Patent Application
20130284293
The invention relates to a diffuser for a multiway valve having n channels provided with a projecting stem, n being equal to or greater than 2, which diffuser comprises a tip intended to be secured to the projecting part of the stem. The invention relates in particular to a diffuser for two-way valve.
Multiway valves are known, in particular from EP 1 281 635 A1 and EP 2 024 256 A1. These are valves which make it possible to withdraw as many products as there are pathways without these products meeting before they leave the valve. They are intended for products which must be separated during storage and must come into contact with one another only at the time of their application so as to prevent them from reacting together prematurely.
Diffusers intended for these multiway valves make it possible to actuate the valve. They are equipped with outlet channels that usually do not meet. This prevents the products from coming into contact with one another until after they have left the diffuser. Thus, a single pressure action makes it possible to withdraw all products contained in the housing simultaneously.
However, it can be useful to withdraw only one of the products. But these diffusers of the state of the art do not allow it.
The objective of the invention is therefore to develop diffusers that make it possible to withdraw only one or another of the various products contained in the housing. Another objective is to make it possible to additionally withdraw all of the products simultaneously.
This first objective is achieved in that the tip comprises a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-section in which n transfer channels are provided (and therefore as many transfer channels as there are pathways in the multiway valve), each channel being equipped with means for sealingly connecting it to the outlet of the corresponding pathway of the valve when it is mounted on said valve, each transfer channel opening outside the cylindrical portion of the tip in a different radial plane and in a different angular sector of the cylindrical portion. In addition, the diffuser is further provided with a pivotable cap provided with a blind hole having a shape complementary to the cylindrical portion of the tip, which cap is rotatably secured by suitable means to the cylindrical portion of the tip. The pivotable cap is provided with n outlet channels (that is, as many channels as there are pathways in the multiway valve), these outlet channels being arranged one above the other in a same axial plane and in the same radial planes as the corresponding transfer channels. Thus, to each outlet pathway of the valve corresponds a transfer channel in the tip and an outlet channel in the cap. When the cap is secured on the tip, the transfer channel and the outlet channel of a pathway are located in a same horizontal plane. Thus, when the cap is rotated around the cylindrical tip, one of the outlet channels of the cap can be aligned with the corresponding transfer channel of the tip. The other outlet channels, located above or below the aligned outlet channel, will not be aligned with the corresponding transfer channels since the latter are all placed in different angular sectors. The aligned transfer channel being sealingly connected to the outlet of one of the pathways of the multiway valve, it is possible to withdraw the corresponding product from the housing. The other products will not be allowed to come out since their transfer channel and outlet channel are not aligned.
In order to allow, not only withdrawal of a single one of the products contained in the housing, but also simultaneous withdrawal of all the products, it is possible to provide the tip with a second set of transfer channels comprising as many transfer channels as there are pathways in the multiway valve, these transfer channels being arranged one above the other in a common axial plane, in an angular sector different from the transfer channels of the first set, wherein to each of the transfer channels of the first set corresponds a transfer channel of the second set located in the same radial plane and communicating with it. Consequently, to each outlet pathway of the valve corresponds, firstly, a first transfer channel and a second transfer channel in the tip, and an outlet channel in the cap. These three channels are in a same radial plane. Whereas the transfer channels of the first set which make it possible to withdraw a single product are not disposed one above the other but in different angular sectors, those of the second set are aligned vertically like the outlet channels. Thus, when an outlet channel is aligned with the corresponding transfer channel of the second set of transfer channels, then all the other transfer channels of this second set are aligned with the other outlet channels. Actuating the valve makes it possible to withdraw all the products simultaneously. As with the first set of transfer channels, it is preferable to provide seals around the outlet openings of each transfer channel of the second set.
To prevent any of the products from entering the gap between the outer face of the cylindrical portion of the tip and the inner face of the blind hole of the cap, it is preferable to provide seals around each outlet opening of the various transfer channels to ensure sealing between the outer side of the cylindrical portion of the tip and the inside of the blind hole of the pivotable cap.
It can be easier to provide all the seals together in a same seal unit having as many windows as there are transfer channels, said windows being arranged so that each of them surrounds the outlet opening of a transfer channel. To this effect, the seal unit can be constituted by as many sealing rings plus one as there are channels in the multiway valve, that the sealing rings are arranged one above the other and in that two successive sealing rings are joined together by two straight elements so as to form a window. In another embodiment, the seal unit is formed by a sleeve in which as many openings are provided as there are pathways in the multiway valve, each opening forming a window.
To facilitate the handling of the pivotable cap, it is preferable to provide it with a prehension ring surrounding the central portion provided with the blind hole.
The connecting means of the transfer channels can each be constituted by a hole having dimensions complementary to those of the outlet of the corresponding pathway of the multiway valve, so as to be able to be sealingly fitted onto said outlet and by a transfer chamber into which the corresponding pathway of the valve opens when the diffuser is in the position mounted on the valve and from which the corresponding transfer channel of the first set, and, if appropriate, the corresponding transfer channel of the second set, start.
The invention also relates to a multiway valve provided with a diffuser according to the invention and a pressurized container provided with such a valve.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the various pathways of the valve have concentric outlets and/or concentric inlets.
The diffuser according to the invention is particularly well suited for two-way valves. In this case, the tip comprises a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-section in which two transfer channels are formed, each transfer channel opening outside the cylindrical portion of the tip in a different radial plane and in a same axial plane but at 180° relative to each other. Likewise, the pivotable cap is provided with two outlet channels arranged one above the other in a same axial plane and in the same radial planes as the corresponding transfer channels. The tip of this two-way diffuser can also include a second set of transfer channels comprising two transfer channels, these transfer channels being arranged one above the other in a same axial plane, in an axial plane perpendicular to the axial plane containing the transfer channels of the first set, wherein to each transfer channel of the first set corresponds a transfer channel of the second set located in the same radial plane and communicating with it.
The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to two embodiments of the invention.
It is to be noted that the position indications such as “below” or “above”, “lower portion” or “upper portion” refer to the position the diffuser would have once mounted on a pressurized container positioned with the valve facing up, as shown in
The diffuser of the invention (1) is intended for a pressurized container equipped with a multiway valve (8). A multiway valve is a valve which comprises two or more internal pathways which allow a same number of different products contained in separate spaces located within a housing (9) to be extracted from the container without coming into contact with one another before they leave the valve. Thus, the outlet pathways of these multiway valves must not meet inside the valve. In the example presented here, the valve is a two-way valve, such as described, for example, in patent applications EP 1 281 635 A1 and EP 2 024 256 A1.
This two-way valve is essentially constituted by a valve body (81) inside which are placed, from bottom to top, a spring (87), a stem (82) around which are placed a first internal seal (85), a ring (84), a second inner seal (86) and a cup (83). The valve body (81) is essentially constituted by a tubular wall which is crossed right through by a channel (811). It is equipped with two symmetrical lateral fins (812) which form two lateral channels (813) open toward the bottom (813a) and opening into the channel (811) via orifices (814) formed at the top of the lateral channels and opening in the area of the ring (84), between the two seals (85, 86).
A first flexible pouch (not shown) is secured to the lower portion of the valve body (81), underneath the fins (812). If required, a second bag can be attached to the valve body in the area of the fins, the first pouch being then contained in the second. The first product is contained in the first pouch, the second being contained either in the housing (9) with the propellant gas or in the second pouch, separate from the propellant gas. In the latter case, through holes (not shown) can be provided in the valve body, above the fins (812), to let the gas out at the same time as the second product.
The stem (82) is movable between a high position in which the valve is closed (position shown in the Figures) and a low position in which the valve is open. This stem (82) has two coaxial channels (821, 823) open at the top (821a, 823a) toward the outside of the valve. These two channels do not communicate. Each channel has, in its lower portion, two orifices (822, 824) that contact the inside of the channel with the outer side face of the stem (82). The orifices (822) of the central channel (821) open below the orifices (824) of the annular channel (823). Two seals (85, 86) are provided inside the valve body (81). When the valve is closed, the orifices (822) of the central channel are blocked by the lower seal (85), whereas those (824) of the annular channel (823) are blocked by the upper seal (86) as shown in
The lower seal (85) serves, on the one hand, to block the passage orifices (822) of the central channel (821), and on the other hand, to separate the channel (811) of the valve body into two spaces, the first, below, intended for passage of the product contained in the first pouch and the second, above, intended for passage of the product contained in the housing or in the second pouch.
It will be noted that the central channel (821) of the stem extends beyond the outlet opening (823a) of the annular channel (823). Similarly, the annular channel (823) protrudes above the cup (83).
Thus formed, the two-way valve makes it possible to withdraw simultaneously two products stored separately in a pressurized housing when downward pressure is exerted on the stem (82). To each product corresponds a distinct outlet pathway so that the two products do not come into contact until they are outside the valve. The first product contained in the first pouch passes through the bottom of the channel (811) of the valve body, enters into the central channel (821) of the stem through the first orifices (822) and leaves through the first outlet opening (821a). The second product contained, either in a second bag surrounding the first, or directly in the housing, enters into the second channels (813) of the valve body, passes through the orifices (814), passes through the ribs of the ring (84) and enters into the annular channel (823) of the stem through the second orifices (824), and leaves the valve through the second outlet opening (823a).
To allow withdrawal of only one of the two products, the diffuser of the invention has been provided. It is constituted essentially by two portions: a tip (2) and a pivotable button (3).
The tip (2) is constituted by a cylindrical portion within which a blind hole (21) is formed. This hole is divided into several successive portions. A first portion (211) is located in the bottom of the blind hole (21), that is, above. Its diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the wall of the stem forming the central channel (821). A second portion (212) is located in the area of the opening of the blind hole, that is, below. Its diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the wall forming the annular channel (823) of the stem. Between the two is arranged an intermediate portion (213) whose diameter is comprised between the two. The junction between the second portion (212) and the intermediate portion (213) is through a radial wall. The upper part of the intermediate portion (213) may be flared (216) to facilitate the introduction of the projecting end of the stem. Thus, the junction between the intermediate portion (213) and the first portion (211) has a frustoconical shape. Similarly, it is possible to flare the inlet of the second portion (212) while also giving it a frustoconical shape (215).
The heights of the various portions are selected so that, when the tip (2) is placed on the portion of the stem projecting above the cup, the ends of the walls that define the channels (821, 823) penetrate each in the corresponding portion (211, 213) of the blind hole of the tip while forming in each case a sealed connection. The top end of the wall forming the first channel (821) of the stem and/or the top end of the wall forming the second channel (823) of the stem come to be supported against the bottom radial wall or against the wall at the junction between the second portion and the intermediate portion, respectively.
A first, cylindrical transfer chamber (214) is formed above the first portion (211). Its diameter is less than the outer diameter of the wall forming the first channel (821) of the stem in order to perform a stop function for the top end of this wall. A first transfer channel (22a) is formed radially in the tip in the area of the first transfer chamber (214).
When the tip is mounted on a valve, a second, annular transfer chamber (213′) is formed in the space defined between the intermediate portion (213) and the portion of the wall forming the first channel (821) of the stem which protrudes above the second opening (823a). A second transfer channel (22b) is formed radially in the tip in the area of the intermediate portion (213), and thus of the second transfer chamber (213′). This second transfer channel (22b) is arranged in the same axial plane as the first (22a), but on the opposite portion of the cylindrical wall. Thus, the outlet openings of the transfer channels (22a, 22b) are located opposite one another. In addition, the two channels are in different radial planes.
The two transfer channels (22a, 22b) form a first set of channels. If the diffuser must permit, not only the removal of one or the other of the products, but also the removal of the two products simultaneously, it is possible to provide a second set of transfer channels (23a, 23b), as is shown in
A shoulder (25) is provided on the outer face of the cylindrical portion of the tip, below the second transfer channel or channels (22b, 23b). This shoulder serves to snap the pivotable button (3).
In order to allow identification of the various transfer channels (22a, 22b, 23a, 23b), it is preferable to extend the cylindrical portion of the tip in its lower part, that is, in the area of the opening of the blind hole, by a radial wall (26) at the surface of which markings can be affixed in alignment with the channels. In the example shown, an “A” has been affixed below the outlet opening of the first channel (22a) of the first set, a “B” has been affixed below the outlet opening of the second channel (22b) of the first set, and an “OFF” has been affixed at 90° relative to the first two markings, facing the solid wall of the cylindrical portion. If a second set of channels (23a, 23b) is provided, an “A+B” may be affixed, for example, below the openings of these channels, opposite the “OFF” marking.
The radial wall (26) may be extended downwardly by an axial ring (27), which may be provided with splines on its outer face.
The tip equipped with the two sets of transfer channels of
Of course, it is not imperative that all angular sectors are the same size. It is understood that when there are more than two pathways, there will be more angular sectors, the important thing being that no transfer channel of the first set has its outlet opening in the same axial plane as the outlet opening of any other transfer channel. In contrast, the transfer channels of the second set, when there is one, must be aligned in the same axial plane.
The pivotable button (3) comprises a cylindrical blind hole (31) in the cylindrical wall of which two radial outlet channels (32a, 32b) are formed one above the other. A groove (33) serves to receive the shoulder (25) of the tip (2). The position of the channels (32a, 32b) in the cylindrical blind hole is selected so that when the cap (3) is snapped onto the tip (2), the upper outlet channel (32a) of the cap is in the same radial plane (at the same height) as the first transfer channel or channels (22a, 23a) of the tip and the lower outlet channel (32b) is located in the same radial plane (at the same height) as the second transfer channel or channels (22b, 23b) of the tip.
To facilitate handling of the cap, the blind hole (31) is surrounded by an ergonomic ring (34) and an arrow (35) formed on the top of the button facilitates identification of the position of the cap.
In order to ensure sealing between the tip (2) and the pivotable button (3) and thus prevent the product from flowing in the gap between these two parts, seals are provided around each outlet opening of the various transfer channels (22a, 22b, 23a, 23b).
In the example presented here, this function is performed by a seal unit (4) essentially constituted by three sealing rings (41a, 41b, 41c) interconnected by straight elements (42a, 43a). A first window (42) is formed by the space located, on the one hand, between the upper sealing ring (41a) and the intermediate sealing ring (41b), and on the other hand, between the two upper vertical straight elements (42a). Similarly, a second window (43) is formed by the space located, on the one hand, between the intermediate ring (41b) and the lower sealing ring (41c), and on the other hand, between the two vertical straight elements (43a). The two windows are shifted 180° relative to each other as well as well as shifted in height. If the tip comprises a second set of transfer channels (23a, 23b), a second set of windows arranged one above the other, shifted 90° relative to the windows of the first set (42, 43), must be provided.
This seal unit (4) is arranged in corresponding grooves (24a/b) formed on the outer wall of the cylindrical element of the tip (2). This seal unit is preferably injected into the prefabricated tip. The elastomer is injected via an injection chamber (28) located on the top face of the nozzle, passes through an injection channel (29) that opens into the upper groove (24a) intended for the upper sealing ring (41a), spreads through the vertical grooves (24b) intended for the vertical straight elements (42a, 43a), until the groove intended for the lower sealing ring (41c). Thus, in addition to the sealing rings (41a, 41b, 41c) and vertical elements (42a, 43a), a tab (44a) is formed in the injection chamber (28) and a connecting element (45) is formed in the injection channel (29).
In another alternative embodiment not shown, the seal unit is made in the form of a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the outer face of the cylindrical element of the tip. This sleeve has respective holes in the area of the outlet openings of each transfer line of the first set (22a, 22b), and if appropriate, two other holes in the area of the outlet openings of the second set of transfer channels (23a, 23b).
It would be also possible to provide separate seals surrounding each outlet opening of the transfer channels (22a, 22b, 23a, 23b).
The tip (2) is fitted on the protruding portion of the stem (82). The upper end of the portion of the central channel (821) that projects above the annular channel (823) is sealingly fitted into the first portion (211) of the blind hole of the tip and the upper end of the portion of the annular channel (823) that projects above the cup is sealingly fitted into the second portion (212). Thus, the outlet of each pathway of the two-way valve is separated from the other inside the tip (2). The two products do not meet within the tip.
The first portion (211) of the blind hole and the first transfer chamber (214) serve as means for sealingly connecting it the first transfer channel (22a) to the outlet (821a) of the first pathway of the valve. Similarly, the second portion (212) of the blind hole and the intermediate portion (213) forming in the assembled state the second transfer chamber (213′) serve as means for sealingly connecting the second transfer channel (22b) to the outlet (823a) of the second pathway of the valve.
The pivotable cap (3) is snapped onto the tip (2) by penetration of the shoulder (25) of the tip into the groove (33) of the cap. This cap (3) can swivel about the cylindrical portion of the tip (2). The outlet channels (32a, 32b) of the cap can be aligned, as required,
Thanks to the seals surrounding the outlets of each transfer channel (22a, 22b, 23a, 23b), the two products cannot come into contact with one another prior to leaving the pivotable cap.
In the “OFF” position of
In the “A” position shown in
In the “B” position shown in
If a second set of transfer channels (23a, 23b) is provided in the tip (see
The principle described here for two pathways can be generalized to a valve having more than two outlet pathways. The transfer channels of the first set are no longer disposed at 180° relative to each other, but they are more or less evenly distributed as needed over the entire circumference of the tip. The cap is provided with as many outlet channels arranged one above the other as there are pathways in the valve.
It is not necessary that the outlet channels of the stem be concentric and open upwardly. With few changes, which are within the skill of the person of the art, it would be possible, for example, to adapt the tip of the invention to a two-way valve with parallel outlets, such as described for example in DE 76 31 034 U 1.
Thanks to the diffuser of the invention, it is possible to withdraw only one of the products from a container fitted with a multiway valve. If necessary, however, it is possible to provide means for withdrawing all the products simultaneously, as in a conventional diffuser. At no time do products come into contact with one another before leaving the diffuser. By selecting as many outlet channels (32a, 32b) as there are products to be withdrawn, the separation of the pathways is guaranteed until leaving the diffuser.
The diffuser of the invention can be used in many areas, and in particular for
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1058115 | Oct 2010 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP11/66075 | 9/16/2011 | WO | 00 | 3/15/2013 |
