U.S. patent application number 13/704865 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for metering valve for pressurized vial.
This patent application is currently assigned to LINDAL FRANCE SAS. The applicant listed for this patent is Herve Bodet, Eric Gaillard. Invention is credited to Herve Bodet, Eric Gaillard.
Application Number | 20130092710 13/704865 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43569264 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130092710 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bodet; Herve ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
METERING VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED VIAL
Abstract
A metering chamber (7) is fixed by its upper end to the portion
of a valve body (9) located, in the mounted state, inside the vial,
an inlet passage being provided contacting the inside of the vial
and the metering chamber and an outlet passage contacting the
metering chamber and the outside of the valve. The inlet passage
can be closed when the valve element (4) is in the open position
and the outlet passage can be closed when the valve element (4) is
in the closed position. In addition, the valve element can be moved
beyond the open position into a third position, called
short-circuit position, a third passage, called short-circuit
passage, being provided to contact the inside of the vial and the
outside of the valve. The short-circuit passage can be closed when
the valve element (4) is in the closed position or the open
position.
Inventors: |
Bodet; Herve; (Verdun,
FR) ; Gaillard; Eric; (Dieue Sur Meuse, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bodet; Herve
Gaillard; Eric |
Verdun
Dieue Sur Meuse |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LINDAL FRANCE SAS
Briey
FR
|
Family ID: |
43569264 |
Appl. No.: |
13/704865 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/62854 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/52 20130101;
B65D 83/425 20130101; B65D 83/48 20130101; B65D 83/54 20130101;
B65D 83/546 20130101; B65D 83/68 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/54 20060101
B65D083/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 28, 2010 |
FR |
1055132 |
Claims
1. Metering valve for a pressurized vial, comprising: a valve body,
a valve element slidable in the valve body, a metering chamber,
wherein the metering chamber is fixed by its upper end to the
portion of the valve body located, in the mounted state, inside the
vial, and means for moving the valve element between a closed
position in which, in the mounted state on a vial, the metering
chamber is in contact with the inside of the vial and isolated from
the outside of the vial, and an open position in which, in the
mounted state, the metering chamber is isolated from the inside of
the vial and in contact with the outside of the vial, an inlet
passage contacting the inside of the vial and the metering chamber
and an outlet passage contacting the metering chamber and the
outside of the valve, inlet closure means for closing the inlet
passage when the valve element is in the open position and outlet
closure means for closing the outlet passage when the valve element
is in the closed position, and wherein the valve element can be
moved beyond the open position into a third position, called
short-circuit position, a third passage, called short-circuit
passage, being provided to contact the inside of the vial and the
outside of the valve, short-circuit closure means being provided to
close the short-circuit passage when the valve element is in the
closed position or the open position.
2. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit
passage contacts the inside of the vial and the outside of the
valve without passing through the metering chamber.
3. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the inlet closure
means and/or the outlet closure means are in the closed position
when the valve element is in the short-circuit position if the
short-circuit passage does not pass through at least a portion of
the inlet passage and/or of the outlet passage.
4. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the inlet closure
means and the outlet closure means are independent from one
another.
5. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the inlet passage
is constituted by at least one hole provided in the wall of the
valve body, in a zone in contact with the inside of the vial or of
the pouch, an orifice provided in a wall located within the valve
body and an orifice provided in the metering chamber, and the inlet
closure means are constituted by the lower end of the valve element
having the shape of a cylindrical tenon and whose radial
cross-section corresponds to the internal dimensions of the orifice
in the wall so that when the tenon enters into this orifice, it
closes it sealingly.
6. Metering valve according to claim 5, wherein sealing means are
placed below the orifice provided in the wall.
7. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the outlet passage
is constituted by an orifice provided in the metering chamber, an
orifice provided in a wall located within the valve body, a lower
central channel and an upper central channel provided in the valve
element and separated from each other by a barrier, at least one
orifice being provided in the wall of the valve element and
contacting the inside of the upper central channel and the outside
of the valve element and at least one orifice being provided in the
wall of the valve element and contacting the inside of the lower
central channel and the outside of the valve element, a contacting
passage being provided for contacting the orifice or orifices of
the lower central channel with the orifice or orifices of the upper
central channel, and the outlet closure means are constituted by a
chamber seal constituted by an annular wall within which the valve
element is slidable, the inner face of the chamber seal having at
least one annular groove whose height is at least equal to the
vertical distance between the orifice or orifices provided in the
upper central channel and the orifice or orifices provided in the
lower central channel, the orifice or orifices of the upper central
channel and/or the orifice or orifices of the lower central channel
being closed by the inner face of the annular wall when the valve
is in the closed position, thereby closing the outlet passage, and
the orifice or orifices of the upper central channel and the
orifice or orifices of the lower central channel opening into the
annular groove when the valve is in the open position, thus freeing
the outlet passage.
8. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering
chamber comprises a cylinder whose end opposite to the valve body,
called lower end, is closed by a radial wall, called lower radial
wall, and the end oriented toward the valve body, called upper end,
is closed by a radial wall, called upper radial wall, a piston
being slidable within the cylinder between these two radial walls
thereby defining a metering volume.
9. Metering valve according to claim 8, wherein the upper radial
wall of the metering chamber is provided with an opening, the
piston being slidable between the two radial walls of the cylinder,
a spring being provided between the lower radial wall of the
metering chamber and the piston to push the latter, in the absence
of other constraints, against the upper radial wall provided with
the opening.
10. Metering valve according to claim 8, wherein the cylinder
forming the metering chamber, on the one hand, and its upper radial
wall and/or its lower radial wall, on the other hand, constitute
separate parts that can be assembled or separated from one another,
means being provided for fixing said wall on the cylinder.
11. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein a flexible pouch
is welded to the valve body so as to enclose the metering chamber
and the beginning of the inlet, outlet, and optionally
short-circuit paths.
12. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve element
is constituted by a first cylindrical wall, called upper
cylindrical wall, forming a first axial channel, called upper axial
channel, and a second cylindrical wall forming a second axial
channel, the two axial channels being isolated from each other by a
barrier, the upper channel being open at its upper end by an axial
opening and on the side of the barrier by at least one radial
opening that opens onto the outer face of the valve element, the
lower channel being open at its lower end by an axial opening and
on the side of the barrier by at least one radial opening that
opens onto the outer face of the valve element.
13. Metering valve according to claim 12, wherein the valve element
is provided with a third cylindrical wall at least partially
surrounding the first cylindrical wall and concentric thereto so as
to form an annular channel, said annular channel being isolated
from the other two and provided with an axial opening at its end
called upper end and at least one radial hole contacting the inside
of the annular channel and the outside of the valve element, the
valve body and the valve element are dimensioned so that the valve
element can be moved beyond the open position into a position
called short-circuit position, and the valve body is provided with
a valve seal placed opposite to the metering chamber and positioned
such that in the mounted state of the valve, the radial hole or
holes of the annular channel are, in the closed position of the
valve, located outside of the vial, in the open position of the
valve, the radial hole or holes of the annular channel are located
facing the valve seal and are closed by the latter, or outside the
vial, and in the short-circuit position of the valve, the radial
hole or holes of the annular channel are located on the side of the
valve seal opposite to the outside.
14. Metering valve according to claim 12, wherein the valve body is
provided with a chamber seal disposed within the valve body so that
in the closed position of the valve, the radial hole or holes of
the upper channel of the valve element are located in the vicinity
of the chamber seal and are closed by the latter, the annular stop
coming to bear sealingly against this chamber seal.
15. Metering valve according to claim 1, wherein at least one side
channel is provided on the outer face of the valve body, said side
channel being provided with a first opening that opens, in the
mounted state, into the inside of the vial or pouch, and a second
opening that opens into the inside of the valve body between the
valve seal and the chamber seal.
16. Metering valve according to claim 5, wherein the wall has a
shape of a collar ending in a funnel shape oriented toward the
metering chamber.
17. Metering valve according to claim 6, wherein the sealing means
comprise an annular ring.
18. Metering valve according to claim 12, wherein the valve element
is provided with at least one annular stop on its circumference to
limit its movement within the valve body toward the outside or the
inside.
19. Metering valve according to claim 2, wherein the inlet closure
means and/or the outlet closure means are in the closed position
when the valve element is in the short-circuit position if the
short-circuit passage does not pass through at least a portion of
the inlet passage and/or of the outlet passage.
20. Metering valve according to claim 2, wherein the inlet closure
means and the outlet closure means are independent from one
another.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a metering valve for pressurized
vial, comprising a valve body in which a valve element can slide, a
metering chamber and means for moving the valve element between a
closed position in which, in the mounted state on a vial, the
metering chamber is in contact with the inside of the vial and
isolated from the outside of the vial, and an open position in
which, in the mounted state, the metering chamber is isolated from
the inside of the vial and in contact with the outside of the
vial.
[0002] The metering valve of the invention is intended for a
pressurized vial. Metering devices for valves of pressurized vials
are commonly used to deliver a predetermined amount of a product.
The product to be dispensed is in a vial containing a propellant
gas. The product is either in direct contact with the propellant
gas or contained in a flexible pouch immersed in the propellant
gas.
[0003] Various types of metering devices for valves of pressurized
vials are known.
[0004] For example, document EP 1 099 647 A1 proposes a metering
device equipped with a metering chamber located downstream of the
valve, placed on the rod (stem) of the valve of the vial. The
metering chamber is constituted by a cylinder in which a piston
slides. The bottom of the cylinder is provided with an orifice
which is in direct contact with the outlet of the valve stem. The
piston is also provided with an orifice which is continued by an
axial tube which slides in a security element in which there is a
second valve. To withdraw a dose of product, it is necessary
initially to move the cylinder of the metering chamber down so that
it bears on the valve stem and thus opens the latter. The
pressurized product coming out of the valve of the vial enters into
the metering chamber by pushing the plunger upwards. The product
also penetrates into the tube leading to the outlet valve of the
security element. Once the metering chamber is full, the cylinder
is returned to the rest position to close the valve of the vial. It
is now possible to operate the valve of the safety element by
pushing on a traditional diffuser. To move the cylinder down in
order to fill the metering chamber, it is necessary to rotate a
ring in which are formed two slanted guide grooves and in which two
peripheral projections of the cylinder penetrate. Thus, when the
projections are in the upper portion of the grooves of the ring,
the cylinder is in the high position and is not bearing on the
valve stem of the container. On the contrary, when they are in the
lower portion, the cylinder is translated downwardly and it bears
on the rod so as to cause the valve of the vial to open. Therefore,
to withdraw a dose, it is necessary, firstly, to turn the ring a
first time to fill the metering chamber, then a second time to
close the valve of the vial. It is then necessary to press on a
diffuser located in the top portion of the security element to open
the second valve. This device is not very easy to use. In addition,
it requires two different valves.
[0005] Document EP 0 642 992 A1 discloses a metering device
intended to be mounted in the opening of the neck of a container
containing the product to be dispensed. The metering device is
equipped with a valve comprising a metering chamber and a stem. In
a first position of the stem, the metering chamber is in contact
with the inside of the container and fills up with a given quantity
of the product. In a second position of the stem, the metering
chamber is isolated from the inside of the container and is
contacted with the outside, allowing the product contained within
to be expelled. For this purpose, the metering chamber is axially
delimited on one side by an annular valve seal and on the other
side by a chamber seal which is also annular. The stem passes
through both seals. It comprises a first distribution channel
arranged axially and open downwardly and upwardly by two radial
openings. It comprises a second distribution channel arranged
axially, which has, on the side oriented toward the first channel,
a radial opening, and on the side of the free end of the stem, an
axial opening. In the rest position, maintained by a spring, the
stem is positioned so that the upper opening of the first channel
is located within the metering chamber between the two seals while
the radial opening of the second channel is closed by the valve
seal. The lower opening of the first channel opens inside the vial.
In this position, the metering chamber fills up with the product
contained in the container via the first channel as soon as the
vial is turned upside down. If the user presses on the stem against
the force of the spring, the radial openings are displaced. The
upper opening of the first channel is closed by the chamber seal
while the radial opening of the second channel opens into the
metering chamber. The product, mixed with the propellant gas, is
expelled from the metering chamber under the effect of the pressure
via the second channel. This device requires that the vial be
upside down in order to be used.
[0006] Document DE 79 14 704 U1 discloses a metering device in
which the metering chamber is formed by a recess closed by an
elastic wall. Depending on the model, the recess has a
hemispherical or diabolo shape. The elastic wall bathes is
subjected to the pressure in the pressurized vial. As soon as the
metering chamber is placed in contact with the outside, the elastic
wall is pushed back inside the recess so as to trigger the
expulsion of its contents.
[0007] Document FR 1 503 684 A discloses a metering device intended
to be mounted on the valve body, within the vial. The device is
provided with a metering chamber which opens into the valve body.
In order to manufacture the vial ready-to-use, it is necessary to
fill the container with the desired liquid, crimp the valve, then
introduce the gas via the outlet passage. An opening is provided in
the tube connecting the metering chamber to the valve body. This
opening is surrounded by an elastic sleeve which expands under the
effect of pressure and thus allows gas to escape inside the
container.
[0008] None of the vials presented makes it possible to introduce
the product into the vial via the valve, as is commonly the case
with vials provided with a simple valve. Similarly, none of these
vials allows withdrawing an amount greater than that delivered by
the metering chamber, except by operating the valve several times
in a row. The goal of the invention is to develop a metering device
for a valve of a pressurized vial which, although provided with a
metering chamber, can be filled via the valve. Another objective of
the invention is to be able to not only withdraw a dose defined by
the metering chamber but also a dose different from the one imposed
by the metering chamber without the need to operate the valve
several times. A third objective is to make it possible to use the
same valve for vials with head-up withdrawal and vials with
head-down withdrawal.
[0009] This objective is achieved according to the invention in
that, on the one hand, the metering chamber is fixed by its upper
end to the portion of the valve body located, in the mounted state,
inside the vial, an inlet passage being provided contacting the
inside of the vial and the metering chamber and an outlet passage
contacting the metering chamber and the outside of the valve, inlet
closure means being provided to close the inlet passage when the
valve element is in the open position and outlet closure means
being provided to close the outlet passage when the valve element
is in the closed position. Moreover, the valve can be moved beyond
the open position into a third position called short-circuit
position, a third passage, called short-circuit passage, being
provided for contacting the inside of the vial and the outside of
the valve, short-circuit closing means being provided to close the
short-circuit passage when the valve element is in the closed
position or in the open position. In the short-circuit position, it
is possible to withdraw a quantity of product greater than that
imposed by the volume of the metering chamber. Similarly, it is
possible to fill the vial via this short-circuit passage.
[0010] It is preferable that the inlet closure means and/or outlet
closure means are in the closed position when the valve element is
in the short-circuit position if the short-circuit passage does not
pass through at least a portion of the inlet passage and/or the
outlet passage. Similarly, it is preferable that the short-circuit
passage contacts the inside of the vial and the outside the valve
without passing through the metering chamber.
[0011] It is preferable that the inlet closure means and the outlet
closure means are independent from one another.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet
passage is constituted by at least one hole made in the wall of the
valve body, in a zone in contact with the inside of the vial or
pouch, an orifice made in a wall located within the valve body and
an orifice made in the wall of the metering chamber, and in that
the inlet closure means are constituted by the lower end of the
valve element having the shape a cylindrical tenon and whose radial
cross-section corresponds to the inner dimensions of the orifice of
the wall so that when the tenon enters the orifice, it closes it
sealingly, the wall having preferably the shape of a collar ending
in the shape of a funnel oriented toward the metering chamber. To
enhance the sealing of the inlet closure means, it is preferable to
place sealing means, preferably an annular ring, below the orifice
made in the wall. Thus, when the tenon comes into contact with the
orifice in the wall of the valve body, it also comes to bear
against the annular ring.
[0013] The outlet passage is preferably constituted by an orifice
made in a wall of the metering chamber, an orifice made in a wall
located within the valve body, a lower central channel and an upper
central channel made in the valve element and separated from each
other by a barrier, at least one orifice being made in the wall of
the valve element and contacting the inside of the upper central
channel and the outside of the valve element and at least one
orifice being made in the wall of the valve element and contacting
the inside of the lower central channel and the outside of the
valve element, a contacting passage being provided for contacting
the orifice or orifices with the orifice or orifices, and in that
the outlet closure means are constituted by a chamber seal
constituted by an annular wall within which the valve element is
slidable, the inner face of the chamber seal having at least one
annular groove whose height is at least equal to the vertical
distance separating the orifice or orifices made in the upper
central channel and the orifice or orifices made in the lower
central channel, the orifice or orifices of the upper central
channel and/or the orifice or orifices of the lower central channel
being closed by the inner face of the annular wall when the valve
is in the closed position, thereby closing the outlet passage, and
the orifice or orifices of the upper central channel and the
orifice or orifices of the lower central channel opening into the
annular groove when the valve is in the open position, thus freeing
the outlet passage.
[0014] It is preferable that the metering chamber comprises a
cylinder whose end opposite to the valve body, called lower end, is
closed by a radial wall, called lower radial wall, and whose end
oriented toward the valve body, called upper end, is closed by a
radial wall, called upper radial wall, a piston being slidable
within the cylinder between these two radial walls so as to define
a metering volume.
[0015] In this case, the upper radial wall of the metering chamber
can be provided with an opening, the piston being slidable between
the two radial walls of the cylinder, a spring being provided
between the lower radial wall of the metering chamber and the
piston to return the latter, in the absence of other constraints,
against the upper radial wall provided with the opening.
[0016] In order to enable the introduction of the piston into the
metering chamber, it is preferable that the cylinder forming the
metering chamber, on the one hand, and its radial wall upper and/or
its lower radial wall, on the other hand, constitute different
parts that can be assembled or separated from one another, means
being provided for fixing said wall on the cylinder.
[0017] In order to separate the propellant gas and the product, it
is possible to weld a flexible pouch on the valve body enclosing
the metering chamber and the beginning of the inlet, outlet and
possibly short-circuit paths. Thus, when a pouch is provided, the
inlet, outlet and possibly short-circuit paths open upstream, not
into the vial, but into the pouch. With such a pouch, the valve can
be used regardless of the position of the vial.
[0018] In practice, the valve element can be constituted by a first
cylindrical wall, called upper cylindrical wall, forming a first
axial channel, called upper channel, and a second cylindrical wall
forming a second axial channel, the two axial channels being
isolated from each other by a barrier, the upper channel being open
at its upper end by an axial opening and on the side of the barrier
by at least one radial opening that opens onto the outer face of
the valve element, the lower channel being open at its lower end by
an axial opening and on the side of the barrier by at least one
radial opening that opens onto the outer face of the valve element,
the valve element being preferably provided with at least one
annular stop on its circumference in order to limit its movement
within the body valve toward the outside or the inside.
[0019] Correspondingly, the valve body can be provided with a
chamber seal disposed within the valve body so that, in the closed
position of the valve, the radial hole or holes of the upper
channel of the valve element are located in the vicinity of the
chamber seal and closed by the latter, the annular stop coming to
bear sealingly against this chamber seal.
[0020] When the valve must be able to short-circuit the metering
chamber, it is preferable to provide the valve element with a third
cylindrical wall at least partially surrounding the first
cylindrical wall and concentric thereto so as to form an annular
channel, which annular channel is isolated from the other two and
provided with an axial opening at its so-called upper end and at
least one radial hole contacting the inside of the annular channel
and the outside of the valve element. In this case, the valve body
and the valve element are dimensioned so that the valve element can
be moved beyond the open position into a position called
short-circuit position, and the valve body is provided with a valve
seal disposed opposite to the metering chamber relative to the
chamber seal and positioned so that, in the mounted state of the
valve, the radial hole or holes of the annular channel are, in the
closed position of the valve, outside of the vial, in the open
position of the valve, the radial hole or holes of the annular
channel are located facing the valve seal and closed by the latter,
or outside of the vial, and in the short-circuit position of the
valve, the radial hole or holes of the annular channel are located
on the side of the valve seal opposite the outside.
[0021] At least one side channel can be provided on the outer face
of the valve body, said side channel being provided with a first
opening that opens, in the assembled state, inside the vial or the
pouch, and a second opening that opens inside the valve body
between the valve seal and the chamber seal. When the valve is
provided with a flexible pouch, the latter is welded to the valve
body so as to enclose the first opening of the side channel or
channels of the valve body so that the side channel or channels
contact the inside of the pouch and the inside of the valve body
between the valve seal and the chamber seal.
[0022] The invention is described in more detail below using an
exemplary embodiment shown in the following figures, which
show:
[0023] FIG. 1: a cross-sectional side view of the metering valve as
a whole;
[0024] FIG. 2: an exploded view of the metering valve;
[0025] FIG. 3: an enlarged cross-sectional (a) front view and (b)
side view of the valve in the closed position;
[0026] FIG. 4: an enlarged cross-sectional (a) front view and (b)
side view of the valve in the open position;
[0027] FIG. 5: an enlarged cross-sectional (a) front view and (b)
side view of the valve position in the short-circuit position;
[0028] FIG. 6: the spacer (a) in perspective view and (b) in
cross-sectional view;
[0029] FIG. 7: The chamber seal (a) in perspective view and (b) in
cross-sectional view;
[0030] FIG. 8: the cover of the metering chamber (a) in perspective
view from above and (b) in perspective view from below;
[0031] FIG. 9: the bottom of the metering chamber (a) in
perspective view from above and (b) in perspective view from
below;
[0032] FIG. 10: the valve body (a) in perspective view from above,
(b) in perspective view from below, (c) in cross-sectional front
view, (d) in cross-sectional side view and (e) in perspective view
looking down;
[0033] FIG. 11: the stem (a) in cross-sectional front view, (b) in
cross-sectional side view, and (c) in perspective view;
[0034] FIG. 12: the piston (a) in perspective view from above, (b)
in perspective view from below, and (c) in cross-sectional
view.
[0035] For clarity of description, spatial references are used such
as "lower" and "upper" or "inside the vial" and "outside the vial."
It should be noted that the valve is manufactured and sold
independently of the vial and the protection shall include in
particular the valve alone without vial. Accordingly, these
references are made relative to the valve as it is intended to be
used assembled onto a vial whose valve is located above the vial.
This does not prevent the valve from being used in an inverted
position, that is to say, with the valve below the container, or in
any other position.
[0036] The valve (1) is intended to be fixed to a rigid vial, not
shown, by means of fastening means such as a cup (2). A seal called
outer seal (21) is provided between the vial neck and the cup (2)
to ensure sealing. Conventionally, the valve (1) is fixed to the
dome (22) of the cup (2).
[0037] The valve (1) is essentially constituted by [0038] a valve
body (9) attached to the dome (22) of the cup (2); [0039] a valve
element, usually called stem (4), located in the valve body (9) in
which it can move axially between a closed position and at least a
first open position; [0040] a spacer (3); [0041] two inner seals
(5a, 5b); [0042] a metering chamber (7).
[0043] The valve generally comprises an inner pouch (11) allowing
the separation of the product from the propellant gas.
[0044] The valve body (9) is constituted by of an upper portion
(91) having the shape of a cylindrical ring which is intended to be
fixed in the dome (22) of the cup (2). An inner valve seal (5a) is
arranged between the front face of this upper portion (91) and the
bottom of the dome (22) in order to ensure sealing. This sealing is
improved thanks to the tapered shape of the front face of this
upper portion (91).
[0045] This upper ring (91) of the valve body (9) is extended by a
substantially cylindrical main portion (92).
[0046] An axial channel (95) passes through the main portion (92).
This channel is divided into an upper section and a lower section
separated by a radial collar (98) oriented inwardly and provided
with a central orifice. The upper section is provided with two sets
of radial ribs oriented toward the center of the axial channel
(95). The first set of radial ribs (96) forms, on the one hand, in
its upper part, a stop for a second inner seal, called chamber seal
(5b) and described below, and on the other hand, a sliding guide
for the stem (4). The second set of radial ribs (97) additionally
forms a stop for a shoulder of the stem (4). The first set of ribs
(96) is located above the second set (97).
[0047] The product can circulate between the ribs. The free ends of
the ribs of the first set (96), which are oriented toward the
center, are located farther from the central axis of the valve body
than the free ends of the ribs of the second set (97).
[0048] Two radial orifices (99) are formed in the wall of the main
element (92), above the collar (98) located within the valve body.
This collar (98) is extended by a funnel-shaped portion (981) that
tapers downwardly.
[0049] The outer face of the valve body (9) has two radial fins
(93). These fins have, in the radial plane of the valve body, a
V-shaped cross-section, the wings of the V bearing more or less
tangentially on the cylindrical portion of the main element (92).
These two fins (93) are disposed opposite to one another and are
hollow. There is thus formed within each fin (93) a side channel
(931) which is open at its lower part (the side opposite to the
upper ring) and closed at the top. Each channel (931) is provided
in its upper part with an orifice (94) that opens into the upper
section of the axial channel (95) slightly below the upper ring
(91), but above the seat for the internal chamber seal (5b). The
orifices (94) contact each channel (931) located within the fins
and the space located within the upper ring (91).
[0050] The flexible pouch (11) is fixed, for example by welding, on
the outer face of the main portion (92). The pouch (11) is closed
on all sides and can communicate with the outside only through the
valve. With this pouch, it is possible to separate the product to
be diffused from the propellant gas located outside the pouch.
However, it would be absolutely possible to proceed without the
pouch.
[0051] The stem (4) has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and
includes a first cylindrical wall (41) forming an upper central
channel (42) which is open at its upper end by an axial opening and
a second cylindrical wall (44), forming a lower central channel
(442) which is open at its lower end by an axial opening. The two
central channels (42, 442) are isolated from each other by a
barrier (43). The second cylindrical wall forms a cylindrical tenon
(44). The upper part of the outer face of the tenon, that is to say
on the side of the barrier (43), has a circular shoulder (441). The
inside diameter of the narrow portion of the funnel (981)
corresponds to the outer diameter of the tenon (44) of the stem
(4).
[0052] A first set of two radial holes (45) is formed in the first
wall (41) of the stem (4), near the lower end of the central
channel (42). Thus, these first radial holes (45) contact the
inside of the central channel (42) and the outer face of the stem
(4). Similarly, the second cylindrical wall forming the tenon (44)
is open in its upper part, in the vicinity of the barrier (43), by
a second set of two radial holes (443). These two radial holes open
above the shoulder (441)
[0053] The stem (4) is further provided with a third cylindrical
wall (46) concentric with the first (41) and surrounding it so as
to form an annular channel (47) concentric to the upper central
channel (42). This annular channel (47) is open at its upper end by
an axial orifice and closed toward the bottom. Its length is such
that the first radial holes (45) do not pass through it. A third
set of two radial holes (48) passes through the third cylindrical
wall (46) so as to contact the inside of the annular channel (47)
and the outside of the stem (4). The holes (48) of this third set
open above the holes (45, 443) of the first and second set.
[0054] The stem (4) is additionally provided with two circular
stops (49a, 49b) located on its periphery. The outer diameter of
the first stop (49a) corresponds substantially to the diameter of
the cylinder formed by the inner ends of the first portion of the
ribs (96) of the axial channel (95) of the valve body (9). The
outer diameter of the second stop (49b) corresponds substantially
to the inner diameter of the spacer (3). The first stop (49a) is
located below the second (49b).
[0055] In the assembled state, the stem is located in the valve
body within the axial channel (95) in which it can move. The
movement of the stem is limited between two extreme positions, the
upper or closure position and the lower or short-circuit position.
Downwardly, that is to say in the short-circuit position, the
movement is limited by the first stop (49a) which comes to bear on
the upper portion of the second set of ribs (97) whereas upwardly,
that is to say in the closure position, the movement is limited by
the second stop (49b) which comes to bear against the inner valve
seal (5a) located in the dome (22) of the cup (2). In this
position, the movement is also limited by the first stop (49a)
which comes to bear on the inner chamber seal (5b).
[0056] The spacer (3) is formed by a hollow cylinder provided in
its upper portion with radial ribs (31) oriented outwards.
[0057] A metering chamber (7) is secured by appropriate means on
the valve body (9), preferably at the lower section. The metering
chamber is essentially constituted by a cover (71) and a bottom
(72) within which slides a piston (73). This piston is subjected to
the pressure of a spring (74) (of which only the end coils are
shown) which, in the absence of other effort, tends to push it back
against the cover (71).
[0058] The cover (71) of the metering chamber is essentially
constituted by a radial wall (711) provided with a central opening
(712) and two cylindrical walls (713, 714). The first cylindrical
wall (713) extends the radial wall (711) downwardly. The second
cylindrical wall (714), concentric with the first, extends upwardly
around the central opening (712) of the radial wall (711). In the
mounted state, the upper end of the second cylindrical wall (714)
comes to bear against the lower face of the funnel-shaped portion
(981) of the valve body, preferably with interposition of an
annular ring (717) or any other suitable sealing means. A third
cylindrical wall (715), concentric to the first two and surrounding
the second, is provided for receiving the fixing means of the
chamber (7) on the valve, preferably on the lower end of the valve
body. In the example shown here, the fixing means are constituted
by, on the one hand, two radial tenons in the shape of a circular
arc placed on the outer face of the valve body (9), at its lower
end, and two radial shoulders (718) directed toward the center and
placed at the upper end of the inner face of the third cylindrical
wall (715). In the assembled state, the two tenons of the valve
body come to fit behind the two shoulders (718) of the third radial
wall of the cover of the metering chamber. The seal is reinforced
by the presence of the annular ring (717).
[0059] The bottom (72) of the metering chamber is constituted by a
cylindrical wall (721) closed at the bottom by a radial wall (723).
The inner diameter of the cylindrical wall (721) of the bottom (72)
corresponds substantially to the outer diameter of the first
cylindrical wall (713) of the cover (71). These two elements of the
metering chamber can be connected with each other by any suitable
means. In the example shown here, they are connected by means of
four tenons (723) having the shape of an arc of a circle and
distributed uniformly over the periphery of the cylindrical wall
(721) of the bottom (72) and a same number of shoulders (716)
provided in the first cylindrical wall (713) of the cover (71) and
behind which the tenons (723) come to fit. Of course, as a possible
alternative, it is the radial wall of the metering chamber that is
separated from the rest of the metering chamber.
[0060] The piston (73) is essentially constituted by a full radial
wall (731) (thus, without a passage opening, contrary to the valve
of EP 1 099 647 A1), fixed on a cylindrical ring (732), the spring
(74) penetrating into this cylindrical ring to bear on the lower
face of the radial wall, or in the case shown here, on radial ribs
(733) which are shorter than the cylindrical ring (732) and extend
from the radial wall. A shoulder (734) formed on the outer face of
the cylindrical ring (732) provides sealing between the piston (73)
and the inner face of the cylindrical wall (721) of the bottom (72)
of the metering chamber. The air contained inside the bottom (72)
below the piston (73) is compressed when the chamber fills up.
[0061] The valve seal (5a), of annular shape, is placed in the
bottom of the dome, between the latter and the top face of the
valve body.
[0062] The chamber seal (5b) is placed inside the axial channel
(95) of the valve body and it bears on the upper face of the first
set of ribs (96). It is held in this position by the spacer (3).
The chamber seal (5b) has an annular shape. Its outer diameter
corresponds to the inner diameter of the axial channel (95) above
the first set of ribs (96). Its inner diameter corresponds to the
outer diameter of the stem (4) at the first radial holes (45) and
second radial holes (443). On its inner face, the chamber seal (5b)
has two parallel radial grooves (51b, 52b) located one above the
other. The height of the lower groove (51b) is greater than or
equal to the axial distance separating the first radial holes (45)
from the second radial holes (443) of the stem. In practice, it
would be possible to dispense with the second radial groove (52b),
which plays no role. Its presence is justified only for reasons of
simplification of the valve assembly: since the part is symmetrical
about the radial center plane, it can be mounted one way or another
in the valve body.
[0063] In the mounted state of the valve, there are, from bottom to
top, the metering chamber (7) fixed on the lower section of the
valve body (9). The stem (4) is located within the valve body (9),
pushed back into the upper position by a spring (8) which is
supported on one side on the shoulder (441) of the stem (4) and on
the other on the upper face of the collar (98). The chamber seal
(5b) is blocked within the axial channel (95) between the top of
the ribs of the first set (96) and the spacer (3) which is itself
placed in the top part of the axial channel (95). Finally, the
upper ring (91) of the valve body is secured to the cup (2), for
example, by crimping with interposition of the valve seal (5a)
which surrounds the upper section of the stem (4). This seal ensure
in particular sealing between the area located below it and that
located above it.
[0064] To allow the product contained in the pouch (11) or the vial
to enter the metering chamber, and then exit it, an inlet passage
and an outlet passage are provided, inlet closure means and outlet
closure means being respectively provided in the input path and the
output path for closing these passages when necessary. When the
respective closure means are open, the inlet passage contacts the
inside of the pouch, or the inside of the vial if there is no
pouch, and the metering chamber, while the outlet passage contacts
the inside of the measuring chamber and the upper central channel
(42) of the stem.
[0065] The inlet passage is constituted by the inlet orifices (99)
made in the valve body, the orifice formed by the funnel-shaped
portion (981) of the collar (98) of the valve body and the second
cylindrical wall (714), then the orifice (712) of the cover (71) of
the metering chamber. The inlet passage is clearly visible for
example in FIG. 3b, where it is indicated by an arrow. The closure
means of this inlet passage are constituted by the tenon-shaped
lower end of the second cylindrical wall (44) of the stem which,
when the stem (4) is sufficiently lowered, comes to sealingly close
the opening of the funnel-shaped portion (981) of the valve body
and the annular ring (717). The closure of the inlet passage by the
closure means input is clearly visible in FIGS. 4b and 5b.
[0066] The outlet passage is constituted by the orifice formed by
the orifice (712) of the cover (71) of the metering chamber, the
second cylindrical wall (714), the funnel-shaped portion (981) of
the collar (98) of the valve body, the lower central channel (442)
of the stem, the second set of radial holes (443), the first
annular groove (51b) of the chamber seal (5b), the first set of
radial holes (45) and the upper central channel (42). The outlet
passage is clearly visible in FIG. 4b where it is marked by an
arrow. The closure means of the outlet passage are constituted by
the inner face of the cylindrical wall of the chamber seal (5b)
which, as soon as the two sets of radial holes (45, 443) are no
longer aligned with the first annular groove (51b), constitutes a
tight barrier between these two sets of holes, thereby closing the
outlet passage. The closure of the outlet passage is clearly
visible in FIGS. 3b and 5b.
[0067] When the valve is in the closed position, the radial holes
(48) of the third cylindrical wall (46) of the stem are located
above the valve seal (5a), that is to say outside the valve. The
radial holes (45) located at the bottom of the upper central
channel (42) are located facing the upper groove (52b) of the
chamber seal (5b) (or against the wall of the chamber seal which
closes it if there is no second annular groove), while the second
radial holes (443) are located facing the lower groove (51b). Thus,
the two sets of radial holes are isolated from each other and there
is no communication between the lower central channel (442) and the
upper central channel (42) of the stem (4). The tenon (44) of the
stem penetrates into the orifice of the collar (98) but without
coming into contact with the bottom of the funnel-shaped portion
(981) and with the annular ring (717). The passage between the
inside of the pouch (11) and the metering chamber is thus free.
This passage proceeds through the radial holes (99), called inlet
orifices, then the space located between the funnel-shaped portion
(981) of the collar (98) and the lower end of the tenon (44), and
finally the central orifice (712) of the cover of the metering
chamber.
[0068] In this position the product placed within the pouch and
compressed, for example to about 8 bar, by the gas located outside
of it, penetrates through the orifices (99) into the axial channel
(95), passes through the funnel-shaped portion (981) while going
around the end of the tenon (44), and goes through the central
orifice (712) of the cover (71) of the metering chamber by pushing
the piston (73) against the action of spring (74). On the side of
the valve body, the product goes up the lower axial channel (442)
of the stem and fills the lower section of the valve body. However,
it is blocked in the valve body by the chamber seal (5b) and at the
stem inside the bottom groove (51b) of the chamber seal. The
product cannot get out of the valve, but the metering chamber is
filled.
[0069] When the valve is actuated, that is to say a pressure is
exerted on the top portion of the stem, the latter moves downwards.
To empty the metering chamber, the stem is designed to be lowered
into an intermediate position between the high or closure position,
and the low or short-circuit position.
[0070] In this intermediate position, the stem is lowered so that
the radial holes (48) of the third cylindrical wall of the stem are
again located above the valve seal (5a). The radial holes (45)
located in the lower portion of the upper central channel (42) of
the stem, like the radial holes (443) located in the upper portion
of the lower central channel (442), are situated facing the lower
annular groove (51b): they are thus in communication with each
other. The lower end of the tenon (44) now enters the funnel-shaped
portion (981) of the collar and thus sealingly closes the central
orifice of the collar.
[0071] In this position, the product can no longer go from the
pouch (or vial) into the metering chamber since the inlet passage
between the inlet radial holes (99) and the metering chamber is
closed by the sealed closure of the central hole of the collar by
the tenon (44). On the contrary, the metering chamber being in
contact with the outside, the pressure drops and the spring (74)
pushes the piston (73) back to the upper portion of the metering
chamber. The product is thus expelled. It passes first through the
outlet opening (712) and the channel formed in the second
cylindrical wall (714) of the cover (71), goes up in the lower
channel (442) of the tenon (44), passes through the holes (443) of
the tenon, circulates in the lower groove (51b) of the chamber seal
(5b), passes through the holes (45) located in the lower portion of
the upper central channel (42) of the stem, goes up the latter and
arrives outside of the valve. Only the amount of product placed in
the metering chamber can be expelled this way. At most, during the
first use, the amount of material needed to fill the dead space
formed by the path located inside the lower central channel (442)
and the upper central channel (42) is missing. During subsequent
uses, since this dead volume is already filled with product, the
expelled volume corresponds exactly to the volume of the metering
chamber (7).
[0072] When the pressure on the valve is released, the spring (8)
pushes the stem (4) upwardly, the latter goes back to its initial
position and the metering chamber fills up again.
[0073] It should be noted that regardless of the position of the
stem, the product contained in the pouch can enter the side
channels (931) of the fins (93) of the valve body and go through
their orifices (94) to penetrate into the space located between the
valve seal (5a) and the chamber seal (5b). However, this space is
sealingly closed and the product contained therein cannot
escape.
[0074] In some cases, it may be useful to bypass the metering
chamber (7), for example to take a much larger dose of product. In
this case, it is possible to exert an even greater pressure on the
top face of the stem to force it to descend into the lowermost end
position, beyond the intermediate position mentioned above. In this
case, the radial holes (48) of the third cylindrical wall (46) of
the stem pass below the valve seal (5a), so they are in contact
with the inside of the valve body. The radial holes (45) are facing
the lower groove (51b) of the chamber seal, while the radial holes
(443) are located in the vicinity of the first and second set of
ribs (96, 97). Thus, the upper central channel (42) and the lower
central channel (442) are again isolated from each other. The tenon
(44) penetrates even more into the funnel-shaped portion of the
collar (98), maintaining the sealed closure of the central hole of
the collar.
[0075] In this extreme position, the inlet and outlet passages are
closed and the metering chamber is not only isolated from the pouch
(11), but it is also isolated from the outside: it can neither be
filled nor emptied. On the contrary, the product contained in the
pouch (or vial) escapes through the valve via the side channels of
the fins. It is pressed into the side channels (931) of the fins
(93), passes through the orifices (94) that contact the top of the
channels (931) and the inside of the upper ring (91), enters into
the ring, passes between the ribs (31) of the spacer (3), passes
through the holes (48) made in the third cylindrical wall (46) of
the stem and leaves through the annular channel (47).
[0076] It should be noted that in the lowermost end position
short-circuiting the metering chamber, it is also possible to fill
the pocket during manufacture of the pressurized vial.
[0077] If the short-circuit position is not necessary, it is
possible to dispense with the third cylindrical wall (46) of the
stem and the side channels (931) of the valve body, even if the
fins can be retained to facilitate welding of the pouch (11). The
stem then moves only between the high closure position and the
intermediate opening position, which then becomes the second end
position.
[0078] The pouch is not essential either. It is possible to remove
the product directly from the vial. As such, the valve can be used
upside down (valve placed below the vial).
[0079] However, if it must be used in the normal position (valve
above the vial), a plunger tube connected to the radial openings
(99) of the lower section of the valve body and the side channels
(931) of the fins must be provided.
[0080] In the embodiment shown here, the radial holes (45, 443, 48,
99) are provided in pairs. Of course, it would be possible to have
only one each time, or on the contrary, more than two.
[0081] The metering valve of the invention, particularly associated
with a pouch (11), can be used in any position. The presence of the
spring (74) constraining the piston (73) ensures a fast and full
exit of the product out of the metering chamber. Since the metering
chamber is filled from the top, via the path that the product uses
to exit, it is not at risk of being emptied between uses, even when
one dispenses with using a pouch.
LIST OF REFERENCES
[0082] 1 Metering valve [0083] 11 Soft pouch [0084] 2 Cup [0085] 21
External ring [0086] 22 Dome [0087] 3 Spacer [0088] 31 Radial ribs
oriented outwardly [0089] 4 Stem [0090] 41 First cylindrical wall
[0091] 42 Upper central channel [0092] 43 Barrier [0093] 44 Second
cylindrical wall/tenon [0094] 441 Circular shoulder [0095] 442
Lower central channel [0096] 443 Second set of radial holes [0097]
45 First set of radial holes [0098] 46 Third cylindrical wall
[0099] 47 Annular channel [0100] 48 Third set of radial holes
[0101] 49a First stop [0102] 49b Second stop [0103] 5 a) Valve seal
[0104] b) Chamber seal [0105] 51b Lower annular groove [0106] 52b
Upper annular groove [0107] 7 Metering chamber [0108] 71 Cover
[0109] 711 Radial wall [0110] 712 Central orifice [0111] 713 First
cylindrical wall [0112] 714 Second cylindrical wall [0113] 715
Third cylindrical wall [0114] 716 Shoulder for fixing the bottom
[0115] 717 Annular ring [0116] 718 Shoulder for fixing on the valve
body [0117] 72 Bottom [0118] 721 Cylindrical wall [0119] 722 Radial
wall [0120] 723 Tenons [0121] 73 Piston [0122] 731 Radial wall
[0123] 732 Cylindrical ring [0124] 733 Radial ribs [0125] 734
Shoulder [0126] 74 Piston spring [0127] 8 Stem spring [0128] 9
Valve body [0129] 91 Upper ring [0130] 92 Main portion [0131] 93
Fins [0132] 931 Side channels [0133] 94 Holes [0134] 95 Axial
channel [0135] 96 First set of ribs [0136] 97 Second set of ribs
[0137] 98 Collar [0138] 981 Funnel-shaped portion [0139] 99 Radial
holes
* * * * *