EP2004509B1 - Self-closing valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The self-closing valve (01), e.g. for a toiletries squeeze bottle, has a valve membrane (02) with a dispensing opening (03) and an edge (11) around it. The membrane is switched between dispensing and closed settings by pressure difference. A limit stop (04) holds the membrane in the closed setting, while a limit ring (12) lies in a sealed fit against the opening edge in the closed position. A side guide (13) extends axially for the membrane edge to slide axially against it to change into the back suction setting where a gap (15) between the membrane edge and side guide is freed.

Description

The present invention relates to a self-closing valve for dispensing a flowable product according to claim 1.

A typical application for self-closing valves are containers in which the discharge of a flowable content by a pinch of the container. An example of this are so-called squeeze bottles for personal care products. The reduction in the inner volume of the squeeze bottle, caused by the user, increases the pressure in the bottle so that the product contained, for example a liquid soap, is dispensed through the valve. Due to the self-closing effect of the valve prevents unwanted leaking without this pressure increase content, even if the container is not closed with a cap and even if the product loads with its weight on the output range of the valve.

From the DE 102 18 363 A1 is a self-closing valve for dispensing a liquid or pasty product known. The valve comprises a valve membrane which is convexly shaped towards the product. The valve membrane is formed at the edge with a molded by encapsulation retaining ring. For proper dispensing of the product, the valve membrane is underlaid with a plate member. The plate part is again held with spring arms, resulting in an increased construction cost for the valve. Another disadvantage of this solution is that the air compensation is inhibited in particular by the plate member, so that the container must have a large restoring force.

From the DE 196 13 130 A1 is a self-closing closure with a closure membrane for dispensing a fluid filling material in a compressible container known. In the unactuated installed state, the closure membrane has a lower holder edge and an upper lid which extends concavely in the dispensing direction substantially. In a conventional dispensing opening slits open in the closure membrane from a certain pressure reliably and almost abruptly. Upon completion of the dispensing operation, the container is returned so that the closure membrane is withdrawn into the concave initial state. In this case, a breakthrough of the opening slits takes place inwards, so that air is sucked back. To improve air suction, grooves may be interposed between the closure membrane and its support. A disadvantage of this solution are the limited tightness and the large negative pressure that is required for Rücksaugung. In order to achieve a strong Rücksaugeffekt the containers must be designed with appropriate spring action. This requires a high material usage for the container, whereby the manufacturing costs increase.

From the EP 0 388 828 A1 is a self-closing valve with a plate-shaped valve membrane known. The valve membrane has a central dispensing opening which rests on a support plate and is thereby sealed. This solution has no possibility for air sucked back.

From the DE 43 29 808 C2 is a self-closing closure for a container or a tube is known in which an outlet opening in a cover is closed by a closure plug. At a pressure increase should the plug will move inwards so that the exit port is released and the product can exit through the exit port. However, for this purpose, the air must be compressed in a closed cavity under the plug, since this can not penetrate to the outside. Consequently, a very large pressure is required for the plug to release the outlet so that this valve is hardly applicable. In addition, this solution has no possibility for air suction on, so it would be suitable anyway only for certain products.

From the DE 195 80 254 B4 is a self-closing valve with an inwardly curved valve membrane known. The valve membrane in turn has a central dispensing opening which rests on a support plate and is thereby sealed. At the top, the valve diaphragm is held by a mounting flange, against which the valve diaphragm lies in a radially outer abutment region from below. On the support plate, a pin may be formed, which retracts in the closed position in the dispensing opening, thus allowing a reliable seal. The lateral abutment region of the valve membrane can be designed so that it deforms inwardly under negative pressure, whereby an air path for the Rücksaugung is released. However, such deformation requires a large negative pressure, so that the wall of the container must apply correspondingly large restoring forces.

From the WO 03/012377 A1 is a self-closing valve for dispensing a flowable medium known. This valve is in the closed position a tight connection between an upwardly directed pin and a donor opening edge of a dispensing valve body.

In the WO 2004/076308 A1 is a cap with a 90 ° angled edge area described. This special shaping brings both manufacturing and sealing problems with it.

As relevant prior art reference is also made to the following documents US 6,250,503 . US 4,768,006 . US 5,005,737 . US 5,271,531 . US 5,169,035 . US 4,506,809 . US 4,785,978 . US 5,954,237 . US 5,390,805 . US 6,116,457 . US 6,062,436 . US 5,785,196 . US 4,442,947 and US 5,842,618 ,

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a self-closing valve for dispensing a flowable product, which is very simple and inexpensive to manufacture and requires only a small negative pressure for air sucking back. Besides, a good seal desired effect of the valve to safely avoid the unwanted escape even of small amounts of the flowable product.

This object is achieved by a self-closing valve according to the appended claim 1. In the self-closing valve, a valve diaphragm for dispensing the product changes from a closed position to a dispensing position. In the closed position, a dispensing opening of the valve membrane is closed by a stop. In the dispensing position, the dispensing opening is lifted from the stop and released. The outer periphery of the valve membrane forms a circumferential edge which seals in the dispensing position against a stop ring. Between the peripheral edge and a lateral guide there is a gap through which the air can be sucked back when the container is closed by the valve.

A particular advantage of this invention is that at the same time a very simplified design and a significantly improved Luftrücksaugung can be achieved. The valve membrane can be formed by a simple plastic disc, which can be produced very inexpensively. A container with a valve according to the invention need not have large restoring forces. The wall of the container can therefore be made thin, so that a material-saving and cost-effective production of the container is made possible by the use of the valve according to the invention.

Fig. 1

Querschnittsdarstellungen eines erfindungsgemäßen selbstschließenden Ventils in vier Phasen während des Überganges in eine Spendestellung;

Fig. 2

Querschnittsdarstellungen des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ventils in drei Phasen während einer Luftrücksau- gung;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Befestigungsrahmens mit keilförmigen Auflagestegen;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines abgewandelten Befestigungsrahmens mit Auflagestiften;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Detailansicht einer versteiften Ausführungsform einer Ventilmembran;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Detailansicht einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform der Ventilmembran.

Further advantages, details and developments of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions of several Embodiments, with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

Cross-sectional views of a self-closing valve according to the invention in four phases during the transition to a dispensing position;

Fig. 2

Cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 1 shown valve in three phases during an air recirculation;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a mounting frame with wedge-shaped support webs;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a modified mounting frame with support pins;

Fig. 5

a detailed perspective view of a stiffened embodiment of a valve diaphragm;

Fig. 6

a detailed perspective view of a modified embodiment of the valve diaphragm.

Fig. 1 shows cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a self-closing valve according to the invention 01 in four phases during the transition from a closed position to a dispensing position. Figure a) the Fig. 1 shows the valve 01 in the closed position. Figures b) and c) of Fig. 1 show the transition to the donation position and Figure d) the Fig. 1 shows the valve 01 in the dispensing position. Generally, to understand the figures Note that the valve is configured for mounting on a container (not shown), for example by insertion into the neck of a squeeze bottle.

The valve 01 comprises a circular valve membrane 02 with a circular central dispensing opening 03. The valve membrane 02 has essentially the shape of a plate spring and also shows comparable spring properties. In figure a) the Fig. 1 the valve diaphragm 02 is shown in a position when the valve 01 is closed. In this Verschlussstellüng the valve diaphragm 02 is located with its dispensing opening 03 on a stop plate 04. A round contact surface 06 formed thereby on the stop disk 04 closes the dispensing opening 03. Furthermore, a sealing lip 07 of the valve membrane 02 lies with clearance on a journal 08 of the stop disk 04, since the journal 08 projects into the dispensing opening 03. The shell of the pin 08 has the shape of a truncated cone and corresponds in a guide portion 09 of the inner surface of the sealing lip 07. The shape of the valve membrane 02 is curved inwardly in the closed position shown and has except the sealing lip 07 in the form of a truncated cone.

The valve membrane 02 is elastically deformable, wherein a bias voltage is impressed by the truncated cone shape and the sealing lip 07, which determines the deformability. The outer circumference of the valve membrane 02 is formed by a peripheral edge 11. The circumferential edge 11 is in the closed position (Figure a) on a stop ring 12 at. The valve membrane 02 is held by the stop ring 12 from above. A lateral movement of the valve membrane 02 is limited by a lateral guide 13. In the embodiment shown, the stop ring 12 and the lateral guide 13 are integrally with each other, creating a simple Production is possible. The stop ring 12 and the lateral guide 13 may also be designed in two pieces. In the embodiment shown, the lateral guide 13 and the stop plate 04 are designed in two pieces. However, the lateral guide 13 and the stop plate 04 can also merge into one another in one piece. The lateral guide 13 is circular in the embodiment shown. However, the lateral guide can also be designed so that it leads the valve membrane 02 only at some circumferential points or sections. In the embodiment shown, the stop ring 12 has an inclined cross-sectional area. However, the stop ring 12 can also be designed perpendicular to the lateral guide 13. The circumferential edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 is located below the stop ring 12, so that the valve membrane 02 is sealed against the stop ring 12. Through openings 14 in the stop disk 04, the product or air stored in the interior of the container (not shown) can flow in the direction 16 into the region below the valve membrane 02.

The circumferential edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 preferably has the same material thickness as the main part of the valve membrane 02. The peripheral edge 11 is not reinforced and has no special shaping, for example, by additional sealing lips. The circumferential edge 11 of the valve membrane 02 simultaneously serves as an upper and lateral stop for the valve membrane 02. Between the lateral guide 13 and the peripheral edge 11 of the valve membrane 02, a gap 15 is given. The gap 15 extends in the embodiment shown circumferentially. The gap may be designed in sections in other embodiments, when the valve membrane 02 is guided laterally, for example, in only a few points.

The self-closing valve 01 is particularly suitable for so-called squeeze bottles, in which by a manual squeezing of the bottle, the flowable product is issued. The valve 01 is arranged for this purpose in the intended for the output opening of the bottle. In the Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the valve according to the invention has for this purpose a circular mounting frame 21 which can be inserted into the opening of the bottle. However, the valve according to the invention can also be designed as an integral part of the container.

In figure b) the Fig. 1 the valve 01 is shown in a state when the pressure inside the container is slightly increased. This is for example given when the manual squeezing operation for dispensing a product from a squeeze bottle is initiated. However, a slightly increased pressure can also be present if, by handling the bottle, a force acts on it, without an output of the product being desired. Due to the slightly increased internal pressure, a force in the direction 16 acts on the valve membrane 02. As a result, the valve membrane 02 is slightly deformed. The sealing lip 07 is wedged in the guide area 09 due to the preforming of the valve membrane 02 with the frustoconical pin 08, so that a secure seal between the pin 08 and the sealing lip 07 is ensured. Due to the deformation of the valve membrane 02, the bearing force of the valve membrane 02 is simultaneously increased on the stop ring 12, whereby the sealing effect of the valve membrane 02 is reinforced relative to the stop ring 12. The inventive valve 01 thus has the advantage that small pressure increases do not lead to the output of the product. For example, during opening and while closing a squeeze bottle firmly grasp the squeeze bottle with a cap. The internal pressure in the bottle is slightly increased, but no output of the product is desired. Furthermore, as a result of the initial deformation of the valve membrane, the sealing of the valve membrane 02 with respect to the pin 08 is increased, since the sealing lip 07 is pressed more strongly against the pin 08. As a result of the deformation of the valve membrane 02, its cross-sectional dimension increases, so that a sealing abutment on the pin 08 is retained. In the central region of the valve membrane 02, the seal is therefore maintained with only a slight increase in pressure, even if the membrane should stand out from the support surface 06.

Figure c) the Fig. 1 shows the valve 01, with a further increased internal pressure in the container. The valve 01 is about to change from the closed position to the dispensing position. The increased internal pressure causes the valve membrane 02 is deformed so that the truncated cone shape is significantly flattened. This is due in particular to the fact that as a result of the increased internal pressure, a force acts in the direction 17 on the valve membrane 02 below the sealing lip 07, which significantly raises the valve membrane 02 in this area. The pin 08 is sealed against the sealing lip 07 but still.

Figure d) of Fig. 1 shows the valve 01 when the internal pressure has become so large that the valve 01 is changed to the dispensing position. The valve membrane 02 has, except for the sealing lip 07, achieved a nearly flat shape. In the embodiment shown, it has the shape of a very flat truncated cone, this truncated cone being directed opposite to the truncated cone shape in the closed position. The valve 01 can also be designed in such a way that the valve membrane 02 in the dispensing position a truncated cone shape which corresponds to the opposite truncated cone shape of the closed position, but has a significantly lower slope. When changing the valve membrane 02 from the closed position into the dispensing position, the valve membrane 02 is thus everted. The design of the valve membrane 02 causes a maximum of the force acting on the valve membrane 02 to be overcome during this inversion process. Exceeding the force maximum when everting is both noticeable and audible by the user. This improves the operating characteristics, in particular the tactile handling of the squirt bottle equipped with the valve 01 according to the invention. Once the valve membrane has changed 02 in the reverse truncated cone shape, it remains in this, even if the applied force is smaller again. If the force falls below a certain threshold value, the valve membrane 02 abruptly changes back into the truncated cone shape of the closed position. Thus, a defined closing moment is given, which leads to a clean cut of the squeezed liquid jet, so that dripping is largely avoided.

In the dispensing position shown in Figure d), the sealing lip 07 is clearly raised relative to the pin 08, so that a large opening between the sealing lip 07 and the pin 08 has formed. The product is dispensed through the openings 14 in the stopper plate 04 and through the dispensing opening 03. A directional arrow 18 illustrates the flow direction of the product. The diameter of the pin 08 determines the diameter of the dispensing opening 03 and thus the flow rate and speed of the product.

The change from the closed position to the dispensing position occurs abruptly in the embodiment shown. This has the consequence that a squeeze bottle with a such valve 01 suddenly relaxed during this process, as soon as the impressed by the pinch pressure is reduced. At this moment, a certain amount of the product is spent. The valve 01 and the squeeze bottle can be dimensioned such that the abruptly discharged product quantity corresponds to the typical consumption quantity of the product. Thus, the user can intuitively output the typical consumption amount of the product. If a larger output quantity is desired, the bottle should continue to be squeezed after the abrupt change of the valve 01 into the dispensing position. Since the maximum force has already been overcome to change to the dispensing position, it requires little effort to spend larger quantities of the product.

Fig. 2 shows cross-sectional representations of the in Fig. 1 shown self-closing valve 01 in three phases during the transition from the closed position into a Rücksaugstellung. Figure a) the Fig. 2 shows the valve 01 in the closed position. Figure b) the Fig. 2 shows the transition to the suction position and Figure c) the Fig. 2 shows the valve 01 in the Rücksaugstellung.

The in Figure a) the Fig. 2 Shutter position shown has occurred after the dispensing of the product has been completed. In this condition, the increased internal pressure is dissipated by the dispensing of the product. The valve membrane 02 has again assumed its initial shape and position. This is the case, for example, if the user has withdrawn the force to pinch the bottle, so that the product is no longer dispensed, but the force is still so great that the deformation of the bottle is still preserved. In this condition, the volume of the bottle is smaller than the volume of the undeformed bottle. If the force to deform the bottle completely withdrawn, the act elastic deformation forces of the wall. Since the volume of the bottle is reduced during this moment, creates a negative pressure in the bottle.

In figure b) the Fig. 2 a first effect of the negative pressure is shown. Since the valve membrane 02 is still sealed against the bearing surface 06 on the stop plate 04 and against the stop ring 12, the negative pressure can not be compensated by incoming air and there is a slight deformation of the valve membrane 02. The valve membrane 02 therefore has a very light Buckle inwards. This curvature will not increase with an increase in the negative pressure, since the peripheral edge region of the valve membrane 02 will yield to the internal pressure.

Figure c) the Fig. 2 shows the valve 01 after the peripheral edge region of the valve membrane 02 has yielded to the negative pressure in the interior. Since the peripheral edge region of the valve membrane 02 is not supported and is not reinforced by a stiffening or a similar design, it requires only a very small force for this purpose. Consequently, by the valve 01 according to the invention an air sucking back even at a very low vacuum is possible. In this Rücksaugstellung the valve diaphragm 02 is lifted from the stop ring 12 so that it is no longer sealed against the stop ring 12. Consequently, air can flow in from the outside through the resulting opening to the inside. This air flow is not hindered because between the valve membrane 02 and the lateral guide 13 of the circumferential gap 15 is given. The air can flow almost freely from outside to inside and reduce the existing negative pressure there. A directional arrow 19 illustrates the air flow. As soon as the negative pressure has completely dissipated, the squeeze bottle is back in its original form. By the circumferential gap 15 is sufficient air suction is ensured even if sections of the gap 15 are still closed by remaining parts of the product to be dispensed. By Rücksaugwirkung but these portions of the product are sucked back into the interior of the bottle. This also applies to portions of the product which have remained on the exterior of the valve membrane 02, since there is also a Rücksaugwirkung.

The valve according to the invention consists in the previously described embodiment of only two parts. This allows a simple and quick installation, since only the valve diaphragm must be pressed with a stamp in the mounting frame. The membrane may preferably be made of silicone or a comparable soft elastic plastic, while the mounting frame may be made as an injection molded part of a stiffer plastic.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the mounting frame 21. To better illustrate the specifics of the mounting frame, the valve diaphragm is not shown. At the stop plate 04 a plurality of support webs 22 are attached, which extend in the embodiment shown here, starting from the centrally arranged pin 08 radially to the inside of the mounting frame 21. These support webs 22 serve primarily to stabilize the position of the valve membrane, which rests partially in the closed position of the valve on the support webs 22. In addition, the support webs 22 increase the stability of the entire valve assembly.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the mounting frame 21. The essential difference from the in Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment is that instead of the support webs a plurality of support pins 23 are used, which are fixed to the stopper plate 04. The support pins 23 perform the same function as the aforementioned support webs, namely the position stabilization of the valve diaphragm in the closed position of the valve. Of course, other profiles may be provided within the mounting frame to control the position of the valve diaphragm and assist during the closure condition. Depending on the design and inherent rigidity of the valve membrane, a different number of support points are provided for this purpose.

The mounting frame, including the lateral guide and the stop plate may also be integrally formed with the squeeze bottle or a similar container in a modified embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a modified embodiment of the valve membrane 02. For certain substances / media to be delivered via the self-closing valve from a reservoir, it is advantageous if the stiffness of the valve membrane and / or the type of deformation at the opening of the Valve can be adjusted. For this purpose, stiffening means 24 are provided in the surface region of the valve membrane 02, which for example extend radially and are distributed uniformly around the circumference of the valve membrane. In modified embodiments, material weakenings can also be provided in order to promote deformation of the membrane at the corresponding locations.

Fig. 6 shows in a perspective detail view of a further Abwandlungsmöglichkeit the valve diaphragm 02. In the area of the dispensing opening 03 contour shaping means 25th provided, which protrude into the otherwise open cross-section of the dispensing opening 03 or are provided in the wall in the region of the dispensing opening 03. In the delivery of a medium through the self-closing valve is a strand shaping by the contour forming means 25. It can be provided differently shaped and contoured contour shaping means. Preferably, the contour shaping means 25 are located on the outer edge of the dispensing opening 03 in the direction of flow. In modified embodiments, however, the contour shaping means can also be displaced further inward in the flow direction, for example by profiling or partially slotting the wall. Such a slit also offers the advantage that the transition of the membrane from the closed position is facilitated in the dispensing position, since in the edge region of the dispensing opening 03 a Querschnittserveränderung can be done.

Conveniently, the valve is still covered when not in use by a cap, which is mounted in a known manner to the squeeze bottle.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

self-closing valve

02

valve membrane

03

dispensing opening

04

stop disc

05

-

06

Bearing surface on the stop

07

sealing lip

08

spigot

09

Guide area of the pin

10

-

11

circumferential edge

12

stop ring

13

lateral guidance

14

Opening in the stop disc

15

gap

16

Flow in the direction of the valve diaphragm

17

Flow in the direction of the sealing lip

18

Outflow direction of the product

19

Direction of the sucked airflow

20

-

21

mounting frame

22

supporting webs

23

support pins

24

stiffener

25

Contour shaping means

Claims (12)

1. Self-closing valve (01) for dispensing a free-flowing product, comprising:

   - a valve membrane (02), which has the shape of a disk spring, with an opening for dispensing (03) and an encircling edge (11) at the outer perimeter, wherein the valve membrane (02) is able to switch between a closed mode, a dispensing mode, and a back suction mode due to pressure differences produced;

   - a stop disk (04) lying transversely to the axis of symmetry of the valve, with a bearing surface (06), on which the valve membrane (02) lies in the closed mode and in the back suction mode so that the dispensing opening (03) is closed, and from which it is lifted in the dispensing mode;

   - a stop ring (12), on which the encircling edge (11) of the valve membrane (02) lies as a seal during the dispensing mode and the closed mode and from which it is lifted in the back suction mode;

   - a lateral guide (13) that extends in axial direction parallel to the symmetry axis of the valve, and at least parts of the encircling edge (11) of the valve membrane (02) are opposite it at the periphery, while the encircling edge (11) can move axially on the lateral guide (13) to switch to the back suction mode, in which a gap (15) is created between the encircling edge (11) and the lateral guide (13);

   wherein the valve membrane (02) shaped as a disk spring is cambered in the closed position in the direction of the stop disk (04) and in the dispensing position it has a cambering inverted relative to the closed position.
2. Self-closing valve (01) per claim 1, characterized in that the valve membrane (02) and the dispensing opening (03) are circular and concentric in configuration.
3. Self-closing valve (01) per claim 2, characterized in that the stop disk (04) has a pin (08) with an envelope surface in the shape of a truncated cone, and the pin (08) projects into the dispensing opening (03) in the closed position.
4. Self-closing valve (01) per claim 3, characterized in that the dispensing opening (03) has a sealing lip (07) at its periphery, whereas at least parts of the inner surface of the sealing lip (07) conform to the truncated cone shape of the pin (08).
5. Self-closing valve (01) per one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve membrane (02) is made from a silicone plastic or a thermoplastic elastomer.
6. Self-closing valve (01) per one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stop (04), the stop ring (12) and the lateral guide (13) are made as a single piece.
7. Self-closing valve (01) per claim 6, characterized in that the stop disk (04), the stop ring (12) and the lateral guide (13) are made as a single piece with an outer fastening frame (21), which can be fastened in the bottle neck opening of a squeeze bottle.
8. Self-closing valve (01) per claim 6, characterized in that the stop disk (04), the stop ring (12), the lateral guide (13) and the outer fastening frame (21) are made as a single piece with a container in which the free-flowing product is kept.
9. Self-closing valve (01) per one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that further support means (22, 23) are provided on the stop (04), on which the valve membrane (02) rests by segments in the closed position.
10. Self-closing valve (01) per one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that stiffening means (24) are provided on the valve membrane (02).
11. Self-closing valve (01) per claim 10, characterized in that the stiffening means (24) are arranged between the bearing surface (06) and the encircling edge (11).
12. Self-closing valve (01) per one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that contouring means (25) are provided on the valve membrane (02), which project into the dispensing opening (03) and/or are arranged in the wall of the dispensing opening (03).

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