ES2274185T3 - VARIABLE TILT VALVE FOR DISTRIBUTION AS WELL AS A CONTAINER THAT HAS SUCH VALVE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Valve (10) of the tilting type for the distribution of a product contained in a pressurized container (20), the indicated valve comprising a longitudinal axis X and including a single opening / closing element (14) provided with at least two orifices of input (18b, 18c; 18d; 18e), the opening / closing element (14) being suitable, in response to a force transmitting to the opening / closing element (14) laterally to the X axis, to move from a closed position to a first opening position in which the product under pressure is distributed according to a first flow rate, and which, in response to a force transmitted to the opening / closing element (14) parallel to the X axis, is able to move from the position closing to a second opening position in which the product is distributed according to a second flow, different from the first.

Description

Variable tilt valve for distribution as well as a container having said valve.

The present invention relates to a valve intended to equip a pressurized container. Such valves are particularly used in the field of cosmetics for the distribution of hair products (lacquers, hair sprays, etc ...) body hygiene products, makeup products, or protective products against the harmful effects of the sun.

Such valves, according to a configuration the most extended, they comprise a valve body inside which an opening / closing element in the form of a rod is mounted of valve from which a part emerges outside the body of valve. The valve stem is suitable for sliding tight in coupling with a sealing element in the form of an annular gasket

The valve stem is crossed by a channel axial of which one end ends axially outside the valve body, and is intended for communication with a passage through a valve actuator comprising at least one exit hole.

The other end of the channel flows radially by one entry hole, or several entry holes arranged according to the same axial position.

In the closed position of the valve, the (or) entrance hole (s) is facing the element of tightness

In response to a drive control, the valve sinks axially, and the hole (s) of Valve stem inlet is (n) in communication with the pressurized product inside the valve body. He product is then driven, by the valve stem and the passage passing through the actuator, towards the hole of distribution. In the case of a valve with several holes of input, these are put into simultaneous communication with the body of valve.

When the drive control ceases, a spring contained inside the valve body carries from again the valve stem to the closed position. The distribution of the product is interrupted.

Some valves, in addition to the actuation in response to axial movement, can be actuated in response at a force exerted laterally to the valve stem. Such valves are called "tilt".

For some valves, called "females" the opening / closing element does not exit outside the body of valve. In this case, a portion of the actuator is it engages inside the valve body, and triggers the opening or the closing of the valve.

A valve according to a different configuration is described for example in patent FR 2 725 182. In this document, The valve body is traversed by a drain hole for the distribution, together with the product, or separate, of gas propeller.

For all these known valves, the control drive causes a movement of the element of opening / closing, and its passage from a closed position to a position opening in which the product is distributed according to a flow determined and unique.

For the first type of valve, it is the section of the orifice (s) of entry, and / or its number, which Determine the outflow. For a valve of the type of described in document FR 2 725.182, mentioned above, is the depth and / or width, and / or the number of slots provided in the internal surface of the valve body.

Thus, in the field of styling products, for a lacquer, a container equipped with a valve is used which allows a first flow. When it comes to spraying the product in the form of a spray, another equipped container is used with another valve that allows a second flow, higher than First.

Two different devices are therefore required when the user wishes to be able to choose between two modes of Different spray of the same product.

Variable flow valves are described in the US-A-3,292,827, US-A-3,195,569 and US-B-6,296,155. For his configuration, the two different flow positions are They find each other very close. In particular, the two flows are obtained by transmitting a force to the valve stem according to the same direction, more precisely by sinking more or less important of the valve stem.

US 4,139,128 describes a valve of variable flow tilt. This valve comprises a valve stem crossed by a channel that flows, by a side, in an exit hole of the product and, on the other hand, in a entry of the delimited product between two parts of the stem valve. When the valve stem sinks axially, it step is put in communication with the pressurized product in the inside the valve body. When the stem is tilted valve, the two parts of the valve stem that delimit the Product entry step are separated from each other in order to Enlarge the step. Here too, the two flows obtained are not clearly different.

Also, it is one of the objects of the invention. make a valve suitable for distributing a product according to different flows, depending on the characteristics of Spray sought, clearly distinguishing the movements of drive that allow to distribute the product according to the flows different.

It is another object of the invention to carry out a device that is simple and economical to perform.

Other objects will also appear in the Detailed description that follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved performing a swing type valve for distribution  of a product contained in a pressurized container, the indicated valve comprising a longitudinal axis X e including a single opening / closing element provided with at least two entry holes, the opening / closing element being apt, in response to a force transmitted to the element of opening / closing laterally to the X axis, to move from one closing position to a first opening position in which the product under pressure is distributed according to a first flow, and that, in response to a force transmitted to the element of opening / closing parallel to the X axis, be able to move from the closing position to a second opening position in which the product is distributed according to a second flow rate, different from the First.

The two opening positions are positions that allow each one a different distribution flow, being able to each be obtained under normal conditions of use by a manual operation, particularly with the finger, and can be Maintained as long as desired.

Thus, in the case for example of a product of combed, in a first opening position, the product is distributed according to a relatively low flow rate, in the form of a lacquer. In a second opening position, the product is distributed according to a more important flow, in the form of a spray. the same device can then be used for both modes of distribution.

The movement to drive the element of opening / closing in order to distribute the product according to a first  flow rate is relatively different from that to distribute the product according to the second flow. Indeed, when the element of opening / closing is directly accessible to the user, the force transmitted to the opening / closing element, is the force exerted by the user directly on the opening / closing element. In this case, the first flow is obtained by tilting the element of opening / closing while the second flow is obtained sinking it which allows the user to easily differentiate two flows. In the case where the opening / closing element is over-mounted by an actuator, for example a button button, the force transmitted to the opening / closing element is the which is transmitted by the push-button in response to the force exerted by the user on the push button. The two flows can also be easily identified by identifying for example two different surfaces on the push button, a first surface that allows transmitting to the opening / closing element a force laterally to the X axis, and a second force that allows transmit to the opening / closing element a force in parallel to the X axis.

In addition, the use of two holes Different entry allows to differentiate the two flows.

The valve may be in communication with the product by a diver tube, then the product is propelled by means of a liquefied or compressed gas. Alternatively, the product is contained inside a bag of walls flexible, on the outside of which the gas is located propeller.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the opening / closing element may be constituted by a valve stem from which a portion emerges outside a valve body, the indicated valve stem being crossed by an axial channel which flows out, on the one hand, on the outside of the valve body by an outlet orifice and, on the other hand, by at least two inlet holes which, in the closed position, are isolated from the body of
valve.

The valve may comprise an element of tightness, particularly in the form of an annular gasket, located inside said valve body, and the valve stem may comprise an annular portion disposed inside the valve body, the indicated annular portion being provided with a suitable lip, in closed position, to rest on the element sealing in order to define, with the indicated element of tightness, an annular space isolated from the valve body, a first entry hole that flows into the space cancel.

At least one according to the entrance hole, which flows laterally in front of said sealing element, in closing position

The first and second entry holes they can be of identical sections, or of sections different.

From a practical point of view, the flow rate does not it is necessarily a direct function of the number and size of the holes. Indeed, in the event that the product enters the valve stem through at least two different holes, the flows of product through the different holes may, depending on the relative position of the holes, interfere with each other others, so that the resulting flow rate may be different from the sum of the flow rates of each hole, taken by separated.

The first and second entry holes They can be of different angular positions. This configuration it allows to reduce the transitory phenomena between the flows that correspond to each of the opening positions.

According to another aspect of the invention, it is carried out a device for conditioning and distribution of a product, particularly cosmetic, the device comprising a pressurized container containing the product to be distributed, and equipped with a valve according to the present invention.

The product can be pressurized by means of a compressed or liquefied gas. The propellant gas may be in contact with the product or separated from the latter by a plunger or a bag flexible inside of which the product is located.

The device may also comprise an organ for valve actuation and product distribution under pressure by at least one distribution hole located by example inside a nozzle, particularly a whirlwind nozzle

The actuator may comprise two different bearing surfaces for valve actuation, a first support surface that allows the axial movement of the opening / closing element and a second support surface that allows to move the opening / closing element laterally. The first support surface can for example be a surface passing through a plane substantially perpendicular to the X axis. second support surface can for example go to a plane parallel to the X axis or also a surface that passes to a plane substantially perpendicular to the X axis formed at a distance from the X axis and that does not contain it.

The device according to the invention can be used advantageously for conditioning and distribution  under pressure of a cosmetic product, particularly of a hair product, of a body hygiene product, of a makeup product, a skin care product or a product of protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

The invention consists, apart from the provisions set forth above, in a number of other provisions that will be explained below, on the subject of non-limiting embodiments described with reference to the attached figures, among which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a view of set of a conditioning and distribution device according to the invention;

- figure 2 represents a view fragmented of the device illustrated in figure 1;

- Figures 3A to 3C represent in partial section the device illustrated in figure 1 in different positions

- figure 4 represents in section partial a variant of the device represented in figures 1 at 3C; Y

- Figure 5 represents a variant of the device opening / closing element according to the invention.

The device 100 represented as a whole in figure 1 it comprises a cylindrical container 20, particularly in aluminum or tinplate, and over-mounted by a head 30 for actuating a valve 10 (which is will describe in detail later (and for the distribution of a composition, particularly capillary, through a hole of distribution 31. The distribution head 30 comprises two bearing surfaces 32 and 33 intended for the actuation of the valve. A removable cap 40 covers the distribution head 30

As can be seen in more detail in the figures 3A to 3C, the valve 10 is mounted on a cup 60, which is set on a rolled edge of an aluminum container 20. The latter is only partially represented.

The valve 10, of longitudinal axis X, comprises a cylindrical valve body 11 of which one end is terminated by an axial chimney 12 on which a tube is mounted under pressure diver 50.

The other end of the valve body 11 is closed by the valve holder cup 60, being the seal at the closure is ensured by an annular seal 13 whose thickness is about 1 mm. An annular crown 11a formed inside the valve body 11 in the vicinity of the Cup 60 is applied tightly against the inner surface of the board 13. thus ensuring maintenance in position of this and the required tightness. Inside the board annular 13 axially slides a valve stem 14 whose portion 14a emerges outside the valve body.

A part 14b of the valve stem 14 is located inside the valve body 11, and comprises a annular portion 15 whose periphery is provided with a lip 15a. A spring 16, in the absence of pressure exerted on the rod of valve, presses the free end of the annular lip 15a in support tight against gasket 13 so that an annular space 17 is delimited by the annular portion 15, the lip 15a and the annular joint 13.

The valve stem 14 is pierced axially through a channel 18 of which one end flows into the outside the valve body through an axial hole 18a. The channel 18, in the proximity of its other end drains radically by two holes 18b and 18c. A first hole 18b flows into the annular space 17 in the valve closed position (figure 3A). A second hole 18c is in tight coupling against the edge  internal of the ring seal 13 in the closed position of the valve.

According to the illustrated example, holes 18b and 18c are of identical section and occupy substantially the same angular position The diameter of the holes 18b, 18c is of the order from 0.2 to 0.6 mm. They are located axially at approximately 1.5 mm from each other. However, it is clear that the two holes they can have different sections, and / or be spaced angularly

As can be seen in Figures 3B and 3C, on the pop-up part 14a of the valve stem 14, is mounted to press a distribution head 30 in the form of a push button. The distribution head 30 is crossed by a step 34 of which one end is in communication with channel 18 of the stem valve. The other end of step 34 flows through a hole of distribution 31, delimited, for example, by a nozzle of whirlpool channels (not shown in detail).

The distribution head comprises a first bearing surface 32 formed at a distance from the X axis and allowing actuate the valve by tilting. The distribution head it comprises a second bearing surface 33, which passes through the X axis of the valve stem and preferably perpendicular to this X axis, which allows the valve to be operated by axial sinking.

Exerting an F1 force on the surface 32 of the distribution head (figure 3B), a lateral force is transmitted to the valve stem 14 so that it swings with in relation to the X axis. The annular lip 15a is separated from the joint 13 according to a certain angular extent, which allows establishing a communication between the inside of the valve body and the space annular 17 and therefore between the inside of the body of valve and the inside of the stem 14 through the hole 18b. He hole 18c remains in front of the board 13. The product contained in the valve body is swallowed by channel 18 of the stem of valve 14 through hole 18b only. Go up step 34 of distribution head 30 and comes out in the form of a fine cloud droplets, through hole 31, according to a flow rate of approximately 0.4 g / s

Exerting a force F2 on the surface 33 of the distribution head (figure 3C), the valve stem is axially sinks a distance such that hole 18c is no longer is in front of the annular seal 13. In addition, the annular lip 15a it separates from the joint 13, in its entire circumference. The product is swallowed by channel 18 of the valve stem by both holes 18b and 18c. It is then distributed, through the hole of distribution 31, for example in the form of a spray, according to a flow rate substantially stronger than the flow rate of Figure 3B, that is a flow rate of approximately 1.0 g / s.

From one or another of the positions of actuation of figure 3B or 3C, loosening the pressure on the distribution head, spring 16 causes the stem to rise Valve 14 to its position in Figure 3A. The distribution of Product is interrupted.

According to a variant represented in Figure 4, the channel 18 of the valve stem 14 flows radially through a third hole 18d, angularly offset relative to hole 18c. The third hole 18d is also in tight coupling against the inner edge of the ring seal 13 in valve closing position. Valve 10 is on the other hand at all points identical to that of the embodiment preceding.

According to this variant, exerting a force on the surface 32 of the distribution head, a lateral force is transmitted to the rod 14 so that it swings in relation to to the X axis. As before, the annular lip 15a moves away from the board 13 which allows communication between the inside the valve body and inside the rod 14 by the hole 18b. Holes 18 c and 18d remain in front of the joint 13. The product is swallowed by channel 18 of the valve stem 14, through hole 18b only, and is distributed, by the hole 31, according to a first flow.

Axially exerting a moderate force on the surface 33 of the distribution head, the valve stem a distance sinks so that the hole 18c is no longer found in front of the ring seal 13 while the hole 18d remains facing the seal 13. The product contained in the valve body it is swallowed by channel 18 of the valve stem through the holes 18b and 18c and is distributed, through hole 31, according to a second flow.

Exerting a slightly stronger axial force on the surface 33 of the distribution head, the valve is sinks a more important distance so that hole 18d leaves its tight coupling position with the seal 13. The product is swallowed by channel 18 of the valve stem by the three holes 18a, 18b and 18c. It is then distributed by the distribution hole 31, according to substantially more flow strong also that the second flow.

In replacement of the two holes 18c and 18d, a triangular shaped hole 18e can be used, as shown in figure 5. The width of the hole 18e progressively decreases towards the bottom of the container. This hole 18e is also in tight coupling against the inner edge of the ring seal 13 in the closed position of the valve.

According to this variant, axially exercising a moderate force on the bearing surface 33 of the head distribution 30, the valve stem 14 sinks a distance such that only a small portion of the hole 18e is no longer face the annular seal 13. The upper part of the hole 18e (is that is, its largest portion) remains in front of the joint 13. The product contained in the valve body is swallowed by the channel 18 of valve stem 14 through the bottom of the hole 18e as well as through hole 18b. Go up step 34 of the head of distribution 30 and comes out in the form of a cloud of fine droplets by hole 31. The flow of distribution is relatively low.

The stronger the force exerted on the distribution head 30, more increases the flow, and this, until reach a position in which the entire hole 18e no longer is in front of the board 13. In this position, the product is distributed according to a substantially stronger flow rate than the flow rate preceding.

Alternatively, the hole 18e may be of oblong section and of substantially constant width throughout its height. In this alternative, with identical hole height 18e, the difference in flow between the two positions is lower than in the case of a triangular shaped hole.

In the above detailed description, it has been reference is made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is evident that variants can be introduced in it without depart from the spirit of the invention as claimed by continuation.

Claims (11)

1. Valve (10) of the tilt type for the distribution of a product contained in a container pressurized (20), the indicated valve comprising an axis longitudinal X and including a single opening / closing element (14) provided with at least two inlet holes (18b, 18c; 18d; 18e), the opening / closing element (14) being suitable, in response to a force transmit to the opening / closing element (14) laterally to the X axis, to move from a closed position to a first opening position in which the product under pressure is distributed according to a first flow, and that, in response to a force transmitted to the opening / closing element (14) parallel to the X axis, it is suitable to move from the position of closing to a second opening position in which the product is distributed according to a second flow, different from the first. 2. Valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening / closing element (14) is constituted by a valve stem from which a portion (14a) emerges outside a valve body (11), said rod being valve (14) crossed by an axial channel (18) that flows, on the one hand, outside the valve body through an outlet port (18a) and, on the other hand, by at least two inlet holes (18b, 18c, 18d; 18e) which, in the closed position, are isolated from the body of
valve. 3. Valve according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a sealing element (13), particularly in the form of an annular gasket, disposed inside said valve body, and in that the valve stem (14) comprises an annular portion (15) arranged inside the valve body, the indicated annular portion being provided with a lip (15a) suitable, in the closed position, to rest on the sealing element (13) in order to define, with the indicated sealing element (13), an annular space (17) isolated from the valve body, a first inlet opening (18b) that flows into the annular space (17). 4. Valve according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a second inlet port (18c; 18d; 18e) flows laterally in front of said sealing element (13), in the closed position. 5. Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first (18b) and second (18d) inlet holes are in different angular positions. 6. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (18b) and second inlet holes (18c; 18d) are of identical sections. 7. Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first (18b) and second (18e) inlet holes have different sections. 8. Device (100) for conditioning and the distribution of a particularly cosmetic product, the device comprising a pressurized container (20) that contains the product to be distributed, and equipped with a valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises an organ for actuating (30) the valve and distributing the product under pressure by at least one distribution orifice (31) located for example inside a nozzle, particularly a whirlwind nozzle. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuator comprises two different bearing surfaces (32, 33) for actuating the valve, allowing a first bearing surface (32) to laterally move the opening / closing element and a second support surface (33) which 3 allows axially displacing the opening / closing element. 11. Use of a device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10 for the conditioning and distribution under pressure of a product cosmetic, particularly of a hair product, of a product of body hygiene, of a makeup product, of a product of skin care or a protective product against harmful effects of the sun.