EP3765385B1 - Flow reducer for a pressurized product dispenser - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a flow reducer for a pressurized product dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular for an aerosol generator of the type provided with a diffuser and a valve equipped with a stem.

Pressurized product dispensers are commonly used in many fields. To dispense their contents, they are equipped with valves fitted with a stem. Depending on the needs, these can be single-way or two-way valves. Two-way valves are used when two products must be kept separate until they are used simultaneously. For this, the products are stored in two different containers, usually two bags side by side or one inside the other, or one in a bag and the other in the aerosol can. Two-way valves can also be used to dispense the product contained in the dispenser through one channel and the propellant gas through the other. The product can, if necessary, be contained in a bag protected from the propellant gas. To operate the valve, a diffuser is placed at the top of the stem. When the diffuser is used with a two-way valve, the two products only come into contact at the outlet of the stem, or even at the outlet of the diffuser. To introduce the product(s) into pressurized product dispensers, it is common to introduce them into their respective reservoirs (bags or boxes) via the valve, therefore via the channels passing through the stem. This operation is all the simpler and faster when the products are less viscous and the channels have a large cross-section. However, if the entry of the product is facilitated, its exit is also facilitated. However, it may be necessary, to obtain a good aerosol or a good foam, to limit the flow rate of the product leaving the valve. In the case of two-way valves, it may also be necessary for the two products not to come out with the same flow rate. Similarly, when the two products have different viscosities, it may be necessary to adapt the cross-section of the channels to obtain the desired flow rate for each of the products. Until now, the adaptation of the cross-section of the channels to guarantee the desired flow rate of the product or of each of the two products is done in the stem by choosing the size and number of orifices giving access to the channels of the stem and in the diffuser via the nozzle outlet orifice. This means that each stem and each nozzle must be adapted on a case-by-case basis, which requires different molds for their manufacture and large stocks. In addition, the choice of the size and number of orifices in the stems can limit the filling speed when the container is filled via the valve, i.e. through the stem. The document WO 2016/181823 A1 has a discharge device equipped on the one hand with a pressure reducer (pressure adjusting unit 3) and on the other hand a flow reducer (flow rate adjusting unit 2) which is not threaded onto the valve stem, but placed downstream of the flow reducer.

The document WO 95/10463 A1 describes a tip of cylindrical external shape intended to be placed on the stem of an aerosol valve and used to reduce the dead space in the diffuser duct which cannot be manufactured with a narrow duct. Due to the cylindrical external shape of the tip, it is not possible to mount on it a diffuser sized to be mounted on the stem,
The document FR 2 078 278 A5 offers a nozzle for door lock de-icer. The nozzle is shaped to fit the valve stem when used. To prevent the tip from breaking, the nozzle outlet duct is fitted with two reinforcing ribs that extend longitudinally on each side of the outlet duct and are integral with it. This nozzle does not allow a diffuser sized to be mounted on the nozzle stem.

The objective of the invention is to allow the flow rate of a two-way valve to be adjusted to the needs of the products to be applied while maintaining a stem with the widest possible ports. Preferably, the reducer will be designed to also allow the other standard components to be retained.

This objective is achieved with a flow reducer according to claim 1.

Once mounted on the stem, the reducer extends the two channels, which remain isolated from each other, to the outlet ports. It is sufficient to adapt the number and/or the cross-section of the outlet ports to adapt the flow rate of the products in each channel. It is thus possible to keep stems with large cross-section channels and standard diffusers. Only the reducer, a simple element to manufacture, is adapted on a case-by-case basis. The reducer can be used for single-channel stems as well as for stems with two concentric channels or two parallel channels.

• une paroi cylindrique de première voie définissant un espace cylindrique de première voie formant au moins une partie de l'évidement et présentant une première extrémité dirigée vers l'ouverture de l'évidement et une seconde extrémité opposée à l'ouverture de l'évidement, la paroi cylindrique de première voie étant apte, lorsque le réducteur est monté sur le stem d'une valve, à entourer au moins en partie la première paroi tubulaire du stem ;
• une paroi de fermeture sommitale dans le prolongement de la seconde extrémité de la paroi cylindrique de première voie, ladite paroi de fermeture sommitale fermant l'espace cylindrique de première voie ;
• le ou les premiers orifices de sortie étant réalisés dans la paroi de fermeture sommitale dans une zone de la paroi de fermeture sommitale apte, lorsque le réducteur est monté sur le stem d'une valve, à être en contact avec la première voie du stem.

In the case of a two-way concentric stem, the stem has a first tubular wall defining the first way. In this case, the reducer comprises:

• a first-way cylindrical wall defining a first-way cylindrical space forming at least a portion of the recess and having a first end directed toward the opening of the recess and a second end opposite the opening of the recess, the cylindrical wall of the first way being capable, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a valve, of surrounding at least in part the first tubular wall of the stem;
• a top closing wall in the extension of the second end of the first track cylindrical wall, said top closing wall closing the first track cylindrical space;
• the first outlet orifice(s) being made in the top closing wall in an area of the top closing wall capable, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a valve, of being in contact with the first path of the stem.

• le réducteur de débit comprenne une paroi cylindrique sommitale définissant un espace cylindrique sommital dont la section transversale est inférieure à la section transversale de l'espace cylindrique de première voie, et que
• la paroi de fermeture sommitale soit divisée en
  • ∘ une première paroi de fermeture sommitale reliant la seconde extrémité de la paroi cylindrique de première voie à une première extrémité de la paroi cylindrique sommitale ; et
  • ∘ une seconde paroi de fermeture sommitale dans le prolongement de la seconde extrémité de la paroi cylindrique sommitale, opposée à la première paroi de fermeture sommitale, et fermant l'espace cylindrique sommital,
• l'espace cylindrique de première voie et l'espace cylindrique sommital formant une partie au moins de l'évidement apte à être enfilé sur un stem ;
• le ou les premiers orifices de sortie étant réalisés dans la deuxième paroi de fermeture sommitale dans une zone de la deuxième paroi de fermeture sommitale apte, lorsque le réducteur est monté sur le stem d'une valve, à être en contact avec la première voie du stem.

To enable the flow reducer to have on its outer face opposite the opening of the recess the shape of the first tubular wall of the stem for which it is intended, it is provided that

• the flow reducer comprises a top cylindrical wall defining a top cylindrical space whose cross-section is smaller than the cross-section of the first-way cylindrical space, and that
• the summit closing wall is divided into
  • ∘ a first top closing wall connecting the second end of the first track cylindrical wall to a first end of the top cylindrical wall; and
  • ∘ a second top closing wall in the extension of the second end of the top cylindrical wall, opposite the first top closing wall, and closing the top cylindrical space,
• the first-way cylindrical space and the top cylindrical space forming at least part of the recess capable of being threaded onto a stem;
• the first outlet orifice(s) being made in the second top closure wall in an area of the second top closure wall capable, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a valve, of being in contact with the first path of the stem.

• une paroi cylindrique de seconde voie définissant un espace cylindrique de seconde voie formant au moins une partie de l'évidement et présentant une première extrémité dirigée vers l'ouverture de l'évidement et une seconde extrémité opposée à l'ouverture, la paroi cylindrique de seconde voie étant apte, lorsque le réducteur est monté sur le stem d'une valve à deux voies, à entourer au moins en partie la seconde paroi tubulaire du stem ;
• une paroi de fermeture intermédiaire reliant la seconde extrémité de la paroi cylindrique de seconde voie à la première extrémité de la paroi cylindrique de première voie ;
• le ou les seconds orifices de sortie étant réalisés dans la paroi de fermeture intermédiaire dans une zone de la paroi de fermeture intermédiaire apte à être en contact avec la seconde voie du stem.

When the reducer is intended for a concentric two-way valve whose stem has a first tubular wall defining the first way and a second tubular wall partly surrounding the first tubular wall and defining the second way, it is preferable for the flow reducer to further comprise

• a second-way cylindrical wall defining a second-way cylindrical space forming at least a portion of the recess and having a first end directed toward the opening of the recess and a second end opposite the opening, the wall second-way cylindrical valve being capable, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, of at least partially surrounding the second tubular wall of the stem;
• an intermediate closing wall connecting the second end of the second track cylindrical wall to the first end of the first track cylindrical wall;
• the second outlet orifice(s) being made in the intermediate closing wall in an area of the intermediate closing wall capable of being in contact with the second path of the stem.

Such a flow reducer allows separation of the products up to its outlet. If the separation must continue to the inside of the diffuser, or even to the outlet of the diffuser, the top cylindrical wall and the separation of the top closing wall into a first and a second top closing wall will be provided as indicated above. If, on the other hand, separation of the products beyond the stem is not necessary, it is possible to dispense with the top cylindrical wall in an embodiment not falling within the claimed invention.

In order to achieve the extension of the second path, it is possible to provide for the creation of one or more channels in the cylindrical wall of the first path, which channels extend to the top closing wall or to the first top closing wall and each channel opens onto one or more of the second outlet orifices.

• un embout d'étanchéité de première voie sur la paroi de fermeture sommitale ou à la première extrémité de la paroi cylindrique sommitale, l'embout d'étanchéité de première voie étant apte, lorsque le réducteur est monté sur le stem d'une valve à deux voies, à être introduit dans la première voie d'un stem de valve en assurant l'étanchéité à la jonction entre la première voie du stem de valve et le réducteur de débit, et/ou
• un embout d'étanchéité de seconde voie placé à la première extrémité de la paroi cylindrique de première voie, l'embout d'étanchéité de seconde voie étant apte, lorsque le réducteur est monté sur le stem d'une valve à deux voies, à être introduit dans la seconde voie du stem en assurant l'étanchéité à la jonction entre la seconde voie du stem et le réducteur de débit.

To ensure sealing on the one hand at the junction between the flow reducer and the stem and on the other hand between the extension of the first channel and the extension of the second channel, it is preferable to provide

• a first-way sealing end piece on the top closing wall or at the first end of the top cylindrical wall, the first-way sealing end piece being capable, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, of being introduced into the first way of a valve stem while ensuring sealing at the junction between the first way of the valve stem and the flow reducer, and/or
• a second-way sealing end piece placed at the first end of the first-way cylindrical wall, the second-way sealing end piece being capable, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, of being introduced into the second way of the stem while ensuring sealing at the junction between the second way of the stem and the flow reducer.

It is preferable that the outer contour of the first-way cylindrical wall is capable of cooperating with a diffuser, preferably with a diffuser capable of cooperating with a stem for which the flow reducer is intended. In particular, the outer contour of the wall The top cylindrical wall may be capable of cooperating with a diffuser for a single-way or two-way valve, in particular with a diffuser capable of cooperating with a stem for which the flow reducer is intended. In such a case, the external contour of the reducer at the level of the first-way cylindrical wall and, where appropriate, the top cylindrical wall is preferably substantially identical to the contour of the stem on which it is mounted so that it cooperates with the diffuser as the stem would have done. It is therefore possible to use the same diffusers for bare stems or stems fitted with a reducer. If it is not necessary to use the same diffusers and specific diffusers can be produced, this identity of shape may be waived.

The flow reducer can be sold separately. It can also be sold together with the valve and/or diffuser for which it is intended, particularly as a set. It is also possible for the reducer to be sold pre-assembled on the diffuser for which it is intended.

Fig. 1

Vue en coupe d'un réducteur de débit selon l'invention monté sur une valve à deux voies concentriques et surmonté d'un diffuseur ;

Fig. 2

Vue en perspective du dessus d'un réducteur de débit de l'invention ;

Fig. 3

Vue en perspective du dessous du réducteur de débit de la figure 2 ;

Fig. 4

Vue en coupe du réducteur de la figure 2 selon le plan de coupe C-C de la figure 9 ;

Fig. 5

Vue en coupe du réducteur de la figure 2 selon le plan de coupe D-D de la figure 9 ;

Fig. 6

Vue en coupe comme sur la figure 4, le réducteur étant monté sur un stem ;

Fig. 7

Vue en coupe comme sur la figure 5, le réducteur étant monté sur un stem ;

Fig. 8

Vue en coupe d'un stem à deux voies sur lequel peut être monté le réducteur de débit de l'invention ;

Fig. 9

Vue de dessous du réducteur de la figure 2 ; et

Fig. 10

Vue en coupe selon la coupe X-X de la figure 6 du réducteur de débit de la figure 2 enfilé sur le stem de la figure 8 au niveau de la deuxième paroi cylindrique du réducteur de débit.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the help of the figures which show:

Fig. 1

Sectional view of a flow reducer according to the invention mounted on a concentric two-way valve and surmounted by a diffuser;

Fig. 2

Perspective view from above of a flow reducer of the invention;

Fig. 3

Perspective view of the bottom of the flow reducer of the Figure 2 ;

Fig. 4

Sectional view of the reducer of the Figure 2 according to the section plane CC of the Figure 9 ;

Fig. 5

Sectional view of the reducer of the Figure 2 according to the section plan DD of the figure 9 ;

Fig. 6

Sectional view as in the Figure 4 , the reducer being mounted on a stem;

Fig. 7

Sectional view as in the Figure 5 , the reducer being mounted on a stem;

Fig. 8

Sectional view of a two-way stem on which the flow reducer of the invention can be mounted;

Fig. 9

Bottom view of the reducer Figure 2 ; And

Fig. 10

Sectional view along section XX of the Figure 6 of the flow reducer of the Figure 2 threaded onto the stem of the figure 8 at the level of the second cylindrical wall of the flow reducer.

The invention relates to a flow restrictor (10) for a stem (20) of a two-way valve (30) used with a housing (40) in pressure vessels. Such stems (20) are sometimes referred to as valve stems. The flow restrictor is intended to be placed between the free end of the stem (20) projecting from the valve and the diffuser (50), itself usually placed directly on this projecting end.

In the case of two-way valves, the stems (20) can be of the concentric-way type as in the example presented here (see in particular the figure 8 ), or be of the parallel track type.

A two-way valve stem may be used in a two-way valve (30) with parallel pockets such as that shown as an example in Figure 1 or with concentric pockets (bag-in-bag).

The stem and the flow reducer of the invention usually have a certain rotational symmetry around a main axis (A) passing through the stem and the pressure reducer. It will be seen that this rotational symmetry is not absolute, certain parts of the reducer deviating from it. The adjectives "axial" or "radial" relate to this main axis (A) and respectively define an element parallel to the axis or perpendicular to this axis. To simplify the description, spatial references such as "top" and "bottom" or "upper" and "lower" refer to the flow reducer and the stem as shown in the Figure 1 for example. These are not absolute positions, the valve on which the flow reducer of the invention is mounted can be used upwards (as on the Fig. 1 ), downwards, or more generally in any position suitable for the product to be delivered.

A stem for a one-way valve generally comprises a first tubular wall forming a cylindrical channel open at the top and forming part of the single way. This single way, when the valve is open, communicates with the interior of the housing or with a reservoir placed inside the housing, such as a flexible bag.

When the stem is intended for a two-way valve, this first tubular wall (21) is partly surrounded by a second tubular wall (22) forming an annular channel open upwards and forming part of the second way. The second tubular wall (22) generally does not extend as high as the first central tubular wall (21). Each way of the stem, when the valve is open, communicates with its respective reservoir, generally a flexible bag or the inside of the housing, in a known manner via the valve. It is also possible for the product to be dispensed to be contained directly in the housing with the propellant gas, the product exiting through the first way and the propellant gas through the second way. To simplify the rest of the description, reference will generally be made to bags without this being a limitation, these bags being able to be replaced by any other type of reservoir capable of fulfilling the same function.

The flow reducer (10) of the invention is fitted onto the protruding end of the stem and can maintain the separation of the ways when it is intended for a two-way valve.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a reducer for a concentric two-way valve. In the example presented here, the flow reducer (10) consists of three main parts: a first cylindrical wall (11), corresponding to the second-way cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall (12), corresponding to the first-way cylindrical wall, and a third cylindrical wall (13), corresponding to the top cylindrical wall, each defining a cylindrical interior space.

The first end (lower end) of the first cylindrical wall (11) is open and constitutes the lower end of the flow reducer (10). The second end (upper end) of the first cylindrical wall (11) and the first end (lower end) of the second cylindrical wall (12) are connected together by a first radial wall (111), corresponding to the intermediate closing wall. The second end (upper end) of the second cylindrical wall (12) and the first end (lower end) of the third cylindrical wall (13) are connected together by a second radial wall (121), corresponding to the first top closing wall. Finally, the third cylindrical wall (13) is closed at its second end (upper end) by a third radial wall (131), corresponding to the second top closing wall. These three radial walls contribute to closing the interior spaces defined by the three cylindrical walls and constitute closing walls. The cylindrical walls and the radial walls all together define a recess corresponding to the three cylindrical spaces. The recess is open at the free end of the first cylindrical wall (first end opposite the first closing wall (111)). It will be seen that this recess is capable of being threaded through the opening of the recess onto a two-way stem, without the stem necessarily penetrating to the bottom of the recess. In particular, the stem is not intended to penetrate into the top cylindrical space. The three main walls (11, 12, 13) of the flow reducer (10) are not necessarily absolutely cylindrical. They may be slightly frustoconical, generally in a non-perceptible manner, to facilitate demolding. This deviation from the perfectly cylindrical shape is expressed by the term "substantially" cylindrical, simplified in the following by the adjective "cylindrical". Likewise, the closing walls (111, 121, 131) are here radial, but they could be inclined or of any other suitable shape.

The inner diameter of the first cylindrical wall (11) of the flow reducer is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second tubular wall (22) of the stem. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical wall (12) is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first tubular wall (21) of the stem. This is clearly visible on the Figures 6 and 7 .

Furthermore, the outer diameter of the second cylindrical wall (12) of the flow reducer is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second tubular wall (22) of the stem, and the outer diameter of the third cylindrical wall (13) is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first tubular wall (21) of the stem. This is also visible on the Figures 6 and 7 . Thus, the external contour of the reducer, at the level of the second and third cylindrical walls, is substantially identical to the external contour of the upper part of the stem intended to penetrate into the diffuser (50).

When the flow reducer is mounted on a stem (20), the first tubular wall (21) of the stem penetrates into the second cylindrical wall (12) of the reducer and the second tubular wall (22) of the stem penetrates into the first cylindrical wall (11) of the reducer. The internal diameters of the first and second cylindrical walls (11, 12) are therefore chosen to ensure permanent contact between the internal face of this cylindrical wall (11, 12) and the external face of the corresponding tubular wall (21, 22) of the stem (see in particular the Figures 6 and 7 ). Assembly requires applying a slight force to overcome the friction of the walls against each other, which ensures that the flow restrictor remains firmly on the stem without the risk of it coming off. The inner diameter of the cylindrical walls (11, 12) must also not be too small so that assembly does not require too much force which could damage the stem or the flow restrictor.

The height of the outer face of the third cylindrical wall (13) is preferably substantially equal to the difference in height between the top of the first tubular wall (21) and the top of the second tubular wall (22) of the stem. The inner height of the first cylindrical wall (11) and that of the second cylindrical wall (12) are chosen such that the two tubular walls (21, 22) of the stem are each in contact with at least a portion of the inner face of the corresponding cylindrical wall (22/11, 21/12) when the flow reducer is mounted on a stem while ensuring on the one hand the continuity of the two paths and on the other hand their sealed separation. It is not necessary for the first cylindrical wall (11) of the flow reducer to be as high as the projecting portion of the second tubular wall (22) of the stem.

In order to ensure sealing between the two paths, the third cylindrical wall (13) can extend downwards, inside the second cylindrical wall (12), by a first path sealing end piece (132) whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first tubular wall (21) of the stem. Similarly, the second cylindrical wall (12) of the reducer can extend downwards, inside the first cylindrical wall (11), by a second path sealing end piece (122) whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the second tubular wall (22) of the stem. Due to the tight mounting of the first cylindrical wall (11) on the second tubular wall (22) of the stem on the one hand, and of the second cylindrical wall (12) on the first tubular wall (21) of the stem on the other hand, it would be possible to dispense with the second path sealing end piece (122).

To facilitate the installation of the reducer on the stem, it is preferable to chamfer the inside of the first and second cylindrical walls (11, 12) at their respective lower ends in order to allow a self-centering effect of the reducer relative to the stem. When a second-way sealing end piece (122) is provided, it is sufficient to chamfer the inner face thereof, without the chamfer necessarily reaching the inner face of the second cylindrical wall (12). Similarly, it is possible to chamfer the outer face of the two sealing end pieces (121, 131).

A central channel (133) of substantially constant diameter passes through the third cylindrical wall (13) from its lower end, or the lower end of the sealing end piece (132) when there is one, to the third radial wall (131) closing the third cylindrical wall (13). A central outlet orifice (134) is made in the third radial wall to bring the central channel (133) into contact with the outside of the reducer. This outlet orifice (124) corresponds to one of the first outlet orifices. Rather than a single orifice, it would be possible to make several orifices in the third radial wall (131). Similarly, one or more lateral channels (123), here two, can be made in the thickness of the second cylindrical wall (12). These channels extend from the lower end of the second cylindrical wall, or of the second-way sealing end piece (121) when there is one, to the second radial wall (121) closing the second cylindrical wall. Each lateral channel (123) ends with one or more outlet orifices (124) made in the second radial wall (121) closing the second cylindrical wall. These outlet orifices (124) correspond to the second outlet orifices. The lateral channels (123) can be made entirely in the mass of the cylindrical wall (12), or be only partially included in this wall, as is the case in the example presented here. This is clearly visible on the figures 3 And 5 . In this case, the outer face of the first tubular wall (21) of the stem closes the side wall of the tubular channels (123) as clearly shown in Figure 6 and the Figure 10 .

The flow reducer (10) is preferably made of a plastic material, for example a flexible polyolefin to facilitate tight mounting and contribute to the sealing of the tip (10) on the stem (20).

When the flow reducer is mounted on a stem, the product contained in the first reservoir (usually a first pocket) exits the valve through the first path, which ends in the central channel located in the first tubular wall (21) of the stem. The product leaving the stem through this first path enters the central channel (133) of the third cylindrical wall of the flow reducer and exits through the outlet orifice (134) at the top of the flow reducer. The central channel (133) therefore constitutes an extension of the first path. The product contained in the second pocket (or in the housing) exits the valve through the second path, which ends in the annular channel defined between the first tubular wall (21) and the second tubular wall (22) of the stem. The product leaving the stem via this second path enters the two lateral channels (123) and exits through the outlet orifices (124) located on the second radial wall (121) at the junction between the second and third cylindrical walls (12, 13). The lateral channels (123) therefore constitute an extension of the second path. On leaving the orifices (124, 134), the products enter the diffuser as they would have done if they had exited directly from the stem. The sealing end piece (132) of the first path ensures separation of the two products. The sealing end piece (122) of the second path contributes to the sealing of the second path with respect to the outside.

The cross-section of the outlet orifices (124, 134) and/or the number of lateral channels (123) are chosen according to the needs, namely the ratio between the two products to be dispensed taking into account the viscosity of each. It is therefore possible to have several different flow reducers for the same set of stem and diffuser. A stem is kept with two channels of large cross-sections allowing rapid filling of the pockets, while being able to adapt the outlet flow rate thanks to the reducer of the invention. Due to its external contour with the same dimensions as those of the stem, it is not necessary to modify the diffusers which can be fitted onto the reducer as they would on a stem. At most, the height of the skirt of the diffuser can be adapted to compensate for the additional height due to the presence of the flow reducer if this skirt has to descend to the valve cup or to the housing. The reducer can be delivered alone, mounted in a diffuser, or even temporarily placed on a two-way valve.

If the separation of the ways is no longer necessary at the outlet of the valve, it is possible to dispense with the third cylindrical wall (13) in an embodiment not falling within the scope of the claimed invention. In this case, the second radial wall (121) closing the top of the second cylindrical wall (12) extends over the entire cross-section of the channel defined by the cylindrical wall (12), the central outlet orifice (134) being produced in the center of this radial wall (121) so as to be opposite the first way of the stem defined by the first tubular wall (21). It is even conceivable to dispense with the first way sealing end piece (132).

The person skilled in the art understands that the system can be adapted to stems with parallel rather than concentric paths. In this case, the flow reducer is provided with two non-concentric parallel paths, each with one or more outlet ports whose cross-section is adjusted on a case-by-case basis.

It should be noted that the flow reducer of the invention has almost no effect on the pressure and does not fulfill the function of a pressure reducer.

When the flow reducer is intended for a single-way valve, an embodiment which is not covered by the text of the claims, it is not necessary to provide the first cylindrical wall (11), nor the channels (123) and the second openings (124).

The person skilled in the art also understands that it would be possible to adapt the flow reducer to stems comprising more than two ways, for example stems with three parallel or concentric ways.

The reducer of the invention can be used for any type of aerosol, for the application of pasty products, for foams, gels or liquids. It can be applied to pocket valves whose pockets can be welded or snapped onto the valve body.

10

Réducteur de débit
11 Première paroi cylindrique (paroi cylindrique de seconde voie)
111 Première paroi radiale (paroi radiale intermédiaire)
12 Deuxième paroi cylindrique (paroi radiale de première voie)
121 Deuxième paroi radiale (première paroi de fermeture sommitale)
122 Embout d'étanchéité de seconde voie
123 Canaux latéraux
124 2nds orifices de sortie latéraux
13 Troisième paroi cylindrique (paroi cylindrique sommitale)
131 Troisième paroi radiale (seconde paroi de fermeture sommitale)
132 Embout d'étanchéité de première voie
133 Canal de sortie central
134 1^er orifice de sortie central

20

Stem
21 Première paroi tubulaire
22 Seconde paroi tubulaire

30

Valve

40

Boîtier

50

Diffuseur

A

Axe principal

List of references:

10

Flow reducer
11 First cylindrical wall (second track cylindrical wall)
111 First radial wall (intermediate radial wall)
12 Second cylindrical wall (first track radial wall)
121 Second radial wall (first summit closing wall)
122 Second way sealing tip
123 Side channels
124 2nd side outlet ports
13 Third cylindrical wall (summit cylindrical wall)
131 Third radial wall (second summit closing wall)
132 First track sealing tip
133 Central output channel
134 ^1st central outlet port

20

Stem
21 First tubular wall
22 Second tubular wall

30

Valve

40

Housing

50

Diffuser

HAS

Main axis

Claims (11)

1. Flow reducer (10) for a pressurised product dispenser of the type provided with a diffuser and a valve (30) equipped with a stem (20) having at least a first tubular wall (21) defining a first path, which flow reducer (10) is a part separate from the stem and the diffuser and comprises

   - a recess open on one side by an opening and adapted to be fitted by the opening over the stem (20) of a valve (30),

   - one or more first outlet orifices (134) which, when the reducer is mounted on the stem (20) of a valve, are adapted to be connected in a sealed manner to the first path of the stem (20) of the valve, thus forming an extension (133) of the first path,
   the reducer comprising

   - a first path cylindrical wall (12) defining a first path cylindrical space forming at least portion of the recess and having a first end oriented towards the opening of the recess and a second end opposite the opening of the recess, wherein, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a valve, the first path cylindrical wall (12) is adapted to surround at least in part the first tubular wall (21) of the stem;

   - a top wall (13) defining a top cylindrical space having a transverse cross-section smaller than the transverse cross-section of the first path cylindrical space,

   - a top closure wall (121, 131) divided into

   • a first top closure wall (121) connecting the second end of the first path cylindrical wall (12) to a first end of the top wall (13); and

   • a second top closure wall (131) in the extension of the second end of the top wall (13), opposite to the first top closure wall (121), and closing the top cylindrical space;

   - the first path cylindrical space and the top cylindrical space forming at least a portion of the recess adapted to be fitted over a stem;

   - the first outlet orifice or orifices (134) being made in the second top closure wall (131) in an area of the second top closure wall (131) which, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a valve, is adapted to be in contact with the first path of the stem,

   the top wall (13) being a cylindrical wall, and the outer contour of the flow reducer at the level of the cylindrical top wall (13) being substantially identical to the contour of the portion of the stem (20) which protrudes from the valve and which is intended to be covered by the flow reducer,

   characterised in that

   the flow reducer is intended for a two-way valve (20) equiped with a a first path and a second path, and in that

   the flow reducer (10) comprises:

   - one or more second outlet orifices (124) which, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, are adapted to be connected in a sealed manner to the second path of the stem (20) of the two-way valve, thus forming an extension (123) of the second path, sealing means (132) which, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, are adapted to maintain the separation of the two paths at the junction between the reducer and the stem on which it is mounted and between this junction and the outlet orifices (124, 134).
2. Flow reducer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the inner diameter of the first path cylindrical wall (12) is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the top wall (13).
3. Flow reducer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, intended for a stem (20) of a valve (30) with two concentric paths, having a first tubular wall (21) defining the first path and a second tubular wall (22) partially surrounding the first tubular wall (21) and defining the second path, characterised in that it further comprises:

   - a second path cylindrical wall (11) defining a second path cylindrical space forming at least a portion of the recess and having a first end oriented towards the opening of the recess and a second end opposite the the opening, wherein, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve,, the second path cylindrical wall (11) is adapted to surround at least in part the second tubular wall (22) of the stem;

   - an intermediate closure wall (111) connecting the second end of the second path cylindrical wall (11) to the first end of the first path cylindrical wall (12);

   - the second orifice or orifices (124) being made in the intermediate closure wall (121) in an area of the intermediate closure wall (121) adapted to be in contact with the second path of the stem.
4. Flow reducer according to claim 3, characterised in that one or more channels (123) are made in the first path cylindrical wall (12), which channels extend to the top closure wall or to the first top closure wall (121) and each channel (123) opens into one or more of the second outlet orifices (124).
5. Flow reducer according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that

   - a first path sealing endpiece (132) is provided on the top closure wall or at the first end of the top cylindrical wall (13), wherein, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, the first path sealing endpiece (132) is adapted to be introduced into the first path of the stem, thus ensuring sealing at the junction between the first path of the stem and the flow reducer, and/or in that

   - a second path sealing endpiece (122) is provided at the first end of the first path cylindrical wall (12), wherein, when the reducer is mounted on the stem of a two-way valve, the second path sealing endpiece (122) is adapted to be introduced into the second path of the stem, thus ensuring sealing at the junction between the second path of the stem and the flow reducer.
6. Flow reducer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer contour of the cylindrical wall of the first path (12) is adapted to cooperate with a diffuser.
7. Flow reducer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer contour of the first path cylindrical wall (12) is adapted to cooperate with a diffuser adapted to cooperate with a stem for which the flow reducer is intended.
8. Flow reducer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer contour of the top cylindrical wall (13) is adapted to cooperate with a diffuser for a two-way valve.
9. Flow reducer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the outer contour of the top cylindrical wall (13) is adapted to cooperate with a diffuser adapted to cooperate with a stem for which the flow reducer is intended.
10. Assembly comprising a flow reducer (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a diffuser, characterised in that the flow reducer (10) is mounted on the diffuser.
11. Kit consisting of at least one valve provided with a stem and at least one flow reducer (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 or an assembly according to claim 10.

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