each dispensed dose.
Avantageusement, ledit piston suiveur est poussé axialement vers le bas par ledit produit fluide lors de son remplissage dans ledit réservoir, de sorte que ledit piston suiveur comprime ledit ressort de piston et l'air disposé dans ladite partie inférieur de réservoir, jusqu'à ce qu'un équilibre des pressions se fait entre ladite partie supérieure du réservoir contenant ledit produit fluide sous forme liquide et ladite partie inférieure du réservoir contenant l'air et ledit ressort de piston comprimés. Avantageusement, après chaque actionnement, ledit ressort de piston pousse ledit piston suiveur axialement vers le haut pour compenser la diminution de volume générée par la distribution d'une dose de produit fluide, sans modification substantielle de la pression dans ladite partie supérieure du réservoir, de sorte que ledit produit fluide reste toujours sous forme liquide. Advantageously, said follower piston is pushed axially downwards by said fluid product during its filling in said reservoir, so that said follower piston compresses said piston spring and the air disposed in said lower part of the reservoir, until that a balance of pressures takes place between said upper part of the reservoir containing said fluid product in liquid form and said lower part of the reservoir containing the compressed air and said piston spring. Advantageously, after each actuation, said piston spring pushes said follower piston axially upwards to compensate for the reduction in volume generated by the dispensing of a dose of fluid product, without substantial modification of the pressure in said upper part of the reservoir, so that said fluid product always remains in liquid form.
Avantageusement, ledit ressort de piston exerce une pression adaptée à compenser chaque diminution de volume après chaque actionnement, mais sans exercer une pression sur ledit piston suiveur susceptible de gêner le remplissage dudit réservoir avec ledit produit fluide. Advantageously, said piston spring exerts a pressure adapted to compensate for each decrease in volume after each actuation, but without exerting pressure on said follower piston likely to interfere with the filling of said reservoir with said fluid product.
Le produit fluide peut être un produit pharmaceutique, cosmétique ou de parfumerie. The fluid product can be a pharmaceutical, cosmetic or perfumery product.
Avantageusement, ledit gaz propulseur comprend un gaz HFA, tel que le HFA 134a et/ou le HFA 227 et/ou le HFA-152a. Advantageously, said propellant gas comprises an HFA gas, such as HFA 134a and/or HFA 227 and/or HFA-152a.
En variante, ledit gaz propulseur comprend le HFO1234ze. Alternatively, said propellant gas comprises HFO1234ze.
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 These and other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly during the following detailed description thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which
La figure 1 est une vue schématique en section transversale d’un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide, avant remplissage du réservoir avec le produit fluide, Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product dispensing device, before filling the reservoir with the fluid product,
La figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 , pendant le remplissage du réservoir avec le produit fluide, et Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, during the filling of the reservoir with the fluid product, and
La figure 3 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2, en position de repos après plusieurs actionnements. Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, in the rest position after several actuations.
Dans la description ci-après, les termes "haut", "bas", "supérieur" et "inférieur" se réfèrent à la position droite représentée sur les figures, et les termes "axial" et "radial" se réfèrent à l'axe central longitudinal du dispositif. In the following description, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" refer to the upright position shown in the figures, and the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the central longitudinal axis of the device.
Le dispositif représenté sur les figures comporte un réservoir 1 contenant le produit fluide, et une valve doseuse 10. Cette valve doseuse 10 est assemblée sur le réservoir 1 , de préférence au moyen d’un élément de fixation 2, qui peut être une capsule à sertir, à visser ou à encliqueter, et avantageusement avec interposition d’un joint de col 3. Éventuellement, une bague 4 peut être assemblée autour du corps 11 de la valve doseuse 10, notamment pour diminuer le volume mort en position inversée et pour limiter le contact du produit fluide avec le joint de col 3. Cette bague 4 peut être de forme quelconque, et l'exemple des figures n'est pas limitatif. De manière générale, le réservoir 1 contient le produit fluide et le gaz propulseur, en particulier une formulation liquide constituée d'un ou plusieurs principe(s) actif(s) en suspension et/ou en solution dans un gaz propulseur liquéfié, ainsi qu’éventuellement des excipients. Le gaz propulseur comprend avantageusement un gaz HFA, par exemple du HFA 134a et/ou du HFA 227. De préférence le gaz propulseur comprend du HFA-152a. En variante, on peut utiliser d'autres gaz non nocifs pour l'environnement, tel que le HFO1234ze. Le produit fluide contenu dans le réservoir est ainsi pressurisé. The device shown in the figures comprises a reservoir 1 containing the fluid product, and a metering valve 10. This metering valve 10 is assembled on the reservoir 1, preferably by means of a fixing element 2, which can be a capsule with crimp, screw or snap-on, and advantageously with the interposition of a neck seal 3. Optionally, a ring 4 can be assembled around the body 11 of the metering valve 10, in particular to reduce the dead volume in the inverted position and to limit the contact of the fluid product with the seal of neck 3. This ring 4 can be of any shape, and the example of the figures is not limiting. In general, the reservoir 1 contains the fluid product and the propellant gas, in particular a liquid formulation consisting of one or more active principle(s) in suspension and/or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, as well as possibly excipients. The propellant gas advantageously comprises an HFA gas, for example HFA 134a and/or HFA 227. Preferably the propellant gas comprises HFA-152a. As a variant, it is possible to use other gases that are not harmful to the environment, such as HFO1234ze. The fluid contained in the reservoir is thus pressurized.
La valve doseuse 10 comporte un corps de valve 11 s’étendant le long d’un axe central longitudinal. À l’intérieur dudit corps de valve 10, une soupape 20 coulisse entre une position de repos, qui est celle représentée sur la figure 3, et une position de distribution dans laquelle la soupape 20 est enfoncée à l’intérieur du corps de valve 11 . La figure 2 représente la soupape en position de distribution lors du remplissage du réservoir 1 avec le produit fluide, remplissage réalisé à travers la valve doseuse 10 avec la soupape 20 actionnée. Metering valve 10 has a valve body 11 extending along a central longitudinal axis. Inside said valve body 10, a valve 20 slides between a rest position, which is that shown in Figure 3, and a dispensing position in which the valve 20 is pushed inside the valve body 11 . FIG. 2 shows the valve in the dispensing position when filling the reservoir 1 with the fluid product, filling carried out through the metering valve 10 with the valve 20 actuated.
La soupape 20 est sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort de valve 12, qui est disposé dans le corps de valve 11 et qui coopère d’une part avec ce corps de valve 11 , et d’autre part avec la soupape 20, de préférence avec une collerette radiale 21 de la soupape 20. Une chambre de dosage 30 est définie à l’intérieur du corps de valve 11 , ladite soupape 20 coulissant à l’intérieur de ladite chambre de dosage 30 pour permettre la distribution du contenu de celle-ci lorsque la valve doseuse est actionnée. The valve 20 is urged towards its rest position by a valve spring 12, which is arranged in the valve body 11 and which cooperates on the one hand with this valve body 11, and on the other hand with the valve 20, preferably with a radial flange 21 of the valve 20. A metering chamber 30 is defined inside the valve body 11, said valve 20 sliding inside said metering chamber 30 to allow the distribution of the contents of this when the metering valve is actuated.
De manière connue, la soupape 20 peut être réalisée en deux parties, à savoir une partie haute (également appelée haut de soupape) et une partie basse (également appelée bas de soupape). La chambre de dosage 30 est de préférence définie entre deux joints annulaires, un joint de soupape 31 et un joint de chambre 32, de manière bien connue. In known manner, the valve 20 can be made in two parts, namely an upper part (also called the valve top) and a lower part (also called the valve bottom). The metering chamber 30 is preferably defined between two annular seals, a valve seal 31 and a chamber seal 32, in a well-known manner.
La figure 3 représente la valve doseuse en position droite de stockage, c'est-à-dire la position dans laquelle la chambre de dosage 30 est disposée au-dessus du réservoir 1 . FIG. 3 shows the metering valve in the upright storage position, that is to say the position in which the metering chamber 30 is arranged above the reservoir 1 .
Selon l'invention, le réservoir 1 contient un piston suiveur 5 et un ressort de piston 6 qui sollicite le piston suiveur 5 axialement vers le haut en direction de ladite valve doseuse 10. Ainsi, le piston suiveur 5 est soumis d'un côté à la pression exercée sur lui par le produit fluide pressurisé, et de l'autre côté à la pression exercée sur lui par le ressort de piston 6. Le piston suiveur 5 est adapté à coulisser axialement dans le réservoir 1 de manière étanche après chaque actionnement, pour compenser le volume de chaque dose distribuée. According to the invention, the reservoir 1 contains a follower piston 5 and a piston spring 6 which urges the follower piston 5 axially upwards in the direction of said metering valve 10. Thus, the follower piston 5 is subjected on one side to the pressure exerted on it by the pressurized fluid product, and on the other side to the pressure exerted on it by the piston spring 6. The follower piston 5 is adapted to slide axially in the reservoir 1 in a sealed manner after each actuation, to compensate for the volume of each dispensed dose.
L'insertion du piston suiveur 5 dans le réservoir peut par exemple être réalisée à travers un fond ouvert du réservoir obturé, après insertion, par fixation d'un élément de fermeture approprié. En variante, cette insertion pourrait aussi être réalisée par un haut ouvert du réservoir suivi par la fixation d'une partie de col de réservoir. The insertion of the follower piston 5 in the tank can for example be carried out through an open bottom of the closed tank, after insertion, by fixing an appropriate closing element. Alternatively, this insertion could also be achieved by an open top of the reservoir followed by the attachment of a reservoir neck portion.
Avantageusement, le ressort de piston 6 exerce une faible pression, suffisante pour compenser chaque diminution de produit fluide après chaque actionnement, mais sans exercer une trop forte pression sur le piston suiveur 5, qui pourrait empêcher ou compliquer le remplissage du réservoir 1 . Le choix du ressort de piston 6 et de ses propriétés dépend donc des paramètres du dispositif, tels que les dimensions du réservoir 1 , le volume de chaque dose, le type de formulation, la pression du gaz propulseur, etc. Advantageously, the piston spring 6 exerts a low pressure, sufficient to compensate for each decrease in fluid product after each actuation, but without exerting excessive pressure on the follower piston 5, which could prevent or complicate the filling of the reservoir 1 . The choice of the piston spring 6 and its properties therefore depends on the parameters of the device, such as the dimensions of the reservoir 1, the volume of each dose, the type of formulation, the pressure of the propellant gas, etc.
Avant remplissage du réservoir 1 avec le produit fluide, le piston suiveur 5 est donc poussé par le ressort de piston 6 à proximité de la valve doseuse 10, comme visible sur la figure 1 . Before filling the tank 1 with the fluid product, the follower piston 5 is therefore pushed by the piston spring 6 close to the metering valve 10, as can be seen in FIG.
Lors du remplissage, le produit fluide pousse le piston suiveur 5 axialement vers le bas en comprimant le ressort de piston 6 et l'air disposé entre le piston suiveur 5 et le fond du réservoir 1 , jusqu'à ce qu'un équilibre des pressions se fait entre la partie supérieure 7 du réservoir contenant le produit fluide sous forme liquide et la partie inférieure 8 du réservoir contenant l'air et le ressort de piston 6 comprimés. Cette position de fin de remplissage est représentée sur la figure 2. During filling, the fluid product pushes the follower piston 5 axially downwards by compressing the piston spring 6 and the air disposed between the follower piston 5 and the bottom of the reservoir 1, until a balance of pressures takes place between the upper part 7 of the tank containing the fluid product in liquid form and the lower part 8 of the reservoir containing the air and the piston spring 6 compressed. This end of filling position is shown in Figure 2.
Après chaque actionnement, suite à la distribution d'une dose de produit fluide hors du réservoir, le volume de la partie supérieure 7 diminue, et le ressort de piston 6 pousse le piston suiveur 5 axialement vers le haut pour compenser cette diminution de volume sans modification substantielle de la pression dans la partie supérieure 7 du réservoir. Ainsi, le produit fluide reste toujours sous forme liquide, ce qui élimine ou pour le moins réduit fortement les risques de "drain back". After each actuation, following the dispensing of a dose of fluid from the reservoir, the volume of the upper part 7 decreases, and the piston spring 6 pushes the follower piston 5 axially upwards to compensate for this decrease in volume without substantial modification of the pressure in the upper part 7 of the reservoir. Thus, the fluid product always remains in liquid form, which eliminates or at least greatly reduces the risk of "drain back".
Un autre avantage de cette mise en œuvre est la possibilité d'actionner la valve dans n'importe quelle orientation, car la régulation du volume et de la pression dans la partie supérieure 7 du réservoir par le piston suiveur 5 et son ressort de piston 6 permet non seulement d'empêcher le "drain back" mais aussi d'assurer un bon remplissage de la chambre de dosage 30 après chaque actionnement. Another advantage of this implementation is the possibility of actuating the valve in any orientation, since the regulation of the volume and the pressure in the upper part 7 of the tank by the follower piston 5 and its piston spring 6 makes it possible not only to prevent "drain back" but also to ensure good filling of the metering chamber 30 after each actuation.
Bien que la présente invention ait été décrite en référence à un mode de réalisation particulier de celle-ci, il est entendu qu’elle n’est pas limitée par l'exemple représenté. 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 a particular embodiment thereof, it is understood that it is not limited by the example represented. On the contrary, those skilled in the art can make any useful modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

7 7
REVENDICATIONS Dispositif de distribution de produit fluide, comportant un réservoir (1 ) contenant le produit fluide et une valve doseuse (10) comprenant un corps de valve (11 ) contenant une chambre de dosage (30), une soupape (20) coulissant axialement dans ledit corps de valve (11 ) entre une position de repos et une position de distribution, pour distribuer le contenu de ladite chambre de dosage (30), ladite soupape (20) étant sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort de valve (12), ledit produit fluide comprenant une formulation liquide constituée d'un ou plusieurs principe(s) actif(s) en suspension et/ou en solution dans un gaz propulseur liquéfié, ledit réservoir (1 ) contenant un piston suiveur (5) qui sépare ledit réservoir (1 ) entre une partie supérieure (7) de réservoir reliée à ladite valve doseuse (10) et une partie inférieure (8) de réservoir isolée de ladite valve doseuse (10) par ledit piston suiveurCLAIMS Device for dispensing fluid product, comprising a reservoir (1) containing the fluid product and a metering valve (10) comprising a valve body (11) containing a metering chamber (30), a valve (20) sliding axially in said valve body (11) between a rest position and a dispensing position, for dispensing the contents of said metering chamber (30), said valve (20) being biased towards its rest position by a valve spring (12 ), said fluid product comprising a liquid formulation consisting of one or more active ingredient(s) in suspension and/or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, said reservoir (1) containing a follower piston (5) which separates said reservoir (1) between an upper reservoir part (7) connected to said metering valve (10) and a lower reservoir part (8) isolated from said metering valve (10) by said follower piston
(5), caractérisé en ce que ledit réservoir (1 ) contient un ressort de piston(5), characterized in that said reservoir (1) contains a piston spring
(6) qui sollicite ledit piston suiveur (5) axialement en direction de ladite valve doseuse (10), ledit piston suiveur (5) étant adapté à coulisser axialement dans ledit réservoir (1 ) de manière étanche après chaque actionnement, pour compenser le volume de chaque dose distribuée. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel ledit piston suiveur (5) est poussé axialement vers le bas par ledit produit fluide lors de son remplissage dans ledit réservoir (1 ), de sorte que ledit piston suiveur (5) comprime ledit ressort de piston (6) et l'air disposé dans ladite partie inférieur (8) de réservoir, jusqu'à ce qu'un équilibre des pressions se fait entre ladite partie supérieure (7) du réservoir contenant ledit produit fluide sous forme liquide et ladite partie inférieure (8) du réservoir contenant l'air et ledit ressort de piston (6) comprimés. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel, après chaque actionnement, ledit ressort de piston (6) pousse ledit piston suiveur (5) 8 axialement vers le haut pour compenser la diminution de volume générée par la distribution d'une dose de produit fluide, sans modification substantielle de la pression dans ladite partie supérieure (7) du réservoir, de sorte que ledit produit fluide reste toujours sous forme liquide. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit ressort de piston (6) exerce une pression adaptée à compenser chaque diminution de volume après chaque actionnement, mais sans exercer une pression sur ledit piston suiveur (5) susceptible de gêner le remplissage dudit réservoir (1 ) avec ledit produit fluide. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit gaz propulseur comprend un gaz HFA, tel que le HFA 134a et/ou le HFA 227 et/ou le HFA-152a. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel ledit gaz propulseur comprend le HFO1234ze. (6) which urges said follower piston (5) axially in the direction of said metering valve (10), said follower piston (5) being adapted to slide axially in said reservoir (1) in a sealed manner after each actuation, to compensate for the volume of each dose dispensed. Device according to Claim 1, in which the said follower piston (5) is pushed axially downwards by the said fluid product during its filling in the said reservoir (1), so that the said follower piston (5) compresses the said piston spring ( 6) and the air disposed in said lower part (8) of the tank, until a balance of pressures occurs between said upper part (7) of the tank containing said fluid product in liquid form and said lower part ( 8) of the tank containing the air and said compressed piston spring (6). Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which, after each actuation, said piston spring (6) pushes said follower piston (5) 8 axially upwards to compensate for the decrease in volume generated by the distribution of a dose of fluid product, without substantial modification of the pressure in said upper part (7) of the reservoir, so that said fluid product always remains in liquid form . Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said piston spring (6) exerts a pressure adapted to compensate for each reduction in volume after each actuation, but without exerting a pressure on the said follower piston (5) liable to interfere with the filling said reservoir (1) with said fluid product. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said propellant gas comprises an HFA gas, such as HFA 134a and/or HFA 227 and/or HFA-152a. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said propellant gas comprises HFO1234ze.
EP21845087.2A 2020-12-04 2021-12-02 Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a metering valve Pending EP4255824A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2012698A FR3117145A1 (en) 2020-12-04 2020-12-04 Fluid product dispensing device comprising a metering valve
PCT/FR2021/052177 WO2022117961A1 (en) 2020-12-04 2021-12-02 Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a metering valve

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EP4255824A1 true EP4255824A1 (en) 2023-10-11

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EP (1) EP4255824A1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2022117961A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4223808A (en) * 1978-07-21 1980-09-23 Spray Safe Company, Inc. Refillable dispensing device having wiper seal
US5007556A (en) * 1990-04-18 1991-04-16 Block Drug Company, Inc. Metering dispenser
FR2692040B1 (en) * 1992-06-04 1994-08-19 Valois Dosing device for fluid substance.
FR2841159B1 (en) * 2002-06-20 2007-04-06 Oreal DEVICE FOR CONDITIONING AND SPRAYING A PRODUCT
US20150023886A1 (en) * 2013-07-16 2015-01-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Antiperspirant Spray Devices and Compositions
GB2544113B (en) * 2015-11-09 2018-05-23 Aer Beatha Ltd Canister
CN105217166B (en) * 2015-11-11 2020-09-11 江阴民诚塑料制品有限公司 Vacuum bottle
WO2018234640A1 (en) * 2017-06-20 2018-12-27 Aptar France Sas Device for dispensing a fluid product

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US20230406606A1 (en) 2023-12-21
WO2022117961A1 (en) 2022-06-09

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