U.S. patent application number 10/512007 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for self-closing valve.
Invention is credited to Udo Suffa.
Application Number | 20060037975 10/512007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29224738 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060037975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suffa; Udo |
February 23, 2006 |
Self-closing valve
Abstract
Self-closing valve (V) for dispensing a product, including a
liquid or pasty product (6), the valve having a valve diaphragm
(1), the valve diaphragm (1) being of convex shape, as seen from
the product side, at least in the dispensing region (2); and
wherein the valve diaphragm (1) has, on its periphery, a holding
ring (5) which is formed by encapsulation.
Inventors: |
Suffa; Udo; (Gefell/OT
Rottmar, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Martin A Farber
Suite 473
866 United Nations Plaza
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
29224738 |
Appl. No.: |
10/512007 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
April 14, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP03/03869 |
371 Date: |
August 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/490 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/32 20130101;
B65D 47/246 20130101; B65D 47/2081 20130101; B65D 47/2031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/490 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/38 20060101
B65D035/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 25, 2002 |
DE |
102 18 363.5 |
Claims
1-34. (canceled)
35. Self-closing valve (V) for dispensing a product, including a
liquid or pasty product (6), the valve having a valve diaphragm
(1), the valve diaphragm (1) being of convex shape, as seen from
the product side, at least in the dispensing region (2); and
wherein the valve diaphragm (1) has, on its periphery, a holding
ring (5) which is formed by encapsulation.
36. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the valve
diaphragm (1) has a dispensing slit (4), walls (4') of the
dispensing slit (4) opening in a gap-like manner on the product
side.
37. Self-closing valve according to claim 36, wherein the gap base
(8), and the slit walls (4') butt against one another.
38. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the convex
shape resists inner stressing to which the valve diaphragm (1) is
subjected.
39. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the valve
diaphragm (1) is of convex shape throughout as far as the
peripheral region (9).
40. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the holding
ring (5) is formed in a cross-sectionally U-shaped form in order to
enclose an outer periphery (10) of the valve diaphragm (1).
41. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein, extending
from the holding ring (5), are securing spigots (11) which engage
through the valve diaphragm (1).
42. Self-closing valve according to claim 40, wherein the U-legs
(12, 13) of the holding ring (5) are formed to be of different
lengths.
43. Self-closing valve according to claim 42, wherein the U-leg
(12) of the holding ring (5), which is directed away from the
product, is formed to be longer than the U-leg (13), which is
directed toward the product.
44. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the holding
ring (5) has a latching recess (19) for latching the valve (V) into
a dispensing container (14).
45. Self-closing valve according to claim 44, wherein the latching
recess (19) is associated with the U-web (24).
46. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the valve
diaphragm (1) consists of silicone.
47. Self-closing valve according to claim 46, wherein the valve
diaphragm (1) consists of TPE.
48. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the valve
diaphragm (1) is produced with the holding ring (5) by
two-component injection molding.
49. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the valve
diaphragm (1) consists of a plastics sheet material.
50. Self-closing valve according to claim 49, wherein the plastics
sheet material is multilayered.
51. Self-closing valve according to claim 50, wherein the plastics
sheet material is a material combination of the multilayered
plastics sheet material.
52. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein, on the
product side, the valve diaphragm (1), in its dispensing region
(2), has a plate part (25) positioned beneath it.
53. Self-closing valve according to claim 52, wherein the plate
part (25) is formed integrally with the holding ring (5).
54. Self-closing valve according to claim 52, wherein the plate
part (25) is attached resiliently relative to the valve diaphragm
(1).
55. Self-closing valve according to claim 52, wherein the plate
part (25) is attached to the holding ring (5) outside a dispensing
slit (4) of the valve diaphragm (1) in the radial direction.
56. Self-closing valve according to claim 55, wherein the
dispensing slit (4), along a diameter extent, projects beyond the
region of overlap with the plate part (25).
57. Self-closing valve according to claim 52, wherein on its
surface (26), which is directed toward the valve diaphragm (1), the
plate part (25) is of curved configuration in adaptation to the
convex profile of the valve diaphragm (1)
58. Self-closing valve according claim 52, wherein, with the
exception of resilient attachment arms (28), the holding ring (5)
has an outline in plan view which differs from the circular shape
of the plate part (25).
59. Self-closing valve according to claim 35, wherein the radius of
curvature of the valve diaphragm corresponds approximately to 0.8
to 1.4 times the chord height of the spherical segment shell of the
edge-secured valve diaphragm (1).
60. Self-closing valve according to claim 52, wherein the plate
part (25) is disposed such that it can be moved relative to the
valve diaphragm (1).
61. Container closure according to claim 35, wherein, integrally
formed on the container closure is a swing lid (32) which, in the
closed state, acts on the valve diaphragm (1) by way of a
holding-down means (36).
62. Container closure with a plate part according to claim 52,
wherein the plate part (25) and integrally formed resilient
attachment arms (28) can be pressed against one another with
closing action so as to prevent substance from escaping.
63. Container closure according to claim 62, wherein the plate part
(25) and the resilient arms (28) attached thereto can be adjusted
in relation to one another such that a closed state is achieved
independently of the valve diaphragm (1).
64. Container closure according to claim 62, wherein, integrally
formed on the plate part (25) is a radially outwardly projecting
closure shield (43) against which the resilient attachment arm (28)
can be drawn with closing action.
65. Container closure according to claim 62, wherein, integrally
formed on the holding ring (5) and/or a wall (44) of the dispensing
container (B) is an inwardly projecting closure shield (45) against
which a resilient attachment arm (28) can be drawn with closing
action.
66. Container closure according to claim 62, wherein, formed on a
resilient attachment arm (28) is a guide flange (46) which projects
on the product side and interacts with a run-on slope (47) of a
wall (44) of the dispensing container (B).
67. Self-closing valve (V) for dispensing a product which is a
liquid or pasty product (6), having a valve diagram (1), wherein
the valve diaphragm (1) has, on the periphery, a holding ring (5)
and, wherein, further the holding ring (5) has a latching recess
(19) for latching the valve (V) into a dispenser container
(14).
68. Self-closing valve (V) for dispensing a product, including a
liquid or pasty product (6), the valve having a valve diaphragm
(1), the valve diaphragm (1) being of convex shape, as seen from
the product side, at least in the dispensing region (2); and
wherein the valve diaphragm (1) has, on its periphery, a holding
ring (5) which encloses a periphery of the valve diaphragm.
69. The combination of a self-closing valve (V) and a container for
dispensing a product, including a liquid or pasty product (6), the
valve having a valve diaphragm (1), the valve diaphragm (1) being
of convex shape, as seen from the product side, at least in the
dispensing region (2); and wherein the valve diaphragm (1) has, on
its periphery, a holding ring (5) which encloses a periphery of the
valve diaphragm and secures the valve diaphragm to the container.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a self-closing valve for dispensing
an in particular liquid or pasty product, having a valve diaphragm,
the valve diaphragm being of convex shape, as seen from the product
side, at least in the dispensing region.
[0002] A self-closing valve of this type can be gathered from WO
95/26306. It is realized as an injection molding and is
incorporated in the end zone of a container closure. The periphery
of the curved valve diaphragm is thickened to form a
rear-engagement claw, so that, when the convex valve diaphragm
pushes out in a manner typical for dispensing purposes, the
arresting action achieved in this way is maintained. A stationary
supporting element is then located on the product side. The valve
diaphragm rests thereon. The valve diaphragm has a central
hole-like dispensing opening in which a plug of the supporting
element engages with sealing action. Located on the top side of
this dispensing region is a holding-down means, realized on a swing
lid of the container closure.
[0003] German patent application 100 63 522 discloses a
self-closing valve, the valve diaphragm of which is stamped out of
a planar sheet-like structure. The plate body, which is provided
with a slit at the same time, is clamped in a carrier in the manner
of an eardrum. With the knowledge of these given features, it has
been an object of the invention to form a self-closing valve of the
generic type in a structurally straightforward and functionally
reliable manner.
[0004] This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a
self-closing valve having the features of Claim 1, this being based
on the fact that the valve diaphragm has, on the periphery, a
holding ring which is formed by encapsulation.
[0005] A structurally straightforward self-closing valve which is
stable during use is achieved in this way. The holding ring acts
like a hoop. This ensures the convex shape of the valve diaphragm
produced from the planar-surface state. It may be made to have
extremely thin walls. Nevertheless, a body which can be handled,
and even stored, to very good effect is provided. The shrinkage
action which occurs during cooling also assists the dome-shaped
deformation of the valve diaphragm.
[0006] The subject matters of the rest of the claims are explained
hereinbelow with reference to the subject matter of Claim 1, but
may also be important in respect of their independent wording.
Thus, it is further proposed that the valve diaphragm has a
dispensing slit, walls of the dispensing slit opening in a gap-like
manner on the product side. The outer fiber in tension assists the
corresponding gaping action. In contrast, in the gap base, the slit
walls butt against one another, this being assisted by the fiber
under compression. The entire arrangement is such that the convex
shaping is associated with the inner stressing to which the valve
diaphragm is subjected. A uniform cap-like dome is produced as far
as the periphery since the valve diaphragm is of convex shape
throughout as far as the peripheral region. The holding ring here
forms the zone which is not involved in the pushing-out action. It
is possible to vary the pushing-out action, which is
correspondingly induced by the dispensing operation, by modifying
the ring width in order to achieve different actuating forces in
the dispensing region. The holding ring is suitably formed in a
cross-sectionally U-shaped manner in order fully to enclose an
outer periphery of the valve diaphragm. This results in an, as it
were, rotationally symmetrical shoe. A mechanical connection
between the holding ring and valve diaphragm which goes beyond the
positively locking surround may be carried out such that extending
from the holding ring are securing spigots which engage through the
valve diaphragm. Through-engagement sections can easily be realized
by, for example, a cross-slot. It is further provided that the
U-legs of the holding ring are formed to be of different lengths.
In one useful application, the U-leg of the holding ring which is
directed away from the product is formed to be longer than the
U-leg which is directed towards the product. The former has a
determining influence on the pushing-out action. For the purpose of
positioning the self-closing valve, the invention proposes that the
holding ring has a latching recess for latching the valve into a
dispensing container. This takes place on the end side. The
latching recess is located in the region which is most suitable for
stabilizing purposes, and is in the most favorable position, if the
latching recess is associated with the U-web. It is further
proposed that the valve diaphragm consists of silicone. Depending
on structural requirements, it may also be suitable for the valve
diaphragm to consist of TPE. In the presence of corresponding
features, it is also possible for the valve-forming parts to be
arrested on one another without the through-engagement of securing
spigots, by the valve diaphragm being produced with the holding
ring by two-component injection molding. The invention further
proposes that the valve diaphragm consists of a plastics sheet
material. It is possible here to make use of many materials which
are available on the market. An advantageous development is then
achieved by the plastics sheet material being multilayered. The
multilayered nature accounts for a variability in the hardness, the
resilience, adjustment to product properties, etc. Despite using a
material combination of the multilayered plastics sheet material,
it is ensured that the product cannot enter into the joints between
the layers. One configuration of even independent importance
consists in that, on the product side, the diaphragm, in its
dispensing region, has a plate part positioned beneath it. This
plate part acts as a baffle. It is thus possible, for example in
the case of positioning-induced impact loading and even when the
container is used as an upside-down container, for the product not
to force its way through the dispensing slit. Rather, the plate
part functions as a deflector. Under normal dispensing-type
loading, the valve diaphragm, in contrast, lifts off from the plate
part, so that the product can be dispensed in a deliberately
controlled manner. In structural terms, the procedure may be such
that the plate part is formed integrally with the holding ring.
This takes place, in relation to the valve diaphragm, preferably
with material through-engagement by way of the abovementioned
securing spigots. An advantageous configuration is achieved in that
the plate part is attached resiliently relative to the valve
diaphragm. In conjunction with the plate part, a kind of pressure
absorbing spring is present. It is further provided that the plate
part is attached to the holding ring outside the dispensing slit of
the valve diaphragm in the radial direction. At the same time,
pressure equalization can take place via said dispensing slit. In
addition, the procedure is such that the dispensing slit, along a
diameter extent, projects beyond the region of overlap with the
plate part. A further feature of the invention is that, on its
surface which is directed towards the valve diaphragm, the plate
part is of curved configuration in adaptation to the convex profile
of the valve diaphragm. This creates the same flow conditions both
for the product and in respect of the air equalization in the
opposite direction. It is then provided that, with the exception of
resilient attachment arms, the holding ring has an outline in plan
view which differs from the circular shape of the plate part. It is
correspondingly possible to use a configuration of selected
cross-section. A non-round configuration, at the same time, forms a
rotation-prevention means. Just a clamping force, however, is
generally sufficient as an effective rotation-prevention means. The
invention further proposes that the radius of curvature of the
valve diaphragm corresponds to 0.8 to 1.4 times the valve
diaphragm.
[0007] The invention then relates to a container closure which is
produced by plastics injection molding and has a self-closing
valve, a valve diaphragm and a plate part covering the valve
diaphragm on the product side, and it proposes that the plate part
is disposed such that it can be moved relative to the valve
diaphragm. It is also advantageous here for the plate part to be
spring-loaded relative to the valve diaphragm, in this case also
functioning as a pressure-absorbing spring. A further variant is
achieved in that the plate part is formed integrally with the
container closure, and in that the separately formed valve is
secured in the container closure. This accounts for a solution
which is particularly straightforward to produce. In a further
embodiment of this version, it is proposed that integrally formed
on the container closure is a swing lid which, in the closed state,
acts on the valve diaphragm by way of a holding-down means. This
also results in excellent product protection during storage and/or
shipping periods.
[0008] An advantageous development of the subject matter according
to Claim 18 consists in that the plate part and integrally formed
resilient attachment arms can be pressed against one another with
closing action so as to prevent substance from escaping. Degassing
can take place if need be. This is based on an iris-diaphragm-like
construction, in that the plate part and the resilient arms
attached thereto can be adjusted in relation to one another such
that a closed state is achieved independently of the valve
diaphragm. This is embodied, furthermore, in that integrally formed
on the plate part is a radially outwardly projecting closure shield
against which the resilient attachment arm can be drawn with
closing action and, furthermore, in that integrally formed on the
holding ring and/or the wall of the dispensing container is an
inwardly projecting closure shield against which the resilient
attachment arm can be drawn with closing action. The control means
here is such that formed on the resilient attachment arm is a guide
flange which projects on the product side and interacts with a
run-on slope of the wall of the dispensing container. A swing lid
or the like is superfluous. The rotary handle may be formed by
wing-screw-like formations of the holding ring, which is
nevertheless of round outline here, said holding ring thus being
given a further function to perform.
[0009] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more
detail hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment
illustrated in the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows, on an enlarged scale, a cross-section through
a basic version of a self-closing valve,
[0011] FIG. 2 shows, in section, the valve diaphragm on its own,
still in the planar-surface state,
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a section, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a
variant of the self-closing valve,
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the self-closing valve,
[0014] FIG. 5 shows the center of the valve on an enlarged scale,
showing a plate part secured via resilient attachment arms,
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a container closure in plan view, with the
swing lid open and a valve diaphragm not yet placed in
position,
[0016] FIG. 7 shows the section along line VII-VII in FIG. 6,
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the container closure,
likewise with the swing lid in the open position,
[0018] FIG. 9 shows an enlargement IX from FIG. 8,
[0019] FIG. 10 shows a vertical section through the center of the
container closure with associated valve,
[0020] FIG. 11 shows a lip position of the walls of the dispensing
slit which brings about the air equalization,
[0021] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a modified plate-part
arrangement,
[0022] FIG. 13 shows this plate-part arrangement in section,
and
[0023] FIG. 14 shows a largely schematic illustration, in section,
of a closing device including the pressure-absorbing spring.
[0024] The self-closing valve V has a valve diaphragm 1. This
comprises a patch of elastomeric material with recovery
properties.
[0025] The patch is punched out of a planar web, preferably in the
form of a circular disc in outline.
[0026] Waste-free punching can be achieved with hexagonal punch
cutting.
[0027] The center of the valve diaphragm 1 forms a dispensing
region 2, which merges into a peripheral arresting region 3.
[0028] The dispensing region 2 of the valve diaphragm 1 is defined
by a dispensing slit 4. The latter extends along the diameter of
the valve diaphragm 1. It may be executed at the same time as the
outline-forming punch cut and terminates at a sufficient spacing in
front of the arresting region 3.
[0029] Starting from the planar intermediate state (see FIG. 2),
the valve diaphragm 1 is curved convexly ( see, for example, FIG.
1). The correspondingly convex shaping can take place in the mold
utilizing a core configuration which follows the curved profile,
the flexible patch being drawn against the curved surface, in the
form of a spherical segment, in the arresting region 3. The valve
diaphragm 1 is thus provided with a frame in the form of a
peripheral holding ring 5 formed by encapsulation. Any possible,
even anchorage-assisting peripheral crimping is enclosed.
[0030] The holding ring 5 is formed, in respect of the peripheral
enclosure of the valve diaphragm 1, such that the valve diaphragm 1
of the self-closing valve V is curved towards the product side. The
product is designated 6 and is of in particular liquid or pasty
nature.
[0031] The convex curvature, as seen from the product side, causes
the dispensing slit 4 to gape open on the product side. This
produces a notch-like gap 7 in the dispensing slit 4. As can be
seen, the equal-surface-area walls 4' of the dispensing slit 4
diverge in the direction of the product 6 which is to be dispensed.
Use is made here of the curvature stressing which occurs as
gap-forming fiber in tension. In contrast, on the other side, that
is to say on the far side of the so-called neutral fiber, a
compressive action prevails, so that the edges of the slit walls 4'
butt against one another in the gap base 8. It is thus the case
that the convex shaping is associated with the inner stressing to
which the valve diaphragm 1 is subjected, especially since the
valve diaphragm 1 is of convex shape throughout as far as the
peripheral region 9.
[0032] In addition, the encapsulation of the holding ring 5 is
carried out with such a diameter-specific undersize that this also
provides an additional component for the curvature. Following the
injection-molding operation, cooling additionally results in a
shrinkage effect of approximately 1.7%. The said curvature is
additionally enhanced somewhat as a result.
[0033] The holding ring 5 is shaped in a cross-sectionally U-shaped
manner in order to enclose the peripheral region 9 including the
outer periphery 10 of the valve diaphragm 1. The U-legs are
designated 12, 13. The U-shape of the holding ring 5 may be
continued to form an additional mechanical arresting means, by
securing spigots 11 extending from the inside of the U-shaped
holding ring 5, these securing spigots engaging through the valve
diaphragm 1, parallel to the periphery, over an extremely short
path and preferably in close succession. Such a solution proves to
be advantageous, for example, when, on account of corresponding
material pairings, there is no intimate connection between the
valve diaphragm 1 and the holding ring 5. The through-engagement
openings for such securing spigots 11 are made, for example, in the
form of cross-shaped punchings.
[0034] The U-legs 12, 13 of the holding ring 5, which are curved
correspondingly at least at the regions of direct contact with the
valve diaphragm 1, are of different lengths. The U-leg 12 of the
holding ring 5, which is directed away from the product 6, is the
longer leg. The length ratio to the shorter U-leg 13 is
approximately 3:1. While the shorter U-leg 13 terminates bluntly,
the other U-leg 12 tapers in a lip-like manner, resting on the
inner surface of the valve diaphragm 1. This longer U-leg 12 here
provides a relatively large-surface-area, effective support in
relation to the operational loading occurring in the direction of
the arrow P. P corresponds to the dispensing direction. In this
direction, the dispensing region 2 of the valve diaphragm 1 pushes
out in the opposite direction to the basic position assumed, with
the gap 7 correspondingly opening in a lip-like manner for the
through-passage of the amount of product which is to be
dispensed.
[0035] The positive dispensing pressure is applied to the
dispensing container B, which has at least partially collapsible
wall sections in order for the so-called squeezing actuation to be
applied/exerted, and which can recover to the full extent.
[0036] The valve V is secured in the region of an end wall 14 of
the said dispensing container B. The end wall 14 may be formed
directly on the said dispensing container B or else on a container
closure 15 associated with the dispensing container B, see FIGS. 7
and 10. The end wall 14 forms an accommodating chamber 16 for
accommodating the valve V. The accommodating chamber 16 is provided
in the form of a depression. Its base is designated 17. A common
through-passage 18 for the product 6 which is to be dispensed and
for the air equalization is located centrally therein.
[0037] The actual, preferably irreversible valve-arresting means is
formed by a latching recess 19 of the holding ring 5. This latching
recess merges into a blocking nose 20. This is positioned beneath a
mating blocking nose 21, which projects into the region of the
accommodating chamber 16 and belongs to the correspondingly
radially inwardly extended end wall 14 of the dispensing container
B or of the container closure 15.
[0038] The back of the blocking nose 20 is provided with a run-on
slope 22 which assists assembly. The centrally located
through-passage 18 is circumscribed, on the top side of the base
17, by an annular sealing bead 23 provided thereon. The underside
of the valve diaphragm 1 presses, with slight resilient
prestressing, against the cutting-edge-like crest of this annular
sealing bead. A sealing location is thus provided here. The
resilient action which can be obtained from the elastic material of
the valve diaphragm 1, moreover, assists in the blocking-action
flanks of the blocking nose and mating nose 21 engaging against one
another. Accordingly, the valve V latches in perfectly. The
abovedescribed arresting means also proves advantageous from a
stabilizing point of view in that the latching recess 19 is
associated with the U-web 24 of the holding ring 5. Use is made of
the region with the greatest accumulation of material and
polydirectionality.
[0039] The valve diaphragm 1 preferably consists of silicone. It is
also possible, however, to use TPE. It is also conceivable for the
valve diaphragm 1 to be produced with the holding ring 5 by
two-component injection molding. The material selection may also be
determined to the greatest extent by the product 6 which is to be
dispensed, in particular also by the viscosity thereof. Instead of
forming the valve diaphragm 1 from a blank of a homogeneous
plastics sheet material, it is also possible for the plastics sheet
material to comprise a multilayered structure. It is possible here
to use in particular a combination of materials. It is, of course,
ensured that the individual layers are connected to one another in
a sealed manner, so that product 6 is prevented from passing
between the layers and escaping via the dispensing slit 4.
[0040] The self-closing valve V is then made more secure in a
further area. This is embodied in the provision of a baffle
associated with the valve diaphragm. It is thus no longer possible
for the content, or product 6, which strikes against the head of
the dispenser, for example, when the dispensing container B is
positioned upside down, to escape. Rather, proper dispensing of a
filling quantity is only possible by deliberate squeezing of the
dispensing container B. For this purpose, the procedure is such
that, on the product side, the valve diaphragm 1, at least the
actual dispensing region 2, has a plate part 25 positioned beneath
it.
[0041] The plate part 25 is of circular outline and is positioned
beneath the valve diaphragm to leave an axial spacing. This forms a
gap Sp in the mm range. Moreover, on its surface 26, which is
directed toward the valve diaphragm 1, the plate part 25 is of
(concavely) curved configuration in adaptation to the convex
profile of the valve diaphragm 1.
[0042] The plate part 25 is of the same thickness throughout.
Consequently, the surface 27, which is directed away from the valve
diaphragm 1, is thus also curved convexly in adaptation to the
convex profile of the valve diaphragm 1. This produces a laterally
deflecting flow component in the case of impact of the mass of
product 6. The corresponding dividing function all the way round in
a radially outward direction may also be further enhanced, for
example by the surface 27 having a more intensive curvature
profile.
[0043] The plate part 25 is disposed such that it can be moved,
preferably resiliently, relative to the valve diaphragm 1. The
corresponding resilient arms are designated 28. They function at
pressure-absorbing springs. There are in total in each case three
resilient arms 28, distributed at equal angles, in the region or
space of the annular through-passage 18. The resilient arms 25 are
of Z-shaped configuration, the Z-crossbar 29 following the central
region of the annular through-passage 18, to be precise
concentrically. Radially oriented attachment extensions 30 are
positioned at the end regions of the Z-crossbar 29. These
extensions form, as it were, the Z-legs. An inwardly directed
attachment extension 30 is rooted in the periphery of the plate
part 25; an attachment extension 30 of the same resilient arm 28 is
positioned at the periphery of the sunken base 17 of the end wall
14, this periphery outwardly bounding the through-passage 18. This
provides an integral connection with the container closure 15
and/or the dispensing container B.
[0044] However, with the exception of the resilient attachment arms
28, it is also possible for the plate part 25 to have a
non-circular outline in plan view, this also applying to the
holding ring 5, so that it is possible to cover a wide range of
different cross-sectional container shapes.
[0045] In the case of the valve V being formed separately, use is
made of the basic version in FIG. 1, in which case, as has already
been explained, the plate part 25 is added by way of the container
closure 15.
[0046] The procedure is different for the variant which can be
gathered from FIG. 3: in this case, the valve is preassembled with
the plate part 25. The designations from FIG. 1 have been carried
over analogously, in some cases without being repeated in the text.
It can be gathered that it is also the case here that the
dispensing region 2 has the plate part 25 positioned beneath it,
the gap Sp being left in the process. The functioning, otherwise,
is virtually identical. The plate part is provided by injection
molding, to be precise utilizing the formation of the holding ring
5. This supplies the material for the integral formation of the
plate part 25 on the holding ring 5.
[0047] The corresponding arresting elements are, once again,
securing spigots 31, as are discussed in respect of designation 11
and are formed in conjunction with the holding ring 5, in the
U-space of the same. Either the Z-crossbar 29 of the resilient
attachment arms 28, which are also realized here, and/or the
likewise provided, radially oriented attachment extensions 30 form,
by way of correspondingly selected cross-shaped punchings in the
punched valve diaphragm, the through-engagement holes for the
integral formation, which is, as it were, continued on the other
side, of the attachment means or material bridges on the centrally
located plate part 25.
[0048] The importance of the shrinkage action also has a bearing
here, this resulting in increasing curvature, which assists the
formation of the gap Sp, in respect of the plate part 25.
[0049] As can be gathered from FIG. 10, the plate part 25 is
attached to the holding ring 5 radially outside the dispensing slit
4 of the valve diaphragm 1. This radially outwardly directed
spacing corresponds, for all practical purposes, to the
through-passage 18, as has been discussed in respect of the basic
version. The designation is used correspondingly. As is illustrated
in FIG. 10, it is possible for the dispensing slit 4, along a
diameter extent, or diameter line, to project slightly beyond the
region of overlap with the plate part 25. This provides
venting-specific advantages in particular. It is also possible here
to utilize the flexibility achieved for the valve diaphragm 1,
since the defined curvature is more like a shallow shell. The
radius of curvature of the valve diaphragm 1 corresponds
approximately to 0.8 to 1.4 times the valve diaphragm 1. In
specific terms, the ratios in the exemplary embodiment illustrated
are such that the radius of curvature of the valve diaphragm 1
corresponds approximately to a fifth of the chord height of the
spherical-segment shell of the edge-secured valve diaphragm 1. The
arc of curvature extends over a sector angle of 85.degree.. The
dimensions can be gathered, for example, from FIG. 1, taking into
account a scale of 10:1, on which FIG. 1 is based.
[0050] Coming back to the container closure 15 of the dispensing
container B, it can be gathered from the drawings that the
container closure 15 has a swing lid 32. This is connected to a
closure cap 34 via a film hinge 33. The closure cap 34 may be
connected with sealing action to the neck of the dispensing
container B via threaded engagement 35. Initial use requires a
tamperproof seal 36 to be broken. The released position of the
latter is illustrated by chain-dotted lines in FIG. 7.
[0051] The swing lid 32 contains a holding-down means 37, which is
in the form of a cross-shaped spike and is integrally formed along
with the swing lid. In the closed state, this interacts with the
valve diaphragm 1 with a position-securing effect. Good transit
protection is thus provided. The act of the end side of the
holding-down means 36 bearing on the inside of the valve diaphragm
1 is secured as a result of a swing-lid eyelet 38 being arrested on
the pivoting-lever-like, stub-form tamperproof seal 36.
[0052] The entire arrangement is given good support from the inside
by the unit which comprises the plate part 25 and resilient
attachment arms 28 and functions as a pressure-absorbing
spring.
[0053] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a solution with a similar effect,
although in this case, instead of the resilient arms 28 in the form
of annular sections, axially supporting springs 39 are used and/or
act on the wall of the container closure 15 or of the dispensing
container B. These springs are located at the free ends of
three-pronged spokes 40 of the body, which in this case can be
inserted from the product side. The wall has axially oriented guide
grooves 41 accommodating the springs 39 and the ends of the spokes
40. This groove length is such that the resilient abutment is
achieved, as is the displacement of the plate part 25, which moves
back in the case of air equalization, in the direction away from
the valve V.
[0054] FIG. 14 represents the solution in the case of which the
plate part 25 and integrally formed resilient attachment arm 28 can
be pressed against one another with closing action so as to prevent
substance or product from escaping. This closure operates by the
axial displacement of lamellar elements. The closure manages
without a swing lid 32. It can be opened and closed by rotation.
For this purpose, the valve V, in the accommodating chamber 16 in
which it is guided, is rotated via an angle of the holding ring 5.
The holding ring 5 is given a further function to perform insofar
as it has been developed into an actuating handle. Wing-screw-like
protuberances 42 which are freely accessible for actuation provide
a configuration which is favorable for gripping purposes. The plate
part 25 and the resilient arms 28 attached thereto can be adjusted
such that the closed state is achieved independently of the valve
diaphragm 1. This is embodied, on the one hand, in that integrally
formed on the plate part 25 is a radially outwardly projecting
closure shield 43 against which the resilient attachment arm 28 can
be drawn with closing action, and that integrally formed on the
holding ring and/or on the wall 44 of the dispensing container B is
a radially inwardly projecting closure shield 45 against which the
resilient attachment arm 28 can be drawn axially with closing
action. It is possible for the resilient arm 28 to be configured as
an encircling helix and to extend as far as the holding ring 5 and
thus be drawn against correspondingly running blocking peripheries
of the closure shield 43, 45.
[0055] The resilient attachment arm 28 has a mushroom-shaped
configuration as seen in cross-section. It is, furthermore, widened
to a considerable extent on the head side, so that it accounts for
a relatively significant proportion of closing surface area in the
region of the through-passage 18. A guide flange 46 performs the
function of controlling the resilient attachment arms 28 for
closing and opening purposes. This guide flange projects on the
product side and effects its control via a run-on slope 47. The
latter is seated on the wall 44 of the dispensing container B. The
gradient of the run-on slope corresponds to the axially oriented
closing stroke.
[0056] Such a closure can provide for degassing and also the
abovedescribed intake of air for ventilation purposes.
[0057] Of course, the configuration of the self-closing valve V
which has been explained within the context of a dispenser
container is not restricted to the latter. Rather, the solution may
also advantageously be used in other fields, for example for tank
ventilation in a motor-vehicle tank-closure cap. With specific
technical adaptation, it can even be utilized cost-effectively for
bottles for babies or infants, bicycle bottles, etc.
[0058] It is also possible for the valve diaphragm 1 of the valve V
to be provided with a hole-like dispensing opening rather than a
dispensing slit 4, as is explained in the introduction in
conjunction with the cited document WO95/26306. Here too, a sealing
plug of the plate part 25, forming the elastic and/or resilient
supporting element, will engage in the central dispensing
opening.
[0059] All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the
invention. The disclosure contents of the associated/attached
priority documents (copy of the prior application) are hereby also
included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the
purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of
the present application.
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