FR2890649A1 - Liquid or powdery product e.g. liquid yeast, dosage valve for bakery field, has stopper mounted on lower end of duct, and coaxial sleeve displaced in translation between closed and open positions with respect to duct - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a stopper (13) mounted on a lower end (11) of a duct (5) that supplies a product. A coaxial sleeve (15) is mounted exterior of the duct and comprises a lower end (19) provided as a valve seat. The sleeve delimits a chamber (24) along with the duct and is displaced in translation between a closed position and an open position with respect to the duct. The valve seat cooperates with the stopper in a sealed manner, in the closed position. The valve seat is spaced from the stopper, in the open position, for permitting the flow of the product.

Description

Dosing valve comprising a fixed inner conduit and an outer sleeve

mobile

  The invention relates to dosing valves for liquid products (more or less viscous), or powdery, some of which may, in fact, have in flow a dynamic behavior similar to liquids.

  The dosage of such products appears necessary in many fields. In the present case, the plaintiff was confronted, in the field of baking, with the problem of measuring the yeast in liquid form. Although this is the preferred field of application of the present invention, it can not be limited to this field.

  More particularly, the product to be assayed may be a cream of yeast more or less thick, this cream may in particular be stable or stabilized, fresh, for example for use in bakery (the dry matter content being for example between 12 and 25 %). It may also be leaven in liquid form, liquid leaven cream (relatively viscous), a baking enhancer in liquid form or powder after resuspension. Combinations of such products are also conceivable: it may thus be a yeast cream incorporating one or more bread improvers, such as enzyme preparations, emulsifiers, etc. Products of this type are presented in detail in the international application published under number WO 2004/048253, to which reference may be made.

  As regards the pulverulent products, it may be a dry product comprising fine particles, of the dry yeast type (comprising 90 to 95% of dry matter), or a baking powder improver whose fluidity is sufficient to allow valve distribution.

  A metering valve, of a known type, currently used by the applicant, is shown in Figure 1 which bears the mention PRIOR ART. This valve, integrated into a device according to the aforementioned international application WO 2004/048253, comprises at an upper end a nozzle for its connection to a liquid supply pipe (mounted on a bag in box itself stored in a compartment refrigerated yeast cream dispensing machine), this nozzle being fitted into a tubular hose, commonly made of silicone, a lower end of which can be gripped, elastically, by a finger movable in translation between a release position (solid line) in which it leaves open the hose to allow the flow of liquid, and a closed position (dashed) in which it is elastically recalled to clamp the hose and thus prevent flow.

  This valve is proven, and has the advantage of simplicity of design. Nevertheless, it was found, under the action of friction and pinching exerted by the dosing finger, premature wear - which can lead to perforation - of the hose.

  In addition, it has also been found that a portion of the product adheres to the inner wall of the hose below the nip, to form a deposit which, in the first place, affects the overall hygiene of the valve (no only by promoting bacterial growth, but also by attracting insects), and secondly causes the yellowing of the hose (to the detriment of the aesthetic appearance), which must be replaced too frequently.

  The invention aims in particular to remedy these problems, proposing among other objects a metering valve of a new type, which has, among other things, increased sealing qualities, hygiene and durability.

  For this purpose, according to a first object, the invention proposes a metering valve for a liquid or powdery product, which comprises: a fixed supply duct for the product, which has an upper end shaped as a nozzle for its connection to a tubing for supplying the product, and a lower end for dispensing the product, this duct defining on the side of its lower end an opening for the passage of the product; a shutter disposed at the lower end of the conduit; a coaxial sleeve, mounted outside the conduit, which has an upper end and an opposite lower end shaped as a valve seat, this sleeve defining together with the conduit, on the side of its lower end, a chamber into which said opening opens said sleeve being displaceable in translation relative to the conduit between a so-called closed position in which the valve seat cooperates sealingly with the shutter, and a so-called open position in which the valve seat is moved away from the shutter to allow the flow of the product.

  In the closed position of the sleeve, the flow of the product is prohibited. The intimate contact between the shutter and the valve seat prevents leaks and thus ensures a good seal of the valve, and good hygiene conditions.

  According to a particular embodiment, the valve seat is frustoconical, while the shutter is for example of hemispherical shape (it can also be conical or frustoconical); this shutter can be made of an elastomeric material (preferably of the food type).

  Furthermore, a return spring is preferably provided for continuously urging the sleeve towards its closed position.

  According to one embodiment, the chamber is delimited by the valve seat on the one hand, and by a sealing ring on the other hand, interposed between the conduit and the sleeve.

  A bayonet mechanism may further be provided for locking the sleeve in the open position and / or closed; this bayonet mechanism comprises for example a stud which cooperates with a bent groove.

  According to a second object, the invention proposes a device for dosing a liquid or powdery product, which comprises a valve of the type described above, and means for actuating this valve.

  These means for actuating the valve comprise, for example, a stationary plate, which may be provided with means for positioning the valve, and an actuating lever, pivotally mounted on the plate and which cooperates with the sleeve to control its displacement. relative to the duct.

  According to one embodiment, the lever has a flared notch allowing the introduction of the conduit to ensure the positioning of the tip relative to the plate. The lever is preferably designed to be able to adopt a position said out of service in which it is removed from the sleeve.

  According to a third object, the invention proposes a machine for dispensing a liquid or powdery product, which comprises: - a cabinet provided with a compartment, - an interchangeable tank, disposed in said compartment and containing said product, this tank being provided with a tubing for the flow of the product, and - a metering device as described above, machine in which the valve is connected to said tank, its duct being connected to the tubing via its mouthpiece , while the actuating means are mounted on the furniture.

  The invention also relates to the use of the metering valve and / or the metering device and / or the dispensing machine as previously described in the bakery, and more particularly for the determination of liquid yeast cream. bakery.

  Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the description given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation view showing a metering valve according to the prior art ; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a metering device according to the invention; - Figure 3 is a sectional elevational view showing the metering device of Figure 2 with the metering valve in the closed position and, shown schematically, shifted to the right, the valve in the open position; Figure 4 is a partial elevation view in section showing more precisely the lower part of the valve of Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figures 4 and 5, according to another embodiment; Figure 7 is a sectional elevation view showing a dispensing machine of a liquid or powder product, according to the invention, incorporating a metering valve of said product; - Figure 8 is a detail view in perspective, from above, of a metering device incorporating a metering valve as shown in Figure 2 in particular, and equipping a dispensing machine as shown in Figure 7; - Figure 9 is a detail view in perspective, from below, the metering device of Figure 8 mounted on the dispensing machine.

  In the figures is represented a metering valve 1, particularly suitable for dispensing a liquid product, preferably a liquid yeast, such as a yeast cream, but which is also suitable for dispensing a powdery product (for example example of yeast or leaven in dry form, etc.).

  This valve 1 forms the first part of a metering device 2, the other part, whose function is the actuation of the valve 1, will be described in more detail below. This device is intended to be mounted on a frame 3 of a machine 4 for dispensing the product to be dosed, machine 4 which will also be described in more detail below.

  The valve 1 comprises in the first place a tubular conduit 5 for supplying the product, fixed with respect to the frame 3. This duct 5 has an upper end 6, shaped as a nozzle (either in one piece or attached as shown) in FIG. 3) for its connection to a tubing 7, which is preferably flexible, for feeding the product. This connection can be made by screwing or press fitting the end piece 6. However, according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, this connection is made by snapping-in, the endpiece 6 having a conical portion 8 defining a shoulder 9 which engages with a complementary countersink 10 made at a lower end of the tubing 7 for feeding the product.

  The duct 5 also has a lower end 11 for dispensing the product, opposite the upper end 6, and on the side of which the duct 5 defines at least one opening 12, consisting of a lateral cutout, for the passage of the liquid (as represented by arrows P of Figure 3). According to a preferred embodiment, two diametrically opposed openings 12 are made in the duct 5.

  The valve 1 also comprises a shutter 13 mounted at the lower end 11 of the duct 5. This shutter 13 is, in a first embodiment, in the form of a hemispherical elastomer seal that is preferably suitable for food use ( for example in natural rubber, or in a synthetic elastomer, for example based on polyurethane or silicone), attached, fixed (preferably snapped, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, but it could be a collage) on a transverse end wall 14 of the duct 5, adjacent to the opening 12.

  Alternatively, the shutter 13 is made of a metal material whose surface is preferably polished for sealing reasons.

  The valve 1 further comprises a sleeve 15, mounted outside the duct 5, also cylindrical and coaxial with the latter, which has an internal diameter greater than the outside diameter of the duct 5, so that an annular space 16 is provided. between the conduit 5 and the sleeve 15.

  The sleeve 15 has at an upper end a shoulder 17, and a circular opening 18 adjusted (with clearance) to the outer diameter of the duct 5. The sleeve 15 also has an opposite lower end 19 formed as a valve seat, defining an opening 20, and whose function will appear hereinafter.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the duct 5 is provided, at a distance from its lower end 11, with a sealing ring 21, preferably made by machining in the mass of the duct 5. This ring 21 forms a flange extending transversely in the space 16 between the conduit 5 and the sleeve 15, and comprises a peripheral groove 22 in which is disposed an O-ring seal 23 in contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 15. The ring 21 , possibly via the seal 23, together with the opening 18, ensures the guiding of the sleeve 15 with respect to the duct 5 and the adjustment of the shutter 13 on the valve seat 19.

  The sleeve 15 delimits together with the conduit 5, on the side of its lower end 11, and more precisely between the valve seat 19 and the sealing ring 20, a substantially annular chamber 24 into which the opening 12 opens, the chamber 24 being thus filled with liquid under pressure. This pressure, measured in a relative manner, is in practice less than 10 bars. It is preferably less than 5 bar, and even preferably less than 1 bar.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sleeve 15 is mounted displaceably in axial translation (that is to say parallel to the axis of the duct 5) with respect to the duct 5, between a so-called closed high position (on the left in Figure 3) in which the valve seat 19 cooperates sealingly with the shutter 13 to prevent the liquid from flowing from the chamber 24, and a low position called open (right in Figure 3), located in the closed position and in which the valve seat 19 is spaced from the shutter 13 to allow the flow of liquid through the opening 20 through the chamber 24 (arrow P 'in Figure 3).

  In order to facilitate the sliding of the sleeve 15 with respect to the conduit 5, the seal 23 may be coated with a Teflon layer (polytetrafluoroethylene).

  The sleeve 15 is permanently biased towards its closed position by a compression spring 25 disposed in the space 16 between the conduit 5 and the sleeve 15, and interposed axially between the sealing ring 21 and a shoulder 26 made upper end 18 of the sleeve 15. This shoulder 26 is for example formed by a ring screwed to the upper end of the sleeve 15.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, and 7 to 9, the metering device 2 comprises, in addition to the valve 1, actuating means composed of a fixed part, called plate 27, mounted on the frame 3 ( for example, as shown in FIG. 2 in particular, with a dovetail base 27 'directly screwed into the frame 3 and into which the plate 27) slides, and which presents one end a cutout 28 adapted to receive the tip 6 to ensure accurate positioning of the valve 1 relative to the frame 3.

  The actuating means further comprise a movable part, consisting of an actuating lever 29 pivotally mounted on the plate 27 about a transverse axis 30 and controlling the displacement of the sleeve 15.

  More specifically, the lever 29 has, at an end opposite its axis of rotation, a recess 31 flared, which allows the introduction of the valve 1 during its introduction (removable). This notch 31 has two constrictions 32 which, once the valve 1 fully inserted into the notch 31, bear against the shoulder 17 of the sleeve 15. In this way, the operation of the lever 29 from a high position (in lines 3) to a low position (in phantom on the right in FIG. 3) causes the sleeve 15 to move from its closed position, in which the flow of the product is blocked, to its open position, in which the product flow is permitted.

  As is also illustrated in Figures 3 and 9, the lever 29 can adopt a third position, said out of service (in phantom, left in Figure 3), wherein the lever 29 hangs freely downward, substantially perpendicularly This position can be adopted by the lever 29 despite the presence of the valve 1 thanks to an oblong hole 33 in which the axis 30 of articulation of the lever 29 is mounted, and which allows the displacement of the latter. ci (preferably against a return spring, not shown) in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the valve 1, in a repoussée position (in dotted line in Figure 2) where the constrictions 32 are removed from the shoulder 17, and wherein the spacing between the edges of the notch 31 is greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve 15, which allows a free pivoting of the lever 29 downwards without it abut against the shoulder 17. In this pos ition off the lever 29, the establishment and removal of the valve 1 are facilitated.

  As shown in dashed lines on the right in FIG. 3, a bayonet mechanism 34 may be provided to lock the sleeve 15 in the open position and thus allow the emptying and cleaning of the valve 1. This mechanism 34 comprises, for example (As shown) a pin 35, mounted transversely on the inner wall of the sleeve 15 in the upper part thereof, which cooperates with an oblong groove 36 formed on the outer surface of the duct 5 in part of the thickness of that and which has at a lower end a bent portion 37 to ensure (with a slight rotation of the sleeve 15) the locking of the pin 36 in the open position of the sleeve 15.

  Such a bayonet mechanism 34 may also be provided to secure the sleeve 15 in the closed position (for example to prevent its inadvertent opening). In this case, the oblong groove 36 will for example be provided with a bend at its upper end, provided at right angles (or slightly obtuse, for example at around 95, to allow a recovery of the wear clearance between the shutter 13 and the seat 19), in which is positioned the pin 35 in the closed position of the sleeve 15.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the shutter 13 may have a spherical shape (FIG. 4), as described previously. But, alternatively, it may also have a frustoconical shape (Figure 5), or even conical (Figure 6).

  In the closed position, the intimate contact between the shutter 13 and the valve seat 19, preferably of frustoconical shape, ensures a perfect seal between the conduit 5 and the sleeve 15, which prevents product leakage. Given its shape, spherical or conical at its end, the shutter 13 allows a substantially laminar flow of the product and limits the risk of stagnation of a significant amount of it on the shutter 13 in the closed position of the sleeve 15 This results in a significant improvement in hygiene compared to a conventional valve as presented in the introduction.

  The dosage of the liquid (in other words the regulation of its flow) is a function of the position of the sleeve 15 relative to the conduit 5, and therefore depends on the position of the lever 29. When the operation of the lever 29 is manual, the dosage of the liquid is left to the discretion of the user.

  However, it is possible, alternatively, to subordinate the operation of the lever 29 to an automatic control, for example hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical.

  The flow of the liquid is preferably effected by combining the gravity and the pressure of the liquid in the conduit 5 (that is to say in the chamber 24), but in the case of a liquid at atmospheric pressure, or a powdery product, the flow is by gravity alone.

  As regards the materials, the pipe 5, including its tip 6, as well as the sleeve 15, are preferably made of a metallic material (for example of food-grade stainless steel), or of a hard plastic material of food type ( such as polycarbonate or nylon). These products are not likely to be degraded by possible stagnation.

  In addition, and as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the valve 1 can be closed, during the installation or removal operations of the valve body 3, by a plug 38 which is screwed or snapped (as shown in Figures 4 to 6) on the lower end 19 of the sleeve 15 to seal the latter. To this plug 38 may also be substituted a connector for connecting the valve 1 to a branch circuit (not shown). For hygiene purposes, the cap 38 can also be used to clean the lower end of the valve 1, either by prolonged contact with a cleaning solution of the shutter 13, or by circulation of this solution in the plug 38. For this purpose, the plug 38 may be pierced with holes for the injection and the evacuation of the cleaning solution.

  As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the metering device 2 is intended to be mounted on the frame 3 of a machine 4 for dispensing the product.

  This machine 4 comprises a piece of furniture 39 which forms the frame 3 referred to above, this piece of furniture 39 being provided with a refrigerated compartment 40, as well as an interchangeable tank 41 in the form of a flexible and deflatable bag in box 42 containing the product to be dosed, this bag in box 42 being received in a rigid box 43 (for example of cardboard) disposed in the compartment 40.

  The bag in box 42 is provided with a tubing 7 for the flow of the product, this tubing opening, downwards, when the reservoir 41 is correctly positioned in the compartment 40, in a notch 44 formed in the frame 3 for the setting up the valve 1.

  More precisely, as can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the frame 3 has, on a lower edge of the notch 44, a counterbore 45 on which the valve 1 rests by means of a flange 46 formed radially on the tip 6.

  Meanwhile, the plate 27 is mounted on the furniture 39 in the vicinity of the notch 44, slightly in relation thereto, so that the cutout 28 is in line with it and that the lever 29 exceeds furniture 39 to allow its maneuver.

  Once the plate 27 in place, the valve 1 is set as follows. It begins by connecting to the tank 41 by connecting its conduit 5 to the pipe 7 via the nozzle 6. This operation is carried out tubing 7 upwards, to prevent accidental flow of the product. Then the tank 41 is returned, which is introduced laterally into the compartment 40 being careful to slide the valve 1 into the notch 44, its precise positioning being provided by the cutout 28 in which the end piece 6 The installation of the valve 1 on the cabinet 39 can be carried out either in the up position or in the off position of the lever 29. Once the valve 1 is in position, the compartment 40 is closed by a door 47.

  It should be noted that the cold that prevails in the compartment 40 for the preservation of the product (for example when it is a cream of yeast, the highly perishable food) is transmitted by conduction to valve 1 via the tip 6.

  The invention is not just presented. imagined.

  In particular, the direct way valve, that is, the tubing 7 and variant embodiment can be operated without the use of a lever.

  Various Various It would be sufficient for example, according to the use that one wishes to make, to provide it with gripping means (for example radially projecting nipples) to slide directly the sleeve 15 relative to the conduit 5.

Claims (17)

  1. Valve (1) for dosing a liquid or powdery product, which comprises: a conduit (5) fixed for supplying the product, which has an upper end (6) shaped as a nozzle for its connection to a tubing (7); ) supplying the product, and a lower end (11) for dispensing the product, this duct (5) defining the side of its lower end (11) an opening (12) for the passage of the product; a shutter (13) disposed at the lower end (11) of the conduit (5); a sleeve (15) coaxial, mounted outside the conduit (5), which has a lower end (19) shaped valve seat, the sleeve (15) defining together with the conduit (5), the side of its lower end (11), a chamber (24) into which said opening (12) opens, said sleeve (15) being displaceable in translation relative to the duct (5) between a so-called closed position in which the valve seat (19) cooperates sealingly with the shutter (13), and a so-called open position in which the valve seat (19) is spaced from the shutter (13) to allow the flow of the product.   2. Valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (19) is frustoconical.   3. Valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shutter (13) is hemispherical.   4. Valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shutter (13) is conical or frustoconical.   5. Valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shutter (13) is made of an elastomeric material.   6. Valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a return spring (25) permanently urges the sleeve (15) to its closed position.   7. Valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said chamber (24) is delimited by the valve seat (19) on the one hand, and by a sealing ring (21) of on the other hand, interposed between the conduit (5) and the sleeve (15).   8. Valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a bayonet mechanism ((34) ensuring the locking of the sleeve (15) in the open position and / or closed.   9. Valve (1) according to claim 8, wherein said bayonet mechanism comprises a stud which cooperates with a bent groove.   10. Device (2) for dosing a liquid or powdery product, which comprises: - a valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, - means (27, 29) for actuating said valve ( 1).   11. Device (2) according to claim 10, wherein said actuating means (27, 29) of said valve (1) comprise: - a fixed plate (27), and - an actuating lever (29), articulated on the plate (27) and which cooperates with the sleeve (15) to control the displacement relative to the conduit (5).   14. Device (2) according to claim 11, wherein the plate (27) is provided with means (28) for positioning the valve (1).   15. Device according to claim 12, wherein the lever (29) has a recess (31) flared allowing the introduction of the conduit (5) for positioning the tip (6) relative to the plate (27).   14. Device (2) according to claim 13, wherein said lever (29) can adopt a so-called off position in which it is spaced from the sleeve (15).   15. Machine (4) for dispensing a liquid or powdery product, which comprises: - a piece of furniture (39) provided with a compartment (40), -an interchangeable reservoir (41) disposed in said compartment (40) and containing said product, said reservoir (41) being provided with a tubing (7) for the flow of the product, and - a metering device (2) according to one of the claims 10 to 14,   machine (4) in which the valve (1) is connected to said reservoir (41), its conduit (5) being connected to the pipe (7) via its nozzle (6), while the means of actuation (27, 29) are mounted on the furniture (39).   16. Machine (4) for dispensing a liquid or powdery product, which comprises: - a piece of furniture (39) provided with a compartment (40) and having a notch (44) for introducing the valve (1) - an interchangeable reservoir (41) disposed in said compartment (40) and containing said product, said reservoir (41) being provided with a tubing (7) for the flow of the product, and - a device (2) for Dosing according to claim 12 or 13, machine (4) wherein the plate (27) is mounted on the furniture (39) in the vicinity of the notch (44), and wherein the valve (1) is placed on the cabinet (39) being positioned in the notch (44) and connected to said tank (41), its duct (5) being connected to the pipe (7) via its nozzle (6).   17. Use of a metering valve according to one of claims 1 to 9, or a metering device according to one of claims 10 to 14, or a dispensing machine according to one of claims 15 or 16 in the bakery, and more particularly for the dosage of baker's liquid yeast cream.