JP2013530897A - Metering valve for pressurized vials - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, the measuring chamber (7) is fixed at its upper end to a portion of the valve body (9) that is attached to the vial and located inside the vial. And an inlet passage connected to the measuring chamber, an outlet passage connected to the measuring chamber and the outside of the valve, and an inlet closing means for closing the inlet passage when the valve portion (4) is in the open position. And an outlet closing means for closing the outlet passage when the valve part (4) is in the closed position. Further, the valve portion can be moved beyond the open position to a third position called a short-circuit position, and a third passage called a short-circuit path connected to the inside of the vial and the outside of the valve is provided. Short-circuit closing means are provided for closing the short-circuit path when the valve part (4) is in the closed position or the open position.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a metering valve for a pressurized vial, which includes a valve body in which a valve part is slidable, a metering chamber, and a valve part between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the measuring chamber is connected to the inside of the vial and disconnected from the outside of the vial, and is attached to the vial in the open position. In this state, the measuring chamber is disconnected from the inside of the vial and connected to the outside of the vial.

  The metering valve of the present invention is for a pressurized vial. Pressurized vial valve metering devices are commonly used to deliver a predetermined amount of product. The product to be dispensed is in a vial containing the propellant gas. The product is in direct contact with the propellant gas or in a flexible pouch that is pushed into the propellant gas.

  Various types of metering devices for pressurized vial valves are known.

  For example, European Patent No. 10996647 (Patent Document 1) proposes a metering device with a metering chamber located downstream of the valve and arranged on the rod (stem) of the vial valve. The measuring chamber is composed of a cylinder in which a piston slides. The bottom of the cylinder is provided with an orifice that is directly connected to the outlet of the valve stem. The piston is also provided with an orifice, which is connected to a shaft tube that slides in the safety member, in which there is a second valve. To remove a dose of product, the metering chamber cylinder must first be moved down to push the valve stem, which opens the valve. Pressurized product exiting the vial valve enters the metering chamber by pushing the plunger up. The product also enters the tube leading to the safety member discharge valve. When the metering chamber is full, the cylinder is returned to the rest position, which closes the vial valve. Then, it becomes possible to operate the valve of the safety member by pressing the conventional diffuser. In order to move the cylinder down to fill the metering chamber, the ring must be rotated, the ring is formed with two inclined guide grooves, through which the two peripheral projections of the cylinder penetrate. In this case, when the protrusion is at the top of the groove in the ring, the cylinder is in a high position and does not push the stem of the vial valve. On the other hand, when the protrusion is in a low position, the cylinder is translated downward to push the rod, thereby opening the vial valve. Thus, to remove a dose, it is necessary to first turn the ring to fill the metering chamber the first time and turn the ring to close the vial valve the second time. Then, in order to open the second valve, the diffuser located at the upper end of the safety member must be depressed. This device is not very easy to use. Furthermore, two different valves are required.

  EP 0 642 929 discloses a metering device that is attached to an opening in the neck of a container containing a product to be dispensed. The metering device includes a valve having a metering chamber and a stem. When the stem is in the first position, the metering chamber is connected to the interior of the container and filled with a predetermined amount of product. When the stem is in the second position, the metering chamber is disconnected from the interior of the container and is connected to the outside so that the product therein can be released. For this purpose, the metering chamber is axially delimited by an annular valve seal on one side and an annular chamber seal on the opposite side. The stem penetrates both seals. The stem includes a first distribution path that is disposed in the axial direction and opens upward and downward by two radial openings. The stem comprises a second distribution channel arranged in the axial direction, which has a radial opening on the side towards the first distribution channel and an axial opening on the free end side of the stem. ing. In the resting position, which is maintained by a spring, the stem is located in the metering chamber between the two seals, while the upper opening of the first distribution channel is closed with a valve seal in the radial opening of the second distribution channel To be positioned. The lower opening of the first distribution path opens into the vial. When the vial is turned upside down in this position, the metering chamber is filled with the product contained in the container via the first distribution channel. When the user depresses the stem against the spring force, the radial opening is displaced. The upper opening of the first distribution channel is closed by a chamber seal, and the radial opening of the second distribution channel opens into the metering chamber. The product mixed with the propellant gas is discharged from the metering chamber via the second distribution path due to the influence of pressure. In order to use this device, it is necessary to turn the vial upside down.

  German utility model No. 7914704 (patent document 3) discloses a measuring device in which a measuring chamber is formed by a recess closed by an elastic wall. Depending on the model, the recess is hemispherical or diabolo. The immersed elastic wall is subjected to pressure in the pressurized vial. When the weighing chamber is brought into a position connected to the outside, the elastic wall is pushed back into the recess so as to trigger the release of its contents.

  French Patent No. 1503684 (Patent Document 4) discloses a measuring device attached to a valve body in a vial. This device comprises a metering chamber that opens into the valve body. In order to produce a vial ready for use, the container must be filled with the desired liquid, the valve fitted by crimping, and the gas introduced through the outlet passage. An opening is provided in the tube connecting the measuring chamber to the valve body. The opening is surrounded by an elastic sleeve, which expands under the influence of pressure, so that gas can escape into the container.

European Patent No. 10996647 European Patent No. 0642992 German utility model No. 7914704 French Patent No. 1503684

  As is common with vials with simple valves, none of the proposed vials allow the product to be introduced into the vial via a valve. Similarly, none of these vials can remove more than is delivered by the metering chamber unless the valve is operated several times in a row.

  An object of the present invention is to develop a metering device for a pressurized vial valve that has a metering chamber but can be filled through the valve. Another object of the present invention is that not only can a single dose defined by the metering chamber be taken, but also a single dose that is different from that defined by the metering chamber can be dispensed with without having to operate the valve several times. It is to be. The third purpose is to allow the same valve to be used for a vial that is removed with the head up and a vial that is removed with the head down.

  In order to achieve this object, according to the invention, on the one hand, the measuring chamber is fixed at its upper end to the part of the valve body that is attached to the vial and is located inside the vial, In addition, there is an inlet passage connected to the inside of the vial and the measuring chamber, the outlet passage is connected to the measuring chamber and the outside of the valve, and the inlet is closed to close the inlet passage when the valve portion is in the open position. Means are provided and outlet closing means are provided for closing the outlet passage when the valve portion is in the closed position. On the other hand, the valve portion can be moved beyond the open position to a third position called a short-circuit position, and a third passage called a short-circuit path connecting the inside of the vial and the outside of the valve is provided. Short circuit closing means is provided for closing the short circuit when the valve part is in the closed or open position. In the short-circuit position, it is possible to take out a larger amount of product than is defined by the volume of the weighing chamber. Similarly, it is possible to fill a vial through this short circuit path.

  If the short circuit does not pass through at least a part of the inlet passage and / or the outlet passage, the inlet closing means and / or the outlet closing means are preferably in the closed position when the valve portion is in the short-circuit position. . Similarly, the short circuit path is preferably connected to the inside of the vial and the outside of the valve without passing through the measuring chamber.

  The inlet closing means and the outlet closing means are preferably independent from each other.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet passage includes at least one hole formed in a region of the valve body wall in the vial or in a region connected to the pouch, and an orifice formed in the wall inside the valve body. And an orifice formed in the wall of the metering chamber, the inlet closing means being constituted by a lower end portion in the form of a cylindrical tenon of the valve portion, the radial cross section of which is the orifice of the wall orifice Corresponds to the inner dimension, so that when the tenon enters the orifice, it closes it tightly, and the wall is preferably funneled at its end towards the metering chamber It takes the form of a color. In order to reinforce the sealing of the inlet closing means, a sealing means, preferably an annular ring, is preferably arranged below the orifice formed in the wall. In this case, when the tenon is connected to the orifice of the valve body wall, the tenon also contacts the annular ring.

  The outlet passage preferably comprises an orifice formed in the metering chamber, an orifice formed in the wall inside the valve body, a lower central flow path and an upper central flow formed in the valve section and separated from each other by a barrier. A passage, at least one orifice formed in the wall of the valve portion and connected to the inside of the upper central flow path and the outside of the valve portion, and formed in the wall of the valve portion to the inside of the lower central flow path and the valve portion And at least one orifice connected to the outside and a communication passage provided to connect the at least one orifice and the at least one orifice, and the outlet closing means has a valve portion therein. The chamber seal has at least one annular groove on its inner surface, and the height of the groove is the upper central flow path. When at least one of the upper central flow path is sized to be at least equal to the vertical distance between the formed at least one orifice and the at least one orifice formed in the lower central flow path, and the valve is in the closed position, At least one orifice of the one central flow path and / or at least one orifice of the lower central flow path is closed by the inner surface of the annular wall, thereby closing the outlet passage and the valve is in the open position And at least one orifice of the lower central channel opens into the annular groove, thereby opening the outlet passage.

  Preferably, the measuring chamber has a cylindrical portion, and the end opposite to the valve body called the lower end portion is closed by a radial wall called the radial lower side wall, and the valve body called the upper end portion is closed. The facing end is closed by a radial wall called the radial upper wall, within which the piston can slide between two radial walls, thereby defining a metering volume. ing.

  In this case, the radial upper side wall of the weighing chamber can be provided with an opening, the piston can slide between the two radial walls of the cylindrical portion, and a spring between the radial lower side wall of the weighing chamber and the piston. This pushes the piston back against the radial upper wall with the opening when there are no other constraints.

  In order to be able to introduce the piston into the metering chamber, preferably the cylindrical part forming one metering chamber and the other radial upper and / or radial lower wall can be assembled or separated from each other Each of which is provided with means for securing the wall to the cylindrical part.

  A flexible pouch can be welded to the valve body to enclose the metering chamber and the inlet passage, outlet passage, and optionally the starting point of the short circuit, to separate the propellant gas and product. Thus, when a pouch is provided, the inlet passage, the outlet passage, and optionally a short circuit, open upstream into the pouch rather than into the vial. With such a pouch, the valve can be used regardless of the position of the vial.

  Specifically, the valve section includes a first cylindrical wall called an upper cylindrical wall that forms a first axial flow path called an upper flow path, and a second cylinder that forms a second axial flow path. And these two axial channels are separated from each other by a barrier, and the upper channel opens at its upper end by an axial opening and at least one on the side of the barrier Opened to the outer surface of the valve part by one radial opening, the lower flow path opens by an axial opening at its lower end and opens to the outer surface of the valve part by at least one radial opening on the side of the barrier The valve portion preferably comprises at least one annular stopper on its outer periphery for restricting its movement toward or outside the valve body.

  In that case, the valve body may be provided with a chamber seal arranged in the valve body, and in the closed position of the valve, at least one radial hole of the upper flow path of the valve portion is located at the height of the chamber seal. Thus, the annular stopper is brought into close contact with the chamber seal.

  When the valve must be capable of being short-circuited away from the metering chamber, preferably the valve portion is a third that at least partially surrounds the first cylindrical wall concentrically to form an annular flow path. A cylindrical wall is provided, and the annular flow path is separated from the two flow paths, has an axial opening at a so-called upper end portion, and further connects at least one connected to the inside of the annular flow path and the outside of the valve portion. With two radial holes. In this case, the valve body and the valve part are dimensioned so that the valve part can move beyond the open position to a position called the short-circuited position, and the valve body is connected to the metering chamber with respect to the chamber seal. Is provided with a valve seal arranged on the opposite side, in which, when the valve is installed, in the closed position of the valve, at least one radial hole of the annular channel is located outside the vial and the valve is opened. In position, at least one radial hole of the annular channel is closed by the position facing the valve seal or located outside the vial, and in the shorted position of the valve, at least one diameter of the annular channel Positioned so that the directional hole is located on the opposite side of the valve seal from the outside.

  At least one side channel may be provided on the outer surface of the valve body, the side channel being open to the interior of the vial or the pouch when attached to the vial; A second opening that opens into the valve body between the valve seal and the chamber seal. When the valve is provided with a flexible pouch, the pouch is welded to the valve body so as to surround the first opening of the at least one side flow path of the valve body, thereby providing at least one side flow. The path is connected to the inside of the pouch, and is connected to the inside of the valve body between the valve seal and the chamber seal.

  The present invention will be described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments shown in the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the metering valve as a whole. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the metering valve. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve (a) front and (b) side of the valve in the closed position. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve (a) front and (b) side of the valve in the open position. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve (a) front and (b) side of the valve in the short-circuit position. FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the spacer. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the spacer. FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the chamber seal. FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of the chamber seal. FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of the cover of the weighing chamber. FIG. 8b is a bottom perspective view of the cover of the weighing chamber. FIG. 9a is a top perspective view of the base of the weighing chamber. FIG. 9b is a bottom perspective view of the base of the weighing chamber. FIG. 10 a is a top perspective view of the valve body. FIG. 10b is a bottom perspective view of the valve body. FIG. 10 c is a front sectional view of the valve body. FIG. 10d is a side sectional view of the valve body. FIG. 10e is an overhead view of the valve body. FIG. 11a is a front sectional view of the stem. FIG. 11b is a side cross-sectional view of the stem. FIG. 11c is a perspective view of the stem. FIG. 12a is a top perspective view of the piston. FIG. 12b is a bottom perspective view of the piston. FIG. 12c is a cross-sectional view of the piston.

  For clarity of explanation, spatial representations such as “lower”, “upper”, “inside vial”, “outside of vial”, etc. are used. It should be noted that this valve is manufactured and sold independently of the vial, and protection specifically includes the valve alone, without the vial. Accordingly, these expressions are for a valve as used in a vial where the valve is located above the vial. This does not exclude the possibility of using the valve in an inverted state, i.e., under the vial or in any other state.

  The valve (1) is fixed to a hard vial (not shown) by fixing means such as a cup (2). Between the neck of the vial and the cup (2), a seal (21) called an outer seal is provided to ensure a seal. Normally, the valve (1) is fixed to the dome (22) of the cup (2).

The valve (1) is basically composed of:
-A valve body (9) fixed to the dome (22) of the cup (2);
A valve part, generally referred to as a stem (4), disposed in the valve body (9), in which it is axially movable between a closed position and at least a first open position;
-Spacer (3);
-Two inner seals (5a, 5b);
-Weighing chamber (7).

  The valve generally comprises an inner pouch (11) that allows the product to be disconnected from the propellant gas.

  The valve body (9) is constituted by a cylindrical ring-shaped upper part (91) fixed to the dome (22) of the cup (2). Between the front surface of the upper part (91) and the bottom part (22) of the dome, a valve inner seal (5a) is arranged to ensure sealing. This sealing is reinforced by the tapered shape of the front surface of the upper part (91).

  A substantially cylindrical main portion (92) is connected to the upper ring (91) of the valve body (9).

  An axial flow path (95) passes through the main portion (92). This channel is divided into an upper part and a lower part by an inward radial collar (98) with a central orifice. The upper part is provided with two sets of radial ribs facing the center of the axial flow path (95). The first set (96) of radial ribs forms a stopper for a second inner seal called chamber seal (5b), which will be described later, while a sliding guide for the stem (4) is also provided. It is made. The second set (97) of radial ribs further forms a stop for the shoulder of the stem (4). The first set of ribs (96) is located above the second set (97). The product can circulate between these ribs. The free end facing the center of the rib of the first set (96) is located farther from the central axis of the valve body than the free end of the rib of the second set (97).

  Two radial orifices (99) are formed in the wall of the main part (92) above the collar (98) in the valve body. The collar (98) is connected to a funnel-shaped portion (981) that tapers downward.

  The valve body (9) has two radial fins (93) on its outer surface. These fins have a V-shaped cross section in the radial plane of the valve body, and the V-shaped wing-like portion is supported in a substantially tangential direction by the cylindrical portion of the main portion (92). These two fins (93) are arranged on opposite sides and are hollow. In this way, a side channel (931) is formed inside each fin (93), and this channel opens at the lower part (on the opposite side of the upper ring) and closes at the upper part. . Each channel (931) is provided with an orifice (94) at its top, which is slightly below the upper ring (91) and above the seat for the indoor seal (5b) in the axial direction. An opening is formed in the upper part of the flow path (95). Each of these orifices (94) is connected to the flow path (931) inside the fin, and is further connected to the space inside the upper ring (91).

  The flexible pouch (11) is fixed to the outer surface of the main portion (92), for example, by welding. The pouch (11) is closed on all sides and can communicate with the outside only through a valve. With this pouch it is possible to separate the product for distribution from the propellant gas outside the pouch. However, this is well possible without the use of a pouch.

  The stem (4) has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, a first cylindrical wall (41) that forms an upper central flow path (42) opened by an axial opening at the upper end thereof, and an axial direction at the lower end thereof. And a second cylindrical wall (44) forming a lower central flow path (442) opened by the opening. The two central channels (42, 442) are separated from each other by a barrier (43). The second cylindrical wall forms a cylindrical tenon (44). A circular shoulder (441) is provided on the upper surface of the tenon, that is, on the side of the barrier (43). The inner diameter of the narrowed portion of the funnel-shaped portion (981) corresponds to the outer diameter of the tenon (44) of the stem (4).

  A first set of two radial holes (45) is formed in the first wall (41) of the stem (4) near the lower end of the central channel (42). These first radial holes (45) are in this case connected to the interior of the central channel (42) and the outer surface of the stem (4). Similarly, the second cylindrical wall forming the tenon (44) is opened by a second set of two radial holes (443) near its upper barrier (43). These two radial holes open above the shoulder (441).

  The stem (4) further comprises a third cylindrical wall (46), which concentrically surrounds the first wall (41) and thereby is concentric with the upper central flow path (42). A flow path (47) is formed. This annular channel (47) is open at its upper end by an axial opening and closed at its bottom. Its length does not intersect the first radial hole (45). A third set of two radial holes (48) passes through the third cylindrical wall (46) so as to connect to the interior of the annular channel (47) and the exterior of the stem (4). The third set of holes (48) open above the first and second sets of holes (45, 443).

  The stem (4) further comprises two circular stoppers (49a, 49b) around it. The outer diameter of the first stopper (49a) substantially corresponds to the diameter of the cylinder formed by the inner end of the first portion of the rib (96) of the axial flow path (95) of the valve body (9). doing. The outer diameter of the second stopper (49b) substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the spacer (3). The first stopper (49a) is positioned below the second stopper (49b).

  The stem, when assembled, is located within the valve body within the axial flow path (95) in which it can move. Stem movement is limited between two extreme positions, the upper or closed position and the lower or short circuit position. In the downward direction, i.e. in the short-circuit position, the movement is limited by the first stopper (49a) abutting the top of the second set of ribs (97), while in the upward position, i.e. in the closed position, the cup (2 The movement is limited by the second stopper (49b) that contacts the valve inner seal (5a) located in the dome (22). In this position, the movement is also restricted by the first stopper (49a) that contacts the indoor seal (5b).

  The spacer (3) is formed by a hollow cylinder having outward radial ribs (31) at the top thereof.

  The measuring chamber (7) is preferably fixed to the lower part of the valve body (9) by suitable means. The measuring chamber is basically constituted by a cover (71) and a base (72) in which a piston (73) slides. This piston is subjected to the pressure of the spring (74) (only the coil at its end is shown) and therefore tends to push back the cover (71) without any other acting force.

  The cover (71) of the measuring chamber is basically composed of a radial wall (711) having a central opening (712) and two cylindrical walls (713, 714). The first cylindrical wall (713) extends downward from the radial wall (711). The second cylindrical wall (714) is concentric with the first cylindrical wall and extends upward around the central opening (712) of the radial wall (711). In the assembled state, the upper end of the second cylindrical wall (714) preferably contacts the lower surface of the funnel-shaped portion (981) of the valve body, preferably with an annular ring (717) or other suitable sealing means in between. It touches. A third cylindrical wall (715) concentric with the two previous cylindrical walls and surrounding the second cylindrical wall receives the metering chamber (7) fixing means, preferably at the lower end of the valve body. , Provided. In the example shown here, the fixing means, on the other hand, is centered on the two radial tenons arranged in an arc shape on the outer surface of the lower end of the valve body (9) and the upper end of the inner surface of the third cylindrical wall (715). And two radial shoulders (718) arranged facing toward. The two tenons of the valve body, when assembled, fit into the back of the two shoulders (718) of the third radial wall of the metering chamber cover. The presence of the annular ring (717) enhances the seal.

  The base (72) of the weighing chamber is constituted by a cylindrical wall (721) whose bottom is closed by a radial wall (722). The inner diameter of the cylindrical wall (721) of the base (72) substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the first cylindrical wall (713) of the cover (71). These two elements of the weighing chamber can be connected to each other by any suitable means. In the example shown here, they are four arcuate tenons (723) arranged at equal intervals around the cylindrical wall (721) of the base (72) and the first cylindrical wall (71) of the cover (71). 713) and the same number of shoulders (716) provided by connecting tenon (723) to the back of these shoulders. Needless to say, the radial wall at the bottom of the weighing chamber can be separate from the rest of the weighing chamber.

  The piston (73) is basically a radial wall (which has no channel opening unlike the valve of European Patent No. 10996647) which is fixed to the cylindrical ring (732). 731) and a spring (74) that enters the cylindrical ring and abuts the lower surface of the radial wall, or in the case shown here, is lower in height than the cylindrical ring (732). The spring is in contact with the radial rib (733) extending from the radial wall. A shoulder (734) formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical ring (732) ensures a seal between the piston (73) and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall (721) of the base (72) of the weighing chamber. When the metering chamber is filled, the air under the piston (73) inside the base (72) is compressed.

  An annular valve seal (5a) is arranged at the bottom of the dome between the bottom and the top surface of the valve body.

  The chamber seal (5b) is disposed within the axial flow path (95) of the valve body and is supported on the upper surface of the first set of ribs (96). This is held in this position by the spacer (3). The chamber seal (5b) is annular. Its outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the axial flow path (95) above the first set of ribs (96). The inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the stem (4) at the first radial hole (45) and the second radial hole (443). The chamber seal (5b) has two parallel radial grooves (51b, 52b) on its inner surface, which are arranged one above the other. The height of the lower groove (51b) is greater than or equal to the axial distance between the first radial hole (45) and the second radial hole (443) of the stem. In practice, the second radial groove (52b) has no role and could be omitted. Its existence is justified only because the assembly of the valve is simplified. Due to the symmetry of the part with respect to the central radial plane, it is possible to mount it in the valve body in either direction.

  In the state where the valve is attached, the measuring chamber (7) fixed to the lower part of the valve body (9) can be seen from the bottom to the top. The stem (4) is disposed in the valve body (9) and is pushed back to the upper position by the spring (8), and the spring is on one side to the shoulder (441) of the stem (4). The other side is supported by the upper surface of the collar (98). The chamber seal (5b) is blocked in the axial flow path (95) between the upper surface of the ribs of the first set (96) and the spacer (3). 95). The upper ring (91) of the valve body is fixed to the cup (2) by, for example, crimping with a valve seal (5a) surrounding the upper portion of the stem (4) interposed therebetween. This seal in particular ensures a seal between the area below it and the area above it.

  In order to allow the product in the pouch (11) or vial to enter and exit the weighing chamber, it is provided with an inlet passage and an outlet passage, the inlet and outlet passages being Correspondingly, an inlet closing means and an outlet closing means for closing these passages are respectively provided. When each closing means is open, the inlet passage is connected to the interior of the pouch or to the interior of the vial when there is no pouch and the measuring chamber, while the outlet passage is connected to the interior of the measuring chamber and the stem. To the upper central flow path (42).

  The inlet passage includes an inlet orifice (99) formed in the valve body, an orifice formed by the funnel-like portion (981) of the valve body collar (98), and a second cylindrical wall (714), and further metering It is constituted by an orifice (712) of a chamber cover (71). The inlet passage can be seen clearly in FIG. 3b, for example, and is indicated by an arrow in this figure. This means for closing the inlet passage is constituted by a tenon-like lower end of the second cylindrical wall (44) of the stem, which, when the stem (4) is brought down sufficiently low, The opening of the part (981) and the annular ring (717) is closed tightly. The closing of the inlet passage by the inlet closing means can clearly be seen in FIGS. 4b and 5b.

  The outlet passage consists of the orifice (712) of the cover (71) of the metering chamber and the second cylindrical wall (714), the funnel-shaped part (981) of the collar (98) of the valve body, the lower center of the stem A second set (443) of channels (442) and radial holes, a first annular groove (51b) of the chamber seal (5b), a first set (45) of radial holes, and an upper central channel (42). The outlet passage is clearly visible in FIG. 4b and is indicated by an arrow in this figure. The outlet passage closing means is constituted by the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the chamber seal (5b), which is aligned with the two sets of radial holes (45, 443) with the first annular groove (51b). When out of state, it forms a tight barrier between these two sets of holes, thereby closing the outlet passage. The closure of the outlet passage can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3b and 5b.

  When the valve is in the closed position, the radial hole (48) of the third cylindrical wall (46) of the stem is located above the valve seal (5a), ie outside the valve. The radial hole (45) at the bottom of the upper central channel (42) faces the upper groove (52b) of the chamber seal (5b) (or if there is no second annular groove, the hole is The second radial hole (443) is at a position facing the lower groove (51b), while the second radial hole (443) is at a position (facing the wall of the closing chamber seal). In this way, the two sets of radial holes are separated from each other and there is no communication between the lower central channel (442) and the upper central channel (42) of the stem (4). The stem tenon (44) enters the orifice of the collar (98) but does not connect to the base of the funnel-shaped portion (981) and the annular ring (717). Therefore, there is nothing blocking the passage between the inside of the pouch (11) and the measuring chamber. This passage passes through a radial hole (99) called the inlet orifice and through the space between the funnel-shaped portion (981) of the collar (98) and the lower end of the tenon (44), and finally in the metering chamber. Proceed through the central orifice (712) of the cover.

  In this position, the product compressed in the pouch by gas outside it, for example to about 8 bar, enters the axial flow path (95) through the orifice (99) and passes through the end of the tenon (44). Passing through the funnel-shaped portion (981) and pushing through the central orifice (712) of the cover (71) of the metering chamber by pushing the piston (73) against the action of the spring (74). On the valve body side, the product moves up the axial flow path (442) at the bottom of the stem to fill the lower part of the valve body. However, it is blocked by the chamber seal (5b) in the valve body at the position of the stem inside the groove (51b) below the chamber seal. The product cannot fill the valve and fills the weighing chamber.

  When the valve is actuated, ie when pressure is applied to the top of the stem, the stem moves down. To empty the metering chamber, the stem is to be lowered to an intermediate position between an upper position, i.e. a closed position, and a lower position, i.e. a short-circuit position.

  In this intermediate position, the stem is lowered so that the radial hole (48) of the third cylindrical wall of the stem is also in a position above the valve seal (5a). The radial hole (45) in the lower part of the upper central flow path (42) of the stem is formed in the lower annular groove (51b) in the same manner as the radial hole (443) in the upper part of the lower central flow path (442). It is made a position facing each other. Thus, they communicate with each other. At this time, the lower end of the tenon (44) enters the funnel portion (981) of the collar and closes the central orifice of the collar tightly.

  In this position, the center hole of the collar is tightly closed by the tenon (44), thereby closing the inlet passage between the radial inlet hole (99) and the metering chamber, so that the product is no longer in the pouch (or vial). It will not be possible to flow from the bottle) to the weighing chamber. On the other hand, the measuring chamber is connected to the outside, the pressure is reduced, and the spring (74) pushes the piston (73) back toward the upper end of the measuring chamber. In this way, the product is released. The product first goes up the lower channel (442) of the tenon (44) through the channel formed in the outlet opening (712) and the second cylindrical wall (714) of the cover (71). Circulate through the lower groove (51b) of the chamber seal (5b) through the tenon hole (443) and through the hole (45) in the lower part of the upper central channel (42) of the stem. Up the flow path and out of the valve. In this way, only the amount of product in the weighing chamber can be released. At most, the amount of product required to fill the dead volume formed by the path inside the lower central flow path (442) and the upper central flow path (42) is insufficient at first use. In subsequent use, this dead volume is already filled with product, so that the amount released will exactly match the volume of the metering chamber (7).

  When the pressure on the valve is released, the spring (8) pushes the stem (4) upward, the stem returns to its initial position and the metering chamber is filled again.

  It should be noted that regardless of the position of the stem, the product in the pouch enters the side channel (931) of the fin (93) of the valve disc and passes through the orifice (94) to the valve seal ( 5a) and the room seal (5b). However, this space is tightly closed and the products in it cannot escape.

  In some cases, it may be useful to bypass the metering chamber (7), for example, to remove a much larger dose of product. In such a case, by applying a larger pressure to the upper surface of the stem, it is possible to lower the intermediate position to the lowest limit position. In this case, the radial hole (48) of the third cylindrical wall (46) of the stem passes under the valve seal (5a) and is thus connected to the inside of the valve body. The radial hole (45) faces the lower groove (51b) of the chamber seal, while the radial hole (443) is in the position of the first and second sets of ribs (96, 97). In this way, the upper central channel (42) and the lower central channel (442) are separated from each other again. The tenon (44) penetrates more deeply into the funnel-shaped portion of the collar (98), maintaining a tight closure of the central hole in the collar.

  In this extreme position, the inlet and outlet passages are closed, and the metering chamber is not only disconnected from the pouch (11) but also externally. It cannot be filled or emptied. On the other hand, the product in the pouch (or vial) exits through the valve by the fin side channels. The product is pushed into the side channel (931) of the fin (93), passes through the orifice (94) connecting the upper end of the channel (931) and the inside of the upper ring (91) and enters the ring. Then, it passes between the ribs (31) of the spacer (3), passes through the hole (48) formed in the third cylindrical wall (46) of the stem, and exits through the annular channel (47).

  It is noted that it is possible to fill the pouch in the production of pressurized vials at this lowest extreme position, short circuited away from the weighing chamber.

  If a short circuit position is not required, the fins may be retained to facilitate welding of the pouch (11), but the stem third cylindrical wall (46) and the side flow path of the valve body (931) can be omitted. In this case, the stem moves only between the upper position where the stem is closed and the middle position where the stem is opened, and this middle position becomes the second extreme position.

  Also, a pouch is not essential. It can be assumed that the product in the vial is removed directly. In such cases, the valve can be used upside down (with the valve positioned below the vial). However, if it must be used in position (with the valve positioned above the vial), it connects to the radial opening (99) at the bottom of the valve body and the side channel (931) of the fin It is necessary to provide a dip tube.

  In the embodiment shown here, the radial holes (45, 443, 48, 99) are shown in pairs. It is possible to have one each, or conversely more than two.

  The metering valve of the present invention can be used in any position, particularly with a pouch (11). The presence of the spring (74) pressing the piston (73) ensures a quick and complete release of the product from the weighing chamber. Since the weighing chamber is filled from the upper end through the path used for discharging the product, even if the use of the pouch is omitted, there is no fear that it will be empty between uses.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Metering valve 11 Flexible pouch 2 Cup 21 Outer seal 22 Dome 3 Spacer 31 Outward radial rib 4 Stem 41 First cylindrical wall 42 Upper central flow path 43 Barrier 44 Second cylindrical wall / tenon 441 Circular shoulder 442 Lower central flow path 443 Second set of radial holes 45 First set of radial holes 46 Third cylindrical wall 47 Annular flow path 48 Third set of radial holes 49a First stopper 49b Second Stopper 5a valve seal 5b chamber seal 51b lower annular groove 52b upper annular groove 7 measuring chamber 71 cover 711 radial wall 712 central orifice 713 first cylindrical wall 714 second cylindrical wall 715 third cylindrical wall 716 Shoulder portion 717 for fixing the base portion 717 annular ring 718 Shoulder portion for fixing the valve body 72 Base portion 721 Cylindrical wall 7 2 Radial wall 723 Tenon 73 Piston 731 Radial wall 732 Cylindrical ring 733 Radial rib 734 Shoulder 74 Piston spring 8 Stem spring 9 Valve body 91 Upper ring 92 Main part 93 Fin 931 Side flow path 94 Orifice 95 Axial direction Channel 96 First set of ribs 97 Second set of ribs 98 Collar 981 Funnel-shaped portion 99 Radial hole

Claims (15)

A metering valve (1) for a pressurized vial comprising a valve element (9) in which a valve part (4) is slidable, a metering chamber (7), and the valve part (4). Means for moving between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the metering chamber (7) is connected to the inside of the vial while attached to the vial, In the open position, the measuring chamber (7) is disconnected from the inside of the vial while being disconnected from the outside of the vial, and is connected to the outside of the vial. The metering valve
The weighing chamber (7) is fixed at its upper end to a portion of the valve body (9) that is attached to the vial and is located inside the vial. An inlet passage (99, 981, 714, 712) connected to the inside and the measuring chamber is provided, and an outlet passage (712, 714, 442, 443, 51b, 45, 42) is provided between the measuring chamber and the outside of the valve. An inlet closing means is provided for closing the inlet passage when the valve portion (4) is in the open position, and closing the outlet passage when the valve portion (4) is in the closed position Outlet closing means are provided for
The valve portion can be moved beyond the open position to a third position called a short-circuit position, and a third passage called a short-circuit path connecting the inside of the vial and the outside of the valve ( 931, 94, 31, 48, 47) and short-circuit closing means (5a) for closing the short-circuit path when the valve portion (4) is in the closed position or the open position. And   The measuring valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit path is connected to the inside of the vial and the outside of the valve without passing through the measuring chamber.   If the short-circuit path does not pass through at least a part of the inlet passage and / or the outlet passage, the inlet closing means and / or the outlet closing means are in the closed position when the valve portion is in the short-circuit position. 3. Metering valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   4. Metering valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inlet closing means and the outlet closing means are independent of each other. The inlet passage is formed in at least one hole provided in a region of the valve body wall connected to the inside of the vial or the pouch (11) and to the wall (98) inside the valve body (9). An orifice provided, and an orifice (712) provided in the measuring chamber (7),
The inlet closing means is constituted by a lower end of the valve part in the form of a cylindrical tenon (44), the radial cross section of which corresponds to the inner dimension of the orifice of the wall (98), When the tenon enters the orifice, it closes it tightly, and the wall (98) is preferably funnel-shaped (981) at its end towards the metering chamber (7). The metering valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it takes the form of a collar (98) in the form of).   6. Metering valve (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that sealing means, preferably an annular ring (717), are arranged below the orifice provided in the wall (98). The outlet passage is provided in an orifice (712) provided in the measuring chamber (7), an orifice provided in a wall (98) inside the valve body (9), and the valve portion (4). A lower central flow path (442) and an upper central flow path (42) separated from each other by a barrier (43); and the interior of the upper central flow path (42) and the valve provided on the wall of the valve portion At least one orifice (45) connected to the outside of the part, and provided on the wall of the valve part (4), and connected to the inside of the lower central flow path (442) and the outside of the valve part (4) And at least one orifice (443) and a communication passage (51b) provided to connect the at least one orifice (45) and the at least one orifice (443),
The outlet closing means is constituted by a chamber seal (5b) comprising an annular wall in which the valve part is slidable, and the chamber seal (5b) has at least one annular groove (51b) on its inner surface. The height of the groove is such that the at least one orifice (45) provided in the upper central flow path (42) and the at least one orifice provided in the lower central flow path (442) (443) is at least equal to a vertical distance between the at least one orifice (45) of the upper central flow path and / or the lower central flow path when the valve is in the closed position. At least one orifice (443) is closed by the inner surface of the annular wall, thereby closing the outlet passage and when the valve is in the open position, the upper central flow. The at least one orifice (45) and the at least one orifice (443) of the lower central channel open into the annular groove (51b), thereby opening the outlet passage. A metering valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The measuring chamber has a cylindrical portion (721), and an end opposite to the valve body called a lower end thereof is closed by a radial wall (722) called a radial lower side wall, and an upper end thereof. The end facing the valve body, which is referred to as a radial valve, is closed by a radial wall (711), called a radial upper side wall, and a piston (73) inside the cylindrical part (721) is connected to the two radial walls. 8. A metering valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is slidable between the two, thereby defining a metering volume.   The radial upper side wall (711) of the weighing chamber has an opening (712), the piston is slidable between the two radial walls (722, 711) of the cylindrical portion, and the weighing chamber A spring (74) between the radial lower side wall (722) and the piston (73) of the first side of the radial upper side wall (711) provided with the opening. ) Metering valve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that it is pushed back against).   The cylindrical part (721) forming the weighing chamber on one side and the radial upper side wall (711) and / or the radial lower side wall (722) on the other side are separate parts that can be assembled or separated from each other. 10. Metering valve (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises means (716, 723) for fixing the wall to the cylindrical part (721).   A flexible pouch (11) is welded to the valve body (9) so as to surround the measuring chamber (7), the inlet passage, the outlet passage, and, if necessary, the starting point of the short-circuit path. 11. Metering valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that   The valve portion (4) includes a first cylindrical wall (41) called an upper cylindrical wall that forms a first axial flow path (42) called an upper flow path, and a second axial flow path (442). And a second cylindrical wall (44) forming the two axial flow paths separated from each other by a barrier (43), the upper flow path (42) Opened at its upper end by an axial opening, on the side of the barrier (43) by at least one radial opening (45) and opening to the outer surface of the valve part, the lower flow path (442) is Opened at its lower end by an axial opening and on the side of the barrier (43) by at least one radial opening (443) opening on the outer surface of the valve part, the valve part preferably Limits its movement towards or outside the valve body (9) At least one annular stop for (49a, 49b) and, characterized in that it comprises on its outer periphery, the metering valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11 (1). The valve portion (4) includes a third cylindrical wall (46) that at least partially surrounds the first cylindrical wall (41) concentrically so as to form an annular flow path (47). The flow path (47) is separated from the two flow paths and includes an axial opening at an end called an upper end thereof, and further includes an inside of the annular flow path (47) and an outside of the valve section. At least one radial hole (48) leading to
The valve body (9) and the valve portion (4) are dimensioned so that the valve portion (4) can move beyond the open position to a position called a short-circuit position,
The valve body (9) includes a valve seal (5a) disposed on the side opposite to the measuring chamber, and in the state where the valve is attached, the annular flow path ( 47) the at least one radial hole (48) is located outside the vial, and in the open position of the valve, the at least one radial hole (48) of the annular channel is the valve seal ( 5a) is closed by this or located outside the vial, and in the short circuit position of the valve, the at least one radial hole (48) of the annular channel (47) is 13. Metering valve (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that it is positioned so as to be located on the opposite side to the outside of the valve seal (5a).   The valve body (9) includes a chamber seal (5b) disposed in the valve body (9), and in the closed position of the valve, the at least one of the upper flow paths (42) of the valve portion. A radial hole is positioned at the height of the chamber seal (5b) and closed thereby, the annular stopper (49a) being in close contact with the chamber seal (5b), 13. Metering valve (1) according to 13.   At least one side flow path (931) is provided on the outer surface of the valve body (9), and the side flow path (931) is attached to the vial or the pouch ( 11) A first opening that opens into the inside of the valve body, and a second opening (94) that opens into the valve body between the valve seal (5a) and the chamber seal (5b). 15. Metering valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is characterized in that

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