EP1842798B1 - Dosing valve and device for dispensing a preferably cosmetic liquid - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a metering valve for dispensing a preferably cosmetic liquid according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device with such a metering valve and to a use of such a device and a method for producing such a metering valve.

In a narrower sense, the term "cosmetic liquid" is to be understood as meaning cosmetics, hair spray, hair lacquer, a deodorant, a foam, a gel, a paint spray, a sunscreen or skin care agent or the like. But in a broader sense, other personal care products, cleaning products, o. The like., And also suspensions and fluids, in particular with gas phases comprises. Further, as other liquids, such as air freshener, and in particular also technical fluids and fluids, such as rust remover o. The like., Are used. However, for reasons of simplification and because of the focus of use, only cosmetic liquid is often referred to below.

For filling containers with a cosmetic liquid under pressure, in addition to the so-called "undercup" method in which the filling by lifting or before placing a lid with a valve on the container, ie before the final closing of the container, bypassing the Valve is, namely increasingly the so-called "pressure filling" used, in which the filling of the valve or the valve housing over between the cover and a discharge-side sealing element of the valve - possibly also through the valve - takes place. The present invention only relates to such metering valves designed for pressure filling.

From the DE 20 2004 011 219 U1 , which forms the starting point of the present invention, a device for metered dispensing and atomization of a cosmetic liquid is known. The device has a container containing the liquid, which is closed by a lid. The lid is a metering valve with a movable valve element in a valve housing assigned. The valve element forms, together with the valve housing, an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The valve element is preferably provided with an attached spray head o. The like. For dispensing and atomization of the liquid. By depressing the spray head, the valve element is moved axially, whereby first the inlet valve is closed and then the outlet valve is opened. Then, the liquid preferably containing a blowing agent can escape from a metering chamber formed in the valve housing and be atomized and dispensed by the connected spray head. The metering valve or the device is designed for pressure filling.

The US 3,131,834 A discloses a device for metered dispensing and in particular atomization of a pressurized fluid from a container via a metering valve. However, the device or the metering valve is not designed for pressure filling. Instead, the pressure valve for filling in the "undercup" is formed. The metering valve is held by a lid closing the container. It has an inner valve housing which is peripherally surrounded by an additional metering space bounded by an outer wall extending to the lid.

FR 1266391 discloses another metering valve.

The present invention has for its object to provide a metering valve and a device for the metered delivery of a preferably cosmetic liquid and a use of such a device and a method, wherein in a simple, cost-effective design and in particular based on existing valve designs the metering volume of the pressure for filling Metering valve is increased.

The above object is achieved by a metering valve according to claim 1, an apparatus according to claim 12, a use according to claim 14 or a method according to claim 15, Advantageous developments are subject of the dependent claims.

According to the proposal, the metering valve has a connected to the metering and this magnifying, rigid additional container.

According to a first aspect of the additional reservoir is arranged on the valve housing spaced from the cover.

According to a second, alternative or additional aspect, the additional container in a section has an outer contour tapering towards the cover.

Thus, an enlargement of the metering space and thus of the metering volume of the metering valve is achieved in a simple manner, wherein the metering valve is designed or suitable despite the additional container for pressure filling.

Another, possibly independently realizable aspect of the present invention is to provide the additional container with a riser. This is conducive to a rapid and / or complete emptying of the additional container even with a total of large dosing and dosing volume.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer ersten vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem vorschlagsgemäßen Dosierventil zur dosierten Abgabe einer kosmetischen Flüssigkeit bei geöffnetem Einlaßventil;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung gem. Fig. 1 bei geschlossenem Einlaßventil; und

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer zweiten vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung bei geschlossenem Einlaßventil.

Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of two preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a first proposed device with a proposed metering valve for metered delivery of a cosmetic liquid with the inlet valve open;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view acc. Fig. 1 with closed inlet valve; and

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of a second device according to the proposal with closed inlet valve.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a proposed device 1 with a metering valve 2 for metered delivery of a preferably cosmetic liquid 3 in the aforementioned sense o. The like. In particular takes place a discharge of the liquid 3 via a, not shown, connected to the metering valve 2 - preferably mounted thereon - spray head for atomization and dispensing of the liquid. 3

The liquid 3 is under pressure or can be pressurized. In particular, the liquid 3 contains a blowing agent, preferably a volatile and / or combustible blowing agent, compressed gas, carbon dioxide or the like.

The metering valve 2 has a valve housing 4, which forms a metering chamber 5 of the metering valve 2.

Furthermore, the metering valve 2 has a movable valve element 6. The valve element 6 is in the representation example axially - in the illustration according to Fig. 1 vertically - guided in the valve housing 4 movable and forms the discharge side a projecting connector 7 for connection of the spray head not shown o.

The metering valve 2 has an inlet-side inlet valve 8 and a discharge-side outlet valve 9, which are assigned to the metering chamber 5 and / or in particular are formed by the valve element 6 and valve housing 4.

Preferably, a valve member 6 associated return spring 10 is arranged in the valve housing 4 and the metering chamber 5, which the valve element 6 in the Fig. 1 represented, unconfirmed position, here upwards, biased. In the unactuated position, the exhaust valve 9 is closed and the inlet valve 8 is opened. In this state, the dosing chamber 5 is filled with the liquid 3 (in Fig. 1 this is not shown for reasons of simplification).

Upon actuation of the metering valve 2 - thus pushing down the valve element 6 against the force of the return spring 10 - the intake valve 8 is first closed and only then the exhaust valve 9 is opened. In this operated, in Fig. 2 shown state, the present in the dosing 5 liquid 3 can be discharged through the open outlet valve 9, in particular due to the aforementioned propellant independently flow and, for example, sprayed or atomized by the connected to the connector 7, not shown spray head. The metering valve 2 is accordingly at every actuation only a certain or metered, determined by the volume of the dosing 5 amount of liquid 3 from.

When resetting the metering valve 2 in the unactuated position, only the exhaust valve 9 is closed and then the inlet valve 8 is opened to allow liquid 3 to flow back into the metering chamber 5.

The valve element 6 and the valve housing 4 are preferably each formed einstükkig and injection molded from plastic, in particular from a relatively hard or rigid plastic, such as polyamide or polyoxymethylene (POM).

For sealing the inlet valve 8 in the closed state, a sealing element 11 made of a softer or more elastic material than the valve element 6 and the valve housing 7 is preferably additionally provided between the valve element 6 and the valve housing 4. For example, the sealing element 11 is injection-molded onto the valve element 6, preferably directly in the injection mold used to produce the valve element 6 or in a separate injection mold. Alternatively, the sealing element II may for example also be inserted as a prefabricated part into the injection mold and the valve element 6 may be injection-molded or the sealing element 11 may be attached to the prefabricated valve element 6.

The sealing element 11 preferably has a lateral projection, in particular an annular flange 12 o. The like., For fixing to the valve element 6, in particular wherein the projection or annular flange 12 between an abutment for the return spring 10 on the valve element 6 and the associated end of the return spring 10th is arranged and thereby fixed. This allows a very secure fixing of the sealing element 11 on the valve element 6, in particular even if the sealing element 11 is molded onto the valve element 6, since with different materials a release of the sealing element 11 from the valve element 6 can not always be completely ruled out.

Of course, the sealing member 11 may alternatively be arranged and fixed in a corresponding manner on the valve housing 4.

The sealing element 11 is also preferably injection molded, in particular of a suitable elastomer, preferably of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or high pressure produced low density polyethylene (LDPE).

In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet valve 9 has a separate sealing element 13, which in particular is of annular design and is preferably held by the valve housing 4. The separate sealing element 13 seals radially to a shaft portion of the valve element 6 or fitting 7 from. In the in Fig. 1 illustrated, unactuated state, the outlet valve 9 is closed and accordingly no liquid 3 from the metering chamber 5 discharge side discharge.

Upon actuation, the valve element 6 or the connecting piece 7 is displaced axially such that after closing the inlet valve 8, a radial passage 14 moves past the separate sealing element 13 into the interior of the valve housing 4 or into the metering chamber 5, ie to the metering chamber 5 is released (this position is in Fig. 2 shown). Thus, the outlet valve 9 is opened, and liquid 3 can flow out of the metering chamber 5 through the passageway 14 in an axial outlet channel 15 and through this from the connector 7 also in the spray head o. The like. Not shown.

After the operation, the valve element 6 is returned from the return spring 10 in the in Fig. 1 moved back starting position shown. In this case, first the exhaust valve 9 is closed and then the inlet valve 8 is opened.

The metering valve 2 is associated with a cover 16 which carries the metering valve 2, or holds. The lid 16 forms a closure of a container 17 of the device 1. In particular, the container 17 is liquid-tight and gas-tight by the lid 16 closed or closed, so that the liquid 3 is stored after the initially described pressure filling in the container 17 under pressure or under Pressure can be set.

The lid 16 is connected in a conventional manner, for example by crimping, with the container 17. As a result, a corresponding opening of the container 17 is closed.

The actuating direction of the metering valve 2 or, the direction of movement of the valve element 6 or longitudinal extent of the metering valve 2 extends or extend preferably in the central axis of the particular substantially disc-shaped lid 16,

The metering valve 2 is preferably arranged centrally on the cover 16, in particular with the outlet end of the valve housing 4. Particularly preferably, the valve housing 4 is seated with an end portion in a pot-like recess 18 of the lid 16, starting from the container interior or the liquid side, the metering valve 2 or, valve housing 4 biases in this mounted state, the sealing element 13 axially or frontally against a connecting piece 7 surrounding ring portion 19 of the recess 18 of the lid 16. This leads to an axial seal and ensures the desired gas tightness between the metering valve 2 and Valve housing 4 on the one hand and the lid 16, in particular its ring portion 19, on the other.

To enable the above-mentioned pressure filling the sealing element 13 is preferably designed and / or stored in the illustrated embodiment, that the sealing element 13 is deformed at correspondingly large pressure from the outside such that a desired filling between the lid 16, in particular the ring portion 19, and the Sealing element 13 - so the metering valve 2 and the valve housing 4 over - can be done.

In particular, the valve housing 4 is supported directly on the lid 16 to bias the sealing element 13 defined and to allow a defined opening during the pressure filling. Next, the valve housing 4 corresponding outside channels in the region of the lid 16 to allow the pressure filling.

Preferably, at a correspondingly high pressure, the device 1 is filled with a propellant, not shown, for example compressed or liquid gas. The liquid 3 is preferably filled prior to assembly of the lid 16 in the container 17. Alternatively, however, this can also be done together with the pressure filling.

In addition, the metering valve 2 may optionally open during the pressure filling due to the large forces occurring, so in addition a filling through the metering valve 2 through done. This opening of the metering valve 2, for example, by corresponding axial expansion of the valve housing 4 and thereby opening the intake valve 8 in the in Fig. 1 shown, unactuated condition.

The metering valve 2 is preferably provided with an inlet-side inlet or riser 20 - in particular a hose o. The like. - Provided, for example, connected to an inlet port 21 of the metering valve 2, in particular inserted into this and preferably clamped, is. The inlet port 21 is preferably formed on the valve housing 4 or formed by this.

If the metering valve 2 after a successful issue again its unactuated, in Fig. 1 shown, the opening of the inlet valve 8 causes liquid 3 via the riser 20 and the open inlet valve 8 to flow into the metering chamber 5 and this can refill. This is effected in particular by the pressure prevailing in the container interior.

According to the proposal, the metering valve 2 has a connected to the metering chamber 5 and this enlarging additional container 22. By the additional container 22, the metering volume - ie the volume of liquid 3, which is output per actuation of the metering valve 2 - preferably to a total of 10 to 50 ml or more enlargeable.

The additional reservoir 22 is preferably arranged on the valve housing 4 and / or inlet port 21 and preferably held exclusively thereof.

The additional container 22 is spaced from the lid 16. This is conducive to unimpeded pressure filling.

The additional container 22 is preferably constructed in the representation example of several parts. In particular, it has a lower part 23 and an upper part 24, which are firmly and pressure-tightly connected to each other. Particularly preferably, the two parts 23, 24 latching, clamping and / or by gluing, welding o. The like. Connected to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower part 23 is at least substantially cylindrical or hollow cylindrical and connected at an axial end portion 25 with a preferably flange-like portion 26 of the upper part 24. In particular, the two regions 25 and 26 are welded together axially, for example by ultrasonic welding. In this case, the regions 25 and 26 preferably form circumferential annular surfaces in order to axially compress the two parts 23 and 24 and in particular to be able to place a suitable, annular ultrasound head. Alternatively or additionally, the two parts 23 and 24 or, areas 25 and 26 also radially overlap or engage behind, for example, between a clamping and / or latching connection o. The like. Form.

Alternatively or in addition to the spacing from the lid 16, the additional container 22 or its upper part 24 preferably has a section 27 with an outer contour that tapers towards the lid 16. This, in turn, is conducive to as unfettered pressure filling as possible.

The tapering towards the lid 16 portion 27 is preferably formed conical or frusto-conical. However, other configurations and shapes are possible here as well.

In particular, it is provided that the additional container 22, the pot-like recess 18 of the lid 3 on the inside, the ring portion 19 opposite end and in particular the annular space formed there between the valve housing 4 and the recess 18 does not close or reduced, to obstruct the pressure filling by education to avoid a throttle point.

Particularly preferably, the additional container 22 connects exclusively at the inlet side and / or the lid 16 opposite end of the valve housing 4 to the valve housing 4 and extends from there preferably only from the cover 16 away.

Preferably, the additional container 22 and / or the valve housing 4 is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical, cylindrical and / or elongated.

The auxiliary reservoir 22 preferably surrounds the valve housing 4, the inlet port 21 and / or the riser 20 peripheral, annular, cylindrical and / or radial.

The additional reservoir 22 is preferably made of the same material as the valve housing 4 or of a compatible material.

A particular advantage of the proposed increase in the metering volume of the metering valve 2 by the additional container 22 is that the actual construction of the metering valve 2 remains virtually unchanged. In particular, it is possible to use the additional container 22 only for a variant of the metering valve 2 with an increased metering volume. Essential parts such as the valve element 6, the valves 8, 9 and the sealing elements 11, 13 remain completely unchanged. The valve housing 4 requires only a relatively small modification in order to produce the required fluidic connection between the interior of the additional container 22 and the metering chamber 5. In particular, the valve housing 4 for this purpose has at least one connecting channel 28, preferably a plurality of distributed over the circumference of the connecting channels 28 in order to achieve a sufficient flow cross-section. Depending on the flow cross-section and the output behavior of the metering valve 2 - in particular the output duration or, -rate can be influenced or predetermined when the metering valve 2 is open.

The additional container 22 does not change the function and use of the metering valve 2. Rather, the additionally provided by the additional reservoir 22 dosing 5 as well as the only located in the valve housing 4 dosing 5 in the unactuated, in Fig. 1 shown state with the liquid 3 and blowing agent or the like. filled and finally when actuated accordingly Fig. 2 again emptied together with the dosing 5.

Particularly preferably, the auxiliary reservoir 22 is fluidly connected to the valve housing 4 or its metering chamber 5, that a good filling and emptying takes place with the liquid 3. In particular, the additional reservoir 22 is fluidly connected thereto at the end of the metering valve 2 opposite the outlet valve 9, the valve housing 4 or metering chamber 5.

According to a further development, it is possible to selectively open and interrupt the fluidic connection between the additional reservoir 22 and the metering chamber 5. This can be done for example by a valve, not shown, or with appropriate training by rotating the additional container 22 relative to the valve housing 4 for selectively enabling and blocking the connection channels 24.

The additional container 22 is preferably formed in the illustrated embodiment, at least substantially as a double-walled hollow cylinder.

In the illustrated example, the additional container 22 or its lower part 23 preferably has one or more, in particular radial ribs or intermediate walls 29, which stiffen the auxiliary container 22 and / or subdivide.

The volume of the additional container 22 is preferably at least as large as the volume of the metering chamber 5 formed solely by the valve housing 4, more preferably at least twice as large or by a factor of 5 larger or even larger,

• beispielsweise mittels eines Rastarms, Rastvorsprungs, radialen, außen am Anschlußstutzen 21 gebildeten Vorsprungs 30 oder einer sonstigen Rastausformung
• oder aufgeklemmt, oder angeformt oder angespritzt.

According to a first embodiment of the additional container 22 is formed as a separate part, in particular injection molding, and / or rigid. He is then preferably attached to the valve housing 4 and / or the inlet port 21, snapped

• For example, by means of a latching arm, latching projection, radial, outside of the connecting piece 21 formed projection 30 or other Rastausformung
• or clamped, or molded or molded.

In the illustrated example, the additional reservoir 22 is preferably primarily held by the inlet port 21 - in particular by a latching and / or press fit. Alternatively or additionally, the additional container 22 or its upper part 24 has a connecting region 31, which adjoins the section 27 in particular, which in particular has a hollow-cylindrical or tubular design and is pushed onto the valve housing 4. The connection region 31 can serve for additional retention of the additional container 22 in the valve housing 4.

Particularly preferably, the connection region 31 is pressure-tight or at least largely gas-tightly connected to the valve housing 4, for example by a radial interference fit and possibly additionally by a seal, not shown, or the like.

In addition, between the additional container 22 and the lower part 23 and the connecting piece 21 preferably a pressure-tight and in particular gas-tight seal formed, possibly by a seal or solid compound.

Thus, the desired fluid-tight connection of the additional container 22 to the metering chamber 5 and the at least one connecting channel 28 is made possible.

Preferably, the additional container 22 with the valve housing 4 insoluble, in particular by welding, gluing, clamping fit and / or positive engagement, connected.

According to a variant embodiment, not shown, the additional container 22 is formed integrally with the metering valve 2 or valve housing 4 or sprayed or molded in some other way.

Fig. 3 shows in one too Fig. 2 Corresponding, schematic section of a second embodiment of the proposed device 1 and the proposed valve 2. Only essential differences compared to the first embodiment are highlighted below, so that the previous versions and explanations preferably apply correspondingly or in addition.

In order to support an at least substantially complete emptying of the additional container 22 when opening the outlet valve 9 and / or to optimize the dispensing behavior - in particular with regard to the discharge rate - the additional container 22 according to the second embodiment is preferably provided with at least one riser channel 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the riser channel 33 between a preferably hollow cylindrical or tubular portion 32 and the preferably hollow cylindrical or tubular inner wall 34 of the additional container 22 and lower part 23 is formed. The riser channel 33 is therefore designed in particular as an annular channel. The riser 33 extends axially from the at least one connecting channel 28 at least substantially to the other end of the additional container 22 and lower part 23 preferably in the axial direction with respect to the riser 20 and the direction of movement of the valve element. 6

The volume of the riser channel 33 is preferably as small as possible. Accordingly, the radial distance of the portion 32 to the inner wall 34 is relatively small. In particular, the remaining volume of the additional container 22 is many times greater than the volume of the riser channel 33,

In the illustrated embodiment, the riser 33 surrounds the inner wall 34, the riser 20 and the connecting piece 21. However, the riser 33 may be formed in other ways, for example, only as a riser or by a plurality of individual channels o.

Alternatively, the riser channel 33 can also run along or adjacent to the outer wall of the additional container 22 or be formed in this.

The riser channel 33 leads in particular to a more complete and / or faster emptying of the additional container 22 during the dispensing of liquid 3.

The proposed device 1 or the proposed metering valve 3 is very universally applicable, for example, for foaming or filling with a defined, relatively large amount of liquid 3 or a foam formed thereof o. The like.

Claims (15)

1. Metering valve (2) for the metered dispensing of a pressurized preferably cosmetic liquid (3), with a valve housing (4) which forms a metering space (5) of the metering valve (2), and with a valve element (6), inlet valve (8) and/or outlet valve (9), arranged in the valve housing (4), the valve housing (4) being mountable on the outlet side on a cover (16) for pressure-tight fastening to a container (17) storing the liquid (3), and the metering valve (2) being designed for pressure filling, the metering valve (2) having a rigid additional container (22) connected to the metering space (5) and enlarging the latter,
   characterized in
   that the additional container (22) is arranged or attached so as to be spaced apart from the cover (16).
2. Metering valve according to Claim 1, characterized in that the additional container (22) is designed as a separate part, in particular an injection moulding.
3. Metering valve according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional container (22) is plugged, latched or clamped or integrally formed or injection-moulded onto the valve housing (4) or an inlet connection piece (21) of the valve housing (4).
4. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) is connected to the valve housing (4) unreleasably, in particular by welding, adhesive bonding, a press fit and/or a form fit.
5. Metering valve according to Claim 1, characterized in that the additional container (22) is produced in one piece with the valve housing (4) and/or is injection-moulded onto the valve housing (4).
6. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) and/or the valve housing (4) are/is of at least essentially rotationally symmetrical, cylindrical and/or elongate design.
7. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) peripherally, annularly, cylindrically or radially surrounds the valve housing (4), an inlet connection piece (21) of the metering valve (2) and/or a riser (20) adjoining the latter on the inlet side.
8. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) adjoins the valve housing (4) at the inlet-side and/or cover (16)-opposite end of the valve housing (4) and extends away from the cover (16).
9. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) is arranged or attached only at the inlet-side end of the valve housing (4).
10. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) has a portion (27) with an outer contour tapering towards the outlet-side end of the valve housing (4) or towards the cover (16).
11. Metering valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional container (22) has a rising duct (33), in particular the rising duct (33) being of annular design and/or being arranged within the additional container (22).
12. Device (1) for the metered dispensing of a preferably cosmetic liquid (3), with a container (17), closed by a cover (16), for the liquid (3) and with a metering valve (2) which is fastened to the cover (16),
    characterized in
    that the metering valve (2) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.
13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the container (17) can be filled or is filled with the liquid (3) and/or with a propellant, in particular gas, by pressure filling.
14. Use of a device (1) according to Claim 12 or 13, a hairspray, a hair lacquer, a deodorant, a foam, a gel, a paint spray, a sun protection agent, a skin care agent, a cleaning agent or a cosmetic or an air improver being dispensed in a metered manner as a liquid (3) or build-up foam or adhesive by means of the device (1) and preferably being atomized.
15. Method for producing a metering valve (2) designed for pressure filling, with a valve housing (4) and with an additional container (22) attached to it, the metering valve (2) being designed according to one of claims 1 to 11, the additional container (22) being plugged, latched, clamped or integrally formed or injection-moulded onto the valve housing (4) and/or an inlet connection piece (21) of the valve housing (4).

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