U.S. patent application number 12/297209 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for self-closing valve.
This patent application is currently assigned to KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK WAIDHOFEN AN DER THAYA GMBH. Invention is credited to Hermann Goetz, Eberhard Kobke, Udo Suffa.
Application Number | 20120024913 12/297209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37982917 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120024913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suffa; Udo ; et al. |
February 2, 2012 |
SELF-CLOSING VALVE
Abstract
The invention relates to a self-closing valve for dispensing a
free-flowing product. The valve has a valve membrane with an
opening for dispensing and an encircling edge at the outer
perimeter, wherein the valve membrane is able to switch between a
closed mode, a dispensing mode, and a back suction mode due to
pressure differences produced. There is also a stopper on which the
valve membrane lies in the closed mode and in the back suction mode
so that the dispensing opening is closed, and from which it is
lifted in the dispensing mode. The valve includes a stop ring, on
which the encircling edge of the valve membrane lies as a seal
during the closed mode and from which it is lifted in the back
suction mode, and a lateral channel that extends axially, wherein
at least parts of the encircling edge are opposite the valve
membrane, and the encircling edge is movable axially on the lateral
channel to switch to back suction mode, in which a gap is created
between the encircling edge and the lateral channel.
Inventors: |
Suffa; Udo; (Forltz-Gefell,
DE) ; Kobke; Eberhard; (Marktrodach, DE) ;
Goetz; Hermann; (Neustadt bei Coburg, DE) |
Assignee: |
KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK WAIDHOFEN AN DER
THAYA GMBH
Thaya
AT
|
Family ID: |
37982917 |
Appl. No.: |
12/297209 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
April 11, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2007/053528 |
371 Date: |
July 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2081
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/38 20060101
B65D035/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 13, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 017 957.9 |
Claims
1. Self-closing valve for dispensing a free-flowing product,
comprising: a valve membrane, which has the shape of a disk spring,
with an opening for dispensing and a level encircling edge at the
outer perimeter, wherein the valve membrane is able to switch
between a closed mode, a dispensing mode, and a back suction mode
due to pressure differences produced; a stop disk lying
transversely to the axis of symmetry of the valve, with a bearing
surface, on which the valve membrane lies in the closed mode and in
the back suction mode so that the dispensing opening is closed, and
from which it is lifted in the dispensing mode; a stop ring, on
which the encircling edge of the valve membrane lies as a seal
during the closed mode and from which it is lifted in the back
suction mode; a lateral guide that extends axially, and at least
parts of the encircling edge of the valve membrane are opposite it
at the periphery, while the encircling edge can move axially on the
lateral guide to switch to the back suction mode, in which a gap is
created between the encircling edge and the lateral guide; wherein
the valve membrane shaped as a disk spring is cambered in the
closed position in the direction of the stop disk and in the
dispensing position it has a cambering inverted relative to the
closed position.
2. The self-closing valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve
membrane and the dispensing opening are circular and concentric in
configuration.
3. The self-closing valve according to claim 2, wherein the stop
disk has a pin with an envelope surface in the shape of a truncated
cone, and the pin projects into the dispensing opening in the
closed position.
4. The self-closing valve according to claim 3, wherein the
dispensing opening has a sealing lip at its periphery, and at least
parts of the inner surface of the sealing lip conform to the
truncated cone shape of the pin.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. The self-closing valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve
membrane is made from a silicone plastic or a thermoplastic
elastomer.
8. The self-closing valve according to claim 1, wherein the stop,
the stop ring and the lateral guide are made as a single piece.
9. The self-closing valve per according to claim 8, wherein the
stop disk, the stop ring and the lateral guide are made as a single
piece with an outer fastening frame, which can be fastened in the
bottle neck opening of a squeeze bottle.
10. The self-closing valve according to claim 8, wherein the stop
disk, the stop ring and the lateral guide and the outer fastening
frame are made as a single piece with a container in which the
free-flowing product is kept.
11. The self-closing valve according to claim 1, wherein further
support means are provided on the stop, on which the valve membrane
rests by segments in the closed position.
12. The self-closing valve according to claim 1, wherein stiffening
means are provided on the valve membrane.
13. The self-closing valve according to claim 12, wherein the
stiffening means are arranged between the bearing surface and the
encircling edge.
14. The self-closing valve according to claim 1, wherein contouring
means are provided on the valve membrane, which project into the
dispensing opening and/or are arranged in the wall of the
dispensing opening.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention concerns a self-closing valve for the
dispensing of a free-flowing product.
[0002] A typical application for self-closing valves are containers
in which the dispensing of a free-flowing contents occurs by
squeezing the container. One example of this are so-called squeeze
bottles for skin care products. Thanks to the reduction of the
inner volume of the bottle when it is squeezed by the user, the
pressure inside it increases, so that the contents, such as a
liquid soap, are dispensed through the valve. Thanks to the
self-closing action of the valve, the contents are prevented from
escaping unintentionally without this pressure increase, even when
the container is not closed with a cap and even when the product
bears by its gravity against the dispensing zone of the valve.
[0003] A self-closing valve for the dispensing of a liquid or
pastelike product is known from DE 102 18 363 A1. The valve
includes a valve membrane, which is shaped convex in the direction
of the product. The valve membrane is formed with a support ring at
the margin, shaped by extrusion. For a proper dispensing of the
product, the valve membrane is underpinned by a plate part. The
plate part, in turn, is supported by spring arms, which causes
increased construction expense for the valve. Another drawback of
this solution is that the plate part in particular obstructs the
air equalization, so that the container has to exert a large
restoring force.
[0004] A self-closing valve with a closure membrane for dispensing
a fluid filling in a compressible container is known from DE 196 13
130 A1. In the nonactivated installed condition, the closure
membrane has a lower support edge and an upper closure cover
extending concavely basically in the dispensing direction. In a
normal dispensing process, opening slits in the closure membrane
open up reliably and almost abruptly at a certain pressure. When
the dispensing is completed, the container is restored, so that the
closure membrane is pulled back into the concave starting
condition. The opening slits are now broken through toward the
inside, so that air is sucked back in. In order to improve this
suction, grooves can be introduced between the closure membrane and
its support. The drawbacks of this solution are the limited
tightness and the large partial vacuum needed for the back
suctioning. In order to achieve a large back suction effect, the
containers have to be configured with corresponding spring action.
This necessitates a high input of material for the container, so
that the manufacturing costs are increased.
[0005] A self-closing valve with a plate-shaped valve membrane is
known from EP 0 388 828 A1. The valve membrane has a central
dispensing opening, which is placed on a support plate and thereby
sealed off. This solution has no possibility of back suctioning of
air.
[0006] A self-closing closure for a container or a tube is known
from DE 43 29 808 C2, in which an outlet opening in a closure cover
is closed by a closure pin. When the pressure increases, the
closure pin is supposed to move inwardly, so that the outlet
opening is opened up and the product can escape through the outlet
opening. For this, however, the air in a closed cavity beneath the
closure pin has to be compressed, since it cannot get to the
outside. Consequently, a very large pressure is needed for the
closure pin to free up the outlet opening, so that this valve has
few applications. Furthermore, this solution has no possibility of
back suctioning of air, so that it any case it would only be
suitable for certain products.
[0007] A self-closing valve with an inwardly cambered valve
membrane is known from DE 195 80 254 B4. The valve membrane, in
turn, has a central dispensing opening, which is placed on a
support plate and thereby sealed off The valve membrane is
supported at the top by a support flange, against which the valve
membrane thrusts from the bottom in a radially outward bearing
zone. A pin can be configured on the support plate, which travels
into the dispensing opening in the closed position and thus enables
a reliable seal. The lateral bearing region of the valve membrane
can be configured so that it is deformed inwardly when the pressure
is low, thereby freeing up an air pathway for the back suction.
However, such a deformation requires a large partial vacuum, so
that the wall of the container has to exert correspondingly large
restoring forces.
[0008] Thus, the problem of the present invention is to provide a
self-closing valve for the dispensing of a free-flowing product,
which is very simple and economical to produce and requires only a
slight low pressure for the back suction of air. Furthermore, a
good sealing effect of the valve is desired, in order to reliably
prevent unintentional escaping of even slight amounts of the
free-flowing product.
SUMMARY
[0009] This problem is solved by a self-closing valve according to
the enclosed claim 1. In the self-closing valve, a valve membrane
for the dispensing of the product switches from a closing position
to a dispensing position. In the closing position, a dispensing
opening of the valve membrane is closed by a stopper. In the
dispensing position, the dispensing opening is lifted from the
stopper and freed up. The outer periphery of the valve membrane
forms an encircling edge, which lies tight against a stop ring in
the dispensing position. Between the encircling edge and a lateral
guide is formed a gap, through which air can be sucked back in upon
relaxation of the container closed by the valve.
[0010] A special benefit of this invention consists in that a very
simplified construction and a distinctly improved back suction of
air can be achieved at the same time. The valve membrane can be
formed by a simple plastic disk, which can be produced very
economically. A container with a valve according to the invention
need not have very great restoring forces. Consequently, the wall
of the container can be thin, so that the use of the invented valve
enables a material-sparing and low-cost production of the
container.
[0011] Further benefits, details, and modifications of the
invention will appear from the following descriptions of several
embodiments, making reference to the drawings. These show:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1: cross sectional representations of a self-closing
valve per the invention in four phases during the transition to a
dispensing mode;
[0013] FIG. 2: cross sectional representations of the valve shown
in FIG. 1 in three phases during a back suctioning of air;
[0014] FIG. 3: a perspective view of a fastening frame with
wedge-shaped support webs;
[0015] FIG. 4: a perspective view of a modified fastening frame
with support pins;
[0016] FIG. 5: a perspective detailed view of a stiffened
embodiment of a valve membrane;
[0017] FIG. 6: a perspective detail view of a modified embodiment
of the valve membrane.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional representation of a preferred
embodiment of an invented self-closing valve 01 in four phases
during the transition from a closed position to a dispensing
position. Figure a) of FIG. 1 shows the valve 01 in the closed
position. Figures b) and c) of FIG. 1 show the transition to the
dispensing position and figure d) of FIG. 1 shows the valve 01 in
the dispensing position. It should be noted in general for an
understanding of the figures that the valve is configured for
installation on a container (not shown), for example, by being
inserted into the neck of a squeeze bottle.
[0019] The valve 01 includes a round circular valve membrane 02
with a round circular dispensing opening 03 in its center. The
valve membrane 02 basically has the shape of a disk spring and also
exhibits comparable spring properties. In FIG. 1, a), the valve
membrane 02 is shown in a position when the valve 01 is closed. In
this closed position, the valve membrane 02 lies with its
dispensing opening 03 against a stop disk 04. A round bearing
surface 06 formed in this way on the stop disk 04 closes the
dispensing opening 03. Furthermore, a sealing lip 07 of the valve
membrane 02 lies with play against a pin 08 of the stop disk 04, as
the pin 08 projects into the dispensing opening 03. The envelope
surface of the pin 08 has the shape of a truncated cone and
corresponds in a guiding region 09 to the inner surface of the
sealing lip 07. The shape of the valve membrane 02 is inwardly
cambered in the closing position shown and has the shape of a
truncated conical envelope surface, except for the sealing lip
07.
[0020] The valve membrane 02 is elastically deformable, while the
truncated cone shape and the sealing lip 07 impose a pretensioning,
which dictates the deformability. The outer circumference of the
valve membrane 02 is formed by an encircling edge 11. The
encircling edge 11 lies, in the closed position (Fig. a), against a
stop ring 12. The valve membrane 02 is supported on top by the stop
ring 12. A lateral movement of the valve membrane 02 is limited by
a lateral guide 13. In the embodiment shown, the stop ring 12 and
the lateral guide pass one into the other as a single piece, which
allows for an easy fabrication. But the stop ring 12 and the
lateral guide 13 can also be made as two pieces. In the embodiment
shown, the lateral guide 13 and the stop disk 04 are designed as
two pieces. But the lateral guide 13 and the stop disk 04 can also
pass one into the other as a single piece. The lateral guide 13 is
round and circular in the embodiment shown. But the lateral guide
can also be designed so that it guides the valve membrane 02 only
at several points or segments on the circumference. In the
embodiment shown, the stop ring 12 has a slanting cross sectional
surface. But the stop ring 12 can also be designed perpendicular to
the lateral guide 13. The encircling edge 11 of the valve membrane
02 lies beneath the stop ring 12, so that the valve membrane 02 is
sealed off from the stop ring 12. Through openings 14 in the stop
disk 04, the product kept inside the container (not shown) or air
can flow in the direction 16 into the region beneath the valve
membrane 02.
[0021] The encircling edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 preferably
has the same material thickness as the main part of the valve
membrane 02. The encircling edge 11 is not reinforced and has no
particular shape, such as additional sealing lips. The encircling
edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 at the same time serves as the
upper and lateral stop for the valve membrane 02. Between the
lateral guide 13 and the encircling edge 11 of the valve membrane
02 there is formed a gap 15. The gap 15 runs peripherally in the
embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the gap can be in segments,
for example, if the valve membrane 02 is guided laterally at only a
few points.
[0022] The self-closing valve 01 is especially suitable for
so-called squeeze bottles in which a manual squeezing of the bottle
dispenses the free-flowing product. For this, the valve 01 is
arranged in the opening of the bottle provided for the dispensing.
The embodiment of the invented valve shown in FIG. 1 has a circular
fastening frame 21 for this, which can be inserted into the opening
of the bottle. But the invented valve can also be designed as an
integral part of the container.
[0023] In figure b) of FIG. 1, the valve 01 is depicted in a
condition when the pressure inside the container has been slightly
increased. This occurs, for example, when the manual squeezing
process is begun to dispense a product from a squeeze bottle. But a
slightly increased pressure can also occur when a force is exerted
on the bottle by handling it, without a dispensing of the product
being intended. Due to the slightly increased internal pressure, a
force acts in direction 16 on the valve membrane 02. This will
slightly deform the valve membrane 02. Due to the deformation of
the valve membrane 02, the sealing lip 07 is wedged with the
truncated cone-shaped pin 08 in the guiding region 09, so that a
secure seal is assured between the pin 08 and the sealing lip 07.
At the same time, the deformation of the valve membrane 02
increases the bearing force of the valve membrane 02 against the
stop ring 12, which intensifies the sealing action of the valve
membrane 02 against the stop ring 12. Thus, the invented valve 01
has the advantage that slight pressure increases do not result in
dispensing of the product. For example, during the opening or
closing of a squeeze bottle with a cap, one will firmly grasp the
squeeze bottle. This will slightly increase the internal pressure
in the bottle, but no release of the product is intended.
Furthermore, the initial deformation of the valve membrane
increases the seal of the valve membrane 02 against the pin 08,
since the sealing lip 07 is pressed more strongly against the pin
08. The deformation of the valve membrane 02 enlarges its cross
sectional dimension, so that there is still retained a sealing
abutment against the pin 08. Therefore, if the pressure increase is
only slight, the seal remains preserved in the central region of
the valve membrane 02, even if the membrane should lift off from
the bearing surface 06.
[0024] Figure c) of FIG. 1 shows the valve 01 with further
increased internal pressure in the container. The valve 01 is just
about to switch from the closed position to the dispensing
position. The increased internal pressure has the effect of
deforming the valve membrane 02 so that the truncated cone shape is
distinctly flattened. This is especially due to the fact that,
because of the increased internal pressure, a force acts in the
direction 17 on the valve membrane 02 beneath the sealing lip 07,
which distinctly raises the valve membrane 02 in this region. But
the pin 08 is still sealed off against the sealing lip 07.
[0025] Figure d) of FIG. 1 shows the valve 01 when the internal
pressure has become so large that the valve 01 has switched to the
dispensing position. The valve membrane 02, except for the sealing
lip 07, has reached a nearly flat shape. In the embodiment shown,
it has the shape of a very flat truncated cone, and this truncated
cone is directed opposite the truncated cone shape in the closed
position. The valve 01 can also be designed so that the valve
membrane 02 in the dispensing position has a truncated cone shape
opposite the truncated cone shape of the closed position, but with
a distinctly smaller inclination. When the valve membrane 02
switches from the closed position to the dispensing position, the
valve membrane 02 is thus turned inside out. The configuration of
the valve membrane 02 has the effect that a maximum force acting on
the valve membrane 02 has to be overcome for this to occur. The
user can both hear and feel when the maximum force is exceeded and
the membrane is turned inside out. This improves the consumer
qualities, especially the tactile handling of the squeeze bottle
outfitted with the invented valve 01. As soon as the valve membrane
has changed to the inverted truncated cone, it stays in this shape,
even when the force acting on it lessens once again. If the force
drops below a certain threshold value, the valve membrane 02
suddenly changes back to the truncated cone of the closed position.
This provides a definite closing moment, resulting in a clean
cut-off of the stream of expressed liquid, so that further dripping
is largely avoided.
[0026] In the dispensing position shown in Fig. d), the sealing lip
07 is distinctly lifted relative to the pin 08, so that a large
opening has formed between the sealing lip 07 and the pin 08. The
product is released through the openings 14 in the stop disk 04 and
through the dispensing opening 03. A directional arrow 18
illustrates the direction of flow of the product. The diameter of
the pin 08 determines the diameter of the dispensing opening 03 and
thus the amount and rate of flow of the product.
[0027] In the embodiment shown, the switching from the closed
position to the dispensing position is sudden. This has the result
that a squeeze bottle with such a valve 01 relaxes suddenly during
this process as soon as the excess pressure produced by the
squeezing has dissipated. At this moment, a determined amount of
product will be released. The valve 01 and the squeeze bottle can
be dimensioned so that the suddenly released amount of product
corresponds to the typical amount of consumption of the product.
Thus, the user can intuitively dispense the typical consumption
amount of product. If a larger amount is desired, then the bottle
should be squeezed further after the sudden switching of the valve
01 to the dispensing position. Since the maximum force for the
switching to the dispensing position has already been overcome,
little effort is needed to put out larger amounts of the
product.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows cross sectional representations of the
self-closing valve 01 shown in FIG. 1 in three phases during the
transition from the closed position to a back suction position.
FIG. 2 a) shows the valve 01 in the closed position. FIG. 2 b)
shows the transition to the back suction position and FIG. 2 c)
shows the valve 01 in the back suction position.
[0029] The closed position shown in FIG. 2 a) occurs after the
dispensing of the product is finished. In this condition, the
increased internal pressure is dissipated by the dispensing of the
product. The valve membrane 02 has again taken up its starting
shape and position. This occurs, for example, when the user has
stopped applying force to squeeze the bottle so that no more
product comes out, but the force is still large enough for the
deformation of the bottle to remain in place. In this condition,
the volume of the bottle is smaller than the volume of the
nondeformed bottle. If the force to deform the bottle is entirely
halted, the elastic restoring forces of the wall will act. Since
the volume of the bottle is reduced during moment, a low pressure
is formed in the bottle.
[0030] In FIG. 2 b), a first action of the low pressure is shown.
Since the valve membrane 02 is still sealed off against the bearing
surface 06 on the stop disk 04 and against the stop ring 12, the
low pressure cannot yet be equalized by incoming air and a slight
deformation of the valve membrane 02 will result. The valve
membrane 02 therefore has a very slight inward camber. This camber
will not become larger as the low pressure increases, since the
peripheral margin region of the valve membrane 02 will yield to the
internal pressure.
[0031] FIG. 2 c) shows the valve 01 after the peripheral margin
region of the valve membrane 02 has yielded to the low pressure on
the inside. Since the peripheral margin region of the valve
membrane 02 is not supported and not reinforced by a stiffening or
similar configuration, it only needs a very slight force for this.
Consequently, a back suctioning of air by the invented valve 01 is
already possible with a very slight low pressure. In this back
suction position, the valve membrane 02 is lifted from the stop
ring 12, so that it is no longer sealed off against the stop ring
12. Consequently, air from the outside can flow in through the
created opening. This air flow is not hindered, because the
peripheral gap 15 is formed between the valve membrane 02 and the
lateral guide 13. The air can flow in from the outside practically
unhindered and dissipate the low pressure prevailing there. A
directional arrow 19 illustrates the air flow. As soon as the low
pressure is totally dissipated, the squeeze bottle is once again in
its starting shape. The peripheral gap 15 also guarantees a
sufficient back suction of air when segments of the gap 15 are
still closed by remaining portions of the product being dispensed.
Yet even these portions of product are sucked back into the
interior of the bottle by the effect of the back suction. This
likewise holds for portions of product left behind on the outside
of the valve membrane 02, since there as well a back suction effect
is at work.
[0032] The invented valve in the embodiment presented more closely
above consists of only two parts. This enables a simple and fast
assembly, since only the valve membrane needs to be forced into the
fastening frame with a stamp. The membrane can preferably consist
of silicone or a comparable soft elastic plastic, while the
fastening frame can be made as an injection molded part from a more
stiff plastic.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
the fastening frame 21. For better visibility of the details of the
fastening frame, the valve membrane is not shown. Several support
webs 22 are secured to the stop disk 04, extending radially in the
embodiment shown here from the centrally arranged pin 08 to the
inside of the fastening frame 21. These support webs 22 serve
primarily to stabilize the position of the valve membrane, which in
the closed position of the valve lies by segments on the support
webs 22. Furthermore, the support webs 22 enhance the stability of
the overall valve arrangement.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
the fastening frame 21. The essential difference from the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 consists in that several support pins 23
are used in place of the support webs, being secured to the stop
disk 04. The support pins 23 fulfill the same function as the
previously mentioned support webs, namely, the stabilization of the
position of the valve membrane in the closed position of the valve.
Of course, other profiling can also be provided within the
fastening frame in order to control the position of the valve
membrane and support it during the closed condition. Different
numbers of support points will be provided for this, depending on
the embodiment and the natural rigidity of the valve membrane.
[0035] The fastening frame, including the lateral guide and the
stop disk, can also be configured in a modified embodiment as a
single piece with the squeeze bottle or a similar container.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a perspective detail view of a modified
embodiment of the valve membrane 02. For certain substances/media
which are meant to be dispensed from a storage container via the
self-closing valve, it is advantageous to be able to adapt the
stiffness of the valve membrane and/or the nature of the
deformation upon opening of the valve. For this, stiffening means
24 are provided in the surface region of the valve membrane 02, for
example, extending radially and distributed uniformly at the
periphery of the valve membrane. In modified embodiments, one can
also provide for weakening of the material in order to favor a
deformation of the membrane at the corresponding places.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows in a perspective detail view another possible
modification of the valve membrane 02. Here, contouring means 25
are provided in the region of the dispensing opening 03, which
project into the otherwise open cross section of the dispensing
opening 03 or are provided in the wall in the region of the
dispensing opening 03. When a medium is dispensed through the
self-closing valve, the contouring means 25 produce a strand of
material. Different numbers and shapes of contouring means can be
provided. Preferably, the contouring means 25 are located at the
outer edge of the dispensing opening 03 in the direction of flow.
In modified embodiments, however, the contouring means can also be
moved further inward in the direction of flow, for example, by
profiling or slitting the wall in segments. Such a slitting,
furthermore, offers the advantage that the transition of the
membrane from the closed position to the dispensing position is
facilitated, since no change in cross section can occur in the
marginal region of the dispensing opening 03.
[0038] Advisedly, the valve will be covered by a cap when not in
use, being placed in familiar fashion on the squeeze bottle.
* * * * *