AUTOMATIC CLOSURE VALVE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION i The present invention relates to an automatic closing valve for the expulsion of a fluid product. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A typical application of automatic shut-off valves are containers, in which the expulsion of a fluid content is done when the container is tightened. A
example of this are flexible bottles for body care. When the user produces the reduction of the internal volume of the flexible bottle, the pressure of the bottle rises, in such a way that the product contained for example a liquid soap leaves through the valve. Thanks to
The effect of the automatic closing of the valve prevents the content from coming out inadvertently without the application of pressure, even when the container is not closed with a lid and even when the product exerts the force of its weight on the exit area of the valve . From DE 102 17 363 A1 an automatic valve for distributing a liquid or pasty product is known. The valve includes a valve membrane that has a convex shape towards the product. The membrane of the valve is formed on the side of the bode with a ring of
clamping formed by means of over-molding. For one
regular expulsion of the product the valve membrane is supported by means of a plate. The plate in turn is retained with an elastic arm, which requires a more complicated construction of the valve. Another disadvantage of this solution is that air compensation is inhibited, in particular due to the plate, in such a way that the container must have a high recovery force. From DE 196 13 130 Al is aware of an automatic closing cap with a closing membrane for distributing a fluid product in a compressible component. The closure membrane in the state in which it has not yet been operated has a lower support edge and a closure cover which extend concavely in essentially the product exit direction. In the case of a product ejection process, the opening slots in the closing membrane are opened from a certain pressure and in an almost sudden manner. At the end of the process of expulsion of the product, a recovery of the container occurs, in such a way that the closing membrane returns to the concave state of departure. With this there is a separation of the opening grooves inward, in such a way that the air is sucked again. To improve air re-aspiration, slots can be placed between the closure membrane and its support. The disadvantages of this solution are the reduced hermeticity and the high
pressure, which is required for the re-aspiration. To obtain a high rebreathing effect, the containers must be provided with a corresponding elastic effect. This requires a high expenditure of material for the container, which increases production costs. From EP 0 388 828 A1 an automatic shut-off valve with a disk-shaped valve membrane is known. The valve membrane has a medium outlet opening, which sits on the stop disk and seals with it. This solution does not present the possibility of recovery of recovery. DE 43 29 808 C2 discloses an automatic closing plug for a container or a tube, in which an outlet opening in a lid is closed by means of a closing rod. In the case of an increase in pressure, the closing rod moves inward, in such a way that an outlet hole is released and the product can exit through that outlet orifice. However for this the air must be compressed in a hollow space closed below the closing rod, since this can not come out. As a result, a very high pressure is required for the closing rod to release the outlet orifice, so that the valve has little application. In addition this solution does not present the possibility of sucking air, so that it is only suitable for certain products.
DE 195 80 254 B4 discloses an automatic shut-off valve with a diaphragm valve membrane. The valve membrane also has a medium outlet orifice, which rests on a disc-shaped support and which is sealed with it. Upwards the valve membrane is supported by a support flange, on which it rests from below on a radial outer support section. A rod can be formed on the disc-shaped support which, in the closed position, is inserted into the outlet orifice and thus makes reliable sealing possible. The lateral support section of the valve membrane can be made such that in the event of a re-aspiration, it deforms inwardly, thereby producing an air flow for the re-aspiration. However, such deformation requires a high pressure, so that the walls of the containers must have correspondingly high recovery forces. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The task of the present invention therefore consists of an automatic shut-off valve for the expulsion of a fluid product, which has a simple and very economical construction and which only requires a reduced negative pressure for the re-aspiration of the fluid. air. Furthermore, a good sealing effect of the valve is desired in order to safely avoid unwanted leaks of small quantities
of the fluid product. This task is solved by means of an automatic shut-off valve according to appended claim 1. In the case of the automatic shut-off valve, a valve membrane for ejecting the product moves from a closed position to an ejection position. In the closed position the exit orifice of the valve membrane is closed by means of a stop. In the exit position the ejection orifice is separated from the stop and opens. The outer periphery of the valve membrane forms a peripheral edge, which in the ejected position is sealed against a bearing ring. Between the peripheral edge and a lateral guide a free space is formed, through which during the distension of the container closed with the valve, the air can be re-aspirated. A special advantage of this invention is that a very simplified construction and a clearly improved air re-aspiration can be obtained simultaneously. The valve membrane can be formed by means of a simple plate of synthetic material, which can be produced very economically. A container with the valve according to the invention does not need to have high recovery forces. The walls of the container can consequently be thin, so that it becomes possible to use the valve according to the invention with an amount
reduced material and economic production of containers. Other advantages, features and embodiments of the invention are apparent from the following description of various embodiments, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional representation of an automatic shut-off valve according to the invention; invention in four phases during transfer to an ejection position; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional representation of the valve shown in Figure 1 in three phases during air re-aspiration; Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of a fixing frame with wedge-shaped support bridges; Figure 4 shows a perspective representation of an alternative fixing frame with support bars; Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a reinforced mode of a valve membrane; Figure 6 shows a detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the valve membrane.
Detailed Description of the Invention Figure 1 shows cross-sectional representations of a preferred embodiment of an automatic shut-off valve 01 according to the invention in four phases during the transfer from a closed position to an expulsion position. Illustrations b) and c) of figure 1 show the transfer to the ejection position and figure d) of figure 1 shows the valve 01 in the ejection position. In general for the understanding of the figures it must be taken into account that the valve is configured to be mounted on a container (not shown), for example when placing on the neck of a flexible bottle. The valve 01 includes a valve membrane 02 with a circular outlet hole 03. The valve membrane 02 essentially has the shape of a disk spring and also exhibits comparable elastic properties. In the illustration a) of figure 1 a valve membrane 02 is shown in a position when the valve 01 is closed. In this closed position is the valve membrane 02 with its outlet hole 03 on a support plate 04. A round bearing surface 06 on the bearing plate 04 closes the ejection hole 03. In addition there is a sealing lip 07 of the valve membrane 02 loosely on a rod 08 of the support plate 04, and
that the rod 08 is inserted into the ejection hole 03. The cover of the rod 08 has the shape of a truncated cone and corresponds to a guide section 09 of the inner surface of the sealing lip 07. The shape of the valve membrane 02 in the closed position shown is turned inwardly and excluding the sealing lip 07 is in the form of a truncated cone cover. The valve membrane 02 can slide elastically, whereby a pre-tension is applied by means of the truncated cone shape and the sealing lip 07 which determines the deformation capacity. The internal periphery of the valve membrane membrane valve 02 is formed by means of a peripheral edge 11. The peripheral edge 11 is in the closed position (illustration a) in a stop ring 12. The valve membrane 02 is supported from above by means of the stop ring 12. A lateral movement of the valve membrane 02 is limited by means of a lateral guide 13. In the illustrated embodiment the stop rings 12 and the side guide 13 are joined together in a single piece, with which makes simple production possible. The stop ring 12 and the side guide 13 can also be formed in two pieces. In the embodiment shown, the lateral guide 13 and the support plate 04 are formed in two pieces. The lateral guide 13 and the support plate 04 can also form a single piece together. The
side guide 13 in the embodiment shown has a circular shape. However, the lateral guide can also be designed in such a way that it only leads to the valve membrane 02 only in certain peripheral points or sections. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stop ring 12 has an inclined transverse surface. The stop ring 12 can also be made perpendicular to the lateral guide 13. The peripheral edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 is located below the stop ring 12, so that the valve membrane 02 is sealed against the stop ring 12. The material or air inside the container (not shown) can flow through the hole in the support plate 14 into the ejection orifice 03 in the free space direction 15 to the area below the valve membrane. 02. The peripheral edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 preferably has the same thickness of material as the main part of the valve membrane 02. The peripheral edge 11 is not reinforced and does not have a special shape, for example by means of sealing lips additional The peripheral edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 simultaneously serves as the upper and lateral stop for the valve membrane 02. Between the lateral guide 13 and the peripheral edge 11 of the valve membrane 02, an orifice of the support plate 14 is formed. The free space 15
extends peripherally in the manner shown. In other embodiments, the free space can be formed into sections, when the valve membrane 02, for example, is driven laterally only at some points. The self-closing automatic closing valve 01 is, for example, particularly suitable for so-called flexible bottles, in which the manual compression of the bottle expels the fluid product. The automatic shut-off valve 01 is placed if in the hole provided for the output of the product. In the embodiment shown in figure 1 of the valve according to the invention, it has a 21, which can be placed in the hole of the bottle. The valve according to the invention can, however, be made as an integral component of the container. In the illustration b) of figure 1 the automatic shut-off valve 01 is shown in the state when the pressure inside the container rises slightly. This is obtained for example when the manual compression process for the expulsion of the product from the flexible bottle. The slight increase in pressure can occur when a force is applied to the bottle when it is taken by hand, without the expulsion of the product being desired. By means of the slightly elevated internal pressure, a force acts in the direction 16 on the valve diaphragm 02. This reduces the valve diaphragm 02 to a minimum. The lip
Sealing 07 due to the deformation of the valve membrane 02 is stuck with the rod 08 in the form of a truncated cone in the guide section 09, in such a way that a secure sealing between the rod 08 and the sealing lip 07 is guaranteed. the deformation of the valve membrane 02 simultaneously increases the support force of the valve membrane 02 on the stop ring 12, thereby reinforcing the sealing effect of the valve membrane 02 against the stop ring 12. Automatic shut-off valve 01 according to the invention has the advantage that no increase in pressure leads to the expulsion of the product. For example, during the opening and closing of a flexible surface, a cover can be fixedly placed on the flexible bottle. As a result, the internal pressure in the bottle rises slightly, however, the expulsion of the product is not desired. Furthermore, by means of the initial deformation of the valve membrane, the sealing of the valve membrane 02 increases, its transverse extension increases, in such a way that the sealing support is maintained on the rod 08. In the central area of the valve membrane 02 the seal of the valve membrane 02 remains in the case of a slight increase in pressure, even if the membrane has to be raised above the support surface 06. The illustration c) in figure 1 shows The valve
of automatic closing 01, in the case of a high pressure additionally in the container. The automatic shut-off valve 01 is about to change from the closed position to the ejection position. The high internal pressure causes the valve membrane 02 to deform in such a way that the truncated cone shape flattens out clearly. This is caused in particular because as a consequence of the high internal pressure a force is applied in the direction 17 on the valve membrane 02 below the sealing lip 07, which clearly elevates the valve membrane 02 in that area. However, the rod 08 is still sealed against the sealing lip 07. The illustration d) of FIG. 1 shows the automatic shut-off valve 01, when the internal pressure has increased to such an extent that the automatic shut-off valve 01 has changed to the expulsion position. The valve membrane 02, excluding the sealing lip 07, has reached an almost flat shape. In the embodiment shown, it has the shape of a very flat truncated cone, where this truncated cone is directed to the closed position in the opposite direction to the shape of a truncated cone. The automatic shut-off valve 01 can also be embodied in such a way that the valve membrane 02 in the ejection position has a truncated cone shape which corresponds to the shape opposite to the truncated cone of the closed position, but which has a
inclination clearly reduced. By changing the valve diaphragm 02 from the closed position to the ejection position, the valve diaphragm 02 is turned upside down. The conformation of the valve membrane 02 means that with this reverse turning process, a maximum of the force acting on the valve membrane 02 must be exceeded. By exceeding the maximum force produced by the reverse turning, the user can notice it and hear it. This improves the operational properties, especially the tactile handling of the flexible bottle provided with the automatic shut-off valve 01 according to the invention. As soon as the valve membrane 02 changes to the inverse truncated cone shape, it remains in this position even when the applied force is less. If the force is reduced below the threshold value, the valve membrane 02 suddenly returns to the truncated cone shape of the closed position. This results in a defined closing moment, which leads to a clean separation of the jet of compressed liquid, in such a way that dripping is continuously prevented. In the ejection position shown in illustration d) the sealing lip 07 is clearly separated from the stem 08, so that a large hole is formed between the sealing lip 07 and the stem 08. The product is expelled through the orifice holes of the support plate 14 on the support plate 04 and ejected to
through the ejection hole 03. An arrow 18 illustrates the flow direction of the product. The diameter of the sealing lip 07 determined by the diameter of the ejection hole 03 and with this the quantity and speed of flow of the product. The change from the closed position to the ejection position is carried out suddenly in the embodiment shown. This has the consequence that a flexible bottle with such automatic shut-off valve 01 during this process suddenly relaxes, at the moment that a marked elevated pressure is formed by means of the compression of the bottle. At that moment, a certain amount of product is expelled. The automatic shut-off valve 01 and the flexible bottle can have dimensions such that the amount of product ejected suddenly represents the amount of product typically used. Thus the user can intuitively eject a typical usage amount of the product. If a larger quantity is desired then after the sudden change of the automatic shut-off valve 01 to the ejection position, the bottle must continue to be compressed. Since the maximum force to change to the ejection position has already been exceeded, a small effort is required to eject large quantities of the product. Figure 2 shows cross-sectional representations
of the automatic shut-off valve 01 in three phases during the transition from the closed position to a re-aspiration position. Figure a) of Figure 2 shows the automatic shut-off valve 01 in the closed position. Figure b) of Figure 2 shows the transition in the rebreathing position and Figure c) of Figure 2 shows the automatic shut-off valve 01 in the rebreathing position. The closed position shown in illustration a) of figure 2 is reached after the expulsion of the product is completed. In this state a high internal pressure is formed by the expulsion of the product. The valve membrane 02 has assumed its initial shape and position again. This is obtained for example when the user has stopped exercising the force to compress the bottle, so that the product is no longer ejected, however the force is still so high that the deformation of the bottle is maintained. In this state the volume of the bottle is less than the volume of the bottle not deformed. If the force to deform the bottle is completely removed, the elastic recovery forces of the walls act. Since the volume of the bottle during that time is reduced, a suction force is formed in the bottle. In the illustration b) of figure 2 a first effect of the suction is shown. Since the valve membrane 02
it is still sealed against the bearing surface 06 on the support plate 04 and against the stop ring 12, the suction still can not be compensated for by the inwardly flowing air and a reduced deformation of the valve membrane 02 occurs. For this, the valve membrane 02 has a very slight bulge towards the inside. This bulging does not increase with increasing suction, since the peripheral edge area of the valve membrane 02 reduces the section. Figure c) of Figure 2 shows the automatic shut-off valve 01, after the peripheral edge section of the valve membrane 02 has been stretched due to suction in the interior. Since the peripheral edge section of the valve membrane 02 is not supported and is not reinforced by means of a similar reinforcement or conformation, only a very small force is required for the foregoing. As a consequence, by means of the automatic shut-off valve 01 according to the invention, a re-aspiration of air with only a very small suction force is possible. In this re-aspiration position the valve membrane 02 is separated from the stop ring 12, so that it is no longer sealed against the stop ring 12. Subsequently, the outside air can flow inwardly through the orifice formed. This air flow is not prevented since a peripheral clearance 15 is formed between the valve membrane 02 and the 3. The air can flow almost without
impediments from the outside inwards and there compensate the existing suction force. The arrow 19 indicates the air flow. As soon as the suction has been completely eliminated, the flexible bottle is again in its initial form. Through the peripheral free space, sufficient air re-aspiration is ensured, when the sections of the free space 15 are closed by product residues. By means of the effect of re-aspiration, these fractions of the product are also re-aspirated into the bottle. This also applies to fractions of the product that remained outside the valve membrane 02, since a rebreathing effect also occurs there. The valve according to the invention in the embodiment described above consists mainly of two parts. This allows a simple and fast assembly, since the valve membrane must be sealed with a die. The membrane may preferably be of silicone or of a comparable soft synthetic material, while the fixing frames may be produced as injected parts of a more rigid synthetic material. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fixing frame 21. To better represent the particularities of the fixing frame, the membrane of the valve is not shown. On the plate
A number of support bars 22 are fixed to the support 04, which at an initial position shown here extend radially from the central rod 08 to the interior of the fixing frame 21. These support bars 22 serve mainly for the stabilization of the valve membrane , which in the closed position of the valve rests on sectors on the support bars 22. In tion, the support bars 22 increase the stability of the entire valve arrangement. Figure 4 shows the perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fixing frame 21. The essential difference to that of the embodiment shown in figure 3 is that instead of the support bars several support pins 23 are used, which are fixed to the support plate 04. The support pins 23 fulfill the same function as the bars, which is the stabilization of the valve membrane in the closed position of the valve. Of course, other profiles can also be provided within the fixing frame to control the position of the valve membrane and during the closing state. Depending on the design and the inherent rigidity of the valve membrane, a different number of support points is provided. The fixing frame including the side guide and the stop disk in an alternative embodiment may be
formed in one piece with the flexible bottle or similar container. Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the valve membrane 02. For certain materials / media that must be expelled through the automatic shut-off valve, it is advantageous when the stiffness of the valve membrane and / or the type of deformation can be adapted during the opening of the valve. For this, in the flat area of the valve membrane 02, reinforcing means 24 are provided, which for example extend radially and are evenly distributed. In alternative embodiments, weakened areas may be provided in the material to promote deformation of the membrane in the corresponding positions. Figure 6 shows in a detailed perspective view, another alternative embodiment of the valve membrane 02. There in the region of the ejection orifice 03 contour means 25 are formed, which normally extend to the open cross-section of the ejection orifice 03 or are provided in the wall in the area of the ejection hole 03. During the expulsion of a medium through the automatic shut-off valve a rope is formed by means of the contour means 25. Many suitable contouring means can be provided. . Preferred are the contour means 25 on the outer edge seen in the
direction of flow of the ejection hole 03- In the case of alternative embodiments, the contour means may also be introduced inwardly in the direction of flow, for example by profiling or grooving the walls. A groove of this type also has the advantage that the transfer of the membrane from the closed position to the ejection position is facilitated, since in the edge area the ejection hole 03 can be modified in the cross section. Advantageously, while it is not in use, the valve is covered with a cover, which is placed on the flexible bottle in a manner known per se. Reference list 01 automatic shut-off valve 02 valve diaphragm 03 ejection orifice 04 stop disk 05 - 06 abutment surface on top 07 stem 09 guide section 10 11 peripheral edge 12 stop ring 13 lateral guide
14 orifice of the support plate 15 free space 16 flow in the direction towards the valve membrane
Flow in the direction of the sealing lip 18 flow direction of the product 19 Direction of the breathed air flow 20 21 fastening frame 22 support bars 23 support pins 24 reinforcement means 25 contour means