ES2377440T3 - Container for a liquid and a propulsion gas comprising a valve - Google Patents

Abstract

Container (1) for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, in which the container (1) comprises a valve (3) to expel the liquid from the container by means of the propellant gas when the valve (3) is operated, in which the The valve comprises an actuator element (6) that connects to the valve (3), and in which the valve (3) is adapted to open when the actuator element (6) moves from its resting position, characterized in that a tilting element (12) is connected to a structure (10) that is rigidly connected to the container (1) through two connecting bridges (11) that extend along the tilting axis; because said tilting element (12) is pivotally connected around a single tilting axis that extends through the two connecting bridges (11); because the tilting element (12) is mechanically coupled with the actuating element (6) to move the actuating element (6) from its resting position when the tilting element (12) is tilted; and because the tilting element (12) can be tilted in two directions from its resting position; and because the connection between the tilting element (12) and the actuating element (6) is adapted to bring the actuating element (6) from its resting position when the tilting element (12) is tilted in any direction.

Description

Container for a liquid and a propulsion gas comprising a valve

The invention relates to a container for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, in which the container comprises a valve for expelling the liquid from the container through the propellant gas when the valve is operated, in which the valve comprises an element of drive that connects to the valve, and in which the valve has been adapted to open when the drive element moves from its resting position.

These types of containers are generally known as aerosol containers and the like. Often the valve is the type that is operated by pressing. Containers of this type are also known, in which the valve can be operated by means of an element that can be pressed. This avoids clumsily searching the valve with your fingers. However, it is not always easy to operate the valves that are operated in that way.

In addition, DE-A-1 804 446 describes a container for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, in which the container comprises a valve for expelling the liquid from the container through a propellant gas when the valve is operated, in wherein the valve comprises an actuator connected to the valve, and in which the valve has been adapted to open when the actuator moves from its resting position.

The objective of the present invention is to provide such a container, in which the valve is easy to operate, also when it must be pressed for a considerable time.

This objective is achieved by connecting a tilting element to a structure rigidly connected to the container through two connecting bridges that extend along the tilting axis, in which the tilting element is pivotally connected around a single tilting axis. extending through the two connecting bridges, the tilting element is mechanically coupled with the actuating element to move the actuating element from its resting position when the tilting element is tilted and in which the tilting element can be tilted in two directions, from its resting position, and in which the connection between the tilting element and the actuating element is adapted to bring the actuating element from its resting position when the tilting element is tilted in any direction.

The consequence of this characteristic is that the valve is easy to operate by performing a tilting movement. A tilting movement is a rotary movement that is easier to operate for a human being than the linear movement of pressing a button. Another reason for ease of use is the fact that also, as a consequence of the tilting movement, a part of the tilting element to be operated remains in place, and therefore forms a reference for the actuator finger or actuator fingers . Preferably the tilting element extends from the tilting access of the tilting movement. In this way a lever effect is developed, so that the actuation of the tilting element requires very little force.

The consequence of this characteristic is that the tilting element can be easily operated, regardless of the position in which it is held. This allows easy actuation of the tilting element, in particular for both right and left handed people.

In another embodiment the feature is provided that the tilting element is connected to a structure rigidly connected to the container through two connecting bridges, which extend along the tilting axis. This feature makes the construction easier, not only when the tilting element is manufactured with plastic, but also when it is manufactured with other materials such as aluminum or other metals; in fact it is easy to produce said structure, from a material plate, by stamping.

This advantage is enhanced when the structure rigidly connected to the container is formed by a ring connected to the container.

This allows to produce not only the tilting element by stamping a sheet, but also the ring, with respect to which the tilting element is movable.

The ring should connect with the container. Preferably, this connection is implemented so that the ring is connected by a clamping connection that can only be released with difficulty. This difficult-to-release connection also provides good protection against inadvertent opening of the container when the valve is operated. Hardly releasable means that it can only be released with tools.

In this document the composition of the ring and of the tilting element, which is connected thereto by means of bridges of material, can be formed with plastic, for example by injection molding, but it is also possible to produce a tilting element by stamping from a sheet of metal The only hard-to-release connection with the support can then be manufactured by means of a hinged joint or other form of locking connection.

In another embodiment, the feature is provided that the ring comprises clamping means for releasably securing a cover that extends over the tilting element. This cover can have the function of blocking the tilting drive element, simply preventing the tilting element from being operated. Therefore it is important that the lid cannot be removed without such removal being easily recognized later. By fixing the cover by attaching it to the ring, the fixing of the cover is obtained, but it also offers the possibility of providing, for example, a fragmentable sticker, so that the removal of the sticker is recognizable, since the fragments thereof They cannot join later.

The modes explained above with which the tilting element is produced, imply that the tilting element is substantially flat. However, the function of the tilting element is to operate the valve. Therefore, of course it is possible to fold parts of the tilting element. A preferred embodiment of the invention therefore has the characteristic that a connecting element is disposed between the tilting element and the actuating element, for connecting the tilting element with the actuating element. In this document, the movement of the tilting element is transferred to the connecting element, and then through the connecting element, to the actuating element.

To simplify the construction, it is interesting that the connecting element is rigidly connected with the tilting element.

The liquid, gas or aerosol that emerges from the valve should be taken to the position in which it is used. Preferably the drive element comprises a channel that is adapted to drive the liquid emerging from the valve and the connected element comprises a cavity to which the drive element that connects a connecting tube to the cavity of the connector element leads. This construction offers the possibility of combining an attractive construction of the drive elements with a way to adequately offer the fluid emerging from the container.

The aforementioned construction requires that the fluid be transferred from the channel connecting the valve to a cavity of the connector element, in which the channel is mobile with respect to the connector element. In order to avoid sealing problems caused by said mutual movement, preferably, a sealing element is provided between the actuating element and the coupling element, to seal the connection between the channel extending through the actuating element and the cavity of the connector element.

To drive out of the fluid emerging from the valve, it is interesting that the conductive tube extends through an opening that is provided in the tilting element.

The following preferred embodiment provides the characteristic that the connecting tube is flexible. This allows the conductive tube to be moved in any position during use, but it is also possible to move the conductive tube to a less annoying position during transport.

The flexibility of the conductive tube can be obtained by manufacturing the conductive tube with a rigid material or building it flexibly, such as drinking straws, but in general it is easier when the conductive tube is manufactured with a flexible material.

In another preferred embodiment the feature is provided that the conductive tube has an asymmetric cross section. This asymmetric cross section gives it a preferred direction of flexibility. In this way the conductive tube can be more easily curved or flexed in a preferred direction. Preferably, the asymmetric cross section is obtained by giving the conductive tube an external cross section with a shape that diverges from that of a circle and having a circular internal cross section. This provides not only an attractive appearance but also provides a preferred direction of flexibility. According to another preferred embodiment, the asymmetric cross section is obtained by combining an external cross section with a cross section that diverges from the round, an asymmetric cross section, for example, rectangular or elliptical. This gives it a very attractive appearance.

It is interesting that the conductive tube has an oval outer cross section. This type of conductive tube can easily flex in the preferred direction. In addition, the oval conductive tube can be stored very compactly.

Preferably, the connecting element comprises a nozzle on which the conductive tube can be attached. This gives a simple way to provide a passageway between the cavity of the connecting element and the conductive tube.

To provide an arrangement for the conductive tube that is less obstructive, it is preferred that the nozzle extends in the direction of the actuating element, and that a groove in which the conductive tube can be arranged is provided on the outer surface of the tilting element.

Preferably the slot extends between the connecting bridges. In this document the slot is

it provides in one part, which in fact, moves during its operation, but in an arrangement in which said part is exposed, as little as possible, to movements.

To make the conductive tube flexible in a preferred direction, the conductive tube is disposed on the nozzle, such that the cross-section of the connecting tube in the groove direction is larger than in the perpendicular groove direction.

To reduce costs as much as possible, it is interesting that at least one of the following sections: the tilting element, the structure connected to the container, the lid, the coupling element and the conductive tube are made of plastic. In general, the use of plastic entails a reduction in costs and price. However, there may be considerations for manufacturing certain parts with a metal such as aluminum, such as obtaining a required strength, durability or appearance.

In another embodiment the feature is provided that the valve is disposed in a section of the container wall that has been lowered with respect to the container wrap. By placing the valve in a lowered position, the space around the valve can be used as an effective container content. In this way the available volume is better used and said container is better used for products such as beverages, which are produced and transported in large quantities. In addition, a higher level of freedom is achieved due to the greater availability of content.

According to another embodiment, the container comprises a wall section that is separated from the rest of the container by a closed line disposed on a flat surface, and the wall section comprises a recessed section in which the valve is arranged. Although most of the containers of the type mentioned above have a basically cylindrical shape, the features of the invention can also be applied to containers with other shapes, such as conical shapes or complex shapes. The aforementioned features entail the advantages of the features of the invention also in the case of containers with said shapes.

According to a more specific embodiment, the container has a basically cylindrical shape and the valve is arranged in a terminal wall of the container. This realization concerns the realization that is currently considered the most likely realization.

The aforementioned characteristics entail substantial improvements over the prior art. Through the lowered valve arrangement, the valve is better protected and the available volume can be better utilized. However, it is quite possible that the valve contains parts that still extend from the wrap of the container, which have a much less favorable effect on the features of the invention. These negative effects can be limited if the valve extends only within the space between the flat surface and the wall section.

It is also possible that the terminal wall of the container is lowered stepwise and that the valve is arranged in the deepest part. The stepped recess of the terminal wall requires the same technology as the production of said terminal wall, according to the prior art, comprising stepped elevations. The only difference lies in the opposite use of the terminal wall. It is also possible to produce the terminal wall of the container by high pressure molding. This document makes use of an attractive technology, known per se, without modifications, for the production of staggered or recessed end walls in which the valves should be arranged.

It should be noted that an important field of application is in the packaging of beverages, such as soft drinks. Then it is interesting to have a container whose appearance is not very different from the appearance of the cans that are currently widely used to package such beverages.

Subsequently, the present invention will become clearer with the help of the attached drawings, in which it is shown:

Figure 1: a cross-sectional view of a container according to the invention; Figure 2: A partially sectioned perspective view of a detail of the container described in the figure one; Figure 3: A partially sectioned perspective view of another detail of the container described in the Figure 1; Y Figure 4: A view similar to that of Figure 3, in which a part of the container tilts to another position.

As shown in Figure 1, the container, according to the present invention, comprises a basically cylindrical container 1, in its limited meaning, which is obtained, for example, by high-pressure aluminum molding. At its upper edge the container is connected with a lid 2 through a folding joint or other connection, such as those known per se, in the forming of cans, for example, of soft drinks. The end cap or wall 2 comprises a bulge towards the inside of the container in which a valve 3 is arranged. A tube of

Supply 4 is connected to the valve supply button. The supply tube 4 extends almost to the opposite side of the container 1. In this way, the valve 3 is arranged in a recessed section of the end cap or wall 2, forming part of the container 1. In this document, the valve 3 does not extend beyond the container wrap.

The valve comprises a protruding tupo-shaped connector element 6. The valve 3 is adapted to open when the tube 6 moves from its resting position. The tube 6 connects with a conductive tube 7, as will be clarified below, and which can be used as a drinking straw when the container 1 is used as a beverage container. By beverages it is understood that it can also comprise pharmaceutical liquids in addition to normal drinks, and that they can be distributed hygienically through the container, according to the invention.

In addition, the tube 6 can be operated, as will be discussed later, by tilting the tilting element 8 that is arranged above the cover 2, a little above the plane of the folding joint, between the cover 2 and the support 1.

Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a cover 2. This cover is distinguished from the cover 2 shown in Figure 1 by the fact that the cover has a staggered or serrated appearance. In addition, as can be seen in this representation, the valve 3 is disposed sunkly inside the cover 2. On its lower side the valve 3 comprises a nozzle 9, on which the supply tube 4 is held. On its side The valve comprises a protuberant tube 6, which functions as an actuator. The tube 6 extends through an opening that is made in the cover 2. The construction of the valve 3 is known per se and is such that the valve remains closed in the neutral position of the tube 6 shown in Figure 2 When the tube 6 is moved to an oblique position, the valve opens and the liquid, present in the pressure vessel, goes outside through the tube 6.

Figures 3 and 4 show more details. On the upper face of the container 1 a ring-shaped structure 10, preferably of plastic, is provided, which is preferably applied by means of a lock, on the folding joint between the lid 2 and the container 1. This ring is connected with a basically round tilting element 12, through two material bridges 11, said element extends into the ring 10 in its resting position. The tilting element comprises a groove 13 that basically extends between the material bridges 11, said groove being adapted to absorb a connecting tube 14, as will be clarified below.

A connecting element 15 is rigidly connected to the bottom side of the tilting element 12 by means of a locking, glued or welded connection. The connecting element serves to transfer the movement of the tilting element 12 to the tube 6, which functions as the actuating element of the valve 3. Therefore, the connecting element 15 comprises a sleeve 16 which fits around the tube 6. Inside the sleeve 16, a chamber 17 is formed, within which the tube 6 extends. During the tilting of the tilting element from its resting position to its tilted position, the coupling elements that are rigidly connected with the tilting element 12, will follow said swinging movement. Therefore, the coupling element 15 will move the tube 6 from its resting position with the help of its sleeve 16, so that the valve 3 opens.

When the valve 3 opens, the liquid present in the container exits through the tube 6, as a consequence of the action of the propellant gas present in the container 1. The liquid enters the chamber 17. To prevent the liquid from entering the sleeve 16 and the tube 6, exit the chamber, a sealing ring 18 is provided on the inner side of the sleeve 16. However, it is also possible to provide said sealing ring around the tube 6. The connecting element 15 further comprises a channel 19 that connects to the chamber 17. This channel 19 leads to a nozzle 20, which is provided on the connector element. This nozzle extends through an opening that is provided in the tilting element 12. One of the ends of the connecting tube 14 is fixedly fixed around the nozzle 20. In this way a passageway is formed for the liquid from the container to through the supply tube 4, the valve 3, the tube that functions as the actuation element 6, the chamber 17, the channel 19, and the nozzle 20, towards the conductive tube 14. The conductive tube 14 is manufactured with a flexible material . Therefore the tube can be both inside the groove 13, maintaining the fixing connection with the nozzle 20, as it is also possible that it extends through the extension of the nozzle 20. Thanks to the fact that the conductive tube 14 has an external section oval, the conductive tube 14 preferably bends in the direction of the groove 13. Through the relatively small diameter of the external oval cross section, in the preferred direction of bending, the conductive tube 14 can be stored compactly within the groove 13 under cover 23.

On its inner side, above the tilting element 12, the ring 10 comprises a locking fence 22. Under said locking fence 22 a separate cover 23 can be arranged in the form of a plastic sheet. Instead of plastic, the plate or sheet 23 can also be made of aluminum foil, metal, cardboard or a composite laminate. When this cover 23 is present, the tilting element 12 is prevented from tipping, and the valve is opened. In this document, the lid functions as an airtight seal of the container 1. A second function of the lid 23 is to keep the conductive tube 14 in place within the groove 13.

The locking fence 22 has such a shape that when a lid 23 is applied, it can be easily removed to open the container 1, or actuate the valve 3, but it is very difficult for said lid 23 once it has been removed can get back in This prevents an open container 1 from looking like a fresh unopened container. To improve said effect, a disintegrable sticker or seal can be applied on the lid 23 and the ring 10, or on a section of the container adjacent to the ring 10.

5 The position of several pieces previously discussed has not been detailed. However, it is assumed that the valve 3 will be arranged in a central position of the cover 2. The channel will have to leave a side chamber, so that the nozzle 20 can be arranged removed from the center of the cover 2. This has the advantage of that the connection of the conductive tube 14 is eccentric, so that the connector channel 14 in its inactive position, will be positioned in a straight line within the groove 13.

10 However, it is also possible to arrange the valve 3 eccentrically, and to arrange the nozzle 20 to connect the conductive tube 14 in a central position in the tilting element 12. Furthermore, it is also possible that the nozzle 20, on which connect the conductive tube 14, together with the valve 3, be arranged in the center of the tilting element 12.

Claims (18)

1. Container (1) for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, in which the container (1) comprises a valve

(3)

 to expel the liquid from the container by means of the propellant gas when the valve (3) is operated, in which the valve comprises an actuating element (6) that is connected to the valve (3), and in which the valve (3 ) is adapted to open when the drive element (6) moves from its resting position, characterized in that a tilting element (12) is connected to a structure (10) that is rigidly connected to the container

(one)

 through two connecting bridges (11) that extend along the tilting axis; because said tilting element (12) is pivotally connected around a single tilting axis that extends through the two connecting bridges (11); because the tilting element (12) is mechanically coupled with the actuating element (6) to move the actuating element (6) from its resting position when the tilting element (12) is tilted; and because the tilting element (12) can be tilted in two directions from its resting position; and because the connection between the tilting element (12) and the actuating element (6) is adapted to bring the actuating element (6) from its resting position when the tilting element (12) is tilted in any direction.

2.

 Container (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure (10) that is rigidly connected with the container (1) is a ring (10) that is connected to the container.

3.

 Container (1), according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring (10) is connected to the container (1) through a fixing connection that can only be released with difficulty.

Four.

Container (1), according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the ring (10) comprises fixing means for the fixed fixing of a cover (23) extending over the tilting element (12).

5.

 Container (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connecting element (15) is arranged between the tilting element (12) and the actuating element (6) to connect the tilting element (12) with the element drive (6).

6.

 Container (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection between the connecting element

(15) is rigidly connected with the tilting element (12). 7. Container (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating element (6) comprises a channel that is adapted to drive the liquid leaving the valve (3); because the connector element (15) comprises a cavity (17) to which the connecting element (15) leads; and because a conductive tube (14) connects with the cavity (17) of the connecting element.

8.

 Container (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a sealing member (18) is applied between the actuating element (6) and the connecting element (15) to seal the opening between the channel extending through the drive element (6) and the cavity (17) of the connector element (15).

9.

Container (1), according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the conductive tube (14) extends through an opening that is provided in the tilting element (12).

10.

 Container (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the conductive tube (14) is flexible and that the conductive tube (14) is made of a flexible material.

eleven.

 Container (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the conductive tube (14) has an asymmetric cross section.

12.

Container (1), according to claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the connecting element (15) comprises a nozzle (20) to which the conductive tube (14) is fixed.

13.

 Container (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the nozzle (20) extends in the direction of the drive element (6); because a groove (13) is practiced on the outer surface of the tilting element (12) into which the conductive tube (14) can move; and because the groove (13) extends between the connection bridges (11).

14.

Container (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that the conductive tube (14) has an external oval cross section and that the cross section of the conductive tube in the groove direction (13) is larger than in the perpendicular direction to the groove.

fifteen.

 Container (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following parts: the tilting element (12), the structure connected to the container (11), the lid (23), the connecting element (15) and the conductive tube (14) are made of plastic.

16.

Container (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the valve

(3) is arranged in a section (2) of the container wall (1) that forms a recess with respect to the container wrap. Container (1), according to claim 16, characterized in that the container (1) comprises a wall section (2) that is separated from the rest of the container by a closed line arranged on a flat surface, and because the wall section (2) comprises a recessed section in which the valve (3) is arranged. 18. Container (1), according to claim 17, characterized in that the container (1) has a basically cylindrical shape, and that the valve (3) is arranged in an end wall (2) of the container. 19. Container (1) according to any of claims 16-18, characterized in that the part of the Valve (3) disposed outside the wall section (2) only extends into the space between the flat surface and the wall section (2). 20. Container (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is adapted to be filled with a liquid suitable for human consumption.